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.

Lifetime movies have several themes which are employed repetitively --- the sociopath who works his/her way into a family and then intends to create mayhem; the spouse with a past completely unknown to his/her significant other; the occasional coming together by a couple who begin as rivals or combatants; etc., etc.

But one thread which seems common to most, and is present here, is some sort of intended duplicity by one or more of the characters. Here, the young couple who enter the life of the attractive, successful, terminal lead character, at first intend simply to dupe her for financial gain. And you'd expect the typical Lifetime fare to proceed in a one-dimensional manner towards this end.

But this picture has much more than you expect, in contract to the usual.

Firstly, the cast can actually act, Secondly, the characters are not drawn ridiculously "over-the-top," and ring true. Thirdly, the story is actually believable and interesting. Finally, the characters are actually persons about whom the viewer can "care," and with whom one can empathize.

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.

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.

I'd never heard of this movie, but I took a chance on it because I usually like these actors. It's a powerful film. It has a hushed, natural beauty and feels like an American Eric Rohmer movie. It ends both happily and sadly--like life. I can't think of many other films that speak so convincingly of the heart's many ambiguities