The Clearing (2004)

The considerable talents of Robert Redford, Helen Mirren, and Willem Dafoe are not enough to rescue this mediocre film about the kidnapping of a business executive for ransom. For me, the plot and the characters’ motivations just didn’t hang together. I kept thinking there would be some sort of surprise or twist at the end, and there wasn’t. I was left with the thought: That's it? That's all that there is? If you like Redford, Mirren, and/or Dafoe, go ahead and watch, but prepare to be puzzled and/or disappointed.

With Redford, Mirren and DeFoe I was hoping for more. It was just OK.

Why wasn't this a more successful movie? If nothing else, the ending is tragic. The makers of The Clearing had the guts to to reject a happy ending---and paid the price. Robert Redford, Helen Miren, and Wilhelm Defoe are fantastic. This kidnapping story rivets one's attention. I also regretfully believe that Robert Redford's advanced age is held against him. The younger viewers are simply not interested in actors old enough to be their grandfather. Did somebody tell you life is fair? Oh well, they sure lied to you. Redford is not my my favorite person. His left wing political activism turns me off. Nonetheless, he has earned the right to be considered one of the best film actors of our age.

Not one of Redford's better movies but even a mediocre movie with Redford and Helen Mirren is better than a great movie with lesser players. Surprise ending. Did not see that coming. We have watched it a couple of times. Two exceptional actors hold up a good but not great script.

I really liked the actors in this movie and always Redford but it was a little unsatisfying.

The cast is everything you think it's going to be (although Wilem Dafoe could have brought a little more heat). The plot was interesting and unfolded in a way that kept me hooked and thinking. I liked that the director knew when to get the movie out of the and let the actors act.Without spoiling anything, some of the characters were motivated by events unknown and I was left wanting for understanding at the end.

I love the directors multilayered use of the unfoldings of varied durations of time are brilliantly intertwined throughout the story which culminates in an ending that is prettier than the prettiest pretty thing on earth.

I would recommend this to a friend, though they should understand that it's a quiet movie, and doesn't follow the template of the genre. "If you love me, that's all I need", seems to be the pivot around which the movie spins its tale, and it's the line I will remember most.

Good film nicely acted-nicely staged and all in all a great movie. The star power is certainly there and I came across this when looking for something to watch-trust me you will not be disappointed if you get the chance see it.

Very happy with product and highly recommend

Not viewed dvd yet delivery good no problems

Really pleased with my dvd and the fast service.

watched this to the end but still do not know what the story was.