The Shipping News (DVD 2002)

I watched this dvd because I like Kevin Spacey. It was a bit sad but I enjoyed it.It was well acted by all the cast especially judi Dench.

This is an absolutely lovely film, it has to be or Dame Judy Dench wouldn't have touched it. A deeply touching tale of fate and ancestry this story focusses on Kevin Spacey's downtrodden character Quoyle, misplaced and misunderstood he flounders through life with noble perseverence until one tragedy too many forces change upon him. Dame Judy gathers up her only remaining relative and transports him to the place of their family's origin, New Foundland. Enter staggering scenery, beautifully haunting musical score and true place in life. Not without its problems, noteably in the shape of Pete Postlethwaite's brilliant power happy manager, life comes into focus, Spacey discovers his true potential. Brilliant and heartwarming.

Indeed, Kevin Spacey is special. I am endeavouring to collect every film this consummate actor has made. He is so watchable, so talented and so so committed to his work you just have to respect the man. The cast of the film is inspirational in selecetion and a joy to watch. A superb setting with some very atmospheric camera work. Included in the cast are Judi Dench (amazing lady) and Pete Postlethwaite who can hold his own with the best of them, lending his own brand of Britishness to this beautifully crafted story. The storyline is not over complicated but the characters are which is the right combination to keep a discerning story lover enraptured. You will not be disappointed in this production. I loved it and will play it over and over. Buy it and see!!!

I am a great fan of movies and I especially like to purchase DVDs of films that I rate as outstanding for one reason or another, consequently I have a very large DVD collection. Some I consider for the acting skills, some for the direction or production and some for the story-line. Rarely do you come across a film that has everything right and this film does justice to all four. I have admired Judi Dench's acting for a long time and Kevin Spacey rarely makes a bad movie. The story line is unusual and original, especially good is Kevin Spacey's transition from a meek nobody to someone with authority.Judi Dench must rate as one of the UK's most prominent actors and the difference between her portrayal of royalty ("Shakespear in Love"/"Mrs Smith") and a suburban housewife ("A Fine Romance" etc) to a down and out Irish Canadian is nothing less than remarkable and is totally believable. The story line is unusual and fascinating, with very little sentiment and a great deal of atmosphere - you can feel the cold, the wind and smell the fish and the sea. This of course is due to very fine directing. Although I am not familiar with the Swedish director's work, I recognise a talent when I see it! The production, especially the choice of locality, is perfect. This has to be one of my favourite DVDs and because it is out of production and unavailable in record shops I was fortunate to be able to purchase it on eBay. Thank you for the oportunity!

I had seen this film before on TV, then I read the book and bought the dvd - watched it again and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think you have a better understanding of the film after reading the book, as it doesn't come across so well on screen the first time.