The Mermaid Chair

The Mermaid Chair is one of my favorite books. Sue Mink Kidd is a South Carolina gal, as am I, and I've enjoyed her writings for years. When I heard they'd made this into a movie, I had my doubts. After seeing it, I can say it was worse than I could imagine. Not even FILMED on the coast of SC (which is practically a character itself in the book). British Columbia has gorgeous coastlines, but they don't look a thing like the southern east coast.

Skip the movie. Read the book. It is so beautifully written and fleshed out. The characters are realistic. The movie people seemed to be nothing but cardboard, limping along in a weak script.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Mermaids Chair, it had romance, love, sadness, pain, and healing all in one. It kept me enraptured for the whole 2 hours, (well without commercials it would have).. I could feel Jesse's pain, and her sadness, and the pull towards the handsome monk............all the turmoil she must have been going thru was there, her mother, husband, daughter, and then meeting this wonderful man, who met her needs and fulfilled her in her time of need. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the women, which is something we don't recognize in these times we live in...........how much we need that togetherness of women. It was well done. Hope there will be more like it soon. Aloha

Forget what harsh critics say about clique, or political-correct assortment of characters, this movie is a real find. Oyster Rochefellar is a classic dish, will you run from it just because you had it once and liked it ? When I first saw Kim Bassinger as the lead, images of her as bond girl or mistress of bad guys in bad movies cast doubt. I say they were largely erased by the movie's end. And the ending was quite acceptable and way better than what was predictable.

A soothing, thoughtful soundtrack guides the audience along. The scenery was gorgeous and had just enough of a haze to get that feeling of the sea. The first boating encounter between male and female lead was spontaneous and perfectly played, with careful restraints. The second encounter was too abrupt as no questions were posted between adults about such an improper relationship.

I like the fact that the slow pace cruised to a climax for which everything were explained. The aftermath displays care and nice touch. A nice find if you like slow, introspective movies.

It's a typical Lifetime movie except Kim Basinger is a really good actress. She really does the character justice and adds the element of mystery to her character. Sure the kind of movie has been done countless times and these movies never seem to do the book justice...it's unfortunate. It's OK. I'm liking it so far and it is not a bad movie, not by a long shot. It's very interesting and mysterious, anticipation grows and the storytelling by Basinger is flowing nicely. The portrayal of the monk's character is also done nicely. The monk is a sensitive person who seems to be unsure of himself, more so as the relationship between himself and the woman grows. Adultery is what's being committed here, although it seems to be a mixture of love and lust. How the story unfolds? It's quite the story.

Didn't care for the movie, the book was better. Does anyone know where it was filmed? *** this was my first visit to your site...just found the answer to my question. so now I look like a dummy, but I think I'll still submit my comments. and yes, British Columbia is lovely ***Or why they took it from its South Carolina Coastal setting?(this question stands) The place was essential to the fabric of the book and its change was part of my disappointment with the movie. Oh, I just read where I need to write at least ten lines. Here's my other main issue with the film. Kim Bassinger was too vapid and not at all what I pictured from the book. I know, the book was the book and the movie; well not so good. I found the character in the book much more empathetic. Also the book evoked rustic, almost primitive images of the monastery. While the "castle" in the film was much more visually impressive, it distorted the feel of the story and seemed at odds with the characters.