Islands in the Stream

It is one of my Franklyn Schaffner's favourite features. George C Scott is absolutely poignant in this superb, beautiful and atmospheric adventure film, one of the best of the decade. No movie would be closer to Ernest Hemingway's DNA than this one. No length, no boredom in this gripping, taut and disenchanted story about the meaning of life, friendship, sorrow, search for a unreachable happiness. I repeat, George C Scott should have deserved an Academy Award, as he got for PATTON. You may feel very sad after watching this movie, even with a so paradise settings, which emphasize even more of the despair feeling. A forgotten masterpiece for me. And David Hemmings is also tremendous in this Hemingway's adaptation, as Scott's sidekick.

"Islands in the Streams" takes place in the Carribeans and Keys during World War II, as one of Hemingway's favorite settings. If you like Hemingway's work in general, you won't be disappointed by this movie. Talented George C. Scott puts on a fine performance and although his association with director Schaffner on this one is no match to their masterpiece "Patton", it successfully adapts Hemingway's story to the screen. Scott's character Thomas Hudson lives on an island surrounded by a few friends, works on his art, analyzes his relationship with his children and previous wives, with opportunity rising by the visit of his children. The fishing scene is the best, but lack of technology makes the movie less convincing.

The ratings people gave this movie are not a accurate representation of the quality of this film. The score is amazing, the story is dreamy and haunting, and the acting is top notch. The end is truly heart breaking.

This fine novel adaptation from Hemingway was paved since the begining to George C. Scott's character, nevertheless he made a good job who really shines is David Hemmings in your best performance ever, without notice which he won a prize for this picture, l saw Eddy as a priceless acting as a drunk guy lost in a Island with his pal who love and take care him, the unexpected meeting between sons and a heatless father is another high point, a poignant moment, anti war movie indeed and underrated for me, unusual story from the great Hemingway!! Resume: First watch: 1993 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 8

Mr. Peticlerc is an excellent writer. He's a wonderful person and I can't wait to see more from him. Islands in the Stream is a visually beautiful film. George C. Scott gave one of his best performances in my opinion. The writing on this film was wonderful because Denne was able to create realistic dialog that forced you to become in the moment. The screenplay was enthralling!! Peticlerc and Hemmingway are an inspiration and an encouragement, that true greatness CAN be achieved. I bought this film and I will forever be grateful for that purchase and the gift that Hemmingway and Peticlerc gave to me personally. I do more than tip my hat but actually throw it high in the air. respectably, Lyd

This film had been slated by some English critics I later discovered - one describing it as "awful". I hadn't read about it beforehand and was pleasantly surprised - no violence, explosions, sex! A soft, gentle film with romantic and family angst heavily emphasised. George C Scott was excellent in the 'Hemingway' role and had splendid support from the rest of the cast, especially Claire Bloom and Julius Harris (I except David Hemmings from this who came close to spoiling it with hamming it up; very annoying). The ending didn't do the rest of it justice, I felt; a little too much sugar! Well photographed and a good score too. A good film for a wet afternoon.

From the opening score and scenes of the water, I was drawn to watch this movie. It was filmed somewhere in the Caribbean and the location was breathtaking. George C. Scott was perfect in the role of Tom Hudson, an Ernest Hemingway-ish character who was a complicated, lonely artist and expatriate who sculpted, drank, and fished his life away. It wasn't until the tragic end that he came to know what he'd been missing. The music score was haunting and beautiful. I was so impressed with it that I ordered the soundrack.