As charming as it was all those years ago...
Shopper | USA | 06/02/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was barely a tween when I saw this film on TV in the early 1980's. I still recall making a mental note of how hot the leading man was (at that time Mel Gibson was yet to become a household name). And so, I could not resist this purchase, especially given the low price of the DVD.
Well, Mel Gibson is still hot (in the movie; in real life, not so much); Piper Laurie - piping HOT! (who knew!? that woman had some body on her!); the story - as sugar sweet as I remembered it...The story must have been trully revolutionary by the 1970's standards: a mentally slow man in his 20's and an educated and independent woman in her 40's fall in love. Though its telling is a bit stiff and naive, the questions the tale raises are relevant to any modern couple (mainly: can a relationship work, when the control is so steeply tipped toward the female?). Since I am not aware of many of such parings in real life, I am sure this love story may still make some uncomfortable. Nonetheless, I enjoy it for the uplifting moral which teaches us that love conquers all and is above the judgement of those outside of the two people involved. Not always so in real life, but that is precisely what movies are for!
Enjoy!
PS: Watch out for the typically 70's maternity moomoo worn by Tim's pregnant sister...Oh, the dread! Thankfully for all pregnant women today, maternity fashions have improved since then!"
Special relationship!
Judith Johnson | Albany, NY | 08/15/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Made the same year as Mad Max Mad Max (Special Edition) burst on the scene, Tim is based on a story by Colleen McCullough The Thornbirds about a May-December relationship between a 40-something professional woman played by Piper Laurie Carrie and her 23-year old mentally limited but physically mature yardboy Mel Gibson in his first movie role. The plot is worthy of the Lifetime channel but Ms. Laurie and Mr. Gibson are really great and the supporting cast which includes respected Australian actors Alwyn Kurts and Pat Evison transcends the simplistic and slightly pervey script.
This Australian film was made so quickly and cheaply, I don't believe they even did second takes. Happily, the 30th anniversary edition has been remastered so it is a clear and watchable print and re-edited to include a couple of deleted scenes.
Of course, Gibson's gorgeous blue eyes, cute accent and his character's charming innocence are very appealing. Young Mel's physical attributes are happily highlighted by his short shorts work outfit and by the blue swim trunks he wears to the beach. Gibson looks quite angelic in the white dress suit he is wearing in one pivotal scene. His engaging performance here makes one sad to consider the buffoon into which he has evolved."
Ya hoo
J. Strohmaier | Houston, TX | 05/27/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Finally a remastered and un-cut version. Don't let the run time fool you, it's all here."