One Against the Wind

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Sam Neill and Judy Davis are two of my most favorite actors. And to have them in the same film certainly ups the odds it will be excellent. They have been together in other films, but this is by far the best. This movie won the Golden Globe for best TV film, Judy won for best actress in a TV movie, and Sam was nominated. It received an Emmy for one of the technical positions, sound I believe. So, why on earth has it not been released on DVD? I have this movie on VHS, but long for the permanence of DVD, plus hoping there might be extras to savor. There are literally hundreds of thousands of films on DVD whose only worth is as a coaster. Why are the powers that be asleep on this matter?

This movie shows the hard work of a woman who gave everything up to help people. She put her life in danger along with her two children, but in the end she pulled through. Tear jerker, for the pain that the main character Mary went through. Judy Davis helps the viewers see what it was like during the Nazi invasion of France. Each character has their own parts to the movie and each part plays an important role. If you love Hallmark movies this is a movie to see. This movie shows what a single woman did during the invasion of France and how many peoples lives she helped save from being killed by the Nazis. So borrow this movie and watch how one woman helped save many peoples lives.

This was a pretty solid Hallmark Hall Of Fame made-for-TV story about a real- life woman "Countess Mary Lindell" (Judy Davis) who helped Allies during World War II.

Many of the military men in need were downed pilots and Lindell would help these men get safely out of occupied France. Her character was a strong one and her resolve to do what she could against the Germans was resolute. Helping her accomplish that were her kids: a son and a daughter (a young Kate Beckinsale!).

The story lags in spots or I would have rated it higher. It was well-done but not a film I'd watch numerous times, although I might if they'd issue this on DVD.

"One Against the Wind" is an American production filmed in Luxembourg that takes place in France, stars an Australian and a New Zealander playing British citizens, and is acted almost totally in English. So, as you might imagine, authenticity is not a major strong point here. The editing also isn't quite up to standard. Scenes often move quickly from one to another, possibly to fit within a forced running time for airing. If time was such a concern, it might have been preferable to remove some scenes altogether to get a little more more breathing room. But, in spite of merely adequate TV movie standards and unimpressive direction, the script and the actors help to make it quite a good film.

Judy Davis is the real meat and guts that holds it all together. She creates a driven, tough and gritty character. It's a welcome change from all her late-career neurotic personalities, which frankly aren't very interesting. She is wholly convincing, as always, but this time as someone you can really connect with, identify with. I'm not disappointed I watched this.

I'm a huge Judy Davis fan, so this may be biased. Anyway, this was my 2nd glimpse into the magnificent works of the great and talented Judy Davis (my first was "Life With Judy Garland" which was even better!). The way she portrays this woman is more than words can say. I love how she usually portrays women who are very spirited in what they do. The chemistry between Sam Neill and Judy Davis is wonderful, too! This was their 2nd movie together. Anyway, I'd give this 10/10!