Wild Prairie Rose

Wild Prarie Rose harkens back to a simple grounded time where the discovery of ourselves and the world around us proceeds at a very deliberate pace. Director Deborah LaVine absolutely steeps us deep in the quiet charm of the open plain in a way that is so authentic as to be seamless.

It is in fact so good that even the natural cycle of life does little interrupt the spell and the human stories that flow around it. Even with such a deft touch if it wasn't for the nuanced and heartfelt work of Tara Samuel and Oscar winner Troy Kotsur this film would'nt have touched the viewer as deeply as it did.

What it does in the end is remind us whats important and beautiful about all the mundane around our lives and that we should never stop looking for all that's special in the least likely places.

And in this case the reward is a lasting and deeply connected romance.

More people need to see this movie, and see what great, simple, independent film making looks like.

I'll not give away any spoilers and the ending won't come as a surprise to anyone, but none of that matters. What does matter is the gentleness and simplicity with which this story is told, and without the mind-numbing schmaltz that comes with the typical Hallmark channel movie.

That characters are a bit complicated, the scenery is gorgeous (kudos to the creators for filming on location in a very small rural town), and the movie is true to the period it is set in, both in atmosphere and set design.

I lived in western South Dakota for a time, a long time ago (about as far west as you can get from the town this is set in), which has a wildly different feel, but I still felt strongly drawn to the characters, the town, and most importantly, the stunning scenery that is in this movie.

The characters are likeable, if a bit quirky, and well cast. Each actor fits their character well.

Take the time to watch this. You won't regret it.

You might ask how such a simple movie with such a simple premise could be utterly captivating. I don't know. The acting was superb. The directing must have been or it could not have been this total absorption for 90 minutes.

Set in a small town, a woman returns home to care for three weeks for her mother, who is not in good health. Here, she catches up with old friends and their children, people she hasn't seen in a long while, and she meets a deaf, mute man and forms a friendship, even choosing to learn sign language so that he can help her make a home movie to cheer her mother up.

Ok, that's it. Seems like nothing. Don't ask me how, but this simple story was a complete treat to watch and I will never forget it for its genuineness.

Wow! I'm totally surprised. Phenomenal actors, excellent script/story and gorgeous cinematography. A sweet, beautiful gem. I grew up in Nebraska and I could feel the magic of the Prairie. Well done! 👏👏👏👏👏

What a pleasure. An unexpected find. It's a small story, but so real, you feel as if you're watching real life. The cast is simply excellent. This film (and it deserves the word FILM) weaves a spell as it draws you in. The land of South Dakota plays a character too and the cinematography is lovely. I already want to watch it again. But I think I'll let it marinate in my mind a while first. This is a story for grownups who can appreciate a tale that isn't in a hurry. Enjoy! P.S. I gave it a 9 only because I wished it were longer! I found myself wondering what ended up on the cutting room floor.