Firelight (1997)

In 1838, lovely governess Elisabeth agrees to bear a child of anonymous English landowner, and he will in return pay her father's debt. At birth she, as agreed, gives up the child. Seven ... See full summary »

Director:

William Nicholson

Writer:

William Nicholson

Stars:

Sophie Marceau, Stephen Dillane, Dominique Belcourt

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sophie Marceau	...	Elisabeth Laurier
Stephen Dillane	...	Charles Godwin
Dominique Belcourt	...	Louisa Godwin
Kevin Anderson	...	John Taylor
Lia Williams	...	Constance
Joss Ackland	...	Lord Clare
Sally Dexter	...	Molly Holland
Emma Amos	...	Ellen
Maggie McCarthy	...	Mrs. Jago
Wolf Kahler	...	Sussman
Annabel Giles	...	Amy Godwin
John Flanagan	...	Robert Ames
Valerie Minifie	...	Hannah
Diana Payan	...	Mrs. Maidment
John Hodgkinson	...	Carlo

Storyline

In 1838, lovely governess Elisabeth agrees to bear a child of anonymous English landowner, and he will in return pay her father's debt. At birth she, as agreed, gives up the child. Seven years later she is hired as governess to a girl on a remote Sussex estate. The father of the girl, Charles Godwin, turns out to be that anonymous landowner. So Elisabeth has to be her own daughter's governess, and she can't reveal the secret of her tie with little Louisa.

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Plot Keywords:

comatose woman | weeping | englishman | horse drawn carriage | kissing while having sex | 

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Taglines:

Passion has no limits

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Genres:

Romance | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and brief strong language

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

4 September 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

A la luz del fuego

Filming Locations:

Calvados, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$135,401, 7 September 1998

Gross USA:

$785,482

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$785,482

Company Credits

Production Co:

Carnival Film & Television, Hollywood Pictures, Wind Dancer Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

103 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

At least two young men are shown in the South of England in the 1830s with long hair tied back in a queue, a style unknown in that time and place.

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Quotes

Charles Godwin: [At night in the schoolroom] Louisa tells me you have a story about firelight.
Elisabeth: Yes. I tell her Firelight is a magic time, when times stands still.
Charles Godwin: Why'd you tell her that?
Elisabeth: I find it helps. A time with no rules at the end of the day.
[She walks over to the fire and kneels to pick up two cards Louisa left on the floor earlier]
Charles Godwin: I must ask you to help me.
Elisabeth: How?
Charles Godwin: There was a time - there was a short time, when we were close you and I.
Elisabeth: Yes?
Charles Godwin: Do you remember it?
[...]

User Reviews

Amazingly Beautiful Story!!

I originally watched this on Encore Indie and it touched me in a way only a few movies or stories ever do. The subject matter could have become tawdry if not handled well, which it was. All the characters had their place, even the American who offered Charles an option of a place to go, to be free of all the pretense and obligation of his life, being also a main theme of the story, obligation and responsibility, as well as the desire to break free of them. And watch it several times, the nuances that come out are amazing and also listen to the background talk, some interesting facts come out which help you understand the characters and stories even more. I actually watch it with headphones on to hear all the conversations going on. And Charles, watch his facial expressions, they are absolutely priceless and perfect. My father actually sat and watched it, and trust me he's a ESPN guy, not romance movies. Anyway, it was just amazingly beautiful and passionate.