Matt matt I'm impressed with the volume of favorable reviews of this film. If you've gone this far, there's no reason at all for me to rehash the plot, the marvelous acting, or the directorial skills displayed here. If I may add something new to the reviews, I would like to say that it's a sad world where Anthony Hopkins is much more known for his portrayal of Hannibal Lechter in The Silence Of The Lambs franchise. I despised those movies, not because I don't like horrific flicks. Check out my other reviews if you think I'm a sob sister who just can't take it. But this is not a review of those films, so I'll proceed...What makes this film rise to greatness is it's portrayal of a man who thinks he has life, the universe, and everything, all wrapped up in a tidy intellectual package, and then finds himself doing and feeling things which force him to completely reevaluate the foundations of his life and faith. I can't help but think that there are many Christians who considered the subject of C. S. Lewis to be safe ground to venture through. Those who only know him through his Narnia stories, and the approval given for those films by their clergy, must have been quite surprised to find the man willing to break immigration laws to wed a somewhat bohemian woman for reasons of citizenship. I hope that those who first recoil at the truth of his life, grow as Lewis did as he faced the contradictions to his smug, self satisfied, view of himself and his faith. If you're a macho man who can't imagine himself capable of crying at a film, get ready to have the rug pulled out from under your pretension. This film hits notes of truth in sadness that are specifically male, and completely missing from 99.99% of cinematography. You will cry not because you are manipulated, but because you recognize yourself in this gentle intellectual facing the glory of love, the pain of unfair tragedy, and the responsibility that endures beyond the drama. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, watch this wonderful film. Share it with a loved one.

werefox08 Richard Attenboroughs best directorial piece. This is the true story about C.S.Lewis...an above average English novelist. The year is 1951 when he meets a fan( a U.S.A. lady) played by Debra Winger. Lewis gives us the very strong impression..that he does not know how to..."do it". Well there was no internet then..!! He tries a weak kiss...but it doesn't really work... Winger puts on an ..."Ï know its very complex" act as she attempts to give reassurance. There is a huge stop sign for these fine people...and it says STOP. Winger develops terminal cancer..which is never a good sign......C.S.--- Decides to fall in love with this...USA....lady ...and marries her. It really is a fine film...even if the young kids wont get it. They will be looking for...Super--Heroes, or Will Ferrel. Is there a difference..???.....Both are not funny..... A good...movie,,,,,if you are over 32

chrisart7 "Shadowlands" is possibly the most emotionally resonant, evocative film made in the 1990s, and it is amazing that this motion picture has not been available on region 1 DVD for many years.Anthony Hopkins plays the Oxford don well, though his Welsh-accented English would have been more accurate had it an Irish tinge instead. Debra Winger is an appealing choice for Joy Gresham, but her Brooklyn accent comes and goes, sometimes within a single scene. She could have used a language coach.Though much attention is paid to period detail (1952), it is jarring to see some post-Beatles moptops on several of Lewis' Oxford colleagues (Christopher Riley, marvellously played by John Wood, for one) and their scenes spoil the illusion somewhat.The film ends with a crisis of faith for C. S. Lewis after the death of his beloved Joy, which doubtless resonated with many viewers who have no particular convictions, but in truth Lewis' faith in Jesus Christ was renewed yet again.Lord Richard Attenborough did a fine job of direction, as did George Fenton with the film's score, and William Nicholson who adapted his own stage play. The resulting movie, whether intentional or not, shares some of the same ambiance as "Love Letters" and "Brief Encounter" (both filmed in 1945).

smartmart-1 The famous author of the Narnia chronicles' life is effected by his correspondence with an American Poet. His friendship grows, resulting in his 'technical marriage' to her to enable her to live in the UK. She falls ill and only then does he realise his true feelings for her. Feelings that he has protected himself from for his entire life.I knew it from the first moment I watched Shadowlands, but many years later I watched it again and knew that my earlier feelings were true. This is as perfect a film as I would love to watch. The writing is exact in every word, the acting true and sublime, the cinematography heavenly and the direction pulls the viewer into the story and doesn't let go to the very end. Criticise it at your peril because this is one film that I can confidently defend without fear of attrition. If you don't like it then you're opinion is wrong. Plain and simple.