Though this viewer was familiar with all the locations, it was wonderful to be seeing the landscape as if for the first time. The cinematography lovingly portrayed the moment in time that was the crisis for this man and his family. It was able to hold and convey the promise and gift that the prairies of Canada represented to generations past, as well as the hope and commitment of their descendants in sustaining those visions born of struggle and pain. Images, words and songs wove together what was gone and what is yet to come in beautiful haunting melodies. The cries of a father reaching out, and yet inarticulate in his grief were very real reactions, and the unease of his family as they sought to help was poignant. In the land itself, and in the patterns of life shared as family traditions, it is possible to be held and healed.
Review of They Who Surround Us
