Oscar and Lucinda (1997)

Stimulating and Satisfying
While it's true what other reviewers said about it being "slow moving at times" and "not for everyone", if you like a good story - happy and tragic - and beautiful (and sensous) cinematography, costuming, sets and an excellent soundtrack - this may be for you!
The product description says their lives are forever changed by their meeting - but this is far too simple and not true. The story of the changes in each of their lives (before they even meet) already has you gripped in fascination by the time they finally meet together. Throughout, the story takes many turns.
Even though it is not completely a happy ending, it is ultimately sweet and satisfying.
I don't see any special features listed on the DVD (I own an old videotape). I would love to hear what the makers of the movie have to say about the making of this film.

I could watch it over and over
This is one of the lovliest movies I have ever seen. Part of the pleasure comes from the gorgeous actors (Cate Slanchett is a stunning brunette in this movie), costumes and scenery; the other part from the narrator's soothing voice, which takes the onus off the watcher and lays out details that a less gentle movie would make the watcher work for by inference. Perhaps others may dislike the narration (akin to the children's movie "Babe" in its fairytale cadence); I found that it brilliantly fleshed out the characters of Oscar and Lucinda so that by the time they meet, you know they are perfect for each other. If you are familiar with Ralph Fiennes hunky "English Patient" character, you should be prepared that Oscar is quite whimpy in comparison; but I though it spoke to the actor's range that he was willing to play effeminate, physically weak and slightly creepy Oscar. I was fascinated at the exploration of the addictive peronality and compulsive gambling.

I could watch it over and over
This is one of the lovliest movies I have ever seen. Part of the pleasure comes from the gorgeous actors (Cate Slanchett is a stunning brunette in this movie), costumes and scenery; the other part from the narrator's soothing voice, which takes the onus off the watcher and lays out details that a less gentle movie would make the watcher work for by inference. Perhaps others may dislike the narration (akin to the children's movie "Babe" in its fairytale cadence); I found that it brilliantly fleshed out the characters of Oscar and Lucinda so that by the time they meet, you know they are perfect for each other. If you are familiar with Ralph Fiennes hunky "English Patient" character, you should be prepared that Oscar is quite whimpy in comparison; but I though it spoke to the actor's range that he was willing to play effeminate, physically weak and slightly creepy Oscar. I was fascinated at the exploration of the addictive peronality and compulsive gambling.