Among Giants
Among Giants

Movie spotlight

Among Giants

1998
Movie
93 min
English

A manager hires Ray, off the books, to paint all the power towers in a 15-mile stretch of high-tension wires outside Sheffield. Ray's crew of men are friends, especially Ray with Steve, a young Romeo. Into the mix comes Gerry, an Australian with a spirit of adventure and mountain climbing skills. She wants a job, and against the others' advice, who don't want a woman on the job, Ray hires her. Then she and Ray fall in love. He asks her to marry him, gives her a ring. Steve's jealous; Ray's ex-wife complains that he spends on Gerry, not his own kids, and she predicts that Gerry won't stay around. Plus, there's pressure to finish the job fast. Economics, romance, and wanderlust spark the end.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Sam ShepardGenres: Drama, Sport

Plot Summary

Ray is a former circus acrobat who has retired to a quiet life in rural England. He's haunted by a past tragedy that led to his retirement. His estranged daughter, an aspiring acrobat herself, seeks him out, hoping he will train her. Ray struggles with his demons and the desire to connect with his daughter, eventually agreeing to help her achieve her dreams while confronting his own.

Critical Reception

Among Giants received a mixed reception from critics. While the performances, particularly from Jeff Bridges, were often praised, many found the pacing slow and the plot somewhat underdeveloped. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the emotional depth and exploration of themes like regret and redemption, while others found it lacking in dramatic momentum.

What Reviewers Say

  • Jeff Bridges delivers a compelling performance as a troubled former acrobat.

  • The film's exploration of regret and redemption is poignant.

  • Some critics found the pacing too slow and the narrative lacking.

  • The circus atmosphere and stunts are visually interesting but don't always serve the story.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their sentiment breakdown for 'Among Giants' is not readily available in public archives.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

Sam Shepard, known for his acting and writing, directed this film, marking a less frequent foray into directing feature films for him.

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