Good vs. Evil & True Love Everlasting

Winter's Tale - A Review

pic courtesy of comingsoon.com

I finally got to see Winter's Tale, written and directed by Akiva Goldsman.  The screenplay was based on the Mark Helprin novel, and starred Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay and Russell Crowe.  The film also had supporting roles played by William Hurt, Jennifer Connelly, Mckayla Twiggs (young Willa), Eva Marie Saint (older Willa - love her!), and, to my surprise, Will Smith (yes; that Will Smith - Fresh Prince, rapper and now actor). The reason it was a complete surprise to me was Smith was not in any of the trailers, there are absolutely NO pictures of him on the web playing the role and he played Lucifer, the devil himself.  I am telling you-one of the creepiest face morphs, all-be-it quick, that I have seen.  This was one real shocker of a cameo appearance, and I won't be forgetting it soon.

The movie is a love story with the theme of "can you love someone enough that they will never die?"  However, the underlying and always evident premise throughout the film is good vs. evil, or really God and his angels vs. the devil and his demons. 

pic courtesy of justjared.com

The film opens in present day New York City, but quickly goes back to the real beginning of the story in 1895.  The viewer is not in 1895 too long before transported to 1916, where Peter Lake (played by Colin Farrell), a thief, and Beverly Penn (played by Jessica Brown Findlay) first meet, then fall deeply in love.  

SPOILER ALERT:  Beverly Penn is dying of "consumption," which is what they called severe wasting disease or tuberculosis during that time.  She experienced very high fevers and did not have long to live.  As the film transpires, Peter ends up saving Beverly from being killed by the demon Pearly Soames (played by Russell Crowe).  Peter rescues her on a white horse that can FLY.  Now, this is a fantasy, after all, and the concept of the angels beating the demons and the flying horse were really my favorite part - that and the tender love story.

Russell Crowe as Pearly Soames, a demon, & his demon gang
(pic courtesy of contact.com)

When Peter learns he has been given a very special gift, he sets out to save the love of his life, Beverly.  However, sometimes things are not what they seem and this film is about our journeys through life, as well, and how we must find out our real destiny.  Once again in present day New York, Peter works to find out why he has his gift and what he is supposed to do with it.

Beverly Penn sees the light all around her
(pic courtesy of ljagilamplighter.com)

Remember earlier that I told you this is a fantasy-romance, and that there was a white horse that could fly?  Well...the white horse reappears more than once and comes to the rescue helping Peter save people. That white horse represents good, and Pearly Soames has a black horse (obviously representing the evil).  

Love, hope, miracles, belief...all themes in this film.  Also, the concept of light, from the light all around us to the stars in the sky, are rather fascinating as used throughout the film.  (see picture above re: a good representation of the light all ar0und us).

The film was a bit convoluted at times, so you really have to follow it closely as it spans more than 100 years and covers a lot of ideas.  It had some really beautiful moments, some thriller-like segments, but at times it does drag a bit.  The acting was fantastic from the beautiful Jessica Brown Findlay and Colin Farrell gave a really good performance.  Little McKayla Twiggs was precious and did a good job as Willa, and Eva Marie Saint was brilliant as an older version of Willa.  I must say that I expect more from both Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly.  Both of their acting in this film was good, but I know what they are capable of, so it was a bit disappointing.  As for Will Smith, he scared me with his cameo and although his part was brief, it stuck with me. Kudos to him.

Peter Lake & Beverly Penn, circa 1916
(pic courtesy of contactmusic.com)

If y0u love drama/fantasy/romance films with a bit of mystery, see this one.  You will probably really enjoy it.  I thought the ending was so-so (could have been a bit better) but still left me uplifted. 

I give Winter's Tale ★★★☆☆

MPAA Rating:  PG-13 

(violence & some sensuality)

Running Time: 118 Mins.

Sex           ★☆☆☆☆

Nudity      ★★☆☆☆
Language      ★☆☆☆☆
Violence     ★★★☆☆
Alcohol/Drugs     ★☆☆☆☆

This is not a true story.  This is true love.

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**Don't forget to vote in the Best Picture Oscars poll at the top right of my blog page.  It will be interesting to see which film all of you HOPE wins Best Picture on March 2nd at the Academy Awards.