The Shipping News (2001)
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Theatrical Release: Dec 25, 2001 Limited
Box Office: $11,405,825
Synopsis: Lasse Hallstrom (CHOCOLAT, MY LIFE AS A DOG) presents this strong, quiet, chillingly deep adaptation of the popular novel by E. Annie Proulx. In a fishing port set in the Canadian province of Newfoundland, newspaper journalist Quoyle (Kevin Spacey), his young daughter Bunny (Alyssa... Lasse Hallstrom (CHOCOLAT, MY LIFE AS A DOG) presents this strong, quiet, chillingly deep adaptation of the popular novel by E. Annie Proulx. In a fishing port set in the Canadian province of Newfoundland, newspaper journalist Quoyle (Kevin Spacey), his young daughter Bunny (Alyssa Gainer), and his stern aunt Agnis Hamm (Dame Judi Dench) have reclaimed their ancestral home, which stood vacant for 40 years perched over the raging sea on the edge of a cliff. The fresh air and the mundane routine of the sleepy village act as a balm for Quoyle's wounds. Having grown up with unhappy parents who cautioned him that he'd never amount to anything, Quoyle thought he'd finally found a stroke of luck when he fell in love with Petal (a surprisingly slutty but no less beautiful Cate Blanchett), Bunny's mother. However, after Petal's sudden death, and the simultaneous passing of his loveless parents, Quoyle's migration from downtrodden Poughkeepsie, N.Y. to coastal Canada is his salvation. As Quoyle gains confidence and pride daily through his coworkers at the tiny newspaper the Gammy Bird, through his friendship with Wavey (a lovely Julianne Moore), and through his reconciliation with some spooky family secrets from the distant past, Quoyle, Bunny, and Agnis slowly find new direction, new hope, and the beginnings of a new life. [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore, Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, Scott Glenn
Screenwriter: Robert Nelson Jacobs
Producer: Irwin Winkler, Leslie Holleran, Linda Goldstein Knowlton
Composer: Christopher Young
DVD Info
Release:
Nov 5, 2002
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
What has happened to Lasse Hallstrom: This poor adaptation of an interesting novel is not only bland but also poorly acted and shapeless
...a problematic film redeemed by its steel gray palette and the actorly instincts of its chief players
Kevin Spacey, Julianne Moore astound in touching, well-told tale of rebirth and redemption.
Hallström ... has done a spectacular job with this odd story, and has created a memorable, if not perfect film.
Mr. Spacey and his estimable supporting cast bring skill and commitment to their roles; they respect their characters and demand as much from the audience.
The ensemble work by the cast helps detract from the narrative's basic aimlessness.
The book is better----Long awaited screen adaptation of E. Annie Proulx’s “Shipping News” fails to transport the goods
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by: REEL_REVIEWER 2/16/05
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posted by Scott Weinberg August 01, 2005
Finally earning a (limited) release after sitting on a Miramax shelf for about a year is Lasse Hallstrom's "An...


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