Herança de um Valente

THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER ***** An Australian western that centers its story on a coming-of-age mountain man (Tom Burlinson) who's father dies and must go to the lowlands to earn enough money to support the family farm. There, he finds work at a cattle ranch owned by Kirk Douglas, who wants to expand his success to something greater: unmined gold in the mountains. As Burlinson comes to grips with his new work setting and first love (Sigrid Thornton), he evolves into the man he needs to be to follow in his father's footsteps back home. It's excellent family entertainment, with a story that is basic enough for everyone to comprehend, yet doesn't hold a corny or simpleton status because of it. Be sure to rent it.

The Man from Snowy River is a family favorite. The cinematography of this film was breath-taking. The love story was convincing and the acting was superb. Kirk Douglas plays both the father and the brother and although the plot is somewhat contrived, it is set up extremely well. All of the elements work to make a good movie and one that I watch over and over. The scenes of the Australian mountains and the horses along with the musical score make this a very picturesque, romantic, and warm film. A romance and an action-adventure movie rolled into one which can charm a woman and still be a manly film. The 2nd movie Return to Snowy River was a worthy sequel and Tom Burlinson as Jim Craig does an excellent job in both films. If you are a horse lover, I would definitely recommend this film.

Clint Eastwood and Unforgiven be damned. This is by far the best western of the modern era. Its an Aussie tale, but that does not disqualify it in my books. Lonesome Dove has its group as does Unforgiven. But George Miller's The Man from Snowy River is downright majestic.

There are no stagecoaches, revenge killings, poker games or joking jail hands. There isn't even a climactic standoff in a dusty old town. But there is the hand of a maiden to win and inner demons to slay. The climax isn't a shoot out with a band of criminals, but with a stallion and a lonely ride down a rocky mountain.

Director George Miller draws clear characters and honest human situations. He understands what a camera can do. Scenes of great power play out not in a tired miasma of gunfire or hokey soliloquies, but in the striations of muscle from a horse powering through rock in slow motion. George Miler is a poet. And the Man from Snowy River is a story that will stand the test of time. See it.

Shawshank is superb. Roman Holiday is perfect. Raiders is a blast. But The Man from Snowy River has been, is, and always will be my favorite movie. Some movies just match your personality more than others, trumping any technical deficiencies they may have. No, Snowy River doesn't have the best acting, the best screenplay, the best direction. But in all of them it's great, and the combination of the story, the cast, the scenery, and music (Bruce Rowland deserved an Oscar for his score) is much greater than the sum of its parts. For me, it's everything a movie ought to be: uplifting, heartwarming, optimistic, romantic, adventurous. It swept me away when I was 13 and its magic hasn't dimmed at 34. What a wonderful movie.

Disregard the goofs, inconsistencies and any other flaws that are mentioned in the reviews. This movie is beautifully photographed; in many cases, I don't know how. Great horse riding....again, I don't know how and the music raises goose bumps. This movie is any frustrated "cowboy's" dream. It is unbelievable that anyone can stay on a horse in a controlled ride during the scenes. I would love to read more technical details about the filming of this movie......especially how Kirk Douglas was able to fold his leg at the knee and put it all in one pant leg. The camera set ups and shots had to be pure genius to think they actually worked. It is very easy as I said before to overlook, even if you recognize them, any flaws.