A Walk in the Clouds

What a revelation, a romance, pure and simple, with no sex, no violence, no foul language just pure and simple romance. While many modern romance films claim to be such they invariably end up with hero and heroine ending up in bed (sometimes with a little too much detail thanks very much). But here, in this visually stunning feast, we have a romance where the hero, out of honour and respect, doesn't bed the heroine. I am amazed that it has taken me five plus years to see this movie, and I am grateful to the family channel for screening it for me to tape. With a relatively simple story, set against beautiful scenery with cinematography to die for, we are swept into a world of the past, where honour meant something, where marriage vows, no matter how hastily taken were still to be respected, and where a single pregnant female was a family shame (not the norm as today unfortunately). I read one review where the reviewer said "in reality Paul would have said not my problem babe get an abortion" in whose reality? 2002 reality perhaps but not 1940s reality, abortions were for bad, nasty girls in back streets, by unlicensed doctors not for nice girls who had made a mistake (okay so some things have changed for the better.) I simply loved this film, while it gives a fairy tale view of the vinyards and the family running it, it is a feast for the eyes and the soul. The entire cast are superb, particularly Anthony Quinn who relished his role as the family patriarch and seemed to simply enjoy being in this delightful tale and of course Keanu whose performance is so beautifully low key and understated he reminded me of those wonderful hollywood leading men of old, strong, silent, gorgeous, Cary Grant would have played this role back in the day, who would have thought to put Keanu in the same role? Turn off your 2002 brain and just revel in the sheer delight of this wonderful film. I just know I will watch this again and again.

You often hear people lament:"they don't make them like they used to". This film is one of those magical examples where they really do. Alfonso Arau has given us one of the most poignant, old-fashioned romance films in many a year. Set in the Napa Valley shortly after the end of World War II, Keanu Reeves and Aitana Sanchez-Gijon play two people searching for their futures. Reeves as an ex-GI in a pointless job with a wife he hardly knows and Sanchez-Gijon as a pregnant and abandoned woman afraid to face the shame she will bring to her family. They agree to pose as a married couple in order for her to save face and placate the anticipated anger of her stern father. What follows is a lovingly realized story of family, love and understanding played out against the beauty of the northern California wine country. The vineyard owned by Sanchez-Gijon's family is pure fantasy created by some wonderful visual effects but it provides the perfect setting for the film. There are moments in this film of sensual beauty every bit as breathtaking as the vineyard itself. One of the great joys of this film is the performance of Anthony Quinn as Don Pedro, Sanchez-Gijon's grandfather. He steals every scene he's in. His performance is funny and charming and his character always has a knowing twinkle in his eye. A pure delight to watch. For those with unjaded hearts, settle down with the one you love and share a glass of wine as you watch this film and relish it's pure heart and the exquisite joy of it's touching romance.

I know most people put this movie down and call it "saccharine" but I happen to ADORE it and watch it every time it's on - usually ever weekend - and I never get tired of it. It's actually nice to see a man who is gentle and kind...who says that's not masculine? And Keanu is very easy on the eyes too!

Pure romance - the kind we rarely see and what we need more of! Less sex and violence!

This movie is for the romantics, not the cynics. It's for those who believe in treating a woman with honor and respect. It's for those who believe that love is about sacrifice and commitment, not consumption and convenience. It's for the ones who believe that there is someone out there for them.

A Walk In the Clouds talks about the importance of family, belonging, and love, love even for the imperfect parent who doesn't know how to show love back. And that is something no cynic dares confront seriously. I see a little bit of the characters in the people I know around me. That's the mark of a good movie.

This film in one word, "beautiful." Keanu Reeves and the rest of the cast make this film enjoyable. I am not a big fan of romance pictures, but this has to be one of the more enjoyable ones. The acting is superb and the story is excellent.

A young woman heading back home meets up with a chocolate salesman. She is pregnant (but not married) and cannot bare to face her father. Keanu's character hides his true identity to play the role as her husband.

This picture is worth seeing and I advise anyone to see it. Whether they are into romance films or not. People who bad-mouth this film are too dense to realize you don't need action and bloodshed to have a good movie.