One Against the Wind

In Second World War, the English Countess Mary Lindell (Judy Davis) and former Red-Cross nurse in the First World War lives in France with her son Maurice Lindell (Christien Anholt) and her daughter Barbe Lindell (Kate Beckinsale). When she sees the Major James Leggatt (Sam Neil) wounded and wandering in an occupied Paris, she does not hesitate to risk her life to save him from the Germans. This is the beginning of her support to the Allies (specially British and American soldiers) in France, helping them to escape to Spain. This true story has a powerful performance of Judy Davis in the role of a splendid woman. Mary Lindell, as presented in the film, was the guardian angel of many soldiers, saving many lives along the war. Unfortunately this is a television movie, otherwise Judy Davis should have deserved to be Oscar nominee, having such a performance. A great movie, recommended for all audiences. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): `Correndo Contra o Vento' (`Running Against the Wind')

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!

"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.

Baroness Mary Lindell begins smuggling downed Allied pilots out of occupied France after she impulsively rescues an English major from an outdoor café. Her son joins her Resistance operation, but her daughter begins dating a German officer. True story of a British nurse who twice won the Iron Cross for bravery in both world wars.

At a time when Hollywood's favorite actresses are girls instead of women, Ms. Davis could eat those actresses for lunch and still have room for dessert. Judy Davis' depiction of Mary Lindell gives a fearless portrayal of what true heroism is. When Ms. Davis is onscreen, all other actresses seem to fade into the background. Watch this absorbing film if you have tired of female characters that substitute eyeshadow for force of personality, giggles for guts. Forget the cinema junk food, this is the real thing. A Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation. Also see Impromptu for another fascinating real-life portrait, Judy Davis as author George Sand.

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.