Willie, a young boy, is blessed in his native Ireland. His family is wealthy, his sisters are good company, and his house is a mansion in a gorgeous setting. Things change, unhappily. Willie's father hires a man with British connections for his factory and the other workers are upset. Soon, this man, Doyle, is found hanging from a tree. A British officer, very enraged, burns down Willie's house. Only Willie and his mother escape. His mother is ruined and takes to a life of drink and despair. Willie grows up to be a nice young man and falls for a beautiful woman named Marianne. However, he is haunted by his past. Can he forget and forgive? This dark film is depressing, to say the least. The story is a downer, despite moments of beauty. The script, also, seems stilted, as characters mouth words their hearts don't seem connected to. The setting and costumes are beautiful, though. If you are a fan of Irish history, you might want to take a chance with this film. Otherwise, stay away unless you are in the mood for a good cry.
Review of Fools of Fortune
Fools of Fortune
(1990)
Somber, stiff and strange...not a film for everyone, for certain
8 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers