There seems a common thread in most reviews for "Ryan's Daughter", you will read that the film does not work, it not as good as Lean's earlier masterpieces, it's too long, too boring and too "big", ALL NOT TRUE!! I'm sure most of those reviewing this magnificent motion picture have only seen it on a VHS tape or Television screening, which is the only explanation for these strange comments. For those who saw "Ryan's Daughter", in it's original 70mm presentation or even in the recent Australian 35mm screenings, you will understand the intimacy and beauty of this wonderful film. Having enjoyed it's longest run in the world at Sydney's Ascot Cinema (approx 2 years) the Sydney movie goers went back again and again as they fully appreciated this fine movie. Hopefully Warner Bros are preparing a fabulous transfer from the original 70mm elements (a quality 70mm print still exist, thanks to the poor US box office) to give us a quality DVD and make the long, long wait worthwhile. I hope WB can add some better extras than the trailer and short "making of" MGM added to the Laserdisc, it would be good to see the 2004 BBC Documentary "Ryan's Daughter Revisited" with Sarah Miles as featured extra. Also surely MGM must have produced a lot of additional promo material as this was their premium and much anticpated 1970 release. Congratulations to those who love this movie, for those who critise it hopefully one you will get to see "Ryan's Daughter" as it was intended to "get" what Lean was doing and how successful he was at delivering. No one can argue that the cinematography is perhaps the BEST ever.
12 out of 10.
12 out of 10.
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