Rachel River

Maybe the first commentator, Dave, is a 'terminator' type guy. If you are looking for fast cuts, lots of action and have a short attention span this movie is not for you. If you like slower, slice of life, meandering movies you will like this. I thought the acting was good and the story dealt with life's little uncertainties in a convincing way.

Other comments notwithstanding, this is a very good film. Literate, understated, atmospheric, with good understanding of the human condition, and sympathetic treatment of character. Definitely not a film for action freaks, but a treat for those who appreciate depth and characterization. A solid 8.

I saw this film when it was first released, on the big screen in Los Angeles (in Century City's multi-plex, for those of you who know the city).

It was lovely. The audience, including me, was completely rapt. All these years later, I still remember scenes and images from Rachel River. Vivica Linfors is particularly strong here.

The biggest vote of endorsement came at the end of the film, when THE ENTIRE THEATER AUDIENCE spontaneously rose to their feet and gave the film a long STANDING OVATION.

Believe me, the times this happens with a jaded LA audience are few and far between. The film is that good - nuanced storytelling and performances, lovely cinematography, thoughtful and sensitive direction and editing.

I only wish it was available on Netflx. Maybe if enough of us request it Netflix will add it. This is one film that must not be lost to the dustbins of history.

This wintry slice of North Plains Americana works like an antique book of hours, capturing with uncanny accuracy the dormant lives of small town people whose existence is measured by the length of their memories and by the passing hours of each slow day. The film has a striking sense of place, with the lonely town of Rachel River, Minnesota, providing its most compelling character. All the other roles, from Pamela Reed's independent single mother and backwoods radio jockey to Craig T. Nelson's crude, shabby deputy sheriff, are only extensions of the town's own faded spirit, and the sometimes meandering storyline follows a measured, halting rhythm of life in isolation. Not always consistent, but a beautiful mood piece, with haunting landscapes photographed by Paul Elliott.

Pamela Reed gives the best performance of her career is this wonderful, thought-provoking film. She plays Mary Graving, a divorced woman with two children. I think this is the kind of movie that you will either love or hate. I loved it. I've watched it probably a dozen times since I first discovered it on PBS. All of the actors are great; in fact, the acting is very low-key but to me that's what made this such a great movie. The characters are real, it's easy to believe in them as they go about their daily lives in a small town during a snowy winter. James Olson is very good as a would-be suitor and Craig T. Nelson makes the most out of a small role. Viveca Lindfors is always worth watching but it's Pamela Reed's performance that makes the movie a winner. I was kind of surprised that she didn't get any awards for this, her performance is that good. She makes the character of Mary Graving a interesting, flawed, complex individual, IMHO. Go to netflix.com, get this movie and let yourself be caught up in this film and the residents of Rachel River.