VHS : Shadowlands (1993)

Rating: - An Overlooked Gem
What was I thinking when I went to see this movie? I thought it was some fatasy flick, about mystical stuff. How I breezed by all the posters in the lobby of the theater, I don't know. As you may have gathered, I'm a bit of an idiot. Boy was I surprised! But all this babble goes to what a lovely movie this really is.

I was able to make the dramatic gear switch, from being prepared for an afternoon of light-hearted fun (for some fictional movie I had conjured up in my brain) to enjoy a story about famous author C.S. Lewis.

Don't be unprepared, have tissue handy. This is a romance of grand and tragic proportions. The movie brings home how Life and Fate are unpredictable. Just as Lewis opens his heart to his love, that love takes a painful turn.

And as always, the English countryside is a lovely back-drop. Winger and Hopkins are brilliant. If you missed this movie, take the opportunity to see it.

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Rating: - Beautiful and touching.
Anthony Hopkins is powerfully moving in this film. I think it's the eyes, he says a lot with eyes. Debra Winger surprised me by her wonderful perfomance as I was not a fan before watching this film. It could have been Mr. Hopkins influence on her as her eyes spoke what her heart was feeling also. Excellent movie, touching that it was based on a true story.

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Rating: - We are living in the shadowlands.
SHADOWLANDS is a film that is based on the love story between C.S. Lewis and Joy Gresham. The movie is beautifully photographed, is acted superbly, and has some wonderful dialogue. The oral wit of Lewis is captured in almost every scene and Anothony Hopkins gives one of the most realistic and moving performances of his career. Richard Attenborough's direction is nearly flawless and SHADOWLANDS sinks any notion that Attenborough was a one-film wonder director (GHANDI).

I am a huge fan of C.S. Lewis and enjoyed the film immensely. Non-Christian friends of mine have been moved to tears while watching the film because not only does it capture the essence of true love, but because it is a true story. C.S. Lewis was set to be a lifelong bachelor until he met Joy Gresham. They were in many ways opposites (e.g. nationality, heritage, lifestyle, etc.) and it would seem inconceivable that the two should fall in love. But they did. It was as though God used Lewis and Joy to illustrate His love for us.

There were only two parts of the movie that I disliked. I found Debra Winger's performance to be irritating and annoying. There were scenes where she shined and captured the real Joy. However, for most of the film, Winger's Joy seemed fake and unnatural.

The other thing I didn't like about the movie is that they cut out one of the Gresham boys. Joy had two boys, not one and the movie acts as though one of the two brothers didn't even exist. It's simpler to tell a story that way, but not necessarily best.

Overall, a wonderful film about two very real people who had an amazing love story. It's a film sure to raise emotion, perhaps bring a tear to one's eye and it makes a great date movie.

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Rating: - A Touching, Must-See, Romance!!!!
Anthony Hopkins plays C.S. "Jack" Lewis, an Oxford Professor/Speaker/Author who has cocooned himself in a world of safety. Those in his circle are nothing more than intellectual acquaintances, those he can banter with and win against easily. Joy Gresham, a New York divorcee, enters his life and immediately startles the reserved Jack--she is forward and says exactly what is on her mind, with a keen insight into Jack that even his Oxford friends don't have. Along with Joy is her son Douglas, a big fan of the Narnia books. Jack maintains an emotional distance from Joy, missing what others around him have picked up on.

Can a confirmed lifelong bachelor fall in love?

This is a superb movie...one of my favorites! Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger have wonderful chemistry together and bring a remarkable romance to the screen. I LOVE IT!!!

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Rating: - A Beautiful Film
Here we have a very different Anthony Hopkins who portrays, in part, the character of C.S. Lewis, and he does it admirably. He is joined by Debra Winger, who represents the love of his life, and the woman who dies suddenly after he is married to her. It is a touching and inspiring film, and can possibly bring tears to your eyes. Highly recommended.