Solomon And Gaenor never lets you forget for an instant that this is a doomed romance. Unlike Shakespeare's version, there is no sympathetic character to offer a glimmer of hope to the young lovers. Rather the story takes its cue from its bleak setting in a Welsh mining town in 1911.
This is not to say, however, that the film is maudlin - it isn't. Rather the horrifying reality of Solomon and Gaenor's situation adds poignancy to their love. A delicate and intricately detailed dress that Solomon makes for Gaenor serves as a reminder that, like the dress, their relationship is too beautiful and fragile to last in such hostile surrounds. On a more technical note, the blend of languages (Yiddish, Gaelic, and English) works well, adding an air of authenticity without being self-conscious or knowing. The two leads, Gruffudd and Roberts bring a freshness and vitality to their roles that sidesteps any stereotypes. These are not Byronic figures, stalking moodily across a barren landscape. They are two people made happy by love in a dismal place.
I definitely recommend this film.
This is not to say, however, that the film is maudlin - it isn't. Rather the horrifying reality of Solomon and Gaenor's situation adds poignancy to their love. A delicate and intricately detailed dress that Solomon makes for Gaenor serves as a reminder that, like the dress, their relationship is too beautiful and fragile to last in such hostile surrounds. On a more technical note, the blend of languages (Yiddish, Gaelic, and English) works well, adding an air of authenticity without being self-conscious or knowing. The two leads, Gruffudd and Roberts bring a freshness and vitality to their roles that sidesteps any stereotypes. These are not Byronic figures, stalking moodily across a barren landscape. They are two people made happy by love in a dismal place.
I definitely recommend this film.