A Sombra de um Passado

Films like this generally personify for me everything that is wrong with TV movies. They take a situation, usually with a high emotional content, and milk it for as much as it is worth. The emotion arises more out of the narrative rather than anything the actors do or say. This, however, is different.

The opening sequence, showing the kidnap of the baby, is well-handled and sets up what is essentially a mystery that has to be solved. There is a real sense of loss and bewilderment. The action then springs forward fifteen years and we see Shepherd in the school where she teaches. These school scenes are also done well; aside from the fact that she is a teacher of English, as is always the case when movie deal with teachers, the film avoids the usual cliches. She has the respect of most, but not all, of the kids and the school itself is a mix of the rough and the smooth.

The scenes are intercut with the progress of the couple in their search for the child. Greg is much more intense in his desire to keep going as he feels he was ultimately responsible for the loss, although in a later scene Shepherd's character confesses she feels it was really her fault. Basically there are powerful emotions at work here and although we guess early on who her child is there is much work to be done before the final resolution.

The acting is the real reason to watch this movie. The film belongs to Cybill Shepherd and she does very well, particularly convincing in the classroom sequences. John Heard, who can do this sort of thing in his sleep, works like the true professional he is.

I've just seen this film on carlton {london's local ITV network] & i'm writing this with tears streaming down my cheeks!! I will not give away the ending although from the start that will be pretty obvious.! This film was not your typical TV Movie - Yes ok it tugged your heartstrings but not in that sickly sweet finger-down-the-throat way of the majority of the genre. The main character - "Jesse" was sensitively & magnificently portrayed by Scott Bairstow -Who He? Well it's the first time i've ever seen him as well. [Check his profile on IMDB for where you may have seen him before-i for one want to see a LOT more of him! Ooerr!!] It held me spellbound the entire 90minutes - spoiled only by the annoying ad. breaks. The climax will move you to tears-as it did me-a 35yr old guy-unless you are totally insensitive &/or numb from the neck up that is.. Check it out-you know you want to! Rating 10/10 Emotionally draining.

As far as dramatic movies go, I am just like most other men, but when forced by my newly made wife to watch this movie I found myself balling up in tears at the ending. The movie was well scripted and well acted out. On top of that the drama was neither "cheesy" or forced it allowed you to feel how you would in either or both the parents shoes and the childs shoes and even a little of the woman who stole the babies shoes as well. I was impressed by the movie and enjoyed the little side tracks they had set in the movie. The one thing I had a very many doubts ab out is 1 the unrealistic of the ghetto me being a corrections deputy am more than aware of the runnings and actual behaviors of the ghettos of America. First of all a blonde women dressed nicely does not just walk right through this type of neighborhood without a gun drawn for gods sakes. However,If asked I would recommend the movie and guys, it doesn't hurt to shed a few tears once in a while, women love it.