Sommersby

Starring:Richard Gere, Jodie Foster, Bill Pullman, James Earl Jones, Lanny Flaherty, William Windom, Wendell Wellman, Brett Kelley, Clarice Taylor, Frankie Faison, R. Lee Ermey, Richard Hamilton, Karen Kirschenbauer, Carter McNeese, Dean Whitworth, Stan Kelly, Stephanie Weaver, Khaz B, Josh McLerran, Mark Williams (XVIII)
Director: Jon Amiel
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Based on the French film, The Return of Martin Guerre (which itself was based on a famous court case), this 1993 film by director Jon Amiel recasts the same essential story in post-Civil War Tennessee, in a dirt-poor town suffering the effects of the South's loss. Jodie Foster plays Laurel Sommersby, a widow whose husband died in the Civil War--or so everyone thinks. Then one day, Jack Sommersby (Richard Gere) strolls back into town and back into Laurel's bed--but he's a changed man. Gone is the selfish, nasty individual no one much liked. In his place is a friendly, sensitive, and resourceful new Jack who not only rekindles the long-dead fire of his marriage, but revives the entire town. Except for one small catch: He may not actually be Jack Sommersby at all. Beautifully shot by Amiel (with a great assist from cameraman Philippe Rousselot) from a script by Nicholas Meyer and Sarah Kernochan, the film features a sturdy, even flinty performance by Foster and a beguiling one by Gere. Though the ending will squeeze the tear ducts, the film earns those tears. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Sommersby with Richard Gere & Jodie Foster.......2007-04-01

One of my very favorite romance movies that left me guessing "is he or isn't he her husband" until the very end!

Sommersby.......2007-01-16

I like it because of the mistery and sensibility of the story. Jodie Foster as always is one of my favorite actressess.

Foot shrunk.......2006-12-02

A man says he is her husband, but things are starting change.
A wonderful romance movie.

Time I'll never get back..........2006-10-03

This movie helped me understand a few things. First, not all period pieces are worth their weight in gold (I kind of already knew that)...Second, Jodie Foster can't do all the work on her own...and Third, Richard Gere is horridly overrated. I've never been a fan of Gere but this film really pushed my dislike for him over the top. Sure, I like some of his movies, but he's along the same vein as Tom Cruise to me...he sure knows how to pick a film but he should let someone else do his acting.

The story of Jack Sommersby (Gere) who returns home from the war a changed man quickly goes from interesting to absurd. His wife Laurel (Foster) is distant from him, and Jack even at times seems to wonder why, yet it's obvious through conversations taking place between Laurel and Orin (Pullman) that Jack was a very bitter and abusive man before heading off into war. So the question raised is WHO is this Jack Sommersby, well better yet, is he even Jack Sommersby at all?

WELL, I was bored stiff through most of it...fell asleep once actually, and was borderline irritated with Bill Pullmans performance which, if it had been left out on the cutting room floor altogether would have been a blessing in disguise since his every movement is atrocious. I guess I'm the minority here but to me, `Sommersby' is one to skip, miss, avoid and just plain forget.

One of the best romantic dramas I've ever seen.......2006-06-08

Intense-loved it! I went in not expecting much- Richard Gere has a bad track record and I'd never really heard of this movie-but was pleasantly surprised and very drawn in by the love story and the mystery. Great chemistry between Richard Gere and Jodie Foster illuminates an already strong plot, not to mention their great acting. This is the best acting that I have seen Richard Gere put out so far, and in this movie there's everything to catch and hold a viewer's attention-passion, romance, suspense, fighting, even a trial. That is not to say that it is a loud movie-it's not, which explains its relative obscurity. But it has something for everyone, both the males and the females. And I especially appreciated the fact that it did not fall all over itself with the love story-that is the center of the movie but in the end it's the story of two people, not of their love, which is the way it shoudl be. Delicate, crafted, and oddly moving, it ends with a bittersweet ending that lifts this movie into one of the best movies of its kind that I've seen.

Average customer rating:

Sommersby with Richard Gere & Jodie Foster
Sommersby
Foot shrunk
Time I'll never get back...
One of the best romantic dramas I've ever seen

Sommersby [Region 2]
Starring: Richard Gere , Jodie Foster , Bill Pullman , James Earl Jones , and Lanny Flaherty
Director: Jon Amiel
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Nell
Intersection
Autumn in New York
Internal Affairs
An Officer and a Gentleman

ASIN: B00004S5QM

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Sommersby with Richard Gere & Jodie Foster.......2007-04-01

One of my very favorite romance movies that left me guessing "is he or isn't he her husband" until the very end!

Sommersby.......2007-01-16

I like it because of the mistery and sensibility of the story. Jodie Foster as always is one of my favorite actressess.

Foot shrunk.......2006-12-02

A man says he is her husband, but things are starting change.
A wonderful romance movie.

Time I'll never get back..........2006-10-03

One of the best romantic dramas I've ever seen.......2006-06-08

Average customer rating:

Sommersby with Richard Gere & Jodie Foster
Sommersby
Foot shrunk
Time I'll never get back...
One of the best romantic dramas I've ever seen

Sommersby [Region 2]
Starring: Richard Gere , Jodie Foster , Bill Pullman , James Earl Jones , and Lanny Flaherty
Director: Jon Amiel
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Nell
Intersection
Autumn in New York
Internal Affairs
An Officer and a Gentleman

ASIN: B00004D2YY

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Sommersby with Richard Gere & Jodie Foster.......2007-04-01

One of my very favorite romance movies that left me guessing "is he or isn't he her husband" until the very end!

Sommersby.......2007-01-16

I like it because of the mistery and sensibility of the story. Jodie Foster as always is one of my favorite actressess.

Foot shrunk.......2006-12-02

A man says he is her husband, but things are starting change.
A wonderful romance movie.

Time I'll never get back..........2006-10-03

One of the best romantic dramas I've ever seen.......2006-06-08

Average customer rating:

Stands Up To Repeated Viewings...I'm Always Left Sighing

Sommersby [Region 2]
Starring: Richard Gere , Jodie Foster , Bill Pullman , James Earl Jones , and Lanny Flaherty
Director: Jon Amiel
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00004VYM9

Customer Reviews:

Stands Up To Repeated Viewings...I'm Always Left Sighing.......2006-09-22

No matter how often I watch this wonderful story, I am always left sighing at the end. Lucky for me DVDs have been invented, or for sure I would have worn out several tapes by now. "Sommersby" has got something for everyone. The romantic in you will love the deep and passionate love story. For those that love to try to solve a mystery,this is a good one. It's a period piece set post civil war, and has some excellent court-room drama as well.

Jack Sommersby has left his small southern town of Vine Hill to fight in the Civil War. He hasn't been seen or heard from in over six years and is presumed dead. Then all of a sudden, one day he turns up to find his town ravaged by the effects of the war, and his lovely wife Laurel, now promised to another. He seems to pick up right where he left off though,renewing friendships,becoming very much a part of the everyday life in the town, and having his wife back where she belongs... in his bed.Up to now, we only get a little hint that something is amiss..."Jethro", his faithful dog, doesnt seem to recognize him.

As the story progresses,and Jack and Laurel fall more deeply in love then ever, we have more and more reason to believe that Jack is not who he says he is. Could he possibly be an imposter with an uncanny resemblance to Sommersby? Do the townfolk realize this and accept him at his word because he has brought a new hope and a new vitality to Vine Hill? And what about Laurel, did she know all along? When Jack Sommersby must stand trial for his life will the truth finally come out? Who is Jack Sommersby???

Richard Gere and Jodie Foster have an incredible chemistry and you will feel the intense love they share on screen. The supporting cast turn in outstanding performances as well. James Earl Jones as a black judge who must put up with the extreme prejudices of the witnesses,Bill Pullman as the jilted and vengeful fiancée,Frankie Faison the ex-slave now becoming a property owner, and young Brett Kelly who's love grows for his new found father all add greatly to the film. And of course,it is always a treat to see Wiiliam Windom make an appearance.The story based on the beautiful French film "The Return of Martin Guerre",is a fabulous remake. The musical score by Danny Elfman is one that will stay with you long after the view,and the photography of Philippe Rosselot is gorgeous.All under the expert direction of Jon Amiel make this one beautiful film.

There are several editions,both DVD and VHS of "Sommersby". This DVD(B00004VYM9) is compatible with DVD players in Region 2- mostly for Japan, Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East, including Egypt ,but some players are compatible with all regions. Check your manual, and also look at the details of the product for Languages and subtitles available,also check for best prices among the various editions. U.S. is region 1.This edition appears to be out of stock at this time, but you can put it on your wish list or in your cart and watch for a seller to list it.

"Sommersby" is a film that will leave you thinking about it and maybe sighing a little too.....enjoy...Laurie

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