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jfraser
Reviews
Into the West (1992)
A Most Rewarding Experience
I was most taken with this film when it came to town in the fall of 1993. Dealing with the issues of reconciliation, death, family against a background of Irish myths, this story was a most unique approach. Initially marketed as a child's film, it really is more of an adult film and any adults who take the time to view it will go away satisfied and rewarded. In addition, the soundtrack is absolutely wonderful and worth owning on its own merit.
Matewan (1987)
Superb . . . wonderful . . . . one of my top ten of all time
I was just as taken with my 6th viewing of Matewan as I was the first time I saw it. Wonderful fact-based story with great cast, excellent cinematography. John Sayles is always very good to excellent (Lone Star, City of Hope and Limbo stand out as my other Sayles favorites), but he outdid himself with Matewan.
As an informational note, the final scene of this movie was filmed in Thurmond, West Virginia. Amtrak's train The Cardinal stops there 3 times a week and the scene looks just like it did when it was filmed around 1986. The whole town, now abandoned as a city, is a federal national park. If you enjoyed this film and want to see where it was done, hop aboard the train (or drive) and take a step back in time.