Watch Among Giants

Among Giants is a 1998 British romantic drama directed by Sam Miller and written by Simon Beaufoy. The film is set in the high wire world of electrical line maintenance where workers for hire climb the country's tallest pylons to mend damage or install new equipment. It follows the story of Ray (Pete Postlethwaite), a veteran maintenance worker, and Gerry (Rachel Griffiths), a free-spirited Australian who has come to the UK to escape her unhappy past. The two of them find an unlikely connection as they work on a job in the countryside of Northern England.

The film opens with Gerry hitching a ride with a group of electrical linemen. She is in search of work and something to distract her from her pain. She meets Ray, a gruff but kind-hearted man, who agrees to give her a job. Despite the age difference and their different backgrounds, they form a deep bond and become romantically involved.

The majority of the film takes place in the scenic countryside of Northern England, where Ray's team is tasked with repairing the electrical lines. The workers must climb up the giant pylons to repair the damage to the lines. The job is dangerous, and the work requires a great deal of skill and bravery. The film does an excellent job of showcasing the beauty and danger of the work, as well as the sense of camaraderie that exists between the workers.

Throughout the movie, we witness the growing relationship between Gerry and Ray. While they both have their own emotional baggage, they find solace in one another. They are both trying to escape their pasts, and the solitude of the rural countryside, as well as the dangers of their work, bring them closer together. Gerry brings out Ray's softer side, while Ray helps Gerry confront her fears and move on from her traumatic experiences.

As the film progresses, we see the relationship between the two of them deepen, and their bond becomes stronger. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Ray is still grieving the loss of his wife, and Gerry has a boyfriend back in Australia. Despite these challenges, they continue to be honest with each other and share their vulnerabilities, making their love story all the more touching.

The performances by both Postlethwaite and Griffiths are exceptional. Postlethwaite delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man who has been carrying the weight of his emotions for years. His performance is subtle yet powerful in its portrayal of grief and loss. Meanwhile, Griffiths imbues Gerry with a sense of whimsy and a hidden strength that make her character all the more compelling. The chemistry between the two of them is palpable, and their on-screen relationship is one of the highlights of the film.

Aside from the central romantic story, the film also touches on themes of work, masculinity, and community. The men who work on the electrical lines are portrayed as tough and rough around the edges, but they are also shown as having a deep sense of camaraderie and loyalty to one another. There is a strong sense of community among them, and they are willing to go to great lengths to help each other out.

Overall, Among Giants is a poignant and moving film that offers a unique look at an often-overlooked profession. It is a beautiful film that showcases the stunning landscape of Northern England and offers an honest and touching portrayal of the relationship between two unlikely characters. With excellent performances and a compelling story, it is a film that is not to be missed.

Among Giants is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.