If I were vindictive, I'd rate this film 3 or 4, because of the very cheap way it is being marketed. It apparently was not a theatrical release, the DVD is not in modern 5.1 surround, there is no menu, thus no extras, no way to view and select individual chapters, nada. That is always a big disappointment in view of how other films are being marketed.
Another facet - the star of the film, Billy Zane, had a "production" credit. Still, Zane and kelly McGillis are fine in this film, and their "chemistry" is good.
CAUTION -- SPOILERS FOLLOW ---
The film starts with 3 escaped convicts trudging through the swampy land of NC, they stumble (literally, and into an open grave) upon McGillis who lives alone on a farm, never married, emotionally abused as a child, and poor. They want food and money before they move on, but there is no money. In a rage they murder the local pastor. McGillis'character is unafraid, determined not to be bullied by these 3 thugs. Zane's character is hurt by the "thug" reference. One convict dies from an infection, from a shovel wound inflicted by McGillis, and is buried on top of the pastor. The second convict gets killed trying to get to the ferry and cross the river. Zane asks to stay, McGillis agrees, they gain mutual affection, sleep together, he makes repairs around the house, relatives recognize and report him, McGillis and the old black blind man get him to the ferry in his mule wagon, he narrowly escapes at first ferry crossing at dawn, they kiss and say goodbye, he asks her to come, she wants to stay on her farm. Movie ends.
The guitar music throughout is simple, but fitting and nice. McGillis' character had her "awakening" to life as a result of the 3 convicts, and especially Zane, having entered her life. That is the real theme of this movie, that you never know what or when it will be, but be ready for something to influence a significant change in your existance. I rate it 7 of 10.
Another facet - the star of the film, Billy Zane, had a "production" credit. Still, Zane and kelly McGillis are fine in this film, and their "chemistry" is good.
CAUTION -- SPOILERS FOLLOW ---
The film starts with 3 escaped convicts trudging through the swampy land of NC, they stumble (literally, and into an open grave) upon McGillis who lives alone on a farm, never married, emotionally abused as a child, and poor. They want food and money before they move on, but there is no money. In a rage they murder the local pastor. McGillis'character is unafraid, determined not to be bullied by these 3 thugs. Zane's character is hurt by the "thug" reference. One convict dies from an infection, from a shovel wound inflicted by McGillis, and is buried on top of the pastor. The second convict gets killed trying to get to the ferry and cross the river. Zane asks to stay, McGillis agrees, they gain mutual affection, sleep together, he makes repairs around the house, relatives recognize and report him, McGillis and the old black blind man get him to the ferry in his mule wagon, he narrowly escapes at first ferry crossing at dawn, they kiss and say goodbye, he asks her to come, she wants to stay on her farm. Movie ends.
The guitar music throughout is simple, but fitting and nice. McGillis' character had her "awakening" to life as a result of the 3 convicts, and especially Zane, having entered her life. That is the real theme of this movie, that you never know what or when it will be, but be ready for something to influence a significant change in your existance. I rate it 7 of 10.