By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 5 cats
Director: Wiebke von Carolsfeld
Starring: Margeurite McNeil | MollyParker | Rebecca Jenkins | Stacy Smith
Country: canada
Year: 2003
Running time: 106
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0329355
Chris says: “Quiet, understated Canadian film about three daughters dealing with their ailing mother and past demons. It has subtly sound performances, lovely cinematography, and a thoughtful, original script. Molly Parker stands out as Agnes, the prodigal alcoholic daughter who is as real and fleshed-out a female character as I’ve seen in awhile. This reminded me a little of Mike Leigh’s films, only with more optimism and a few less stereotypes. It didn’t move me as much as, say, THE STATION AGENT, but it came close.”
Ivy says: “This film was pretty simple and straightforward. Not many surprises in the script but the good casting really adds a quality to the story that might not have been there otherwise. I completely understand why it didn’t get distribution beyond Film Movement – simple dramas, especially those surrounding women character just don’t have sellability in the eyes of the film biz – but I hope that these things change some day. Kudos to them continuing to bring quality films to film audiences who are looking for more.
“The film is satisfying if not slightly melodramatic. The chemistry between the family members is amazing. I’m glad that I saw the film but I wasn’t totally blown away.”
Michael says: “Daniel MacIvor (THE FIVE SENSES, BEEFCAKE) has written an extraordinary family drama involving three sisters trying to deal with their dying mother and the shared secrets of their past. Surely a recipe for mawkish, formula family drama, MARION BRIDGE succeeds wonderfully thanks to MacIvor’s sharp, funny screenplay, strong performances by Parker, Jenkins, Smith and youngster Ellen Page, and an assured directorial hand by first-timer von Carolsfeld.
“BRIDGE is filled with laugh-out-loud humor and powerful emotion as Parker’s middle sister Agnes returns to her rural, Cape Breton hometown after living wild in Toronto. Her two sister Theresa and Louise view her return skeptically, but Agnes insists she’s given up the booze and drugs she once played heavily with, and takes charge of their mother’s care. Yet as in any family drama, those secrets preferred left undiscussed rear their ugly head. The sweeping Nova Scotia landscape echoes the arc of emotions of this troubled family dredged once more to the surface. A stand out film.” 5 cats