O Mapa do Coração

Did you ever feel you "discovered" something or somebody: a real gem that none of your friends knew about? Well, that's the way I feel about this film, a real sleeper than few people have ever heard about. When they see it - at least the friends I've shown it to - they enjoy it, too. This is an excellent romance story that's quite different, quite touching and quite haunting. This is one of the few movies that actually cost me some sleep after I first saw it one evening.

The two main characters are "half-breeds," Avik (or "Holy Boy") is an Eskimo- white man and "Albertine," an Indian-French female. Both are well-played as kids and as adults. The filmmakers did an amazing job finding two kids who really look like the two adults probably would have looked like when they were young and with the same voice inflections and accents.

As adults Jason Scott Lee and Anne Parillaud are memorable. So is the cinematography, particularly the Dresden bombing scene which is simply jaw- dropping.

Warning: the movie is heart-wrenching at times with not a happy ending, but I think that helps make this film so memorable, so haunting. Even the music is haunting.

This is a strange, mystical movie. Either it's going to mean very little to you or it's going to be something special you'll want to see a number of times.

I found this to be one of the most romantic movies I've ever seen. It tells the story of Avik, a young Eskimo boy who meets Walter Russell (Patrick Bergin) when Walter comes to map his village. Avik discovers he has Tuberculosis, and Walter takes the young boy to Montreal where he stays at a Catholic hospital. There he meets Albertine, a young girl of mixed French Canadian and Indian blood. They grow attached to each other, in spite of the meddling of one of the nuns, played by Jeanne Moreau. Eventually, Avik and Albertine are separated. Avik returns to his village, and becomes a man. He finds he is ostracized by his fellow tribe, because he has lived too long among the white people.

Avik as an adult is played by Jason Scott Lee. By this time, Canada is involved in World War II, and Avik joins the Air Force and flies on bombing raids. He is reunited with Albertine (Anne Parillaud) in London, who is also in the military. Unfortunately, so is Walter Russell. And it seems that he and Albertine have met and become romantically involved. Avik does not want to interfere in the relationship, because Walter saved his life.

This is a story of two people who are truly in love, but whom the fates keep apart. An old theme, but with a new twist. I found it heart breaking and romantic. I loved the period portrayed. And the love scene atop the blimp is quite something! This film isn't for everyone, but if you like a good romantic tear jerker, this is for you.

This is a beautiful, thoughtful, heart-wrenching story. The cinematography of the film is artful and intimate, it feels like you are in the room, almost shamefully eavesdropping... the ending doesn't completely gel for me, the story line works, but I think it needs to be fleshed out a bit more. The ensemble performances are letter perfect, the subtleties and inner thoughts of these characters are crystal clear to the viewer, it's almost unnerving. The frantic energy of wartime life is captured beautifully, without being a trite war movie. It's just another layer of these characters reality, it doesn't overwhelm the story. Brandon Lee is beautiful in this role, very impressive performance. Great great story, I loved this movie!!!!

This is one of the best movies I've ever seen....

I never want to see it again.

Why don't I want to see it? Its simply depressing. I can't watch it with out becoming suicidal.

This is the story of two ill fated lovers over the early and mid part of the 20th century. Its told in flashback in a fishing village in Canada.

What can I say? This is a film of great performances and moments, the firestorm in Dresden gives me nightmares.

I would love to recommend the film, but its ultimately so bleak I don't know many people who would want to see it.

Still I give it 10 out of 10 simply because it provokes such a deep reaction in me.

This film reflects its international pedigree. Canadian films are wonderful when viewed in their "language" and film syntax, kind of a cross between French & English & Australian films in caprice, intelligence, plot development, and subjects.

American movie goers and film watchers (and Reviewers here) find something missing or too over-the-top in Canadian projects, wherever they're financed. "Snow Walker" was good but not "Hollywood." "Battle of the Brave" was good; not exactly Hollywood. "Map of the Human Heart;" very, very good in its own vernacular. Very good - and moving and thought-provoking, and so on ...

"Map..." has a love scene that could have come from the mind & imagination of Spielberg. Though not long or overly explicit, it may be one of the most unique and remarkable and perfectly contextual in all of film. Beautiful. Watch and see, near, or in, the 3rd Act.

Annie Galipeau is young here, and good, and presages her role in "Grey Owl" with Pierce Brosnan.

Thanks MIRAMAX for putting money into risky, off-the-worn-sprocket-hole projects.