MovieChat Forums > Seraphim Falls (2007) Discussion > In ten years this will be as revered as ...

In ten years this will be as revered as Shawshank.

posted 17 years ago by romone9
20 replies | jump to latest

The understated magnificence of this movie may well not reap its just deserts currently. In my humble opinion, its the type of movie that will have a steady and sure climb to classic status. Wonderfully acted, expertly staged and completely re watchable. Shawshank never pulled up any trees upon initial release, but through word of mouth, excellent rental/retail sales, and a timeless story, it has become one of the greatest movies of our time. I believe Seraphim Falls can reach a similar status of notarity.

[–] thatgood 17 years ago

Whether it can be as loved as shawshank is debatable, primarily because of the genre. Those women don't like the western.
However I can see this film being mentioned alongside some of the classic westerns in years to come. Being that in the last 20 years there has been few quality westerns anyway, this alone wont make it too difficult to the rise the ranks into classic status.

[–] pk_000 16 years ago

yea and women don't tend to like prison movies where the main guy gets raped..

[–] ssny27 17 years ago

I don't know if it's as re-watchable as Shawshank. I loved the scenery and the acting but it started to get somewhat boring and it dragged for a while. I think you can only watch a pursuit for so long when you finally want things to come to a head. On the other hand, the film did rely almost solely on the tension of the pursuit (plus the scenery) and it did work. Overall, though, I doubt I'll really want to watch it again.

[–] faded2001 17 years ago

I never understood why people like Shawskank so much. Its an Ok movie.
I enjoyed this cowboy chase movie much more.

"This is how we say goodbye in Germany, Dr. Jones..."

[–] ssny27 17 years ago

I think Shawshank was just pretty accessible to most people. The masses could identify with the mistaken identity aspect, the emotions of friendship, the desperation, etc. There was also a clear good guy and a clear bad guy which also appeals to a lot of people because, since the characters were well-written, it was easy to root for the good one and against the bad one. Combine those things with Morgan Freeman's emotional narration (people were still impressed with him and hadn't yet grown tired of him at that time) and you have a film to which people respond. It wasn't a very deep movie but it was very classy and easy to digest.
As for Seraphim Falls, there are many people who don't like such a thin line between good and bad. Both of the lead characters had good and bad aspects to them so it was more of an observation of both of them rather than "taking sides". Don't get me wrong, I loved that aspect but a lot of people don't. Also, there are people who simply don't like westerns. They see Seraphim Falls in the video store and, right or wrong, walk right on by it. That's a shame but many do so.
As I said, though, I simply wasn't as entertained or engaged throughout this film as I was through Shawshank. I guess that's the simple explanation as to why I don't think it will be as respected.

[–] rhuggins-1 17 years ago

I actually rented this movie based on this thread alone, and I will NEVER listen to your reviews again. A slow, plodding movie that didn't take advantage of either actors talent. A whole lot of walking, a whole lot of mumbling. At the hour and 20 minute mark my roommate and I both groaned knowing there was another half hour, and boy were we thrilled to see that the last half hour was more walking, just in the desert this time. A terrible, terrible movie not worthy of being mentioned in the same breath any decent Western.

I absolutely GUARANTEE you that you won't come back here in 10 years and see this film with anything higher than a 7, and nowhere near as high as Shawshank Redemption.

[–] Billygoat 17 years ago

Wow - pretty strong reaction from rhuggins.

Nevertheless, if I were a betting man I'd say that Seraphim Falls will end up being regarded as a classic Western.

[–] faded2001 17 years ago

rhuggins...you may want to check out The Proposition. That is a pretty freakin awesome movie. Alot more killing and such too.

"This is how we say goodbye in Germany, Dr. Jones..."

[–] mobed 16 years ago

rhuggins-1 man I agree same for me my feeble brain couldn’t handle & digest the deeper undertone, the subtle acting, the words of wisdom, the authentic costume & set design, well edited vistas, and the anti-war sentiments...so I went and watched Rambo 4, man a heck of a lot easier to relate to. They say it had 2564 killings a minute. Yiiiiiha!

[–] deathgecko 15 years ago

dont you love it when someone says they didnt like a flick, and some tool comes in and says 'oh, thats b/c you didnt get it.' people arent allowed a diffference of opinion?

and seriously, there was way too much walking. its what really slowed down the last two LOtR movies.

I thought seraphim falls was good enough. liam neeson was completely wasted. i dont know if i should blame him or the director. hes a great actor but there really wasnt much for him to do. brosnan was awesome.

i thought the symbolism at the end should have been based more in reality. i dont buy a lady hawking tonic or an one gun-toting indian guarding a water hole. it seems the writers were tired and got lazy near the ending.

plus, shawshank was greatly revered back when it was released, there wasnt some slow build up. it made millions and was nominated for many oscars. seraphim falls will never be held in such high regard b/c it is not nearly as good. shawshank was brilliant; this was so-so.

The battle of the bush is being fought and won by team Mackey.

[–] jarius 17 years ago

I disagree quite strongly. I saw The Proposition recently and was blown away. Ok its not a western due to location but it deserves the accolades.

Seraphim Falls on the other hand fell apart in the third act. Had it stayed "realistic" it would still have been able to convey the revenge consumes/forgiveness saves message without problem. Now it all of the sudden decided to leave the realism of the first two acts and wander of towards some kind of simplistic fantasy setting. I love modern westerns, I really do, but this was dissapointing. Brosnan was good, Neeson was pretty terrible to be honest.

[–] John_Titor_2036 17 years ago

At the hour and 20 minute mark my roommate and I both groaned

God, that sounds really gay.

[–] bdpeace 16 years ago

Best post EVER!!!

[–] kameeleoned_out 16 years ago

snap!

[–] jmac332083 17 years ago

no way. This movie had great acting but it was way too slow for me. I'm a huge fan of Pierce and thats the only reason i saw it. This movie will never equal The Shawshank Redemption. EVER!

I Can't Wait For The Dark Knight!

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[–] Matthijsadmiraal 15 years ago

I realy enjoyed this movie, but I think you are overrating it with that statement.
Since The Shawshank Redemption was appreciated even at its initial release I find it hard to understand your statement at all.

In my opinion this movie won't gain the same status as Shawshank Redemption.
Opposed to what you say I don't believe this movie is as rewachable as Shawshank. The second time people watch it, the tension of the pursuit will be a lot less. Where Shawshank makes you want to see Andy create his masterplan, Seraphim Falls is only worth watching again because of the acting.

Secondly I believe that many viewers aren't charmed by the slow pace of this movie. This movie is mostly cut out for people who like the western genre, but for those viewers the surreal scenes at the end may be disappointing. Although its a very good movie, it will amuse a smaller group.

Time will tell