As Violetas são Azuis

I have seen the movie so many times and still love it. I think the Theme Song is great (as well as being a tearjerker). If you have ever let a girl get away or lost her to someone else, this movie really hits home. If you know Ocean City, Md.; it will make you long for a vacation. Sissy Spacek, Kevin Kline and Bonnie Bedelia give excellent performances. This movie gives a great impression of Ocean City and the scenes on Assateague are excellent. If you haven't seen this film I would recommend that you try to find it or at least watch for it on TV, (though, I haven't seen it listed lately, on TV). If you are a Sissy Spacek fan or have visited Ocean City, I recommend this film, you'll love it.

This movie is a natural for me because, when I was young I wanted to grow up to be Kevin Kline and I wanted Sissy Spacek as my girlfriend. It didn't quite work out that way.

Here she is August "Gussie" Sawyer and he is Henry Squires, high school sweethearts in this Maryland coastal town. When his father died Henry had to take over the newspaper while Gussie wanted to see the world and became a prominent photojournalist, traveling all over the world on assignments.

Now some 15 years later Gussie returns to her hometown for a visit, she finds Henry there happily married and with a 13-yr-old son. But as soon as they meet they see the passion is still there. Henry's wife is devoted but not stupid, she recognizes what is going on.

The last half of the movie is a morality play of sorts, does Henry give in to the mutual desires and leave with Gussie to team up for a big assignment, and probably leave his family for good? Or does he do the right thing and honor his marriage vows, and be a good husband and father?

This isn't a particularly novel theme but with the actors and direction it is a worthwhile movie. Of note the director is Jack Fisk, the real-life husband of Sissy Spacek, in fact as of now, 2020, they have been married for 46 years.

Have you ever imagined yourself going back to your birthplace after many years away? Well, imagine so. There you are, meeting your love from old times, now married. Would all that flame come back? What would happen? This film is about this. A very good option for a rainy Sunday afternoon. And Sissy Spacek, like always, shines.

This movie doesn't have a lot of great visuals (with the exception of a quick shot of Kevin Kline's cute, naked butt). It doesn't have fast-paced action.....But the story and the acting make it a great film. Kline, Spacek, and Bedelia put in some great performances, and they make this film an intense drama, with their subtle and realistic portrayals. It's certainly not the best film any of those actors ever did, but it is truly a joy to watch them in.

Basically the flick's a one-note romantic beat whose steady repetition sags over time, despite the compelling end. Actually it's a Spacek showcase as she's up-close in most every scene. In fact, I've almost got her nubile girlish features memorized, despite her being near 40 and without noticeable make-up.

So, movie-wise, will Spacek and lover-boy Kline finally get together after so many years apart. They appear made-for-each-other both professionally and romantically. Trouble is he's now married with a growing son, and living an editor's life in his and Spacek's home town. Meanwhile, successful photo-journalist Spacek suddenly returns from abroad to apparently rekindle their mad love from years before. So what will happen as they re-engage, while Kline's dutiful wife (Bedelia) looks haplessly on.

Now had the script and director played up the drama inherent in the material, it might have worked. But they don't. Instead it's a steady stream of Spacek close-ups as she and Kline cavort romantically. And unless I missed something, we never do find out what kept them apart for so many years after their initial fire-up. Also, the spotty conflict between wild horses vs condo clearances just drops in loosely despite its potential that would have added needed flair. Then too, more scenes of actress Bedelia would have added a vivd presence and much needed drama.

Anyway, it helps somewhat that Spacek delivers a lively engaging performance. However, Kline appears just going-though-the-motions, which may be because Spacek's real-life husband Fisk is directing and clearly favoring his wife camera-wise. All in all, I can see why this rather dull 88-minutes soon fell into obscurity. Still, Spacek not only survived but soon flourished.