Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4630 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-09-08
• Rating: Suitable for 18 years and over
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish
• Dubbed in: Czech, French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 134 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Filmed in the widescreen splendour of "Panavision Super 70" and blessed with the finest production values that Hollywood clout can buy, this tale of spunky Irish immigrants forgot one crucial ingredient: a decent screenplay. The film is entertaining enough, and director Ron Howard brings his technical proficiency to the simple plot, culminating in a dynamic, breathtaking depiction of the Oklahoma land rush of 1893. But the movie is really just a vacuous vehicle for married stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as (respectively) the poor tenant farmer and rich landlord's daughter who flee Ireland to be American pioneers. The scenery and the stars are never less than stunning, but Howard falls short of the mark in his attempt to match the epic sweep of films by David Lean. On the other hand, this movie is certainly never boring even if it rarely makes sense, and Lean's own Irish epic, Ryan's Daughter, is a snoozer by comparison. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com

Special Features
2.35 Wide Screen
DVD 9
Czech\French\German\Italian\Polish\Spanish
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital 5.1 English\Stereo Czech Polish\Surround French German Italian Spanish
Dolby Digital 5.1
Stereo
Surround
Theatrical Trailer
Production Notes
Cast And Film Makers Notes
Danish\Dutch\Finnish\French\German\Norwegian\Portuguese\Swedish

Synopsis
Ron Howard's epic tale tells the story of two Irish immigrants' quest for land during the 1890s Oklahoma land rush. Tom Cruise stars as Joseph Donnelly, an ambitious young farmer in western Ireland. When a local protest against wealthy landlord Daniel Christie (Robert Prosky) results in the death of his father, Joseph seeks revenge. But his attempt at vengeance is thwarted by Shannon Christie (Nicole Kidman), the landlord's high-spirited and headstrong daughter, who stabs Joseph with a pitchfork. While convalescing at the Christies' manor, Joseph is propositioned by Shannon, who asks him to travel with her to America--where she is determined to acquire some of the free land being given away in the Oklahoma Territory. Arriving in Boston, Joseph acts as protective brother to Shannon in the foreign city streets as they struggle to earn the money to travel out west.

Customer Reviews

Can't help but like it!
I know this is not a good film, but I do love it! It's romantic, charming (even the sometimes dodgy Cruise Irish accent) and it looks very good. The plot is simple- a rich, stuck-up daughter of an Irish landlord, and a young farm worker run off together to seek their fortune in America. Their dream is to enter the Oklahoma landrush and find their own pieces of land, but things aren't what they expected when they reach America. Kidman and Cruise have a real screen chemistry (not surprising really I suppose), and they give good performances. It is overly sentimental and slushy, but what's wrong with that from time to time? Nothing, so watch it, and have a sweeping, romantic feast.

An Irish lovestory for all generations
Far and Away is a classic lovestory perfect for a night in, or just some good old fashioned romance! Set in the 1890's of Ireland, Tom Cruise makes a marvellous tenant farmer called Joseph Donnelly who lives by his prizefighting and working the land, and his real life wife Nicole Kidman is stunning as feisty Shannon Christie, spoilt daughter of the rich landlord. They share a dream to have their own land, (namely Oklahoma in America), and set off together to achieve this. But due to the clash of her upper class demeanor and his rustic, ignorant outlook, it makes for a plot with plenty of twists and turns along the way. I liked this movie because it was well shot, the scenes of the Oklahoma landrush towards the end are fast paced and enthralling. There were some funny moments - Joseph's time with Grace prizefighting in the Boston club and Shannon's uppity attitude, not to mention Tom Cruise's attempt at an Irish accent! Well worth a view for all those hopeless romantics out there.

Kidman Outshines Cruise!
"Far And Away" is a film more famous for its spectacular setting rather than its gripping story. Despite this popular criticism I found this tale of politics, history, class discrimination, and (most of all) love thoroughly enjoyable.
Kidman provides not only the humour in the film, playing the rich spoilt Protestant Shannon Christie , but also brings that element of 'class' and acting from the heart that her ex-husbands performance lacks in this picture. Cruise's diabolical Irish accent clouds any sympathy or empathy that the viewer may have with his character Joseph.
When released "Far and Away" recieved heavy criticism. However, if one watches the film it is difficult not to be drawn into the trials and tribulations of an unlikely love affair which begins in Ireland and ends in Oklahoma, USA. From the opening sequence of the Atlantic ocean lapping on the West coast of Ireland, until the closing credits and the haunting music of Enya, I found this to be an excellent film...the jewel of Kidmans pre-divorce films!