Where the Rivers Flow North (1994)

Rip Torn was critically acclaimed for his commanding performance in this 1993 drama set in Virginia in 1927. Where the Rivers Flow North is about an old-time logger who defends his property against a pair of power-company executives (Michael J. Fox and Bill Raymond) seeking to build a dam on Torn's leased land. Native American actress Tantoo Cardinal is equally superb as Torn's longtime partner and ardent supporter, and the strength of their relationship is what gives this modestly budgeted, beautifully photographed independent feature most of its high-spirited appeal. The film, adapted from a novel by Howard Frank Mosher, was written and directed by Jay Craven, and would likely have earned Rip Torn an Oscar nomination had it been more widely seen at the time of its release. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

WHERE THE RIVERS FLOW NORTH

The best movie I have ever seen! Should have won best director, best picture, best actor and best actress. February 24, 2008

Fair and believable

Rip Torn plays a gritty old logger who just wants to keep his forest and trout streams in tact but is suddenly pitted against Michael J. Fox and a corporation that wants to build a big dam that will take them all away. The movie is commendable for not making the dam-builders horrible monsters and Torn the epitome of moral righteousness: the former want to bring modern services to remote areas and the latter is not an example of political correctness. Tantoo Cardinal plays Torn's wife, and she is perhaps the biggest asset in the movie; she is a spunky and sensitive actress. The storyline is a strong one (it's set during the 1920s), and the photography is stunning. Made on a tight budget, the production makes up for cut corners with sincerity of purpose. Pretty good movie, all around. November 22, 2006

This film is a MUST SEE!!

This film seems to be about as authentic as possible reflecting wilderness life near the turn of the century. Keeps you on the edge of your seat as the story developes with an ending that is unexpected. July 25, 2006

unexpected yet academy material

This movie was filmed in Vermont by moderate to successful actors filming for a Vermont Film maker.

The story is totally believable, the charators are believeable and it is a wonderful movie to just sit and watch on a Sunday afternoon. March 11, 2006

Pure stubbornness

Noel was an idealist. He wanted things to stay the way they were.

he leased the land he, and his live in indian squaw lived on, and distiled cedar oil for a living, and he didn't aim to give it up
for any amount of money, because it would destroy his livelyhood.
He absolutly couldn't be reasoned with, with even his best friend.
This story is full of adventure.and conflict.
It's one of the most underated films I can think of.
Rip Torn, and Tanto Cardinal were perfect in their depictions
of the characters they played. In fact if I'd had anything to do with it Tantoo Cardinal would have gotten an oscar for her performance. She was phenomenal!! February 19, 2005

More reviews at Amazon.com ...