In this exceptional film, mercifully free of the usual warm and fuzzy movie sentimentality, director Maggie Greenwald and her fine cast shatter most hillbilly stereotypes. Neither DELIVERANCE-style rednecks nor holy innocents possessing the secret of a "natural" life, Greenwald's mountain people have simply maintained their Anglo-Saxon stoicism and weary dignity through generations of hardscrabble living. The story revolves around stony university musicologist Dr. Lily Penleric (Janet McTeer), whom we first meet singing the ballad "Barbara Allen" to a respectful class, then coldly dissecting it. More pragmatic than passionate, Lily is counting on a well-deserved prom...
Released:
2000
Rated:
PG-13
Length:
109 mins