Amazon.com essential video: This emotionally moving romantic drama was adapted by William Nicholson from his own acclaimed play, based upon the real-life romance (during the 1950s) between the British writer C.S. Lewis and a divorced American poet named Joy Gresham. Best known for writing The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Lewis (Anthony Hopkins) is living comfortably as a respected Oxford don, his academic lifestyle a kind of shell protecting him from the emotional risk of love. Joy Gresham (Debra Winger) arrives at Oxford as an avid admirer of Lewis's writing, and the safety of his collegiate routine is quickly disrupted when Lewis realizes that he's fallen deeply and unexpectedly in love. Their courtship is uniquely engaging; he's shy and uncertain, she's outspoken and bold. But when Joy is diagnosed with cancer, Lewis's Christian faith is put to the test--he cannot fathom why their happiness together would be so drastically challenged. Together, they find a way to accept and honor the time they have shared together, and under the sensitive direction of Richard Attenborough, Shadowlands arrives at a conclusion that is both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Hopkins and Winger are equally superb in this absorbing story of personal and spiritual transformation--a story previously filmed for British television in 1985, with Joss Ackland and Claire Bloom. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - great price and delivery
The price on this tape was great and the delivery was very timely. The tape box shows wear (as stated) but the tape is in excellent condition. I would certainly use this seller again without hesitation.
Rating: - Moving
When C.S.Lewis, author of such books as "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" was only a small boy of 9, his mother died and he learned that his only way through the pain and loneliness was to encase himself ... Read More
Rating: - Beautiful and Infuriating
This movie is beautiful and has lovely acting and gorgeous sets and even terrific writing.
The directing, as usual with Attenborough, is first-rate.
Rating: - a masterpiece...
I can say unequivocally that this is my favorite movie of it's type. It is not a documentary nor is it intended to be. It is a drama loosely based (Douglas Grisham's words) on a small window of CS Lewis' life. ... Read More
Rating: - Not a Documentary but a Commentary
This movie fails to be the documentary based on "true story" but a commentary by the director and actors which fails to provide the essential Lewis story.
What is left out primarily is his faith life, ... Read More
- great price and delivery
- Beautiful and Infuriating