"Into the West" (1992) rides the balance beam between adult drama/adventure and children's fantasy, sorta like the contemporaneous "The Secret Garden." If you like that more popular film "Into the West" is worth checking out because it has the same feel -- musically, geographically, thematically and execution-wise -- which is not to say it's as good IMHO.
The story revolves around a disillusioned Traveller (Gypsy) who lives in a towering governmental project of Dublin with his two young sons. The kids apprehend a stunning white horse through their grandfather who refuses to leave behind his heritage. The horse is the key to healing for the father (Gabriel Byrne) and his family. The beautiful Ellen Barkin is also on hand as a Traveller.
The plot's also reminiscent of 1979's excellent "The Electric Horseman." Both films involve fugitives fleeing civilization on horses. "The Electric Horseman," however, is squarely an adult film whereas "Into the West" tries to appeal to kids. And this reveals the film's weakness for me: The kids aren't interesting and you can barely make out what their saying with their thick Irish accents (as such, I recommend using the subtitles, unless you're from the Emerald Isle or UK).
I should point out that when I say this is a "children's film" I don't mean in the sense of a cheery, saccharine Disney film (not that there's anything wrong with that, lol) because "Into the West" is anything but, although there are some fun, humorous touches, like watching TV through the hole in the wall and the horse staying in the apartment.
The fact that this is partially a children's film can be observed in the awkward manner in which the final act on the lonely seashore is set-up. Let me quickly add, however, that I shed a couple tears so it wasn't so awkward to destroy the impact of the film. It was just awkward in a roll-your-eyes manner.
The haunting, desolate landscapes and stunning seashores of Ireland are a highlight, as is the horse. In addition, the film is a great way to expose yourself to the fascinating Traveller culture of Ireland.
The film runs 97 minutes.
GRADE: B-
The story revolves around a disillusioned Traveller (Gypsy) who lives in a towering governmental project of Dublin with his two young sons. The kids apprehend a stunning white horse through their grandfather who refuses to leave behind his heritage. The horse is the key to healing for the father (Gabriel Byrne) and his family. The beautiful Ellen Barkin is also on hand as a Traveller.
The plot's also reminiscent of 1979's excellent "The Electric Horseman." Both films involve fugitives fleeing civilization on horses. "The Electric Horseman," however, is squarely an adult film whereas "Into the West" tries to appeal to kids. And this reveals the film's weakness for me: The kids aren't interesting and you can barely make out what their saying with their thick Irish accents (as such, I recommend using the subtitles, unless you're from the Emerald Isle or UK).
I should point out that when I say this is a "children's film" I don't mean in the sense of a cheery, saccharine Disney film (not that there's anything wrong with that, lol) because "Into the West" is anything but, although there are some fun, humorous touches, like watching TV through the hole in the wall and the horse staying in the apartment.
The fact that this is partially a children's film can be observed in the awkward manner in which the final act on the lonely seashore is set-up. Let me quickly add, however, that I shed a couple tears so it wasn't so awkward to destroy the impact of the film. It was just awkward in a roll-your-eyes manner.
The haunting, desolate landscapes and stunning seashores of Ireland are a highlight, as is the horse. In addition, the film is a great way to expose yourself to the fascinating Traveller culture of Ireland.
The film runs 97 minutes.
GRADE: B-