A beautifully filmed story, based on a work by Ernest Hemingway that details a magical summer spent on an island in the Bahamas in the Summer of 1940. Aging, divorced painter Thomas Hudson (George C. Scott) is visited by his three sons, Tom Jr., in his late teens, David, aged about 13, and little Andrew. Tom Jr. is thinking about the European war, and has fond memories of his father, while David is antagonistic toward his father, and Andrew just wants to be loved and have fun. On a fishing trip, David hooks a giant marlin, and an hours-long battle ensues. Tom tells David he's never been prouder, and mutal love and respect are reached by father and son. After the boys return home, Tom realizes how much he loves and misses them. A visit from his ex-wife Audrey brings home the realization that his life is empty. Brilliant acting by Scott, David Hemmings, and the three sons, Hart Bochner, Michael-James Wixted and Brad Savage.
-Scott Palmer |