Product: Ryan's Daughter (Two-Disc Special Edition) (2006)
Rating: 5.0
Lean's most underrated film, and a damn good one (despite the critics)
This is Sir David Lean's most underrated film. The critics trashed it when it was released, and the negative publicity made it a huge bomb. Lean was so devastated that he didn't direct another film for 14 years. As usual, critics have shown their ignorance once again (like on Heaven's Gate). This is a great epic film, with some of the most intense scenes ever committed to celluloid. The storm sequences, which took months to film, is brilliant. There were no trick shots used. No CGI (this was 1970). Everything you see is real, which makes it even more fantastic. The performances are wonderful all around, Freddie Young's 70mm photography is fabulous, and Lean's direction assured. Especially telling is Robert Mitchum, who gives a wonderfully understated performance, in total contrast to his tough guy image. Lean is a master craftsman/artist, and this film is fabulous. Many people have posted good reviews here, and kudos to them. Ignore critics. If you want to see a film, see it. Too often critics are way behind the curve...