Swept from the Sea (1997)

The of story of Russian emigrant Yanko Goorall and servant Amy Foster in the end of nineteenth century. When Yanko enters a farm, sick and hungry after the shipwreck, everyone is afraid of him, except for Amy.

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 émigré, and the only survivor from ship crash Yanko Goorall, and servant Amy Foster in the end of nineteenth 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:

19th century | bullying | immigrant | period drama | ship | 

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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

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 this movie. However, it is on the soundtrack album.

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Quotes

Mr. Smith: I tell you, this character is madder than a March hare.
Mr. Swaffer: Haven't seen a March hare in a good many years. Last time I did, he seemed much the same as any other variety.
Mr. Smith: Perhaps you mistake my meaning sir.

User Reviews

The eyes have it

I rented this movie because I was trying to watch as many Rachel Weisz movies as possible (inspired by her acting in The Mummy Returns). I must say this movie is a gem I would have otherwise missed. I think this movie is all about subtlety of character. The whole enigma around Amy Foster exists only because people don't appreciate the subtleties of her personality and interactions with others. As Dr. Kennedy says in his narration, her silence was not out of inaction or stupidity; rather it was a way of communicating either disdain, disinterest, or disapproval for how others were treating her. Amy's main way of communicating, aside from her silence, was through her eyes. Even though Yanko learned to speak English, he also appreciated and learned to communicate in Amy's own language. I liked Vincent Perez's acting in this movie. His Russian accent was pretty authentic. The other British accents seemed to be mixed between various regions. I'd say this is probably the best acting I've seen out of Rachel Weisz in the five of her movies I've seen. However I notice that those expressions which I felt were so striking in this movie for this character are rather stereotyped expressions that she uses in general. I don't know whether that is what the directors are looking for or if this is one of the few acting flaws that Ms. Weisz might yet overcome. Overall score: 8/10

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 January 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Swept from the Sea

Filming Locations:

North York Moors Railway, Yorkshire, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$163,289, 25 January 1998

Gross USA:

$397,020

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$397,020

Company Credits

Production Co:

TriStar Pictures, Phoenix Pictures, Tapson Steel Films Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1