Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #66855 in DVD
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, Full Screen, PAL
• Original language: English, Italian
• Subtitled in: English, German, Italian, Spanish
• Running time: 103 minutes

Amazon.com
Writer William Nicholson's (Shadowlands) directorial debut is a surprisingly refreshing art house drama. Even though Firelight has grandstanding elements of forbidden love, a bodice-ripping tryst, and the moody English countryside, the film is never trite or dreary. It's 1838 and Charles, an earnest sheep breeder (Stephen Dillane), wants an heir, but his wife is an invalid. He hires the penniless Elisabeth (Sophie Marceau, ravishing again) as surrogate mother and hopes a weekend of passionless sex will bring him a baby. The D.H. Lawrence-like love nest brings a surprise or two, as does the bulk of film that takes place seven years later. Whereas many a period drama would focus on potential scandal, Nicholson is squarely looking at love between mother and child, and the unmentioned love between Charles and Elisabeth. Miscast in nearly every film since her breakout performance in Braveheart, Marceau is wonderful here. She keeps her smoldering air, but her character is more hopeful than downbeat. Nicholson's casting of Dillane (think of a British Ed Harris) instead of some gorgeous hunk was box-office poison, but makes for a far more satisfying picture--and they are a very appealing couple. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews

Snowy landscapes, warm hearts....
I bought my own copy after renting it three times, and I'd buy it on DVD in addition so I could see it letterboxed. I'm hooked--it's a marvel of film. I love everything about it. Why else would I be writing this review? The writing, photography and acting are perfection. The range and delicacy of feelings that flicker across Stephen Dillane's and Sophie Marceau's faces fascinate me, and their relationship with each other and with their daughter have a kind of deep, satisfying truthfulness. I appreciate Firelight's underlying moral that breeding is a serious matter, that sex transforms us and makes us 'one flesh'. The one false note, for me, was Elisabeth's assertion that her desire destroyed Charles' world. Not so. Not at all. Charles' world is ruined by his father, Lord Clare, who lives only for pleasure and who has no sense of duty to his family. Dutiful, faithful Charles and Elisabeth, united by their child, are freed and made whole by their desire for one another. It's a very Anglican sensibility. I probably wouldn't recommend Firelight to someone whose modern mind feeds on violence, casual sex and celebrity, but it's perfect for the rest of us. I want this film to be hugely successful on video so Hollywood will take notice, and everyone in it will have the satisfaction of knowing their work is recognized and appreciated. So buy it, recommend it to your friends. Enjoy.

Rich, romantic, and beautiful to look at
I saw Firelight last year during its all too brief big-screen run and was stunned.

But even though it is a visually perfect film, the two lovers are more than simply exquisite - they have breadth and depth. They actually take on dimension and draw us into their world and time: we share their fears, denials, passions, and the joy they ultimately find in their love.

In addition, the scenery (bleak outdoors, lush in) and weather (winter) were mesmerising because they were deeply a part of the context. Even the ancillary characters (Connie and Lord Godwin especially), were well-played and endearing. Real.

This is absolutely one of my favorite movies. It is a definite MUST HAVE for every lover of romantic period films. Particularly if you like them sensual and erotic without coarseness.

Firelight is a kiss from William Nicholson that touches and warms the skin beneath the lace.

Passion knows no reason not so see FIRELIGHT
Passion has no limits...nor reason, either. How else can I explain my passion for this little film with so many little flaws but with so much that is captivatingly lovely? The "reasonable" critics would tell me this film is not worth the trouble, but my eyes, my ears and my heart tell me differently. No recent film has left such lingering sounds and images in my mind as "Firelight". Sophie Marceau (Elisabeth Laurier) is ethereally beautiful, a delight to hear and a genuine vision to watch. Stephen Dillane (Charles Godwin)is her rustic match, conveying both the passion of his fascination and the angst of possible discovery and scandal. Although the plot may twist and present perfect examples of predictable Victorian situations and solutions, this "gothic" story is well-delivered by the principals. William Nicholson is obviously a man of taste, and has fashioned his film with a loving hand and a careful blend of actors, cinematographer, costumer and especially the composer, Christopher Gunning. He has used three basic themes and orchestrated them to perfection to enhance the characters and the story. It is rare that I buy a film's video and soundtrack immediately after a first viewing, but I did for "Firelight". This was no easy task, as neither video nor soundtrack are easily found. But the search was well worth it, and I shall enjoy both for years to come.