Watch Swept from the Sea

Swept from the Sea is a 1997 period drama film directed by Beeban Kidron and starring Rachel Weisz, Vincent Perez, and Ian McKellen. The movie is set in the early 20th century, in a small fishing village on the coast of Cornwall in England. The story is inspired by the classic 1901 novel Amy Foster by Joseph Conrad. The film tells the story of a Russian emigrant named Yanko Gooral, who is the sole survivor of a shipwreck that occurs off the coast of Cornwall. Yanko is saved by the villagers and taken in by a young woman named Amy Foster, who is seen as an outsider because of her status as an orphan and because she has been branded as crazy due to her erratic behavior. Though the villagers are initially wary of Yanko, they eventually come to accept him, and he becomes known for his strength and hard work. Amy, who speaks no Russian, is fascinated by Yanko and teaches him English.

As the two become closer, they face resistance from Amy's fellow villagers, who strongly disapprove of their relationship. Despite this, Yanko and Amy fall deeply in love, and he proposes marriage. However, their happiness is short-lived when they are faced with a tragedy that threatens to tear them apart forever.

Rachel Weisz delivers a strong performance as Amy Foster, a young woman who has been shunned by those around her but finds solace in her relationship with Yanko. Weisz captures the character's vulnerability and her determination to forge her own path in life. Vincent Perez is equally compelling as Yanko, a proud and enigmatic figure who is struggling to find his place in the world after his traumatic experience at sea. Through his performance, Perez effectively conveys the character's confusion and frustration as he tries to navigate a new culture and language.

Ian McKellen adds weight and gravitas to the film as Dr. Kennedy, a local physician who befriends Yanko and tries to mediate between the young man and the town's more conservative residents. McKellen brings a sense of wisdom and compassion to the character, making Dr. Kennedy a voice of reason and a source of comfort for both Yanko and Amy.

The movie's settings are beautiful, with the rugged coastline and rolling hills of Cornwall serving as a stunning backdrop to the story. The cinematography, by Dick Pope, captures the stark beauty of the landscape, as well as the intimacy of the village and the emotional turmoil of the characters. The film score, by John Barry, is haunting and evocative, adding to the film's resonance.

Swept from the Sea is a poignant and powerful film that explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition. It is a deeply emotional story that will undoubtedly resonate with audiences, particularly those who have ever felt like outsiders in their own communities. Though it is a period piece, the film's themes and messages are timeless, and its performances and visuals are striking and memorable. Overall, Swept from the Sea is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that is well worth watching.

Swept from the Sea is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.