Far and Away (1992)

Young Irishman Joseph Connelly (Tom Cruise) dreams of America where land is free. Young socialite Shannon Christie (Nicole Kidman) is tired of her family's old fashioned ideas and dreams of being modern. Together, the two set off to conquer their dreams. Upon arrival, the two part only to have fate thrust them together again. Shannon is quickly swindled out of her small fortune and looks to Joe for guidance. Connelly leads by example. Digging his heels in, determined to do whatever it takes and soon finds himself a champion bare knuckles boxer. Shannon follows his lead. Taking jobs and saving money, the two struggle to make their way in the new world.

Far and Away, a period epic from writer/director Ron Howard, is a grandiose tale in style and texture. The film is beautiful to behold. 19th Century Boston is hard, gritty, and loud. Howard's production feels overwhelming. He pegs the hostility of a strange world, this paranoia of sorts perfectly.

Adding to the extravagant production, are Cruise and Kidman. With obvious chemistry, the two play off one another well, building a believable relationship that grows from suspicion to trust and ultimately life and death.

The cinematography is easily the film's best asset. It romanticises the film and ultimately creates the film 'epic' running time. No frame is wasted. The dialogue and underlying subplots are Far and Away's weakness. The dialogue has no depth and Howard insists on chatter when none is necessary. His dedicate to the Christie's is commendable, the story would have been better served detailing our young couple.

While predicable, Far and Away is a solid period drama. Howard leans towards the romance, but it's the framed beauty of the story's surrounds that make the film. Fans of the genre will no doubt enjoy.