Reviews
Shadowland, the Legend (2012)
sympathy for the shadow
A whole different take on heroism, especially valuable for young people looking for who they want to be, and what it takes to face the dragons that this life throws in front of us.
From Jung to the Rolling Stones to Rob Brezsny, facing the shadow has been celebrated as one of the greatest things a person can do, and offer to the world.
Johanna Kern brings this theme to the fantasy genre, as teenage Frank finds out what he needs to be a hero.
My favorite characters are Revill and Donlore, both answering only to their own will, whether light or dark. Irishman Mark Whelan is perfect for the role of the returning leader of the revolt, with his accent, his fierceness, and his home country's tradition of throwing off the oppressor, which shows in his authentic body language.
The journey of Donlore and Frank shedding their amorality and finding their core values through extreme tests and simple caring, is the emotional center of the film.
Andrew Guy does an excellent job showing the transition from "I don't care about anyone" to "I will take on anything"--without shifting his essential nature. Like Richard in Shaw's "The Devil's Disciple", he is an unlikely hero led by circumstance to do what he has to do, at any cost.
Cheers to Johanna Kern for drawing out these performances--and overcoming countless obstacles to produce this work.