I give this one a 4 instead of a 1 because the overall subject is fascinating. But the movie was a big let-down especially after reading the book.
Although much touted for it's visual image, I was disappointed by the lack of little details. Many parts just didn't give one the feeling of being there. Forinstance, the train ride eastward; if it has been done like in Dr. Zhivago, it would have been great.
The Russian camp commander was a totally cardboard character. Evil and mean but with no depth. And he is supposed to have followed a single escaped prisoner for 3 years and 8000 miles. Where was his accountability to his superiors for taking off on his own like this. Surely they wouldn't have permitted his being away from his command for months on end in the pursuit of a single escaped prisoner. In reality, the searchers spent a couple of days scanning a 50 kilometer radius then gave the escapee up for dead.
And when; after dogging his prey for 3 years the commander finally catches up with him...and then lets him go? Oh please. I have seen better turns of a plot on womens afternoon shows.
And that Siberian woman who fell instantly in love with him and bedded down with him the same day he came to in her Tee-pee. She happened to be beautiful and wore only the finest quality "traditional" garb. This was a totally unnecessary addition to the film.
I know that a movie can't follow all the detail of a long book about a longer journey. But so much was glazed over.
The dramatic end was conversely wonderful. The reunion with his wife was a great scene and done so well. It brought to life what must have been the most powerful emotions. But was cut off short by the ending credits. if they'd have added a couple of minutes to the end, it might have gone a long way toward saving something of this movie.
Overall "As far as my feet will carry me" had me longing for my feet to carry me out of the theater. At best it is a medium quality "made for TV" production.
Although much touted for it's visual image, I was disappointed by the lack of little details. Many parts just didn't give one the feeling of being there. Forinstance, the train ride eastward; if it has been done like in Dr. Zhivago, it would have been great.
The Russian camp commander was a totally cardboard character. Evil and mean but with no depth. And he is supposed to have followed a single escaped prisoner for 3 years and 8000 miles. Where was his accountability to his superiors for taking off on his own like this. Surely they wouldn't have permitted his being away from his command for months on end in the pursuit of a single escaped prisoner. In reality, the searchers spent a couple of days scanning a 50 kilometer radius then gave the escapee up for dead.
And when; after dogging his prey for 3 years the commander finally catches up with him...and then lets him go? Oh please. I have seen better turns of a plot on womens afternoon shows.
And that Siberian woman who fell instantly in love with him and bedded down with him the same day he came to in her Tee-pee. She happened to be beautiful and wore only the finest quality "traditional" garb. This was a totally unnecessary addition to the film.
I know that a movie can't follow all the detail of a long book about a longer journey. But so much was glazed over.
The dramatic end was conversely wonderful. The reunion with his wife was a great scene and done so well. It brought to life what must have been the most powerful emotions. But was cut off short by the ending credits. if they'd have added a couple of minutes to the end, it might have gone a long way toward saving something of this movie.
Overall "As far as my feet will carry me" had me longing for my feet to carry me out of the theater. At best it is a medium quality "made for TV" production.