The last hour or so won me over. As well as possibly the greatest cinematic expression of a sexual awakening (Lean is The Man when it comes to cinematography) & an awesome scene on some stormy, rocky shores. On the negative - Robert Mitchum is extraordinarily miscast here, there's a few broad characterizations, and those early parts are a drag. Definitely a mixed bag but worth a watch.

This film is the biggest argument against critics existing. More famous for being the film that made Lean take a 14 year sabbatical and not, as it should be, remembered as his most beautiful film. I'm surprised to say it too, but after watching almost all his films on a 130 ft screen, this is the most beautiful one. Every shot is perfect, the scenery is incredible. My only complaint was that it took me most of the movie to get used to Mitchum doing an Irish accent. Near perfect, a must see.

Nope, it's not LAWRENCE OF ARABIA nor even DR. ZHIVAGO; but this deeply sensual and immersive film was unfairly lambasted by critics at the time of its release, for no better reason than that its plot is simple, and admittedly soapy. You'll find beautiful landscapes beautifully photographed, a number of world-class performances (especially John Mills as the village idiot) and Lean's patented Very Sweeping approach to the material.

Not a bad film, but with all the pieces it has it really should be better. Strong cinematography and good performances make for some really good scenes, but it doesn't coalesce and the film seems content with a superficial overview that doesn't explore any of the things it brings up. The clear missed opportunities are the biggest issue, otherwise it's decent.

# 915

the second sex scene - that was stunning.

Hauntingly gorgeous love story concerning an illicit affair between a young married woman & a crippled British officer. This is a film about raw, unstoppable sexual passions that is still filled with incredible loveliness. Ireland has never looked this beautiful before or since. Superb acting from Sarah Miles, Robert Mitchum, John Mills & Trevor Howard. One of David Lean's larger than life epics.

Excellent film.

Even if it didn't warrant a 14-year sabbatical (inspired, allegedly, by Pauline Kael's ruthless review of the film), this little-seen Lean is best left alone.

A world-class director took a slight story and hit it with everything he had. Big budget, great cinematography, great cast, and the fine detail is piled on to the point where it often feels like a novel

Lean is one of the greatest directors ever. Mills is epic in this movie.

924

Perhaps Lean's most ambition film, Ryan's Daughter tries to merge the subtle with the grandiose with somewhat mixed results. The beach scene at night is gorgeously shot and Howard and Mitchum give fantastic performances, however, the script (particularly in the final quarter) and Mill's performance (this honestly won an oscar?) keep Ryan's Daughter well below the caliber of Lean's other films.