Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
Brand: WELLSPRING/GENIUS
EAN: 0796019804806
Format: DVD-Video
Item Dimensions: Array
Label: Ifc
Languages: Array
Manufacturer: Ifc
MPN: GEPD80480D
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Ifc
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2007-09-11
Running Time: 112
Studio: Ifc
Theatrical Release Date: 2006

Sigourney Weaver, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Alan Rickman star in this film about what happens in the aftermath of a young woman's death. Recently released from prison, Alex (Rickman) offers a ride to a hitchhiker, only to have her killed instantly when their car endures a brutal accident. Alex then approaches the girl's mother, and the events that unfold change his life and other around him dramatically.
Alan Rickman and Sigourney Weaver form the quintessential indie-film odd couple in this intimately observed drama that makes a memorable detour from the usual high-concept, special effects-laden studio fare. Rickman is in his element as Alex, a morose, laconic ex-con just released from prison. A tragic twist of fate brings him to a Canadian small town and the doorstep of Linda, a functional autistic woman with a decidedly anti-social personality. Weaver is a wonder in a fiercely committed, vanity-free performance. "I don't like normal people," Linda states, and neither does Snow Cake, the heart of which is clearly with the outcasts and misfits, including Vivienne (Emily Hampshire), Linda's vivacious, hitchhiking daughter, who bums a ride with Alex because he looks lonely ("Lonely people have the best stories," she observes) and Linda's neighbor, Maggie (Carrie-Ann Moss), a nurturing type who is very quick to take damaged soul Alex into her bed. This is a palpably heartfelt project (screenwriter Angela Pell has an autistic daughter) that--the unfortunate title notwithstanding--mostly manages to avoid the cloying or manipulative. The smiling faces pictured on the DVD cover suggest an upbeat romantic comedy, but Snow Cake is a slice of something much more filling. --Donald Liebenson

Customer Rating:
Summary: I'm here for Alan Rickman, but Emily Hampshire is Snowcake's standout
Comment: I see other reviewers who start off their review the way I'm going to do it: I'm here because of Alan Rickman. We watch everything he makes, no questions asked. The Amazon review calls him "morose" and "laconic." Um, yeah. That's Alan Rickman.

While I was tempted to call Sigourney Weaver 'annoying' in her role, I realize that that's the entire point - she's portraying a high-functioning autistic and - by all accounts - has done an amazing rendition here.

The real star is Emily Hampshire as Weaver's on-screen daughter, Vivienne. She powerfully portrays her character's quirky, fierce but ultimately sweet nature. Why does she single out Rickman for attention as the film opens? As the spotlight review on this page notes, "Vivienne always picked the loneliest people to talk to." The truth.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Very good for the most part
Comment: Guess I'm the odd person out on this one because Sigourney Weaver is the only one I didn't care for. In all fairness, she's not a favorite of mine to begin with. I liked a lot about this movie, however. The northern setting was artistic, moody. I thought the story on the whole was very interesting and refreshing when compared to most films which have fast action, lots of noise and dramatic music, but weak on script. I am suspicious of Weaver's character because I don't know whether we were presented with an authentic "high functioning" autistic person. I have no experience or information, but I sure don't want to get it from the movie industry, which portrays the mentally ill or developmentally delayed romantically, always casting attractive actors in the parts, not people who look like the real people. In real life would anyone actually buy a lovely home for an autistic woman, no matter how "high functioning" she was? If the grandparents raised Vivienne until she was 16, was Linda living all that time in her own home? If she couldn't care for a child, why could she have a home of her own? Maybe I missed something, but it seemed unbelievable. I felt a little like I was having social/mental health issues forced on me by Lifetime TV, manipulative. I really hate that. While some parts of the story seemed a bit loosely connected (like the affair with neighbor) I still enjoyed it. However, unlike at least one reviewer, I did not find the funeral to be a tear jerker. The most moving character, the most interesting and likable one, was Vivienne. And the dog!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Dirge-like, but high quality
Comment: Odd couple flick with an autistic woman and a man who never smiles, indeed, is the most morose man in the world. Great script, great soundtrack. I didn't believe the love interest between the man and the neighbor, but whatever. The ending is a bit dragged out, and the funeral is a tear-jerker, of course.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Quick ship - Perfect Condition
Comment: A wonderful movie. Weaver and Rickman are great together. I laughed and cried at the same time! Not your typical "touchy,feel good" movie. or "inspirational," but just plain GREAT. Weaver just gets better and better (and more beautiful). If you're looking for an "out of the ordinary" movie, this is it!!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Poignant, intelligent, thoughtful
Comment: This is a beautiful film in every sense. Alan Rickman, who I adore not only as a fine actor, but as a gorgeous Brit, gives his usual superb performance. And Signourney Weaver is simply astounding. The entire cast, including the actresss playing Vivian who I look forward to seeing in bigger parts, is exceptional. Beautifully filmed, directed, edited, and acted -- take the time to watch this one.

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