Map of the Human Heart

 

 

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I like this movie because I know a person that is in the movie and is living in the same community, and the actor is named Avik in the movie. HOLYBOY!!

There is an inherent sense of wonder to the story of an Inuit that can begin in the frozen arctic of Canada and takes him to the firebombing of Dresden during World War II. In 1931 young Avik (Robert Joamie) sees an airplane land on the ice, and meets Walter Russell (Patrick Bergin), a mapmaker. The boy exhibits some curiosity in Russell's surveyor gear and says "Holy Boy" instead of "Holy Cow," which apparently endears him enough to Russell that when he discovers Avik is suffering from tuberculosis he takes the boy to Montreal. The cure is painful enough, but Avik also has to deal with the attentions of Sister Banville (Jeanne Moreau), who wants to turn him and the other native children into good little white children. But Avik forms a friendship with young Albertine (Annie Galipeau) that forges a link for life.

What Avik and Albertine most share in common is that they are trapped between two worlds: he is half white and half Eskimo while she is half white and half Indian. When they are separated again it is her desire to one day sing a song on the wireless that becomes the key to their connecting once again as adults. As an adult, Avik (Jason Scott Lee) is considered a curse to his tribe and they want nothing to do with him, so when Russell returns and explains that the world is at war, Avik decides to enlist. He becomes a photographer in a bomber, named "Holy Boy!" of course, recording the affects of bomb strikes, and one day Albertine (Anne Parillaud) finds him. She is also in the military and her job is to analyze strike photographs, which affords some rather interesting ways for him to communicate with her as the war continues.

There is a framing device for this story, as Avik tells his story in flashback to a new mapmaker (John Cusack), who has come into the frozen north. The relationship between Avik and Albertine certainly has its moments, especially when it gets above the group, a motif that is repeated throughout the film often enough for us to catch on to its significance. The figure of Russell continues to figure largely in Avik's life, but when it involves Albertine as well I was uncomfortable with the turn of events. But the narrative builds to such a point that a great leap forward in time and space is mandated to be able to tell the ending of the tale. There are exquisite and memorable scenes to be sure in the final act as director Vincent Ward tries to have his film take wing. In this regard it will succeed with some and with others not so well, but regardless of which camp you find yourself in at the end, it is certainly worth the watching.

Since the story of "Map of the Human Heart" is found in other reviews on this page, I will focus instead on what makes the film so special and the contents of the DVD.

"Map" is essentially a tried 'n true romantic story of two people who are destined for each other, but separated by fate. What makes this film so wonderful are the spectacular location shots, the superb acting, and the ambition of the storyline.
The most notable sequences are the bombing of Dresden, the "dance" atop the ceiling/roof of the famous Albert Hall theatre, the balloon sequence at the end of the film, and the most indelible site, the love scene atop a barrage balloon. Jason Scott Lee and Ann Parillaud are wonderful in the title roles and Patrick Bergan turns in a really good performance in what may be the most complex character he's ever played (though he does get a "movie star" moment in the film when he dramatically turns around to greet Avik in a London Ballroom).

Special note must be made of the young Avik (Robert Joamie) and Albertine (Annie Galipeau, who possesses an interesting voice to say the least) in the Catholic hospital/school. There is real chemestry present between the actors and it shows. Particularly the scene in which both of them are trying to escape, Albertine gives Avik a knife and says, "Take a part of me.", Avik proceeds to cut off some of her hair, the scene was so moving it left me in tears.

The DVD presentation is really dissapointing considering how long we've had to wait for it. While the movie itself is presented in clean widescreen (using the European cut from what I understand, it's about five minutes longer than the American version), the only extras are four deleted scenes. Three of which take place when Avik & Albertine are at the Catholic hospital/school. Apparently, the "Bunny Ears" deleted scene must be rather infamous considering a promo shot from it is used on the DVD cover. The scene itself looks like it never made it to a preview audience (the film is unprocessed) and it ends with a urination bit that left my jaw on the floor. The deleted scene with Avik tearing a hole through a wall is rather nice, ending with him and Albertine playfully kissing each other.

It's rather puzzling that there were no other extras like a photo gallery (promo photos were used on the menu pages), cast & crew bios, and production notes were put in, in lieu of a director's commentary (which I can understand may have been difficult to get).

"Map of the Human Heart" is one of the finest films ever made that vitually no one has seen. It's well worth seeking out and adding to your collection. Trust me, you will not be dissapointed.

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5.0 out of 5 stars the DVD is finally here
The five stars are for the movie, not necessarily the DVD, which, after an inexplicable wait, has finally arrived on shelves. Read more

Published on Jun 8 2004 by Caraculiambro

5.0 out of 5 stars Deceptively Simply, Beautiful, & Moving  Different
Someone once said, "A story doesn't necessarily have to have happened to be true." This is a wonderful story that provides a unique perspective that rarely is provided in a... Read more

Published on May 14 2004 by mulewilson

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the few I'll buy for my personal collection
Someone once said, "A story doesn't necessarily have to have happened to be true." This is a wonderful story that provides a unique perspective that rarely is provided in a... Read more

Published on May 14 2004 by mulewilson

4.0 out of 5 stars Map of the Human Heart
Visionary, beautiful experience that really takes you in with a grip of passion and adventure and holds you till the very end where the film releases you and leaves you feeling... Read more

Published on Mar 5 2004 by Clob Lane

5.0 out of 5 stars Where's the damn dvd?
A truly magnificent film, aesthetically and emotionally. We really see what Ward can achieve when Hollywood does not interfere. Read more

Published on Feb 28 2004 by Jason Robertson

1.0 out of 5 stars Worst Movie I ever saw
I often discuss with family and friends what the top ten movies of all time are. Much less frequently, we discuss the worst movies of all time. Read more

Published on July 5 2003 by R. E. Geiger

5.0 out of 5 stars Where is the DVD?
This is a movie BEGGING for a director's commentary. I doubt critics will understand the importance of the film otherwise. Read more

Published on Mar 27 2003 by Hamid Thomson

4.0 out of 5 stars A romantic tale of life-long love
I found this to be one of the most romantic movies I've ever seen. It tells the story of Avik, a young Eskimo boy who meets Walter Russell (Patrick Bergin) when Walter comes to... Read more

Published on Dec 22 2002 by D. Movahedpour

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite movie ever!
I love this movie! It's heady sequencing and memory-intensive subtleties make it the most intoxicating film that I have ever seen! Read more

Published on Oct 12 2002 by Ben Goerz

5.0 out of 5 stars a beautiful romance with excitement and adventure
I don't usually care for romantic movies, but this film is an exception. It is a very touching and moving love story and has other fascinating characteristics too. Read more

Published on Nov 22 2001 by Erik

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