Review of Legends of the Fall (1994) by Kate . — 12 Mar 2009

After witnessing the injustice and brutality of the 20th Century Indian Wars, the stern but fair Colonel Ludlow moved with his wife and three sons to the tranquillity of the Montana Rockies to lead a peaceful life.

His sons, Alfred, the eldest, reserved and practical, Tristan, who is wild and fierce, and Samuel, the innocent and the youngest, grow up together in peace; but when Samuel brings his Fiancé Susannah to live with them; she stirs a great rivalry between each of the Brothers, ending in great tragedy.

Edward Zwick's 'Legends of the Fall' is a grand, sweeping, romantic epic. Its extrapolating narrative unfolds over the lifetimes of several characters, spanning over several decades and it is never tedious or mundane to watch.

If you're a fan of period romances or melodramas then this is going to be a worthwhile way to spend your time. The cast are excellent. Anthony Hopkins makes an excellently complacent Colonel Ludlow, and Aidan Quinn, Brad Pitt and Henry Thomas are all equally as brilliant in their portrayals of the his three sons.

Julia Ormond's portrayal of Susannah to, is also worthy of credit. The oppositions in the narrative of the three different sons, the immovable object of the father, the captivating beauty of the woman and the unexplainable magic of the native American man are all intertwined superbly by the director.

There is betrayal to the highest degree; but there is also redemption and forgiveness. Not to mention the fact that this all takes place against the stunning natural backdrop of the Montana Rockies. The film showcases the beauty of Nature and the wild superbly.

It also manages to highlight the horrors of The First World War briefly, but expertly. If you really immerse yourself in to the picture, you'll find yourself moved to tears on more than one occasion.

The only criticism I have is the elevating but for the majority of the time over-powering score. It does taint a few emotional moments, but not enough to hinder the film completely. Full of raw, intense performances and breath-taking scenery, 'Legends of the fall' really is an epic experience.