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I've seen this movie on cable TV several times and I love it. It's about mountain music depicting mountain life in the early 1900's through Irish decent people living up in the mountains of North Carolina. I live in the Blue Ridge mountains in SW Va so this movie is very familiar to my area also. I bought this DVD as a gift for someone and they liked it. Anyone who likes movies about the simple and hard mountain life in earlier years, especially in the states of SW VA, NC and TN should certainly see this movie. Also, it's worth seeing Aidan Quinn in this wonderfully acted role! Hope this review helps.
This film has gorgeous mountain scenery, convincing performances, and a happy ending. On a highbrow level, this is the story of a dedicated academian who will go to great lengths to collect Appalachian folk songs with roots in England and Scotland. On a lower level, this is the story of an old maid schoolteacher who finds love with a really hot mountain man...which rarely happens in real life, but, let's face it, we all WISH would happen more often! Lily starts off being rather stand-offish and superior. She is judgmental toward the mountainfolk as well as toward her sister, who is involved in a lesbian relationship. Ultimately, Lily realizes that getting credit for her academic work is less important than true love. Lily becomes more tolerant of others' differences and comes to the conclusion that the folk songs themselves are valuable, regardless of who gets the recognition for discovering and publishing them. A really enjoyable movie.Read full review
I loved the music in this film. It was a great explanation to where we get our folk music and how it arrived in the states. Sheds a good light on the mountain people, but as far as the story line goes, it's just ok, pretty typical hollywood ending. Not stated in the cover summary is that there is a lesbian relationship, so if that's not your thing, you may want to avoid this film.
I have wanted this movie, even before I ever saw it the first time, and I have now watched many, many times. I love it, because it's a true story of our mountain music, and how it came to be known by the world !!! Interlaced are the stories of the mountain people, along with the "city" people, from down in Asheville, N.C., a famous place, the world over, only about 20 miles from where I grew up. The movie includes many of the old mountain ballads, but also demonstrates how those wonderful people could talk, tell a story, or record many events (some happy, some tragic) through a spur of the minute song that came from the depths of their hearts, better than they could with words. I had many people whom I was frequently in the company of, during the 1950's and 1960's, who still expressed themselves that way. They're all gone now, but, Songcatcher takes me back to those times. That's why I love it so.Read full review
I spent many summers with my Grandparents @ their farm in West Virginia. My "Mamaw" as we lovingly called her was such a wonderful grand country women, and reminded me so much of the old Granny that took Miss Lily (The Song Catcher) into her home and heart. This is a GREAT movie; especially for anyone who has spent time in or near the Appalachian Mountains. The music is so wonderful, even if country music is not your thing. The old granny tells a story of a "Panther Cat".. Oh My! My Mamaw told a story much the same... and when the part came (I will not give it away) that coincided with her story - Well, I truly laughed and laughed until my tum hurt! It is a bittersweet story that earned the Sundance award & should have had many more! All the actors are just grand for the parts they played; Janet McTeer & Aidan Quinn are such a lively match for each other & getting to see Taj Mahal and hear him play was a special surprise! Do not give up on this movie because of the first 10 minutes! Oh No! The movie starts when she leaves the University she has been teaching at! Do watch it! I had lent my copy to "a friend" and never got it back.... Well I HAD to have another! I get it out every now and again and just watch and enjoy! Give it a try! I truly do not think you will be sorry!Read full review
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