Amy Foster (1997)

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 ... 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 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 | ship | servant | 

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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:

North York Moors Railway, Yorkshire, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$163,289, 25 January 1998, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$283,081, 1 February 1998

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

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.

User Reviews

A picture for those who care more for sound stories than for special effects

The British have dedicated themselves lately to film their wonderful 19th century novels: Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, and have come now into the 20th for a Joseph Conrad short story with a strong 19th century flavor. It's their answer to the special effects-oriented Hollywood film. And they are catering to the older audiences, those who care more for story values and literary qualities than for the display of technical advances in films. Any one who cared for Sense and Sensibility, The Return of the Native and Persuasion, will have a real feast in Swept from the Sea. The Conrad story is beautiful, and the adaptation is intelligent. A memorable musical score by John Barry, the breathtaking photography and the magnificent scenery are real assets for those who pursue an esthetic experience in the movies. Old fashioned? Perhaps. But the emotional experience is second only to that of Wuthering Heights, which it resembles in certain secondary aspects. Forget the unfavorable reviews you may have read, practically all of them oriented toward teenagers. Swept from the Sea is a film for mature audiences.