WishfulDreamer

I watched Blood Ties when it first premiered six years ago and have rewatched the series probably 4 to 5 times since. I'll start out by pointing out the flaws: 1) There is a fair share of poor dialogue, but usually it comes from secondary characters. Some of the dialogue is downright cringe-worthy in the last half of the season 2) Special effects are pretty laughable in some episodes (but not all) The main character is not portrayed laughably and makes for a convincing vampire when angered and pushed to the edge. However, I think this can be forgiven for a low budget television 3). The last half of the season (episode 13-22) is, in my opinion, is just not as good as the first half. Some of the music choices and conflicts, save for the finale, are just not that good.

So with these problems, which seem pretty bad, why would I keep watching? A multitude of reasons, good enough to make up for all the bad!

1) Probably the most crucial: The leads are fantastic actors, have wonderful chemistry on screen, and make the show enjoyable to watch. 2) Dark supernatural plots are done well and catered to the perspective of the human audience, making it all the more fun to suspend our belief 3) The love triangle/sexual tension. I know Lifetime played this up cheesily, but it's quite enjoyable to watch. 4) The show keeps up good continuity unlike other shows that are downright inconsistent/ignore past episodes. It follows a clear journey from beginning to end and encapsulates all the progression in between quite nicely 5) Plenty of the dialogue is great and pretty hilarious when coming from the main leads 6) Great background music (most of the time, special effects for Henry are usually awesome, and plenty of wonderful cinematography to set the mood. 7) Plots (particularly the first 12 episodes) are solid and suspenseful

Every once and a while (usually around Halloween), I hunt for more episodes of this show. The only big issue with a rewatch is that the show ends on a cliffhanger. Otherwise, it's a great watch and has a dark aura that is just enjoyable time and again.

When we hear about TV movies, we usually expect predictable plot lines, strained acting, and numerous holes in the plot, especially with something that airs on Lifetime periodically. Not this film.

Stolen Women, Captured Hearts features a strong cast (including Janine Turner, Michael Greyeyes, and Patrick Bergin) whose emotion shines throughout the film. The score is beautiful and the plot is quite enjoyable.

While most lifetime dramas focus around family drama in the present day, this film presents the story of two white women captured by Sioux Native Americans in the late 1860s and how one of the captive's emotions are tested by the temptation of her captor.

The film features good drama and suspense, as well as the hostility between whites and the natives. Some historical references and even a very important real-life figure are featured in the movie. I was moved by the romance and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I definitely recommend it.

Many have said this movie was tedious, but I found it to be very fascinating. The slowness was intentional and, at many points in the film, the facial expressions of the characters and focusing on objects was much more important than dialogue.

The viewer needed to be as introspective as the young Griet (portrayed exceptionally by Scarlett Johanson) and grasp the vital undertones in the film. Colin Firth portrayed the withdrawn Vermeer quite well and Cillian Murphey shone as Pieter, though he was not in the movie too much. The majority of the actors were very strong and convincing- and they added well to the intensity of the movie.

To watch this film and understand it, you must do a good bit of thinking because many points are not spoken outright. It is hauntingly beautiful and suspenseful. If you can watch a film such as this that does not involve much action and can handle slow bouts and critical thought, I strongly recommend this film. The emotions are what shine the strongest, as well as the symbolism.