kastellos I tend to over-rate mushy romances, but I think I am being more objective than usual in saying that this is a very good one. The story line is predictable: the religious nice widow with a small boy is attracted to the not so nice bad man (i.e.,"Nice girls like bad boys."). Compounding this formula is the son who is drawn to the man.This is all the more reason that I rate this film so highly; even though it is an old formula, it WORKS in this movie. The viewer very much wants the two to get together and you want them to "live happily ever after." Two reasons this works so well are Daly and Watts. They exude a strong chemistry and are very good actors and therefore they pull if off, moreover they have never looked better.Even though it was (I believe) a "to video and TV" release, I highly recommend it.

ReneeMarie Jobin Oh the exhaling still continues from my chest. What a breathless and deeply moving movie that not one could ever say they can't relate in some manner. Again...the forbidden LOVE. The Heart....The Soul.... The Consequences....The Tragedies and The Triumphs. To what length would one go? To what painful part of their past or their mind and memories.? What to bury,and what to dig up.? The simplicity of the film is what gives it the tenure and depth. I would strongly recommend this film to anyone. I am grateful I stumbled upon it. Just another small blessing. It will make you wonder just what it is that takes your breath away. Or what it is that keeps you held motionless, all the while knowing your heart is beating hard as the character itself does. The portrayal is authentic. The plot is obvious and the ending is not guessable. Enjoy!!Renee Marie

classicsoncall "The Outsider" offers a twist on the typical open range Western theme; this time around the sheep farmers are a sect resembling Quakers and the confrontation between the existing ranchers and their peaceful opposition is overshadowed by deeply held religious values. On a more personal level, the widowed Rebecca Yoder (Naomi Watts) must overcome the fear of a notorious gunman in her home while she nurses him back from death's door, even as she begins to fall in love with him.If your only familiarity with actor Tim Daly is the character he portrayed in the TV comedy "Wings", then you're in for a surprise. He's genuinely convincing as gunfighter Johnny Gault and takes up the gauntlet early on behalf of Rebecca and her young son Benjo. His own transforming redemption begins when rancher Fergus Hunter (John Noble) comes calling with benign contempt - "I believe I heard you speakin' unkindly to this kind lady".If the title hadn't been used before, "The Angel and the Badman" would have been a perfect fit for this story. That 1947 Republic film cast John Wayne in a similar role to Johnny Gault playing opposite Gail Russell. In a scene highly reminiscent of the earlier movie, Johnny leaves his holstered gun behind to take part in the hymnal service; John Wayne's character did the same more than once to show deference for a people who live a 'plain and narrow life'.That plain life begins to unravel for Rebecca as she commits herself to Johnny. It's here where the film explores the prohibitive constraints of religious belief and traditions, as Rebecca winds up the most dangerous person in her Quaker like community, a free thinker. There's a wonderfully symbolic moment following Rebecca's speech to the congregation declaring her love for Gault; as she runs outside to be with him, the camera focuses on her white cap, 'fallen' to the ground as if to underscore her schism from the community.The other symbolic moment, and one just as powerful occurs as Johnny and Benjo maintain a vigil over the severely wounded Rebecca. Johnny's gun and bullets go into the fire, along with Benjo's sling, as if to atone for her shooting at the hands of Hunter's henchman. It's a renouncing of a former life and the start of a new one, if only Rebecca survives.Be sure to pay attention throughout the entire film to appreciate the exceptional cinematography. One scene in particular has a beautiful moon shot that dissolves around a horse drawn buggy and is wonderfully done. Also, as others have mentioned in their posts for the film, the Norwegian background music is a perfect complement to the events on screen.

cleodeo I really loved this movie and I find it very good for several reasons. First - it's a nice and very moving story about love, passion and prejudice. Next - the actors - the chemistry between Tim Daly and Naomi Watts is great, they make every moment, every word and gesture believable and real. It's a pity Daly doesn't get more roles like that, he is a very intelligent and talented actor with a really strong presence on the screen. And finally - the music and the camera work that make that atmosphere very intense and sensual at one time or serene and dreamy at another.A must - simple, strong and beautiful.