A Loss of Innocence (1996 TV Movie) User Reviews

Tragedy

[rivera66_99 · 6/10 · 16 July 2001]

Many people will consider this movie esthetically old-fashioned, and they are pretty right to do so; even the acting seems to be from a film of the 50s or 60s, not from a contemporary work. But there is something in the very, very simple construction of the plot that remains moving, still when considers the anachronistic schematism: tradition vs. experiment, home-sweet-home vs. great world, tenderness vs. passion, field work vs. art, etc. - The point is that this story is still tragic. Although very improbable that it could happen, just as this simple, nowadays, as a "model" it preserves certain strength. 6 out of 10.

Keep it in the Family

[memesmith-1 · 15 December 2004]

Passion. How does it get expressed and with whom? That is the question this film addresses in a very powerful way. Imagine an E.M. Forster novel set in a small Mormon town instead of the English countryside. (This is not quite as witty as Forster, but it is every bit as subtle.)

Erik (Rob Estes) is a pianist and rather unwelcome in his family. Whether Erik is not warmly welcomed by his family because he found fame as an internationally renowned musician, which they don't understand, or because of the unique complexities of brotherhood only found in formerly polygamous societies, which I don't understand, is not ultimately the point. The point is Erik brings passion as an artist to a community that is rather parochial. He falls in love with Chel (Jennie Garth) who is beautiful and very talented as a pianist herself. The trouble is that she is betrothed to Erik's brother Jens (Mike Doyle) who is the only of Erik's brothers that seems to appreciate Erik's music.

I was quite compelled watching their triangle. It evokes joy of purity and naiveté muddled with the genuine desire to please God and not hurt each other. To see the pain caused by such love is painful.

This is not a great film, but it is certainly very good. It is a timeless story well told.

It's really dramatic!!

[gaps23 · 10/10 · 19 May 2000]

Well, Yesterday I've seen this movie on my home. The Channel that broadcast it don't make nothing to promotion this TV film, but I've seen it. First, I must confess that only when I see Jennie Garth I thought to watch it. But after... Really this film envolve myself. The argument was excellent... Two brothers falling in love for the same girl... One is a pianist that catch the love from his brother's bride. And she really loves him. The end is one of the most dramatic movies finish that I have been watch it. What can I say? In this moment I don't have words. You must to watch it to give your vote. I assure you this will be the most possible.

Passion in a Mormon community

[phd_travel · 8/10 · 14 March 2019]

It's nice to see LMN show a passionate historically set movie with likeable stars. Jennie Garth acts well here. Not too girlish. Rob Estes is good too as pianist who returns to his small Mormon town and falls for his half brother's fiancé. It's passionate enough as they develop feelings while he teaches her to play the piano.

A good movie for a rainy Sunday.

[CWscooby · 23 May 2003]

I caught this movie on Lifetime and decided to give it a try. Although the plot was predictable the ending will have you screaming "NOOOOOO". This movie is a send up to the kinds of stories they had you reading in High school English class where there's not a lot of action but more of an exploration of the human character with love as both the motivating and destroying force for all (think a cross between "A Light in August" and "the Great Gatsby"). If your an atheist you will probably hate this movie since religious convictions play a major role for the characters. Although flawed it's a beautiful story of how love can both heal you and hurt you. Definitely a movie for a rainy day.

Loss of Inocence

[suzanneoxford · 7 September 2007]

I recently watched this film and found it very conflicted emotionally and with religious overtones. The treatment of Erik by his own family was difficult to watch, leaving the viewer wandering just what terrible thing had he done to warrant such treatment. Also the love triangle involving Chel, Erik and Jens added more drama to an already tense and stormy situation. It is truly heart-wrenching to watch these poor characters -- Chel and Erik struggling with right and wrong and also the morality of their situation. Then when Jens is killed in the hunting accident, the situation seems to regress to an even worse pitch -- with the family completely against Erik. This is truly a Shakespean ending -- sans Romeo and Juliet -- if there ever was one. I thought the acting performance by Jennie Garth and Rob Estes was outstanding -- truly a worthwhile viewing, even though the theme was so tragic.