Plot: What’s it about?
Paul Sutton (Keanu Reeves) has served his time in the second World War, now he is ready to return home to his young wife. But while this should be a very positive time for him, Paul instead wonders what he will do, as he knows he and his wife have grown apart in the time he was gone. Left with little to look forward to, Paul starts to work as a traveling salesman and as he moves around, he ends up aboard a bus, where he meets someone who will change his life forever. This person is Victoria (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon), a beautiful young woman who finds herself in a very bad position. She is on her way back home, but she has a lot of worries, as she is pregnant and the father is nowhere to be found. If she returns home with child and no husband in tow, her family will be disgraced and she is worried they will cast her out of their lives. Soon, Paul makes a bold suggestion, what if he posed as her husband and then left her soon after, which would allow her to save face with her kinfolk? This is what happens, but when Paul spends more time with Victoria and her family, he finds himself deeper in love with her each day. Paul knows he is married and must leave someday, but can he and Victoria ever come clean about their love?
I’m not usually one romantic dramas, but I have to admit, A Walk In The Clouds had me at hello. I like the characters, storyline, and all that jazz, but where this film sucked me in was the visuals, which provide a beautiful backdrop for all that happens here. I mean, even when the storyline or characters slip a little, you can always just soak up the visuals, which more than make up for the small flaws that emerge in this picture. I love the sequences that showcase the fields and gorgeous skies, but even the more simple landscape shots seem to ooze beauty and dazzle the eyes. But the visuals aren’t the only plus here, as the storyline is also quite good and allows for some wonderful character interaction. The character development is more than solid, but unless the role is one in the main plotline, the character is usually thin, but that doesn’t hinder the movie too much. The cast is also good and includes Keanu Reeves, Giancarlo Giannini, Anthony Quinn, and Aitana Sanchez-Gijon, all of whom seem in fine form here. Of course, the usual romantic elements are here and that means some will weep and others will groan, so I think a rental will be the best recommendation. But this disc is a good one, so if you’d like to add this to your collection, don’t hesitate to do so.
This film has two leads and a few smaller roles to flesh out the story, which seems to be enough to keep the plot moving along. I’m never sure what to expect from Keanu Reeves, as sometimes he can nail a role, while other times he falls flat in a part he should have mastered. Reeves has never been known for his traditional skills, but he can usually spot the roles suited for him and here, he made the right decision. This part allows Reeves to showcase his better skills and his lesser ones are tucked away, so in the end, this is one of his better performances. He seems to have latched on to more action roles of late, but I hope to see him return to films like this one soon. You can also see Reeves in such films as The Replacements, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, The Devil’s Advocate, River’s Edge, The Matrix, and The Watcher. The rest of the cast includes Aitana Sanchez-Gijon (Mouth to Mouth), Angelica Aragon (Like A Bride, Picking Up The Pieces), Giancarlo Giannini (Swept Away, Hannibal), and the always great Anthony Quinn (Lawrence of Arabia, Behold A Pale Horse). The director of this film is Alfonso Arau, who also helmed movies such as Picking Up The Pieces, Like Water For Chocolate, and The Barefoot Eagle.
Video: How does it look?
A Walk In The Clouds is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This is a very nice transfer and if you notice a glow to the image, don’t be concerned, as that is the intended visual state. Not all the scenes showcase this golden haze of sorts, but a lot of them do and here, they look terrific. The colors are well replicated here also, the hues seem vivid and bold at all times, while flesh tones look warm and natural as well. I saw no evidence of smears or bleeds either, even the richest hues never look oversaturated. I saw no problems with contrast either here, as detail is very good and black levels are at a perfect balance. In the end, I could find no flaws with this presentation and as such, I am giving it our highest score.
Audio: How does it sound?
This is a romantic drama, so the need for dynamic audio is low, but the included Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks does flex some muscle here and there. The musical score is well presented here, as the surrounds are used to immerse the viewer, very cool indeed. The most active scenes come in the form of a few tense and powerful sequences, which feature some excellent use of the surrounds, which is always welcome when it is needed. I heard no flaws with the dialogue, which is good since this movie is powered by it most of the time. This isn’t the disc to show off your system with, but it is better than most romantic dramas, so fans should be pleased here. This disc also includes 2.0 surround tracks in English and French, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes a five minute behind the scenes featurette and the film’s theatrical trailer.
