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The River is a 1984 drama film directed by Mark Rydell and starring Mel Gibson, Sissy Spacek, and Scott Glenn. The film follows the story of a farming family struggling to keep their land and livelihood intact as they face numerous challenges, including the construction of a hydroelectric dam that threatens to flood their land. Set in rural Tennessee, the movie revolves around Tom and Mae Garvey, a couple who own a small farm and have three children. Their peaceful life is disrupted when they learn about the construction of a dam, which will flood their land and make it impossible for them to continue farming. Tom and Mae refuse to sell their land to the government, and they, along with their neighbors, form a community to fight against the dam.
The River's plot is about the Garveys' struggle with nature and the human-created obstacles that threaten to ruin their livelihood. As the story progresses, we see the harsh reality behind farming and how it takes a toll on the physical and emotional health of those involved. Tom suffers from back pain, Mae faces the wrath of local businessmen, and their son, Hank, struggles to come to terms with his father's injuries and the real possibility of losing their farm.
The characters are well-rounded, and their stories are intertwined in a way that emphasizes the family's struggle. The film does not shy away from showing the harsh realities of life on a farm, and the actors give commendable performances as we see how their lives are affected by the unforgiving nature of the land.
The scene-stealer of the film is the river itself. Rydell masterfully directs the camera to showcase the rugged beauty of the place, as well as the power of the waters themselves. The river is both a source of life and a potential source of destruction, and the tension between these two aspects is palpable throughout the movie.
Another theme that the film addresses is the struggle of the rural community against the government's policies. The government officials are portrayed as unfeeling bureaucrats who do not understand the plight of the small farmers. The film touches on the idea that progress sometimes comes at the cost of destroying people's lives, an idea that is still relevant today.
The soundtrack of the film is composed by John Williams, and it complements the movie's tone perfectly. The music adds an emotional depth to the scenes while also highlighting the harshness of the land.
The River's ending is bittersweet, and it leaves the audience with an impression of the resilience of the human spirit. The film is a poignant reminder of the importance of family, community, and the relationship between humans and nature.
In conclusion, The River is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged drama that explores the complexities of rural life and the struggle of a community against the forces that would destroy it. With powerful performances from its cast and beautiful cinematography, the movie is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates films that tackle important social issues.
The River is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes.
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Genres
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DirectorRick Walters
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Release Date2021
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Runtime1 hr 31 min
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LanguageEnglish
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