How can a film last nearly three hours (it was originally done as episodes for television) and still keep you there watching, even when the main character is suffering terrible things? Jane Campion is a great storyteller, she treats her characters tenderly and makes you feel that compassion and love for them too. She makes it look simple too, easy.... when it really isn't!I want to remember I saw this film, I enjoyed it, I thought I was in for a major depressing film... well it's certainly not cheerful but her story engaged me, her humanity and a certain awkwardness that feels so familiar.
There's a very interesting article written by the director herself on her encounters with Janet Frame: In search of Janet Frame
An Angel at My Table
