Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unplanned pregnancy leads to family lies, surprise romance.
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A Walk in the Clouds
What's the Story?
It's 1945, World War II has ended, and Paul Sutton (Keanu Reeves) comes home. His hasty wartime marriage isn't what he'd hoped for. When he meets the beautiful Victoria Aragon (Aintana Sanchez-Gijon) unmarried, pregnant, and terrified of returning to her family vineyard to reveal her predicament, Paul is smitten. He offers to help, willing to masquerade as her husband and join her at the vineyard just long enough to establish her as "married" then pretend to leave her callously behind. Reluctantly but gratefully, Victoria agrees. However, the lifestyle and generous, passionate personality of the Aragon family draw Paul in from the moment he arrives. The major obstacles to the successful execution of the young couple's scheme is their growing attachment to one another and her father's (Giancarlo Giannini) outrage at Victoria and her unexpected "marriage."
Is It Any Good?
A Walk in the Clouds is visually spectacular. It regales the senses with rich, lush shots of the vineyard and its countryside; glowing orange skies; sensual dancing; sumptuous sets and costumes; the dashing good looks of Mr. Reeves and the delicate beauty of Aitana Sanchez-Gijon. It's pure fairy tale. Its characters and situations are no more real than in any such story. The outcome is never in doubt, but the journey is gentle, beautiful, and very romantic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's 1945 setting. How is Victoria's family different from families today? Do you think parents are as protective of their children today?
Look up the term "magical realism" and its roots in the literature of Latin America. How did the filmmakers bring this unique way of telling a story to this movie? What techniques did they use?
How did Paul's wartime experiences affect his life and his relationships afterward?
Describe the ways in which Paul is "princely" and "heroic." What other elements does this movie have in common with fairy tales?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 11, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : January 9, 2001
- Cast : Aitana Sanchez-Gijon , Giancarlo Giannini , Keanu Reeves
- Director : Alfonso Arau
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : moments of sensuality and war action.
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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