Under the Lighthouse Dancing (1997) User Reviews

Why?

[SrCharls-2 · 6/10 · 30 March 1999]

1. Who were the third couple and why were they there? They had no point in the film. Did they need an extra bridesmaid?

2. What story was true? The story about a person dying (duh) or the story of a lighthouse? Or of a wedding?

3. Who was the angel? What possible connection did the angel have to the story?

4. Why was everyone peering into each others eyes and smiling (or occasionally crying) all the time? Is that how people show emotion?

5. Who were all the wedding guests? A crowd hired from Weddings R Us?

6. What was the point of the other romance that never gets off the ground?

7. Why does the male lead look like the female lead's father? Is that the part in the story that's true?

8. Why didn't anybody retrieve the ball from the cricket match. That would have been more interesting than this movie.

People who don't care if anything makes sense and just love beautiful photography and beautiful faces will enjoy this movie. Then again, they would have liked beach posters set to muzak just as well.

Inspiring

[Mar-15 · 4 December 1998]

I found this to be a most enjoyable and inspiring movie. It makes you almost feel the wind in your hair and you find yourself longing to go to this island. We should all be so lucky to have friends who are willing to go that extra mile to make things happen. I was a bit surprised that a few others had commented on this movie saying it was boring, about nothing and a dud. I felt sorry that they missed the whole point of the film. It's a testament and celebration of true love and enduring friendships. I highly recommend it and can watch it again and again.

What a crock!

[mrhavercamp · 1/10 · 15 June 2006]

This appalling piece of tripe was (conveniently) loosely based on a true story that involved two family members of mine (played by Jack Thompson and Jacqueline Mackenzie).

This film is offensive; besides the fact that it wasn't a particular good film anyway, it does not in any way capture what it was like to lose such a close family member and completely omits those who were really affected by the true-life tragedy.

As for the director; he managed to cash in on a family's misfortune for the price of a Porsche.

If I could have given this a zero I would have.

Avoid this film at all costs.

yawn

[jeffwalsh-1 · 1/10 · 29 August 2007]

Well its ten year's on since this film was released and the sands of time have not improved it one bit, again like the other comments made the Aussie film makers should have a little more drama rather than middle class aussies riding around beautiful places on there bikes with not much in the was of dialog. middle class is not funny nor is rich. there is also a mish mash of cast. why is a young woman going to marry a man old enough to be her father, it escapes me. It's such a shame about this film, looks like a wonderful place to holiday thou. Anyway its an hour and thirty mins of my life i will never be able to get back. lifes to short to watch this movie.

If you want your tears jerked, proceed

[PeterM27 · 3/10 · 19 December 2021]

This film, by a first-time director, has a great cast and looks beautiful, with calm blue water and deserted beaches and a lovely beachhouse on an isolated headland.

But the group of friends get swept up in a frenzy of wedding organisation, before the bride-to-be gives them the bad news.

Fans of this movie (and there appear to be many) find it uplifting and moving, but for me it seemed like sentimental, new-age, tearjerker guff, with little in the way of character development and a series of unexplained occurrences, as well as mystical happenings with inspiring music.

Beautiful, heartwarming film

[brettl · 10/10 · 15 February 2000]

I first saw this film on a Qantas international flight, and I was captured by its simplicity and beauty. The acting is low-key, but the true story and the scenery of Rottnest island stand out. The music score, by Australian Nerida Tyson-Chew, is probably the most beautiful music I have ever heard (& my CD collection is nearing 1500!). Unfortunately, the soundtrack was never released on CD.

an Australian beauty

[ptb-8 · 21 March 2005]

UNDER THE LIGHTHOUSE DANCING was made in Perth Western Australia in 1996. It had a reputation then for being incredibly expensive and unfortunately unreleasable. In fact both those statements were at the time, correct. It cost an unbelievable $7million dollars which made it impossible to ever recoup its production cost, (it would have to gross $20m for the rentals to bring that back in) and more astonishingly was shelved because no Australian Film Distributor wanted to release it in cinemas. The gorgeous house as seen was actually built for the film and then demolished afterwards (sorry). But the film should never have cost so much; in Oz terms in the mid 90s,it should have cost about $3m like other films of the day (MURIEL, and S. BALLROOM etc) The director, Graeme Rattigan eventually was contacted with a rescue plan and the film broke records in Perth when released in just one cinema in Oct 1997. BUT....the reviews!!!.. crucifying nasty cruel vindictive and absolutely soul destroying. One male reviewer from the WestAustralian Newspaper printed a two page splash headed in giant letters ROTTO SHIPWRECK as the film was made on Rottnest Island, off Perth and gleefully demolished every single aspect of the production, the acting and the reputation of Rattigan himself. If one views the film at face value, as I did, and I can see from other comments from the USA that many other people did too, LIGHTHOUSE is a particularly exquisite romantic drama with glorious cinematography and lush production values. And set on one of the world's most beautiful unknown locations, Rottnest Island. But the media had it in for this film and wherever it played in Australia, it was lambasted by snarly critics, keen to kill it off. However, the female public loved it and word of mouth was quite good. It did play across the country in limited release and to a small appreciative audience. There was a reason for the Australian media to have it in for this production: lead actress Jacqueline MacKenzie was nominated in the 1997 Australian Film Awards for two other films in two equal Best actress categories: one was a Melbourne cinema-movie drama ANGEL HEART and another was a TV movie. As LIGHTHOUSE was filming at the time, the producers and director (incredibly) refused to let her leave the set and briefly travel back to the Eastern States to the Awards night. She was extremely upset. Then, to the collective embarrassment of everyone she won the two awards for both roles, an unheard-of achievement in Australian type "Emmy/Oscar". But she wasn't there to be on stage, she was stuck on the LIGHTHOUSE set, missing out on the one mighty acting awards achievement accolade of her career. As a result, there was an almost mutiny against Director Rattigan and the film was doomed to be the sour blot on his and her career. The actors refused to allow ANY publicity on LIGHTHOUSE, walked through the rest of their roles and laughed out loud at the mention of the film getting released. It is as if collectively the film making, media and acting community were punishing Rattigan for keeping her away from her biggest night. It was an unforgiven blunder and it cost LIGHTHOUSE it's proper release in Australia. The public who did not really know much of this just enjoyed the film, as is evident today, but the media made sure the film was either ridiculed or ignored as payback. Sad but true. Naomi Watts has survived it well though, as KING KONG can attest.

Chick Flick

[kantell · 8/10 · 23 June 2004]

This is a beautiful movie. Very poignant and touching. Some of the shots are the kind that will always stick in your head as you think back on movies you have seen. Wonderful framed!

The acting was superb. Never do you think that you are watching actors on a screen. You get so wrapped up in the story that the characters come to life and you feel as if you are sharing in their joy and sorrow.

However, be forewarned that it is something of a chick flick. Take a box of tissue and a bowl of ice cream and get a hug after watching it. If you don't like dramas that make you cry, don't see this film. Not that men won't like the film as well. But a person who loves action flicks and nothing else will be bored to tears watching this film.

Beautiful

[Jaquelyne · 5 July 2003]

The previous person that commented on this film must have seen a different one than I had. I ran across this film during a fit of imsomnia on Cable. I watched it because I have always liked Jack Thompson.

This film is about love and friendship. And how they come together when a group of friends spend time together. You can see the plot that winds between the main couple and the friends as they spend some time on the beach. The mixture of love and friendship works in my humble opinion.

The Cinemantography is absolutely wonderful. The shots of the coast make you feel like you are there... and the beach house is a place I would love to spend some time at. Paul Murphy catches the light so beautifully as it grazes the water and the land.

If you have a love of a good romance, and want to see Jack Thompson be romantic, then see this movie... It might just have you under the lighthouse dancing....

I loved this movie!

[conicuts · 10/10 · 4 March 2002]

This movie to me is magic. I can't believe more people don't like this film. The first time I saw it,I couldn't take my eyes off of it. The story line is awesome and sweet. This is a feel good movie, with great eye appeal. The scenes and location, make you want to go there. This story is truly believable. I absolutely loved the wedding. What a great expression of their love, and what a great celebration of it. I loved the way they hid the cloth in the sand to let them find their reception. I just can't say enough about this movie. It makes me feel relaxed and good to watch it. It is just good, clean and entertaining, entertainment.

Wonderful film

[Tommy N · 17 August 1999]

Enjoyed the film very much, especially its locales.

While the movie does deal with life's one unmistakable experience-death, it makes ardent strides to respect this life and the wonderful paradise we call the Planet Earth.

It really is a sort of "Buddy" film, only there are six buddies in the film, three men and three women. This of course creates a sort of sexual energy between three of the six, but they all truly love each other very much.

I wish we could have to deal with more great movies like this that leave one walking away very inspired.

A Story of Love, Life and Friends.

[PHeath · 9/10 · 18 September 2000]

This film is a True Story based on actual events, focusing on Emma, her fiance Harry, and their 4 friends. The overlying theme is of a wedding that almost does not come to pass due to Harry's lack of planning! The main focus of these two characters and their friends centers on life in all it's beautiful and rich tapestry of colors. The story line is a masterpiece that flows skillfully and magically, with the actors and the Photography weaving their talent together in almost an effortless way. The scenery alone is worth taking the time out to watch this movie, but I am glad to say that the story and acting come together well.

This movie is a must for romantics, and definitely geared towards the female viewer. I can't stress how beautiful the photography is, and how it could be considered the co-star along with the leading actors in this movie. The Director masterfully weaves the sceneries with the emotions of the two main characters, Harry & Emma. Each time I watch the movie, I see subtle nuances in the filming that portray so many strong and beautiful emotions.

Ladies, get out the tissue boxes, prepare to cry, laugh and marvel through this movie, and revel in the message that lies beneath the whole story. It's a message of love, life and Hope at it's best. Don't let the lower ratings seen here deter you....It's a Wonderful Movie!

Enjoy!

A love story...about being human with one another.

[asenseoftouch · 10/10 · 29 September 2002]

This movie is set on an island off of the west coast of Australia. The cinematography is beautiful. It portrays the love relationship between two of the main characters, one of whom is ill, and how this is revealed to the other characters. The illness and the desire of the couple to marry are the factors which underly the entire plot of the movie. Anyone being part of a circle of friends such as those depicted in this movie should appreciate how very fortunate they are. The story illustrates different relationships between different individuals and the manner is which they are impacted by the sort of situations that everyone will experience at some point in their life. The spiritual ending of the movie is a wonderful resolution to the moments and the energy that flows throughout this movie. A wonderful ensemble of actors.

Loved this movie!!!!!

[snp_snp · 10/10 · 26 October 2003]

For lack of anything else good on, but not liking the preview, thought it would be too sad, I watched this movie. I thought it was one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. Maybe because I'm still looking for that special kind of love in my life. I do have friends who love me as they do her, so I could relate to that. Anyway, for the next two months, if I was home, and it was on, no matter at what point, I would watch it to the end. I practically knew the dialogue by heart!! Absolutely LOVED "Under The Lighthouse Dancing"!!!!!

Flawless

[bohdidharma · 10/10 · 22 July 2000]

If you're stuck on action/adventure...don't bother.

I found this film at two or three in the morning, so I missed the beginning. Regardless, it kept me awake watching until the credits finished rolling by.

The story touched me. The visuals are impressive if you can live without many special effects. The few parts I didn't enjoy were those that hit a nerve too deeply. But, that's the point, isn't it?...why we watch.

It is filled scenes reminding me of friendships and loves past and present...the mistakes we all make in relationships and questions of how far would you go for the important people in your life. On vacation, the characters make their fleeting time precious and show that we all could realize how short a time we have together.

Watching, I found it comedic and tragic with an undercurrent of binding love. The visual beauty is overshadowed by the human drama. I think the film would be different but no less meaningful in any other setting.

People change. If it bored you, give it a few years and try it again...you may have outgrown snow boarding through terrorist machine gun fire while aliens invade, volcanoes erupt, and our hero has an endless supply out glib remarks.

In the mean time...I've been searching for a copy of this film to share with the people important to me...I'd be very grateful if anyone could help me find a VHS...or any format ...I can get it converted if I must.

Celebration of life and love

[nickwebb7 · 10/10 · 24 June 2002]

This movie is the greatest movie about life, death, and the celebration of love ever made. This was my first introduction to Naomi Watts, and she really showed just how talented she really is. The story is one that everyone can relate to, A bittersweet story of two lovers that are fighting to get married, but at the same time (Emma) the bride-to-be is dying of cancer. This movie really takes advantage of the beauty of Rottnest Island, which plays and interracial part of the film. The actor who plays Garth in the film is one of the most under-rated actors you could find. His Portrayal of Emma's doctor and close friend is unmatched as raw acting by almost everyone in Hollywood today! Overall this film combines both superb acting with wonderful direction and writing. Although finding a copy of this movie is almost impossible.

great

[steve-293 · 10/10 · 9 January 1999]

I live in Perth, Western Australia, and 10 miles off the coast is Rottnest Island where "Under The lighthouse Dancing" was shot. My wife and I were on the island holidaying, when the movie was being made, but when it came out we didn't see it because of the bad reviews. I've just seen it on video and loved it! The acting was good so was the film work, directing and music. In fact it was a very moving story and I recommend it to anyone. Having holidayed on the island for 20 years, the cinematography showed it up to its best. "Under the Lighthouse Dancing" was much better than that banal drivel "You've got mail."

A dud!

[Murf-3 · 30 September 1998]

Evan Williams' review of this film (available in the "outside reviews" link) is spot-on. The film is a piece of yuppy pap. It looks good but suffers from a total lack of content outside the compulsory pathos of a cancer victim who manages never to have her make-up ruffled despite her affliction. Six friends form the core of the cast but there are two of these whose total contribution to the plot seems to consist of alternating between smiling meaningfully and looking fetchingly sad.

I began watching it hoping to see nostalgic reminders of home and finished wondering how Australian tax dollars could have gone to finance something "based on a true story" which is just an exercise in pretentious navel-gazing.

Best avoided, I'd say.

Very Good

[rashida21 · 10/10 · 19 March 2006]

This is a beautiful, heart warming film also set on a beautiful island and also had beautiful music. I bought this on DVD with touching wedding poems and trivia it also said its a true story, about 6 friends on an lush island in Australia and one of the Emma is carrying a devastating secret that she is dieing and she and Harry are planning to marry. Naomi Watts also gives a great performance ....all the acting by the actors who play Harry and Emma were superb later on in the they soon reveal the secret and the friends find a way to make their wedding a day to remember, a lovely wedding which will have you under a lighthouse dancing.....

This movie is a must see

[traciesharpe · 16 January 2001]

I saw this movie late at night. Before that night, I had never even heard of it, or any of the cast members. I was blown away by what I saw. I can't think of a better "unknown" film than Under The Lighthouse Dancing.

There is only one word for this movie....Amazing.

I am looking for a copy of this movie to add to my library. If anyone has ANY information that could help me, please email me.

Way Above Average

[Read-2 · 9/10 · 3 December 1998]

There is enough here to make you respect the flimsiness of emotional maturity and what adult relationships can feel like.

Good thing, too, as the ending is the weakest part of the film.

Do not despair, the house was disassembled and relocated

[hrymnoza · 20 May 2005]

I have not seen the movie and can not therefore comment but for those who seem to have loved the house so much, it still exists as it was relocated to Bicton in Perth and now sits in a massive tree overlooking the Swan River alongside Bicton Baths. We had heard about this and dropped by to see it a few years ago. The owner who is very friendly, was in the driveway and invited us in to have a look and tell stories. He even has a guest book for signing with comments from people from all around the world.

Just thought this information may be of interest to those who decide to make the pilgrimage to Rottnest Island as you will cruise past the house if you catch the ferry from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth rather than from Fremantle.

Outstanding film

[eazilivin · 10/10 · 4 September 2005]

This film touches every part of friendship and life. Beautiful scenery while they sail in the oceans, I thrilled to have discovered it years ago. I am a big fan of Australian movies, and this does not disappoint you. Its full of laughter and mirth. The characters are all close friends and share an abundance of love. compassion and love of life. The island and its citizens are pure joy to watch. I wish I could live in a place like that. I have it on DVD and drag it out when I need to be reminded about the depth of friendship and acceptance of what life offers us. To face the day with renewed hope...it is simply wonderful, and each time I watch it, I regain my balance. I feel I'm spending a few hours with good friends.

a really pretty picture of absolutely nothing

[ant bee · 14 November 1998]

I just finished watching this movie for the second time and it was still the biggest bunch of nothing I have run into in a while...very pretty settings and absolutely one of the lamest plots I have had the boredom to watch. I guess I watched it again just to make sure it was as dull and meaningless as the first time..and I was not disappointed. If you like beach movies just for the beaches you will love this. Not much of any other reason to watch.

A good old fashioned tale of romance, loss, friendship and humanity

[bob-tetstall · 8/10 · 19 August 2015]

Set in the stunning setting down under, this is a tale of love, loss and friendship and no matter how many times I watch it, I love it even more.

Sure it's never going to win any Oscars but its a beautiful film charting the story of a group of friends who rally together to pull off a wedding against all odds for one of their group who is sadly unwell.

The casting is magnificent, real people in real roles, no need to embellish the story with box office a-lister's but instead the cast gel perfectly in their roles, is such a believable story that its so absorbing from the get-go.

I don't know why this film was not picked up for major distribution when so many other similar but inferior films have, perhaps the lack of an a-lister was the cause but it certainly doesn't suffer as a result.

Romantic, tragic, uplifting and very memorable, you must watch !