Amy Foster (1997)
"Swept from the Sea" (original title)

The film tells the story of Russian emigree and the only survivor from ship crash Yanko Goorall and servant Amy Foster in the end of 19th century. When Yanko enters a farm sick and hungry ... See full summary »

Director:

Beeban Kidron

Writers:

Joseph Conrad (short story "Amy Foster"), Tim Willocks

Stars:

Rachel Weisz, Vincent Perez, Ian McKellen

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rachel Weisz	...	Amy Foster
Vincent Perez	...	Yanko Gooral
Ian McKellen	...	Dr. James Kennedy
Kathy Bates	...	Miss Swaffer
Joss Ackland	...	Mr. Swaffer
Tony Haygarth	...	Mr. Smith
Fiona Victory	...	Mrs. Smith
Tom Bell	...	Isaac Foster
Zoë Wanamaker	...	Mary Foster
William Scott-Masson	...	Mr. Willcox (as William Scott Masson)
Eve Matheson	...	Mrs. Willcox
Dave Hill	...	Jack Vincent
Roger Ashton-Griffiths	...	Canon Van Stone (as J.G.R. Ashton-Griffiths)
Matthew Scurfield	...	Thackery
Margery Withers	...	Widow Cree

Storyline

The film tells the story of Russian emigree and the only survivor from ship crash Yanko Goorall and servant Amy Foster in the end of 19th century. When Yanko enters a farm sick and hungry after the shipwreck, everyone is afraid of him, except for Amy, who is very kind and helps him. Soon he becomes like a son for Dr. James Kennedy and romance between Yanko and Amy follows.

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Plot Keywords:

russian | servant | farm | shipwreck | 19th century | 

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Taglines:

In the heart of an outcast he found his destiny. In the passion of an outsider she found her home.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for elements of theme and some sensuality

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 January 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Amy Foster

Filming Locations:

Blisland, Cornwall, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

DEM 6,290 (Germany) (8 May 1998)

Gross:

DEM 6,290 (Germany) (8 May 1998)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Phoenix Pictures, Tapson Steel Films Productions, The Greenlight Fund

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR SDDS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A song, "To Love and be Loved", written by John Barry and Tim Rice and sung by Corina Brouder, was recorded too late to be included in the film. However, it is on the film's soundtrack album.

User Reviews

Beautiful and moving tale

This film is about a Russian man who survives a shipwreck. He stays in Britain to start a new life, only to face maltreatment and discrimination. His life turns a new chapter when he falls in love against all odds.

"Swept from the Sea" is definitely a beautiful and emotional film. The second half of the film had so much emotions that captured me. It engages me so much that I wanted to know what will happen the next second. Rachel Weisz is brilliant in it, her fear in the hut and the subsequent guilt are played very well. Her lines about her dearest belongings being swept from the sea are touching and thought provoking. It saddens me as it highlights her position as an outcast in the community.

However, I find the first half of the film rather inconsistent. The relationship between different characters are inadequately introduced, so I was completely confused by the shocking revelation about Amy Foster's heritage.

Overall, I enjoyed watching "Swept from the Sea".