Search - Heartland on DVD

Simple Pleasures of Survival

talkytina | New England | 12/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A brilliant and absolutely authentic story about the stark realities of pioneer life in late 1800's Wyoming. "Heartland" is based on a series of letters ("Letters of a Woman Homesteader" by Elinore Pruitt Stewart). The actors are very real, and the story unfolds almost like a documentary. Rip Torn and Conchita Ferrell are superb in mostly just living their everyday lives. However, they perform tasks and "everyday pleasures" considered quite extraordinary by modern standards, especially considering the harsh winter conditions. Excellent photography, and DVD bonus commentary explaining each scene."

The Rough Truth of the West

Mark Newbold | Pittsburg, KS United States | 02/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most moving experiences in cinema I'd had for years. Superb understated acting. There are elements that are completely lost by several of the other reviewers regarding "Heartland". Victorian Pioneers were a stoic type of people, look up stoicism if need be. They did not wear their emotions on their sleeves as we do today, and whining was nearly unknown. Self reliance was a code of conduct lived each day. One reviewer commented on the lack of "chemistry" between Clyde and Elinor. That is almost a laughable remark- marriages among ranchers even to recent days is often based upon economics and not compatability and romance as such. Clyde and Elinor actually loved one another with a depth that would frighten most moderns, dealing with death, birth, and life- good, bad and indifferent.

One of my favorite lines from the entire film is when Elinor confesses to her female rancher neighbor played by Lila Skala, that she just cannot talk with Clyde. The neighbor replies with all sincerity, "You better learn to before winter sets in.""

Snapshot of the REAL West

TwenzUncle | Salem, AR | 10/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're hooked on the romanticized, idealistic frontier stories that are so common, this ain't for you. But if you want to practically feel the bone-chilling cold, the aching muscles and uncertainty of life on the frontier in the early 1900's, I highly recommend this one. The writing, acting, scenery, direction, even the music, are all fantastic. Of course, I didn't live out West in the early 1900's, but I can't imagine a more realistic, dead-on portrayal of what life was really like for those trying to make a life for themselves in a mostly unsettled territory. One of my all-time favorites."

Very good movie

TwenzUncle | 01/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I did not read the book but I totally disagree with the viewer from Alamo, NV. I thought is was a wonderful movie. From the start to the end. It shows you how hard life was back then.this is a good movie.And Conchata Ferrell was wonderfun in it. She makes the movie as good as it is and it is a good movie."