Rupert's Land

Not only was this the most expensive Canadian film ever shot in BC, but easily the worst, never seeing the light of day. The director is not even Canadian, but British, and boy does it show. We are all made out to be a bunch of over-sexed dope fiends and morons. The spirit of what it means to be Canadian is absent, and this is supposed to be the reason we fund this bunk. Of course the British character is normal. The rest are a crop of sitcom stereotype - can you say "Norm!!"? The cinematography ranges from pretty postcard images to murky indoor silhouettes. The actors always seem to be fidgetting. Are they as bored as the viewer, or is this the directors idea of cinema? Avoid this mess and check out some of Bruce Mcdonalds films. A true Canadian boy with something original to say cinematically. You won't be compelled to walk out on HIS films after 10 minutes.

Anyone that has see Tammuz's Child Eaters knows that this is a director that can do better. Let's hope it was not a case of too many hands in the pot (Telefilm anyone?)and that is was a case of second feature jitters. The characters are one dimensional and over used. The scenery is terrific however and showcases the Pacific Northwest beautifully.

The cinematography is great. Shot almost entirely outside, the images are crisp and beautiful. You can almost smell the wind blowing through the leaves.

Technically this movie is as sound as they come - it just lacks a heart.

My family loved this film. Not only because it was filmed in our home province of British Columbia and made references to so many of our local jokes and stories, but because it is a feel-good movie that leaves you smiling and laughing! The great acting and believable characters made me swear I got to know these people in real life. The fun (and sometimes unfortunate)plot developments made me feel like I was along for the ride on an epic road trip where everything seems to go wrong, but for all the right reasons, and in the end I'm thankful for everything that happened. Highly recommended by myself and my siblings, it's a film brothers should watch together. Only too bad I can't see it again since it's impossible to get a copy of.

Tammuz has crafted a solid work here. He focuses heavily on character, and his actors give the performances to match it. True, the vast majority of the humour comes from differences between characters from either side of the atlantic... but there is enough material there to bring the occasional belly laugh. Moments here and there are inspired (the railroad stands out), some are very moving, and all in all this is well worth a look.