Under Heaven

(1998) Under Heaven DRAMA

The movie is about and asks two question- is it better to be wealthy and know that you're dying of cancer or to be poor and live a very long prosperous life or at least die of an old age? Somewhat look like a 'hallmark' film but says that it came from a Henry James novel called "The Wings of the Dove", which the theme is taken, and that it works well on it's own terms in current times as a commentary! Jobless couple (Molly Parker and Aiden Young)swindle, posing as brother and sister to work for wealthy lady whose dying of cancer played by Joely Richardson- that's basically the story. Haven't remembered too much of the 1997 version of 'The Wings of the Dove' film starring Helena Bonahm Carter, Linus Roache and Alison Elliott but may not have been too impressed because of the original time it which the film took place.

If anyone has seen Days of Heaven, there's no need to suffer through Under Heaven. The tension and credibility have been drained out of this Wings of the Dove remake. An interesting cast has had all their life and spontaneity removed. Heavy-handed movie-making at its worst because there's talent wasted here.

A revisit to Wings of the Dove. Uneven performances and a sometimes self-indulgent script all in a really cool house. The story is basically the same principle: a young woman get her lover to become the lover of a dying rich woman. None of the characters are really likable, but neither are they nasty enough to hate. They fall right into that "annoying, but if they're your friends, I guess they can come to dinner" category.

Despite all of this, there are points where its manipulative sentimentality actually leaks through. As the young man and Joely Richardson fall in love, you can't help but appreciate the feeling of danger and dread that accompanies it.

I've seen this movie so many times, and it still makes me cry. Spectacular performances, an excellent adaptation, and a good soundtrack. It makes Henry James so much more applicable. It's a little hard to find, but definitely worth the effort.

I first saw this movie on the Lifetime cable network under the title "In A Private Garden."

I didn't have any great expectations at first, but I ended up liking it very much. It was an interesting story line (at least to me). I was drawn to the characters and developed a genuine empathy for them.

I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a drama/romance story with a twist.