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Features: DVD, Sensormatic
The House Of The Spirits is a hauntingly romantic epic tale spanning three generations of the Trueba family. At its core is the stormy, yet passionate relationship between the supernaturally gifted Clara (Meryl Streep) and her controlling husband Esteban (Jeremy Irons), who resists change both politically and personally. It is a timeless story about secrets and seduction, revenge and forgiveness, and the ultimate power of love to conquer any obstacle -- even death.
Glenn Close, Winona Ryder, Antonio Banderas, Vanessa Redgrave and Maria Conchita Alonso also star in this compelling adaptation of Isabel Allende's best-selling novel.
Editor's Note
Based on Isabel Allende's novel and set in a South American country beset by constant turmoil and bloody power struggles, this film follows three generations of the Truebas family from the 1920s through the 1970s. Just as the nation around them is at odds with itself, the family painfully and passionately experiences its own evolution. The talented cast includes Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Jeremy Irons, and Winona Ryder.
Plot Summary
THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS is a cinematic rendering of Isabelle Allende's critically acclaimed magical-realist novel about three generations of a Chilean family. The film investigates the personal and social upheavals that tear apart both family and country--until, in one moment of understanding, the patriarch, spurred by the diaries of his dead wife, renounces his life of power and oppression in an act of unprecedented heroism.
| Features | Scene Access | | Interactive Menus | | Dolby Digital Surround | | Cast & Crew Information | | Production Notes |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Artisan |
| Release Date: 9/25/2001 |
| Running Time: 133 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1994 | | Catalog ID: 12114 | | UPC: 00012236121145 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English | | Video: Color |
| Cast & Crew
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| | Professional Reviews | Premiere
"...Allende's sweeping tale of power and passion in South America..." 09/01/1994 p.112Sight and Sound
"...[Close delivers] one really strong performance..." 04/01/1994 p.43-4 New York Times
"...Its star quotient is truly staggering....August has clearly been galvanized by the passion and colorfulness of this story..." 04/01/1994 p.C1 Variety
"A stellar cast, lavish production values and an epic storyline....Ryder is fetching..." 01/03/1994 The New York Times 0 of 10
A handsome, ravishing film filled with understated miracles! - Janet Maslin
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| Customer Reviews | ![]() | | Cinematography |  5 | | Plot | 5 | | Acting | 5 | | Overall Satisfaction | 5 |
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1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
5 of 5 True to the book by Isabele Allende Tuesday, December 11, 2001
asnyder from Clearwater, FL
Although not all of the books characters are depicted in this well acted, superbly directed adaptation of Isabele Allende's novel about a South American banana republic in the throws of revolution and changing times, the characters that do appear are represented by some of Hollywood's best. Meryl Streep is Clara the clairvoyant, supple and mysterious, married to Esteban Trueba, portrayed by Jeremy Irons in a fierce and dynamic role. His domineering sister is played by Glenn Close, with supporting roles by Vanessa Redgrave, Antonio Banderas and Wynona Ryder.
Following several generations in the same family, we see Clara as a child with no voice, growing to womanhood in the arms of Trueba, and providing him with a daugter, ultimately his glory and his shame. He ages throughout the story, not so gracefully, battling politics and his own blood, yet willing to do almost anything for his beloved and only granddaughter.
We see changing times in an unstable country and culture, from the days when farm workers were loyal to their 'patron' to the revolution of a people longing for their own identity and freedom. This film rates in my library as one of the finest, and most important of its kind. Was this review helpful?  
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