Grey Owl

Product Description:

Richard Attenborough's passion weighs so heavily on every frame of Grey Owl, the true story of a pioneering conservationist in the Canadian wilderness, that it tends to smother the characters. Pierce Brosnan is stiff, deliberate and terse as Archie Grey Owl, a part Scotch Native American adopted and raised by a Canadian Ojibwa tribe. He gets by as a trapper, hunting guide, and sometime writer, but becomes an internationally revered activist in the 1930s when he publishes a book on the vanishing wilderness. Annie Galipeau is the native Canadian woman who sees through his tough hide and secretive quiet: "Yeah, I know. You're a loner. You have to live in the wilderness. I hear it everyday." But she doesn't pierce his most zealously guarded secret, a distracting subplot that most of the audience figures out in no time. Attenborough's hushed reverence for Archie's dream slows an already lugubrious drama, and Brosnan all too often comes off as a walking cliché, his flat speech and long, slow stares a Brit's idea of a movie Indian. The real star of the film is the magnificent Canadian wilderness: carpets of forests, clear crystal lakes, and vast blue skies. There's no doubting Attenborough's good intentions, and his love for the wilderness is felt in every gorgeous frame, but somewhere in the forest he loses track of his story. --Sean Axmaker
Product Details
  • AudienceRating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
  • Binding: VHS Tape
  • Director: Richard Attenborough
  • EAN: 9780767847049
  • ISBN: 0767847040
  • ProductGroup: Video
  • ProductTypeName: ABIS_VIDEO
  • ReleaseDate: 2000-08-15
  • TheatricalReleaseDate: 1999
  • UPC: 043396047204

Customer Reviews

Surprisingly Good2005-02-14
I'm not usually a Pierce Brosnan fan but after I got over my initial doubts about him playing a Native Indian, I actually started to really get into this movie. Maybe it is somewhat romaticized but the underlying message of this film is more Important than ever.It was a refreshing change from other movie genres...I especially liked the Baby Beavers who are super cute
A must for animal and nature lovers-D
Not all Gems Sparkle Like Gold.2004-02-19
When I first sat down to watch GREY OWL, I thought to myself, "You've got to be kidding. Pierce Brosnan as an Indian?". It didn't seem to fit. Of course, I grew up watching Brosnan as Remmington Steele so him in any role other than one of class seems out of place. However, as I was swept into the world of the movie, I actually began to believe that Brosnan was Grey Owl, aka Archie. He seemed a little different than other Native-Americans, but not so different that he seemed totally out of place. By the time the movie ended and after I had done a little research about Grey Owl, I felt Brosnan had done a wonderful job and had been perfectly cast.

GREY OWL is a film directed by Sir Richard Attenborough and tells part of the story of Grey Owl, aka Archie, a Canadian Indian who began a conservation crusade to protect the native wildlife of Canada in the early twentieth century. However, Grey Owl has a secret that once revealed threatens everything he has fought to perserve.

The movie itself is engaging and has a great story to tell. It's filled with beautiful images of nature and has a strong message. GREY OWL is a film that is often overlooked, but after watching it, I am reminded that not all gems sparkle like gold.

Loved the movie2002-07-10
My husband and I both love this somewhat romanticized version of Grey Owl and his beautiful wife Anahareo. Contrary to other opinions contained herein, we felt Annie Galipeau gave an excellent performance. She did receive a best actress award for her role. Ignore the naysayers. See the movie. Then find and read the books.
I liked this movie2001-05-03
The first time I saw this movie I wasn't sure about it. After watching it many times since I find that I really like this movie. I have read books about Grey Owl, and I am glad the movie did not focus on Grey Owls battle with alcohol. It would have diminished the character. I thought this was a romantic movie that I enjoy watching over and over. As for Pierce Brosnans portayal of Grey Owl, excellent!!! This was quite a stretch for Mr Brosnan. I think his Bond, Remington Steele and Thomas Crown roles are pretty much in character for him. I think he had to work hard at this role and I feel he did an excellent job. I loved it when he showed the softer side of Grey Owl, I just fell in love with that character. Pierce looks good with long hair, or short hair, he would probably even look good bald. The man is #1 in my book. I did feel that the role of Anahareo could have been done better. I have never seen Annie Galipeau in anything befor. She is beautiful but this role was not for her. I agree with another review that her acting went from sometimes good to sometimes, well lets just say it was hard to watch. I don't think she complemented Pierce, the chemistry was not there. I feel sorry for Mr Brosnan because from what I have read he put his heart into this movie, and the movie industry thumbed their nose at the movie. If a movie is good it does't need sex and violenc to enhance it. This was a good movie that can stand its own. Lets hear it for Grey Owl and .
Great history in story form.2000-04-16
I just finished watching this film on VHS. Attenborough is brilliant to choose this vehicle to highlight the plight of our vanishing wilderness and the fight of all conservationists. The story of Grey Owl is one I had never heard of before. I am a lover of history, particularily, American History. Sacagewea is one of my all time favorites. Grey Owl is now right up there too! The scenary, music, acting and directing are beautiful. I would recomend this film to all.
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