Vincent Perez (The Crow, City of Angels) and Rachel Weisz (Stealing Beauty) star with Ian McKellen and Kathy Bates in this passionate film about two star-crossed lovers. Amy Foster, considered a simpleton by some and a witch by others, is accused of conjuring the fierce storm which causes a shipwreck. Only one man survives and is immediately drawn to strange Amy. A haunting tale of love and loss, Swept From the Sea is “a superb, epic and moving romance”. Brilliantly directed and performed. “Four stars.” – Paul Wunder, WBAI RADIO
Set in England on the Cornish shore in 1888.
Starring Joss Ackland, Vincent Perez, Kathy Bates, Ian McKellen, Rachel Weisz.
Note: This is a retelling of “Amy Foster,” by Joseph Conrad. Critics like it less than the audience. Roger Ebert called it plodding, and a disappointment, but also wrote that it opened with “one of the most remarkable opening shots I have seen, as the camera sweeps over miles of ocean before rising to the top of a cliff and to the lonely figures of a mother and a child. There also are effective storm scenes, and the landscape is evoked as Conrad described it, as low and flat, a depressing setting for a population devoted enthusiastically to the hatred of outsiders.” For the most part, the audience was deeply moved by this “sad gem” of a film, for its romance and overarching themes. One viewer said:
“A gorgeous, and virtually overlooked film! I stumbled across it quite by accident through a perusal of romantic period films, and let me say, this one leaves them all behind! The scenery and backdrop is stunning, the acting supurb, and the score haunting. The story of an outcast, a foreigner, and their tragic romance will leave you in tears, especially at the end. Forgiveness, Christian values, and the power of love inspire and enhance a wonderful film, perfect for any fan of beautiful love stories.” – Charity Bishop