Map of the Human Heart

This film is one of the best romance films i have ever watched. At first I just watched it cause Jason Scott Lee was in it so I thought there was gonna be some butt whupin in it but as I watched on I realized that it wasn't that kind of movie. This is the tale of a good Inuit boy with nothing but good intentions and his love for his childhood sweetheart. He get's screwed over again and again by fate until finally he gets a chance to fulfil his wishes but fate intervenes yet again for the final time. This movie was very moving, very sad. The acting in it was superb and makes me wonder why Lee isn't a bigger star than he is. Through out the movie you can't help but feel bad for Avik. Poor guy. I just saw this movie, 2002 and I can't believe that I missed it until now. 9/10

In "Map of the Human Heart", a down and out middle aged Eskimo man recounts his life story to an Arctic cartographer (Cusack, who has only a few minutes on screen) which constitutes the bulk of the film via flashback. His story begins with his puppy love relationship with a young half-breed girl in a hospital. From there the adorable child couple are torn apart only to have fate bring them together again as adults under the less than idyllic circumstances of WWII. The film meanders from the dramatic to the poignant to the romantic to the horrific and back to square one where it continues the story in present day. Beautifully filmed and well executed though a bit clumsy at times, "Map..." spackles up its many plot holes and provides a thoughtful fantasy camouflage for its lack of resolution in the end while serving up very pretty Kodak moments such as making love on a barrage balloon or dancing in the rafters high above an orchestra. "Map..." is sweet stuff for romantics and sentimentalists who can overlook it continuity and credibility issues in the interest of the human heart. (B)

This movie came highly recommended to me; but outstripped all expectations. Outstanding acting, especially from the little boy Eskimo, then from Jason, as the adult character/pilot for the RAF. Absolutely beautiful cinematography; a story that kicks the heart strings in many ways -- kicks and tickles, too, a few times. How about making love on top of a blimp/buzz-bomb decoy? Tastefully done, naturally; but gives you the idea of the style and flavor of this love/war/human condition gem. Lots of wild aerial stuff, all through, nicely woven throughout the tale. Might want to bring your parachute to the theatre... Oh, did I mention a vertiginous scene inside high up in the Albert Hall, a tryst? Snowmobiles and French beauties, etc. Formidable. Like the fire at the end of "Gone with the Wind?" Might want to see the flames in this one, too.

I found this to be one of the most romantic movies I've ever seen. It tells the story of Avik, a young Eskimo boy who meets Walter Russell (Patrick Bergin) when Walter comes to map his village. Avik discovers he has Tuberculosis, and Walter takes the young boy to Montreal where he stays at a Catholic hospital. There he meets Albertine, a young girl of mixed French Canadian and Indian blood. They grow attached to each other, in spite of the meddling of one of the nuns, played by Jeanne Moreau. Eventually, Avik and Albertine are separated. Avik returns to his village, and becomes a man. He finds he is ostracized by his fellow tribe, because he has lived too long among the white people.

Avik as an adult is played by Jason Scott Lee. By this time, Canada is involved in World War II, and Avik joins the Air Force and flies on bombing raids. He is reunited with Albertine (Anne Parillaud) in London, who is also in the military. Unfortunately, so is Walter Russell. And it seems that he and Albertine have met and become romantically involved. Avik does not want to interfere in the relationship, because Walter saved his life.

This is a story of two people who are truly in love, but whom the fates keep apart. An old theme, but with a new twist. I found it heart breaking and romantic. I loved the period portrayed. And the love scene atop the blimp is quite something! This film isn't for everyone, but if you like a good romantic tear jerker, this is for you.

I had to drive 38 miles to see it..But it was fantastic. I'm usually a "guy Movie" person, but this film moved me so profoundly. The ending was extremely sad. A beautiful movie anyone would enjoy.