Review of North Country (2005) by John R P — 03 Nov 2012

Set aside the aspect that the story is based on a landmark legal case, one that had profound impact around the world and never mind the drama that conveys how a battered mother of two was castigated, even by her own father, because she kept secret her rape by a teacher when she was sixteen; there are, in my opinion, nine good reasons for watching this movie, and they are: Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Richard Jenkins, Jeremy Renner, Sean Bean, Sissy Spacek, Michelle Monaghan and Brad William Henke. Experienced, talented and all delivering very good performances. Theron and McDormand were nominated for Oscars in a year (2005) that did not lack in great movies and when the Oscars nominations were limited to five.

In 2005-2006, I was not able to watch as many movies I have in recent years and so I overlooked this movie for too long. The cast is, as you obviously could tell, my first reason for picking this movie to watch recently. The box office was not a success, though ratings by critics and viewers alike were good to not bad; the storyline doesn't have what one would call entertaining appeal. However, for those who look for more than just entertainment, those who want an experience, this movie will deliver the goods. I was surprised how a few reviewers completely missed the point of the movie, focusing on the wrong things, the ones that, in life, don't matter all that much; instead I think I got the message that Michael Seitman was conveying through his script, and what McDormand, Bean and especially Harrelson were making. Theron had the least desirable part, that of the lead, because her character is one that made all the others shine; I can't think of too many movies that work in such a way.

The closing credits inform the audience of the importance of the legal precedent and how money was never the issue; the movie uses the story to tell something more important about life than a legal struggle and if you get that, you are not only happier for having watched it, you are wiser than most. So with all that being said, you can determine if this movie is for you.