Legends of the Fall (1994)

According to the ancient lore of Native Americans, there is a story within each of us; the story of a life often guided by some inner voice, which some hear with great clearness. Some live by what they hear-and such people become crazy. They become legend. And so it was destined to be for a young man named Tristan Ludlow, who was born toward the end of the Nineteenth Century and grew up in the wide open spaces of Montana, where his father, Colonel William Ludlow, had taken his family to escape the imperfections of a society ruled by a government he could no longer respect. "Legends of the Fall," directed by Edward Zwick, is the story of Tristan (Brad Pitt) and his brothers, Alfred (Aidan Quinn) and Samuel (Henry Thomas); a tragic story of the life they shared and the wounds they suffered, many of which were never to heal. And it's their father's story, as well, for it was he who raised his boys with only the help of his loyal friend, One Stab (Gordon Tootoosis), after his wife, Isabel (Christina Pickles), unable to withstand the harsh Montana winters, had left her family for the more civilized East Coast, never to return.

Colonel Ludlow (Anthony Hopkins) had served his country during the Indian Wars, after which, disheartened by the government's treatment of those they had suppressed, the proud people of the Indian Nations, he turned his back on the "civilized" ways of his own people and carved out a niche for himself and his family in Montana. And it was there, on their ranch, that the boys learned the ways of the West and the ways of the Indian, under the tutelage of their father and One Stab. But of the three, only Tristan eventually heard that inner voice with such clarity that he could neither deny nor ignore it, and it awakened a passion within him that he embraced, and which set him upon the path he was seemingly destined to follow; a path that would ultimately affect the lives of everyone he had ever loved.

By 1914, Europe was at war, and the very tenets of truth and justice that had driven Colonel Ludlow away from society now compelled his sons to take a stand according to their own beliefs. Despite his recent engagement, Samuel decides to go to Canada and enlist in the army in order to fight for England. Alfred and Tristan refuse to let him go alone, and enlist with him. And in the desolate, muddy trenches of France, they soon learn the harsh truth and the reality of war-just as their father had before them-and by the time the war has ended for them, their lives have changed forever; Tristan's most especially. Back home, Tristan tries to settle down to life on the ranch, but the restlessness of his soul speaks to him of things he must do and places he must go, and the voices are too strong to resist. So despite the ties that bind him to the home and the people he loves, he sets out on a journey of self-discovery that eventually takes him, physically and emotionally, into places he never knew existed-and away from the woman who loves him the most.

Director Edward Zwick delivers a sweeping saga of life and love with this film that is every bit as big and grand as the country in which it is set. He presents his story through the recollections of One Stab, the one who saw it all unfold, first hand. And it gives the film a narrative quality that is storytelling at it's best. Zwick had a vision of how to bring this tale to the screen, and he realized it magnificently, aided by John Toll's breathtakingly beautiful cinematography (for which he received an Oscar), Lilly Kilvert's superb set designs and James Horner's compelling, dramatic score. And most importantly, through the tremendous performances of Hopkins, Pitt, Quinn, Thomas and the lovely Julia Ormond.

Hopkins anchors the film with a brilliantly understated performance, creating a three-dimensional character who personifies the very iconoclastic ideals and principles he espouses. And Pitt gives one of the best performances of his career as Tristan; watching him, you feel that restlessness and conflict raging within his soul, and you can sense his passion as he seeks his direction in life. Quinn is also extremely effective as Alfred, the older brother, delivering an emotional and convincing performance, as does Julia Ormond, as Susannah, a young woman conflicted inside as she tries to sort out her feelings for the Ludlow brothers. Zwick knew exactly what he needed from his actors to tell the story he wanted to tell, and he managed to get it all, from the principals to the least of the supporting players; and it's all there on the screen-the passion, the intensity, the love and the care. It's quite simply a beautiful piece of filmmaking by all concerned.

The supporting cast includes Karina Lombard (Isabel Two), Paul Desmond (Decker), Tantoo Cardinal (Pet) and Robert Wisden (John T. O'Banion). A visually stunning film that will touch you emotionally and stay with you long after the screen has gone dark, "Legends of the Fall," perpetuates the tradition of classics like "The Big Country" and "Giant." Engaging and memorable, it's a transporting experience, courtesy of the magic of the movies.

Family saga is usually the domain of female audiences but while there is no denying that "Legends of the Fall" is a family saga, it has the power to keep any demographic, over the age of ten, spellbound. Love and jealousy are still the central themes and yet the characters are so large that I doubt many people would not envy them, in some way at least.

The Ludlows are almost mythical Americans. They live a tough but free existence in the North Country. Ruled by Colonel William Ludlow, (Anthony Hopkins), a Father carved from granite, the family's three sons grow up to be almost as tough. And for a man who spent his last professional years fighting for the rights of the native American's, a son who has absorbed native culture, along with the best of western values, has to hold a special place in his heart.

Tristan Ludlow, (Brad Pitt), is the focus of our attention from the start. His wild and fearless spirit is guided by One Stab, the colonel's loyal Indian companion. It is One Stab that narrates Tristan's story and from him we learn that Tristan's destiny is entwined with his animal spirit, the Grizzly Bear. As a boy he dares an enormous sleeping grizzly and they take some of each other's blood. Interpreting his later choices through the moods of the bear is a fascinating idea.

The pace of events pick up the moment the youngest son, Samuel, brings home his bride to be. The beautiful Susannah, (Julia Ormond), manages to steal the hearts of all three brothers and the father as well, although he has the wisdom to act correctly. Samuel arrives with more concern for the growing war in Europe than for his new love. His desire to play his part in the fight is opposed by the Colonel, jaded by the Government's past immoral acts. But nothing can stop a young man with a cause. Despite his brother's protection he manages to fulfill his destiny, opening the door to further possibilities for his brothers, with Susannah.

She manages to set the brothers against each other and forces the eldest, Alfred, (Aidan Quinn), on a new path entirely; one that takes him to the U.S. congress, supported by less than honorable men. All of this makes for a heady brew, plenty of drama, powerful performances and broken hearts. For my money, the film wouldn't have been the same without Isabel Two, played by both Karina Lombard and Sekwan Auger. She waits patiently for her chance with Tristan to come. She and One Stab, form the calm center to the hurricane that is the Ludlow family. And like a hurricane, one you've been touched, you'll never forget "Legends of the Fall".

Buy Legends of the Fall (1994) Now

This review refers to the Special Edition DVD(TriStar/Columbia)

Right from the start of this film, Director Edward Zwick and Cinematographer John Toll, take us on a magnificent journey through some of the most breathtaking vistas,shot mostly on the Stoney Indian Reserve near Calgary.Viewed throughout with James Horner's score is a beautiful experience right in your own living room.

Three brother's, their love for each other,their father, and for one woman is the main focus of the story. Tristan is the middle son, his father's favorite, he is as wild as the Montana country where they live in the early 1900's. It is he who we follow on a journey of darkness, enlightenment and finally self-discovery.It is an epic story,that follows the lives of the Ludlow family for many years, through WWI,passion, secrets,tragedies, and bonds.

The tale is narrated by Gordon Tootoosis, a Chief of the Cree nation, who was mentor to Tristan and taught him well the ways of becoming one with nature.

Starring in this Cinematic treat are Brad Pitt(Tristan), Aidan Quinn,Henry Thomas, Sir Anthony Hopkins(Col. Ludlow), and as the woman they all love Julia Ormand(Suzanne).All turning in superb performances.

The DVD is as much of a treat as the film itself. The film won an Academy Award for Best Cinematoghraphy in 1994 and it really shows on this edition. Colors are perfect,picture immaculate, and the sound(in 5.1 Dolby Digital)completes the total home theatre package.

It is in widescreen. There's a ton of special features, including the making of featurette, some great commentary by Zwick and Pitt, and more. The movie can be played in several languages or with subtitles.

If you've never seen it,this film has something for everyone, war, romance,western adventure,action,drama It will sweep you off your feet, and you will want to watch it again. If youve already seen it you will not be dissapointed with the transfer to this DVD

Hopkins and Pitt also team up again in:Meet Joe Blacksee my review for film details

Enjoy.....Laurie

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This film is Brad Pitt's best movie and role ever. The shear magnificence of the sceneries, the ultimately fatalistic beauty of all the characters, and the emotional bond you develop for each of them makes for a totally enjoyable movie experience. Brad Pitt, Julia Ormond, Aidan Quinn, Anthony Hopkins, and Henry thomas are the epitome of the tragic family which renders heartbreak into an artform. You truly feel the pain of a disintegrating family that never quite loses it all. You cheer for them at the end, after having obtain their redemption. Julia Ormond is classically gorgeous, and Brad Pitt plays the role of the noble tragic hero to flawlessness. Henry Thomas, although a short presence on film, still plays a character which still haunts the other characters and the audience long after his death. You can't help but to feel for and cheer for Aidan Quinn's character. He epitomizes the "nice guy finishes last" philosophy, and his heartache is palpable. Anthony Hopkins is the noblest of father figures, although his Scrooge transformation after his stroke almost made him laughable. I like the way the film touches on so many other themes, such as discrimination against American Indians, prohibition, the inherent evil of government, love and war are often the same, and the timeless theme of how life is filled with tragedy and heartbreak. Tristan's character epitomizes these themes, and he is indeed the rock that everyone shatters against. Everyone around him dies young, while he gets older. His is the kind of character that remains in your mind long after the credits end, and you're left always wondering whatever happened to him. Gorgeous filmmaking indeed.

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My wife and I watched this new Blu-ray release last night and we both agreed that it looked and sounded great. It seems that whatever short-comings this title may have lay with the film master. One trivia point is that the filming location suffered through a rainy season when normally it's not. This tended to produce many mostly cloudy scenes which added a drab look to much of the movie along with the intended brown and gray palette, although there are several scenes where the cinematography is spectacular justifies the Oscar win for John Tull. Some scenes especially close-ups looked very detailed while others appeared softer. I've owned this title on laserdisc and DVD but without a doubt the picture and sound (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1) on this version is the best. I won't bother with the storyline, if you're reading this you're probably a fan already. Recommended buy.

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