I loved the book of Jacob Have I Loved and never thought I could like any film made of it. But this film achieves the impossible. The characters come alive. It is beautiful to look at, and since the Chesapeake Bay is a character itself, it's as if you are right there in the story. The director managed to tell the story on film without losing any depth or character development. Bridget Fonda plays the main character, Louise, with great restraint. Louise hates her fraternal twin sister, Caroline, who seems to have everything. Louise has to learn her own worth. She does this with the help of an old sea captain who returns to the island. The story develops very simply, but powerfully, and reflects the tone of the people who live on the island. The film takes place during World War II and it is instructive to see how people behaved when they had to pitch in when times got rough. Though the film is realistic there are lyrical moments as well. The storm is a metaphor for the storm that is raging inside Louise. By the time the film ends, we learn what drives all the characters, and realize that there is a way out for Louise. The film is a small gem and should be seen not only by lovers of the book, but by lovers of film as well. A rare adaptation, well done.
Review of Jacob Have I Loved
