Sommersby [DVD] [1993]

Great film, enjoyed immensely

A delightful story with great actors which is a tearjurker!

Directed by Jon Amiel, Sommersby is adapted from the historical account of 16th Century French peasant Martin Guerre. It was previously filmed as The Return of Martin Guerre in 1982. It stars Richard Gere, Jodie Foster and Bill Pullman. Music is by Danny Elfman and cinematography by Philippe Rousselot.In simple terms the film is about a man (Jack Sommersby) who went off to war and was presumed dead by his wife (Laurel) and the village folk of the village where he lived. Some 9 years later he returns a changed man, back in the marital bed and a hero to the village. But then questions start to crop up and it becomes a possibility that this man may not after all be who he claims to be. Sounds bizarre for sure, yet it's a true story, and a fascinating one at that.For this American version we get top line production values across the board, with the film propelled with grace and skill by Gere and Foster in the lead roles of Jack and Laurel Sommersby. Director Amiel rightly uses the slow burn approach, a consideration to the art of story telling. This draws the viewer firmly into the post Civil War period and lets us get to know the principal players and their surroundings.The core narrative thrust is a moving romance, one consistently under pressure of a mystery to be proved or disproved. But there's also economic issues to hand, very much so, and the vile stench of racism still hangs in the air. There's a lot going on in Sommersby and it never sags because of it. Also refreshing that in spite of some critical grumblings in some quarters, the ending is potent and not very Hollywood at all.It's not flawless and although it's based on a true story, some suspension of disbelief is needed as regards physical appearance of Jack and his means and motives. Yet this is a lovely film, simple in story telling structure, beautifully photographed and performed, it very much feels and plays like a classic era period piece. 8/10

Just as enjoyable as it was when it was first released. A remake of the return of Martin Guerre set in the aftermath of the American civil war. Excellent performances.

I like this movie very much. I first saw it years ago & I like it now as much as the first time I watched it. Great story

Had this on video, saw it on TV after along time and realized what a good film it is and I didn't have it in DVD,so ordered it from Amazona, delivery was very quick, but their service has always been good, vey pleased with the packaging etc

I loved this film. Its a love story with a twist and keeps you guessing to the end. Would highly recommend it. The acting is brilliant which is to be expected from Gere and Foster. A must-see

The story is both simple and complicated at the same time. There are lots of flaws but that makes it one of the best films for Miss Foster and Mr Gere.After coming back from the wars, Mrs Sommersby is having difficulty rationalising the man in from of her with the man who left all those years ago and although he looks the same, he most certainly does not act the same. She has to fall in love with him all over again and the story flows quite smoothly until he is arrested for murder. There are some exquisite scenes through the trial and afterwards and the story line provokes thought and sympathy.The acting is fantastic and the film is timeless (once you get past the southern accents) and would highly recommend to add to your collection.

First of all I apologize for asking for a refund and return. I discovered the following day that there is nothing wrong with the movie I purchased from you. The problem was me I was playing the DVD in the wrong player. The movie is fine. I will be keeping it. The cover shows no signs of wear and the movie is in great condition.

Quel magnifique film. Toute la tendresse qui est vécu malgré la fin inattendue.

Molto bello e sensitivo.

Era un regalo, y aunque no gustó tanto como creía creo que cumplió su objetivo. Y el proceso de compra fue fenomenal.

Meinen Vor-Rezensenten möchte ich beipflichten, das dieser Film wirklich super ist.Am Anfang, als der neue Jack Sommersby (Richard Gere) einen Toten unter Steinbrocken abdeckt , fragt man sichschon, wer das wohl sein soll und wie sich diese Szene für den weiteren Filmverlauf erklären wird.Es ist spannend, da der " alte" Jack Sommersby ein mieser Typ war, dem Keiner nachtrauerte, als er Frau, Kind und den Ort verließund dann kommt dieser Jack Sommersby (Richard Gere) als freundlicher, warmherziger, besorgter, fleißiger Mann zurück,liebend seine Frau und seinen Sohn, gibt den Schwarzen Landarbeitern ein eigenes Stück Land und ist auch sonst sehr menschlich, jovial, gütig und offen, lacht, scherzt und freut sich an kleinen Dingen des Lebens. Das krasse Gegenteil zu dem Jack Sommersby,den keiner mochte, weil er eben das Gegenteil von diesem war. Man beginnt zwar zu vermuten, das dieser Mann den echten Jack Sommersby unter den Steinen (am Filmbeginn) begraben hat und dessen Rolle übernimmt, aber wirklich sicher ist man sich des ganzen Filmes nicht, ob die Vermutung stimmt. Bis zum Ende.Es ist schön zu erleben, wie die Liebe zwischen Lauren (Jodie Foster) und " ihrem" Mann Jack nach und nach wieder erwacht und immer inniger und tiefer wird, Zärtlichkeiten und Liebesbekundungen sich häufen..... .Und er ist auch ein sehr liebevoller Vater für den Jungen.Richard Gere und Jodie Foster waren wirklich glaubwürdig, intensiv und echt in ihrer schauspielerischen Leistung.Ein Film, den ich mir mit Sicherheit gerne wieder ansehe.