"S&G" is the story of a pair of young adults, a Jewish man and a Welsh woman, who come together in 1911 Wales when times were tough, families ties were necessarily strong, and intense antisemetic feelings existed among the Welsh population. At issue is whether the star-crossed lovers are the victims of youthful infatuation and libido or so deeply in love they can persevere against all odds. "S&G", a well crafted film shot in Wales, spoken in three languages, with fine performances by the leads, is not likely to be a popular film owing to the many negative, foreign, or esoteric issues involved. However, its integrity cannot be denied.
26 Reviews
Is this an English or a Welsh film???
carys81614 February 2006
Being Welsh, and being able to speak the language, I was particularly drawn to this film. This film is also part of the A level syllabus which is taught on Welsh courses, and even for Welsh learners. I see that many people have commented on the content of the film, and the effects of the love story in general. I would like to comment on the 'language' ethic of the film. As the film is trilingual, we notice it immediately raises a cultural conflict. However, most people have found that the film was shot in Welsh and English for the purposes of 'Welsh' audiences. I watched the Welsh version the other day, and it just doesn't make sense. To me, each culture is represented by the language that's spoken, be it Welsh, English and Yiddish. I see English as particularly symbolic as it provides a bridge between the Welsh/ Yiddish culture, which is embodied by Solomon and Gaenor. Why then, is it necessary to have a Welsh version where Solomon can coincidentally speak Welsh with a wonderful accent?? I was very confused by this. I think the English version should remain as it is, as this is the true purpose of the film- to present a story of forbidden love within the diversity of culture. English is a very important part of the film, and to record a Welsh version of it just seems pointless to the meaning of the story. I have every intention of thinking of this as a Welsh film, but that small difference has made a difference to its whole intention. Apart from this, the English version provided us with excellent acting, a wonderful score and a meaningful portrayal of love an Wales.
Not so much of the Romeo and Juliet thing, please!
MEG-4024 January 2002
I have never really understood why so many stories of "star crossed" lovers are always compared to Romeo and Juliet, which, fair enough, was about families at odd with each other, but, in my opinion, Solomon and Gaenor is so much more. A really sad story about bigoted people who are just perpetuating a centuries old hatred of people who are different to themselves. The supposedly Christian people who should practise what they preach and the Jewish people who will not integrate for fear of losing something of themselves in the process is the real dilemma of this story. Solomon and Gaenor are the ultimate losers in this harsh Welsh world of miner's strikes and religious bigotry in the early years of the 20th century when everything was seen as back and white and there was no place for shades of grey inbetween. More people should have the opportunity to see this film which, as far as I know, was never shown in cinemas in Australia and only consigned to a late night viewing time on a little watched TV station, as there is a lesson to be learned from this really well acted film .
A spellbinding tale of lovers who broke the rules
emuir-124 July 2004
I watched this poignant film after a week of slogging through the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and was happy to relax with a quiet simple story. Instead I found a riveting tragedy of a young couple in falling in love, and by doing so, breaking the rigid rules that held their different social orders together. The setting was South Wales in 1911, a turbulent time of changing social order. These was not the happy singing miners of "How Green Was my Valley", you knew that these miners had a desperately hard life.
Gaenor belonged to a proud chapel-going Welsh mining family holding together through hard times and strikes. Sundays were spent in the chapel where they accepted being publicly chastised for their transgressions.
Solomon was a Russian Jewish peddler whose family had fled persecution in Europe. When things got tough for the miners they would take it out on the small Jewish shopkeepers. The misalliance threatened and was unacceptable to both groups, who depended on sticking together for their survival. What was seen by the families as fleeting young love, was actually something much deeper and lasting, which ultimately led to tragedy.
Everyone in the film was well cast, especially Ioan Gruffudd who was excellent in the role of Solomon.
Gaenor belonged to a proud chapel-going Welsh mining family holding together through hard times and strikes. Sundays were spent in the chapel where they accepted being publicly chastised for their transgressions.
Solomon was a Russian Jewish peddler whose family had fled persecution in Europe. When things got tough for the miners they would take it out on the small Jewish shopkeepers. The misalliance threatened and was unacceptable to both groups, who depended on sticking together for their survival. What was seen by the families as fleeting young love, was actually something much deeper and lasting, which ultimately led to tragedy.
Everyone in the film was well cast, especially Ioan Gruffudd who was excellent in the role of Solomon.
different religion , love , sex , pregnant , death.
afterdarkpak13 July 2020
Good movie with some solid performance. and yeah . this happens still alot in many 3rd world countries. cast and religion is important . but one(among tghem) should be very careful when going for love to another different religious person.
This is an engrossing, heartbreaking, wonderful film!
stefanee26 January 2001
Solomon and Gaenor is a film that sincerely captures the magic of the discovery of pure love, and also depicts so painfully what happens when ethnicism and hate work against it. I found so much of the film to be right on target with what people will do to make the "impossible" possible. There are so many forces at war in this movie: Truth versus deception; love versus hate; joy versus pain; sin versus virtue; ecstacy versus agony; and that's just a glimpse! I felt that I was not watching actors, but rather that I was part of the air surrounding the goings-on in these characters' lives. I was completely immersed in the story. Not only was the acting so on the mark, but the dialog was superb, the emotional struggle was palpable, and the lessons learned are as pertinent today as they were portrayed in this story set in Wales long ago. The story itself is truly a tragedy. The film, however, is magnificent.
Heart Renching
mariahswind23 January 2002
Warning: Spoilers
This film was finally televised here in Australia and I have been waiting to see more of Ioan Gruffudd thus I eagerly watched. Knowing from the beginning if this was to be realistic the love of Solomon and Gaenor was doomed in one way or another but still in the end I was consumed with grief as if my own loved one had had been ripped from life. To make it even more heart renching and tragic dear Gaenor isn't even to find happiness in the gift of life which came the day Solomon's was taken. A must see for those who like a well written realistic film. But if you like happy endings keep this one at a safe distance as it will tear your heart out.
Starcrossed Lovers - What makes this one better?
ffmenguc15 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Well, the story of "Solomon and Gaenor" isn't exactly original. It's the centuries old tale of star-crossed lovers, with a different setting and time. Uncompromising families, the hardship that surrounds everyone's lives, the protective, stern and brutal brother and of course, the sad ending; every element is present.
In my opinion, a few things put this film above others that utilize similar "star-crossed lovers" plots.
1. Cinematography: Great throughout the film, brilliant at certain pivotal sequences... Solomon's death is one of those scenes (with the camera rotating 360 degrees in bird's eye view) and so is his last trip across the snowy Welsh countryside. The nude scenes between the lovers were also shot with great elegance, but without compromising the feeling of authenticity.
2. Symbolism: The old church ruin (which is revisited at one of the very last scenes) becoming a refuge for the pair, and the almost simultaneous death and birth are the most memorable. I was glad to see that the symbolism didn't get too heavy handed, although it had many opportunities to do so.
3. Unpretentious and accurate portrayal of the characters: Firstly, the film doesn't miss the vital point that it's the love, not the lovers, that is noble and grand in a story like this. The lovers are portrayed as the young and confused human beings they are, without overlooking their flaws and weaknesses. Same goes for the supporting characters. Solomon's mother couldn't have been more real. I'm sure every Jewish family has one relative who somewhat resembles her. When I heard her speak, I almost shouted "bubbe"! Also, the money spent on the language coach seems to have paid off.
It didn't hurt either, that both Salamon and Gaenor were portrayed by absolutely gorgeous looking actors. (Being male, I'm more fit to judge Gaenor's appearance than Shlomo's, but I presume Mr. Gruffudd's looks wouldn't get him kicked out of too many beds.) Somehow we seem to be more interested in a romance led by two good looking people rather than two, that are less so.
Good film. Heck! The first romance I really enjoyed from beginning till the end.
In my opinion, a few things put this film above others that utilize similar "star-crossed lovers" plots.
1. Cinematography: Great throughout the film, brilliant at certain pivotal sequences... Solomon's death is one of those scenes (with the camera rotating 360 degrees in bird's eye view) and so is his last trip across the snowy Welsh countryside. The nude scenes between the lovers were also shot with great elegance, but without compromising the feeling of authenticity.
2. Symbolism: The old church ruin (which is revisited at one of the very last scenes) becoming a refuge for the pair, and the almost simultaneous death and birth are the most memorable. I was glad to see that the symbolism didn't get too heavy handed, although it had many opportunities to do so.
3. Unpretentious and accurate portrayal of the characters: Firstly, the film doesn't miss the vital point that it's the love, not the lovers, that is noble and grand in a story like this. The lovers are portrayed as the young and confused human beings they are, without overlooking their flaws and weaknesses. Same goes for the supporting characters. Solomon's mother couldn't have been more real. I'm sure every Jewish family has one relative who somewhat resembles her. When I heard her speak, I almost shouted "bubbe"! Also, the money spent on the language coach seems to have paid off.
It didn't hurt either, that both Salamon and Gaenor were portrayed by absolutely gorgeous looking actors. (Being male, I'm more fit to judge Gaenor's appearance than Shlomo's, but I presume Mr. Gruffudd's looks wouldn't get him kicked out of too many beds.) Somehow we seem to be more interested in a romance led by two good looking people rather than two, that are less so.
Good film. Heck! The first romance I really enjoyed from beginning till the end.
Welsh Gold
nic_miles3 May 2002
Being a Welshman, and one who lives in the locality where parts of this movie were filmed (I was lucky enough to be able to spend a couple of hours watching some of the filming in the village of Nantymoel, near my home), I guess I was always going to have a soft spot for this movie.
That aside, 'Solomon a Gaenor' is one of the few (if not only) film I've found that represents an accurate depiction of life in the coal mining valleys of South Wales - a hard, grim and pretty depressing time and place in many ways. The setting, story and performances (with Ioan Gruffudd and Nia Roberts outstanding in the lead roles) hits the nail squarely on the head and draw you into the bleak, harsh lives of the protagonists. The supporting performances are also top notch, with Maureen Lipman particularly impressive.
It was refreshing to see the native languages of the characters used throughout the film. I'm not a Welsh (or Yiddish!) speaker, but the added realism created by the use of these languages far outweigh the minor inconvenience of subtitles.
To answer a couple of points I've picked up from other Comments about this film on the site - firstly, the language is WELSH, not Gaelic. Secondly, there are variations of the Soundtrack available, with versions fully in Welsh and Yiddish (with English subtitles), and a more English based version.
This is not (thankfully) a movie that panders to base demands for a happy story, a happy ending or plenty of action. It is a very good, well made, well acted portrait of life in the valley's of South Wales in times past. Highly recommended for discerning movie goers.
That aside, 'Solomon a Gaenor' is one of the few (if not only) film I've found that represents an accurate depiction of life in the coal mining valleys of South Wales - a hard, grim and pretty depressing time and place in many ways. The setting, story and performances (with Ioan Gruffudd and Nia Roberts outstanding in the lead roles) hits the nail squarely on the head and draw you into the bleak, harsh lives of the protagonists. The supporting performances are also top notch, with Maureen Lipman particularly impressive.
It was refreshing to see the native languages of the characters used throughout the film. I'm not a Welsh (or Yiddish!) speaker, but the added realism created by the use of these languages far outweigh the minor inconvenience of subtitles.
To answer a couple of points I've picked up from other Comments about this film on the site - firstly, the language is WELSH, not Gaelic. Secondly, there are variations of the Soundtrack available, with versions fully in Welsh and Yiddish (with English subtitles), and a more English based version.
This is not (thankfully) a movie that panders to base demands for a happy story, a happy ending or plenty of action. It is a very good, well made, well acted portrait of life in the valley's of South Wales in times past. Highly recommended for discerning movie goers.
A dark and unforgiving tale of a modern Romeo and Juliet.
Juliette-1020 March 2000
Solomon And Gaenor never lets you forget for an instant that this is a doomed romance. Unlike Shakespeare's version, there is no sympathetic character to offer a glimmer of hope to the young lovers. Rather the story takes its cue from its bleak setting in a Welsh mining town in 1911.
This is not to say, however, that the film is maudlin - it isn't. Rather the horrifying reality of Solomon and Gaenor's situation adds poignancy to their love. A delicate and intricately detailed dress that Solomon makes for Gaenor serves as a reminder that, like the dress, their relationship is too beautiful and fragile to last in such hostile surrounds. On a more technical note, the blend of languages (Yiddish, Gaelic, and English) works well, adding an air of authenticity without being self-conscious or knowing. The two leads, Gruffudd and Roberts bring a freshness and vitality to their roles that sidesteps any stereotypes. These are not Byronic figures, stalking moodily across a barren landscape. They are two people made happy by love in a dismal place.
I definitely recommend this film.
This is not to say, however, that the film is maudlin - it isn't. Rather the horrifying reality of Solomon and Gaenor's situation adds poignancy to their love. A delicate and intricately detailed dress that Solomon makes for Gaenor serves as a reminder that, like the dress, their relationship is too beautiful and fragile to last in such hostile surrounds. On a more technical note, the blend of languages (Yiddish, Gaelic, and English) works well, adding an air of authenticity without being self-conscious or knowing. The two leads, Gruffudd and Roberts bring a freshness and vitality to their roles that sidesteps any stereotypes. These are not Byronic figures, stalking moodily across a barren landscape. They are two people made happy by love in a dismal place.
I definitely recommend this film.
It's a fantastic film; powerful, beautiful and poignant.
Steve L4 November 2002
The first time I saw it was in my home county of Dorset, in the gaslit, old world atmosphere of the Rex Cinema at Wareham (a must for all visitors to Dorset!)
The movie was so completely absorbing that I slowly became aware of my surroundings when it finished, looking around and wondering where in the world I could be! Of course, I naturally thought I was in Wales, and it took a few minutes of mental effort to think of ...Dorset, and the Rex ...and Wareham - oh yes, I remember those places ... that's where I come from, isn't it.
The shame is that it has never had general release in its home country, and is not available in PAL 2 DVD.
It's a fantastic film; beautiful and poignant. The acting is great, especially Gaenor, who has the perhaps the most powerful role.
The movie was so completely absorbing that I slowly became aware of my surroundings when it finished, looking around and wondering where in the world I could be! Of course, I naturally thought I was in Wales, and it took a few minutes of mental effort to think of ...Dorset, and the Rex ...and Wareham - oh yes, I remember those places ... that's where I come from, isn't it.
The shame is that it has never had general release in its home country, and is not available in PAL 2 DVD.
It's a fantastic film; beautiful and poignant. The acting is great, especially Gaenor, who has the perhaps the most powerful role.
A perfect little gem of a film
kenru-29 January 2000
SOLOMON AND GAENOR is a near retelling of the Romeo and Juliet story in a setting of rural Wales around 1910. In this case the boy is from an Orthodox Jewish shop owner/peddler family recently escaped from the pogroms of Russia; and the girl is from a Protestant Welsh coal mining family whose brother spits whenever he mentions Jews. From this background of irreconcilable differences comes a true romantic tragedy, beautifully told in a spare, realistic style, with exceptional acting by both leads. The technical credits are equally flawless. The film was submitted by the United Kingdom for best foreign language film Oscar; and don't be surprised if it makes the final five.
moving
Kirpianuscus12 November 2019
It is an useful film for remind what is the true nature of romance. It represents a good opportunity to discover, again, the potential of Ioan Gruffudd art. And to see a version of Romeo and Juliet proposing the emotion of the original as basic thrill defining us. A beautiful film, reflecting high care for each detail and a real touching way to define a lost world.
Tragic and Then Some
gbheron17 March 2002
Warning: Spoilers
****Minor Spoilers****** This movie gets my Thomas Hardy seal of approval. As we know Mr. Hardy was a nineteenth century English novelist who wrote novels about people for whom life was not going to allow a happy ending. Not even close. Whatever could go wrong goes wrong, and then some. Life seems beyond their control; they want to love, be happy, have a life, but it's just not going to happen. They are doomed.
So too are Solomon and Gaenor, the protagonists in this wonderful 'little' English movie. Set in turn of the century Wales, Solomon is a young Jewish peddler, who has recently taken over a new route peddling fabrics in a valley where he isn?t known. Gaenor is the daughter of working-poor Welsh coal miners. They meet and fall in love. But Solomon lives a lie and pretends to be a gentile, not just to Gaenor?s friends and family but to Gaenor also. And he keeps the relationship secret from his own family. I don't have to paint you a picture where this movie is heading.
The cast is wonderful, and it's well worth the rental. Just bring the Kleenex.
So too are Solomon and Gaenor, the protagonists in this wonderful 'little' English movie. Set in turn of the century Wales, Solomon is a young Jewish peddler, who has recently taken over a new route peddling fabrics in a valley where he isn?t known. Gaenor is the daughter of working-poor Welsh coal miners. They meet and fall in love. But Solomon lives a lie and pretends to be a gentile, not just to Gaenor?s friends and family but to Gaenor also. And he keeps the relationship secret from his own family. I don't have to paint you a picture where this movie is heading.
The cast is wonderful, and it's well worth the rental. Just bring the Kleenex.
I loved the movie, found it very colourfully drawn.
baasch5 July 2001
As a story it lights up and even if I could not personally relate to the story i found it most intriguing. Thought the acting was fabulous, Gaenor was especially good. Ioan Gruffudd gave a very good performance and I found the only thing lacking was that there should have been more welsh.
Very moving - transcends the language barriers
heatherbelles18 September 2000
I first saw this film as part of the Celtic film festival earlier this year and was moved to tears, despite the fact that we'd picked a showing that was completely in welsh and yiddish (even the subtitles for the yiddish were in welsh!) Such was the skill of all the actors involved that we were able to follow the story easily.
Especially worthy of note are the two leads who made the tragedy even more compelling. I would recommend this film whole heartedly - I enjoyed it just as much when we watched a second time with english subtititles. Find a version and watch it - you will not be disappointed
Especially worthy of note are the two leads who made the tragedy even more compelling. I would recommend this film whole heartedly - I enjoyed it just as much when we watched a second time with english subtititles. Find a version and watch it - you will not be disappointed
Loved it
mrvlgrl186024 July 2004
This was a classic case of the Romeo and Juliet syndrome. The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is moving such as this movie was. Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, and Soloman and Gaenor are of the three favorites of mine in this genre. The ending of Soloman and Gaenor is saddening. The most moving scene, though also troubling, was when Soloman fought with Gaenor's brother...."Where's Gaenor?"...his famous line as he got the crap beat out of him. It was brave and stupid at the same time. A good love story. 7 out of 10.
Make sure the film has the right subtitles.....
heatherbelles28 June 2000
I watched this Oscar nominated film for the first time as part of the Celtic Films Festival that was held in Aberystwyth this spring. Unfortunately for my friends and I, the screening we attended was completely in welsh, with welsh subtitles for the Yiddish parts. Despite this, the superb acting from all the cast, especially the two leads meant that the story itself was understandable. We came out of the cinema with a wonderful impression of the film, deeply moved despite the language barrier.
We were later able to watch a screening with English subtitles and were again struck by the wonderful acting of the entire cast. Its nice to see Ioan Gruffud acting in his native language (Welsh - not Gaelic) again too!
I would recommend this film very highly, it is unfortunate that it has received so little attention
We were later able to watch a screening with English subtitles and were again struck by the wonderful acting of the entire cast. Its nice to see Ioan Gruffud acting in his native language (Welsh - not Gaelic) again too!
I would recommend this film very highly, it is unfortunate that it has received so little attention
An Emotional Experience
hoxygt7726 April 2002
A great movie, certainly worthy of greater than late night/ early morning slot. Characters well played, the mix of languages worked well. Another great story illustrating that love knows no boundaries yet life is fragile.
Deserves a wider audience
rcmoorejr1 August 2005
If only for the fact that the producers sought authenticity in having a trilingual film (Welsh, Yiddish, English), and the starkly authentic look of the settings, the movie is noteworthy. It has a string of nominations and a few wins from film festivals. The players are utterly believable and there isn't a misstep. It's a tragic romance, which means a tearjerker, but to its credit it's not very predictable. Insofar as the families are of different faiths and mutually try to stop the relationship, then it might be a retelling of 'Romeo and Juliet', though anyone watching this movie and expecting "RJ" will be confused. Being one who dislikes subtitles, this movie is still well worth renting.
Romantic with a capital "R"
Kate-716 May 1999
This is a film with some important messages that are obscured by a melodramatic romance. The film is almost saved, but not quite, by fine photography and lighting, an unsentimental view of Wales, and strong central characters. Nia Roberts is charming. She projects a sense of fun, has a lovely accent, and does a great mad/Ophelia look during her denouement. Ioan Gruffudd is utterly delectable.
A truly memorable movie
ss1-528 January 2007
One factor I consider in rating a movie is how vividly one remembers it years after seeing it. And not just the movie itself, I remember the experience of seeing it, and how incredibly moved I was by what was happening on the screen. I saw "Solomon and Gaenor" only once over six years ago, and it still fills me with it's powerful images and story. I have recommended it to friends on numerous occasions, not just because it's a great movie and story, but because of it's historical aspects, telling of the Orthodox Jewish community in turn of the century Ireland (or Wales, not sure), and how they got along (or didn't) with their non-Jewish neighbors. But as I said, incredibly memorable.
I only watched this film because I'm obsessed with Ioan Gruffudd.
cereal killer23 June 2001
This is a great boy-meets-girl-of-his-dreams-only-to-start-doomed-romance film. The whole viewing experience was amplified because the emotion put forth by the actors is so real. For following a petty obsession I was pleasantly surprised and have fallen in love with Solomon and Gaenor.
Authentic
mntaylor-612334 May 2020
Good but no surprises
tpv5001 September 2000
We were struck by a film that contained both the Welsh and Yiddish languages. The two lovers are shown flirting, chatting, speaking guardedly and making love; frustration sets in because neither character is articulate enough to express anything profound to each other that reflects what they are going through and the dialogue, although interesting in its use of three languages, is rather banal. This also could have been at least twenty minutes shorter.
On the other hand, my wife, who loves sentimental chick movies, wept throughout the last 45 minutes, which was the same amount of time that I was checking my watch.
See it for the cinematography, landscape and inside views of home life in a Welsh town circa 1910; the attitudes of the Christians toward the Jews is also interesting. Also go if you love five-hanky flix.
On the other hand, my wife, who loves sentimental chick movies, wept throughout the last 45 minutes, which was the same amount of time that I was checking my watch.
See it for the cinematography, landscape and inside views of home life in a Welsh town circa 1910; the attitudes of the Christians toward the Jews is also interesting. Also go if you love five-hanky flix.
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