Review of Kristin Lavransdatter (1995) by Dfw F — 27 Mar 2010

I got this movie because I had read the book (and the two that followed it) and liked them very much. I was curious to see how this would be adapted for the screen.

I find it difficult to assess the film on its own merits because, as almost always, the book was SOOOO much better. Although this movie was made in 1995, the style made it seem as if it were made in the 1950s or 1960s. The style of very big on the melodrama and small on the dialogue and character development. Perhaps that's how the book is, but the book gives you a much more complete understanding of the all the circumstances. I don't think I would have enjoyed the film if I didn't understand and like the story from the book.

The movie is long and moves slowly, but the scenery is very pretty. If you're not already a fan of this book then I'd probably skip the movie.