The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant [Import]

This is an utterly magnificent film about an almost unknown piece of history, and a remarkable, equally unknown woman. It is well written, well-acted, and engrossing from start to finish. But I think its greatest strength is its characterization. Each person is drawn with remarkable honesty; their flaws are acknowledged along with their strengths. We always see them as human and believable. Even the ones we come to detest are comprehensible, and those we admire simply grow in stature as the story goes on.

The movie is also painfully honest about the cruelties of 18th Century life, and the desperate vulnerability of anyone who lacked power, especially women and the poor.

One of those rare and wonderful films that celebrates heroism without resorting to exaggerations or cliches. Truly, they don't come any better!

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I wasn't sure that would be the case. It is a compelling tale of the incredible courage of a woman very few of us have heard of. It depicts liife in the 1700's and the dreadful plight of the poor and certainly of women. Mary is found to be a criminal and sentenced to life in Botany Bay Australia. The depiction of the unimaginable voyage that takes about nine months to complete is almost uncomphrensible to us today who can fly to Australia in a few hours. The acting is wonderful and to me none of the actors were known although one of them now is in a very popular American t.v. series. The success of some of the captives escape from Botany Bay is nothing short of miraculous due to the incredible courage and determination of all of the escapees but no doubt more on the part of Mary Bryant. I think my only criticism would be that when you look into the facts the movie has played a bit fast and loose with the true story. Some of the story line has been "movied" up to make the story more interesting which I suppose is normal with stories "BASED on fact". Nevertheless this woman really lived and really did make such a voyage and really did escape and in my estimation was a true heroin and more should be told of her story today. It truly was and INCREDIBLE journey and I would highly recommend it.

My first reaction while watching this film was 'why don't I know this story'? Mary Bryant's journey is indeed incredible and, in this two part mini-series, well told. This is the kind of role that actresses live for - full of life, passion and power. Amazing to watch Romola take to the role and be utterly believeable. While the writer's took liberties, particularly with the end of the film, much of what is important in the story as presented is true. I found, when researching Bryant afterwards, that the end of the story in real life is more powerful than the one presented on film. Even so, a story that sends me to learn more is one that has excited my imagination. Great film, terrific performances, worth every cent.