Review of How Green Was My Valley (1941) by Luke G — 12 Apr 2008
A cinematic masterpeice from the man that brought us another cinematic gem, THE GRAPES OF WRATH. Director John Ford tells the story of a family of Welch coal miners with every sense of beauty, excellence and heart he can muster.
Told through the eyes of bright-eyed young boy, played with child-like wonder by Roddy McDowel, we see a family struggle through the harshness of a coal minors life when jobs become threatened by falling wages and an increase in workers.
As the town struggles off a strike, along with civil unrest, we see how a particluar family is shaken by the situation, yet continues to press on, through the most dire and tragic of cirmcumstances. This is a film that begs you to grab hold of hope instead of despair, fight for truth even in the shadow of lies, and be grounded in a love for family and a faith that can guide you through any of lifes troubles.
The film also reminds us that even amidst the smoke of burning coal that continuously billows from the towns mines, not so far away there remains a green valley, a symbol for the peace and serenity that exists even within the threatening smoke of man's industry and greed.
This review of How Green Was My Valley (1941) was written by Luke G on 12 Apr 2008.
How Green Was My Valley has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
