Sommersby [VHS]

A well made drama with good performances from Richard Gere and Jodie Foster that’s one of those films from back in the 1990’s I remember originally coming out and still like.In the wake of the American Civil war John ‘Jack’ Sommersby returns home to his town and wife. His town welcomes him but his wife, to whom he had been a difficult husband, is warier. Over time, set against the backdrop of the reconstruction period after the war, Sommersby leads a plan to bring prosperity back to the area. Until he is arrested for murdering a man when he was away. But alongside this, doubts expressed about the ‘new’ Jack Sommersby lead his wife to wonder if the man who came back is actually her husband at all or actually an imposter.There may be an element that parts of the story are never really in much doubt, but the story is well enough built and the film builds to an affecting (maybe slightly emotionally manipulated) finale. It’s not a flash blockbuster, but it’s a good Sunday afternoon type film.

Directed by Jon Amiel, Sommersby is adapted from the historical account of 16th Century French peasant Martin Guerre. It was previously filmed as The Return of Martin Guerre in 1982. It stars Richard Gere, Jodie Foster and Bill Pullman. Music is by Danny Elfman and cinematography by Philippe Rousselot.In simple terms the film is about a man (Jack Sommersby) who went off to war and was presumed dead by his wife (Laurel) and the village folk of the village where he lived. Some 9 years later he returns a changed man, back in the marital bed and a hero to the village. But then questions start to crop up and it becomes a possibility that this man may not after all be who he claims to be. Sounds bizarre for sure, yet it's a true story, and a fascinating one at that.For this American version we get top line production values across the board, with the film propelled with grace and skill by Gere and Foster in the lead roles of Jack and Laurel Sommersby. Director Amiel rightly uses the slow burn approach, a consideration to the art of story telling. This draws the viewer firmly into the post Civil War period and lets us get to know the principal players and their surroundings.The core narrative thrust is a moving romance, one consistently under pressure of a mystery to be proved or disproved. But there's also economic issues to hand, very much so, and the vile stench of racism still hangs in the air. There's a lot going on in Sommersby and it never sags because of it. Also refreshing that in spite of some critical grumblings in some quarters, the ending is potent and not very Hollywood at all.It's not flawless and although it's based on a true story, some suspension of disbelief is needed as regards physical appearance of Jack and his means and motives. Yet this is a lovely film, simple in story telling structure, beautifully photographed and performed, it very much feels and plays like a classic era period piece. 8/10

One of my favourite films of all time and it doesn't date. Clever and heartbreaking.

The story is both simple and complicated at the same time. There are lots of flaws but that makes it one of the best films for Miss Foster and Mr Gere.After coming back from the wars, Mrs Sommersby is having difficulty rationalising the man in from of her with the man who left all those years ago and although he looks the same, he most certainly does not act the same. She has to fall in love with him all over again and the story flows quite smoothly until he is arrested for murder. There are some exquisite scenes through the trial and afterwards and the story line provokes thought and sympathy.The acting is fantastic and the film is timeless (once you get past the southern accents) and would highly recommend to add to your collection.

Lovely film , simple, but what a love story .Plus it has Richard Gere !

This was a beautiful story of love, compassion, mystery with super acting from all the cast especially Richard Gere!!!

I like this movie very much. I first saw it years ago & I like it now as much as the first time I watched it. Great story

Item arrived on time and was what was expected