The Claim

This latest -- and typical -- Thomas Hardy family drama to come to the screen is set in the Klondike, around the time of the gold rush. Through flashbacks, we learn that about twenty years previously, an unsuccessful gold digger had traded his wife and new-born daughter to another miner who had gold -- and a good claim -- but needed a woman more. Skip to the present, where wife and daughter arrive back in town to look up daddy, who is now King of the town and exceedingly wealthy. At the same time, the railroad engineers are in town, plotting the course of the coming railroad. Various romances and revelations ensue, as the broken family tries to reconcile while hiding the truth of what happened from the daughter.

121 minutes.
No persons under 16 .
Drama, Romance

Not currently showing on the local cinema circuit.

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Credits

Cast	Peter Mullan, Milla Jovovich, Wes Bentley, Nastassja Kinski, Sarah Polley, Shirley Henderson, Julian Richings
Director	Michael Winterbottom
Screenplay	Frank Cottrell Boyce, based on the novel by Thomas Hardy
Music	Michael Nyman
Cinematography	Alwin H. Kuchler
Sound formats	Dolby Digital
Made in	2000
Produced by	Alliance Atlantis Communications, Arts Council of England, BBC, DB Entertainment, Grosvenor Park Productions, and others

Official Site

Ratings

Scale (Max)	20
What the Critics say
The Moviesite Ian Douglas	5
Cape Argus Derek Wilson	5
Cape Argus Len Ashton	5
The Cape Times Allan Glogauer	10
The Star Desson Howe	10
Die Burger Cobus van Bosch	10
Sunday Times Barry Ronge	10
Rapport Barrie Hough	12
eye Weekly Catharine Tunnacliffe	10
Box Office Francesca Dinglasan	3
Total Film Tom Dawson	15
Film Review James Mottram	15
Uncut Wendy Ide	15
What the People say
Internet 522 Netizens	13
Average .. 49%	10

Visitor Ratings

Scale (Max)	20
Monica Venter	18
Average .. 90%	18

Visitor Comments

Ian Douglas: I am starting to develop a dislike for Thomas Hardy's novels... they frequently explore the dark and tragic side of human life. This story features beautiful scenery showcasing a tragedy. The storyline may appeal more to women, it just did not grab me, although it does have some emotional appeal. Give it a try if your favourite critics like it.

Monica Venter: This is outstanding cinematography and a good portrayal of the 'railroaders', pioneers and gold diggers in their time and place frame. The storyline shows how people coped with the rugged terrain and the harsh living conditions of the time and how they dealt with their own mistakes and irresponsible decisions . All in all a splendid movie - and husband also enjoyed it.

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The Claim

Credits

Ratings

What the Critics say

What the People say

Average .. 49%

Visitor Ratings

Average .. 90%

Visitor Comments