Search - The Cinder Path on DVD

Die Hard Cookson Fans Will Love This

J. Lovins | 10/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Cinder Path was a long-awaited movie after growing up reading as many Catherine Cookson books as I could get my hands on. I have always been a die hard fan since I first read The Dwelling Place. This story, like most of Cookson's others, present a true-to-life hardship and how the characters react, deal with, and survive the sometimes cruel and unfair obstacles life throws their way.This film features a pre-Hollywood Catherine Zeta Jones as the haughty and spoiled brat. She plays this role to a tee and was (before being "spoiled" by Hollywood) one of my favorite actresses previously because of this role. Everyone can enjoy this movie, relate to the hardships and life's tough decisions. All in all, it has a great message, but learning life's lessons is not all that easy."

Catherine Cookson's poignant and beautiful novel comes alive

Ursula Kuenzle | Zürich | 07/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"All his young life Charlie McFell, his familiy and the farm hands were tyranzied by his dictatorial father, which punished brutally on the Cinder Path. As his father met with an "accident" and died, young Charlie was ill-equipped to manage the farm. He is pressured into a loveless marriage with the haughty and faithless Victoria, leaving her sister Nellie, who secretly loves him, heartbroken. As World War I breaks out he is forced to join the British Army and the horrors and hardship of the frontlines finally let him become a man of strength and character. He is now able to overcome the heartbreak, blackmail, cruelty, revenge and deception to ultimately find his true love.The Cinder Path is based on the bestselling novel of Catherine Cookson. If you love period Jane Austen-like romantic drama this one is for you. Why did I not give five stars? I did not like the extensive war and battle-scenes. Furthermore, I thought it a shame that this DVD does not feature any extras (no widescreen, foreign languages, subtitels, behind the scenes information). But all in all it is a beautiful crafted movie."

A Tail of human growth, Maria Miles' grestest performance !!

RUSTEE (britdragon@hotmail.com) | LOUISIANA BUT FROM ENGLAND | 08/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This tail follows the trials and tribulations of Charlie MacFell from an unsure University student to a high ranking Army officer during the first world war. The only thing that stands in his way is a secret known only to him, farm hands Polly and Arthur and the devious Ginger Slater. Victoria (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is (reluctanatly) Charlies bitchie adulterous wife, her sister Nellie (maria miles) harbours secret feelings for Charlie which will either make or destroy her. A true love story but definately a tale you must think about and may or maynot agree with each characters actions and chioces, finally a true to life love story, not sugar coated!!"

Stirring Drama --- Maria Miles delivers an exceptional perfo

James B. Casey | Chicago, Illinois | 02/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Set in the rural areas around Newcastle during the years 1913-1918, this impressive dramatization of Cookson's work centers on the personal struggles of a wealthy young land owner (Charlie) who is seen by many around him as a weakling and utter failure until he is thrown into the cauldron of military service on the Western Front and is forced by circumstances to fight and lead or perish. Much of his inspiration and will to survive comes from the love and devotion of Nellie, the troubled younger sister of his unfaithful, stunningly beautiful wife Victoria.

Although the starring roles are played ably by Lloyd Owen and Catherine Zeta-Jones, the most memorable and arresting performance was delivered by Maria Miles as Nellie. Maria Miles brought her character to life and graced her with a beauty that surpassed even that of Catherine Zeta-Jones. In fact, the character of Nellie emerges from personal depression to become one of the genuinely strong and likeable figures in of the Cookson series (and I have seen them all).

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