I’m an avid reader but unfortunately have not had the chance to read Mark Helprin’s Winter’s Tale. My husband took me to see the movie version of this story for Valentine’s Day and we both enjoyed the movie. I was actually very surprised that he liked it as much as he did. Throughout the weekend we discussed it from time to time and he remarked several times about enjoying the “good winning out over evil” theme.
Here are a few of my rambling thoughts about the movie. First of all, I was obviously happy to spend two hours with Russell Crowe and Colin Farrell! I was very pleasantly surprised to realize that the main female character was played by the lovely Jessica Brown Findlay better known as Lady Sybil from Downton Abbey!
The movie storyline is a bit confusing and left me feeling like there was so much more to the story than was shared in this 2 hour movie. I really wished I had read the book prior to seeing the movie. I just read the synopsis of the book and am convinced that I must now read the highly recommended novel!
Back to the movie….I do love the theme of the story…love conquers all….good beats evil….but the Russell Crowe character reminded me so much of his portrayal of Inspector Javert in Les Misérables (without the singing) and for some reason that bugged me. I also didn’t want to see Will Smith as the devi/Lucifer. I love Will Smith!
I realize that as I’m typing this review I’m making it seem like I didn’t like the movie that much. Actually I’d give it 7 out of 10 stars and realistically, if I wasn’t such a “book-a-holic”, I probably would have rated it higher! I do think it is a good movie for teens and adults and I’m kind of picky about what I want my teenagers to see!
If you’ve seen the movie please feel free to add your comment. I’d really love to know what you think!
The book is one of my favorite books ever – I’ve read it several times, and listened to the audible version as well. Mark Helprin’s writing is lush – descriptively rich and enchanting. I highly recommend this book, as well as anything else Mr. Helprin has written!