This film, based on the love story of C.S. Lewis, noted author, scholar and religious apologist, and Joy Gresham, American poet, is so very haunting and beautiful. Those familiar with Lewis will know the tragic outcome of this love story for the ages and will appreciate the realistic adaptation to the screen. Sir Richard Attenborough could have been tempted to cast glamorous actors in the leads but instead he chose Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger whose characterizations more closely resembled the true life couple. Hopkins, who should have been nominated for the Academy Award for this role, plays Lewis to a T.....rumpled, vague and totally naive in the ways of the world and certainly where love is concerned. Winger, looking frumpy, is appropriately brash and out of place in the world of Oxford academia. She approaches Hopkins' character with a refreshing honesty that is sometimes hurtful but always straight to the heart of the matter. In the end, it helps him to cope. She captures his soul and therein begins the short but wonderful love story that forever changes their lives. The intensity of their relationship and the inevitable ending will make you weep and a box of Kleenex is recommended. Heavy breathing and graphic loves scenes are not what this is about.....it's about love that transcends the physical and it will steal your heart away. You will weep and rejoice at this film....see it!
Review of Shadowlands
