The Thorn Birds 2 - The Missing Years (1996)

"We've All Done Things We Regret" ~ One Thorn Too Many

One extremely important detail one should notice before watching `The Thorn Birds 2 - The Missing Years' ('96) is that Richard Chamberlain is the only member of the original Thorn Birds cast to return for this re-visioning of the classic mini-series from '83.That one simple fact says volumes about what lies ahead for the unfortunate viewer. No matter how much one may like Richard Chamberlain this is not a one-man-show and the supporting cast of fill-ins do little to make this one believable or acceptable.

Touted as an "in-betweener" rather than a sequel, the storyline looks backward to explore events left out of the first mini-series. New situations and encounters between the two forlorn lovers are concocted and the plot strives to add depth and meaning to the film by presenting earlier events intentionally designed to serve as foreshadows of what took place in the '83 production. Their ploy is unsuccessful and comes across as pretentious rather than thought provoking.

If you really love the original you're better off not watching this one, it offers nothing to help you further appreciate this classic love story between Father Ralph de Bricassart and Meggie Cleary. `The Thorn Birds 2 - The Missing Years' simply doesn't work on any level I can perceive. However having offered my warning, I know you're going to watch it anyway. July 22, 2008

This film is pathetic

I LOVE RICHARD CHAMBERLAIN, but this film is horrible!! I don't know how I could spend my money on this! March 13, 2007

Just sorry I couldn't give it less

The Thornbirds is one of my favorite novels, and though I liked the movie (Richard Chamberlain mainly) I couldn't have been more upset with this movie. It's reaching, pure and simple. It goes against whole concepts in the book, such as Luke coming back. The entire point of Luke was that he was a dead beat, couldn't have cared less, and certainly wouldn't have gone so far as to try to get custody. He loved nothing more than himself and the money he made, he was more than happy to let Meghann have the children he never wanted in the first place and only begat due to his hormones. Above and beyond all the inaccuracies and reachings, another Maggie? Are you kidding?
It's just plain rubbish, and quite frankly it sullies my love of this epic and adored saga. January 19, 2007

I like it!

Thornbirds - The Missing Years really entertained me. I liked it A LOT. I enjoyed it so much I bought it. Chamberlain reprises his role from the original miniseries and he's great. I agree with a previous reviewer about the final scene. It's one of my favorites too. I also agree with another reviewer who said this one makes good soap opera. Fans of good soap opera should like it. I'm happy to have this miniseries in my DVD collection. January 17, 2007

Their great love... in the last shot!

The last scene was for me the most touching... The ambitious priest was leaving for Rome... He was waiting to say goodbye... He was anxious to see Meggie... Where is she?

As the train begins to move, every time with more speed, the best shot of the film came when we saw Meggie on her horse in that lovely place, awaiting for the train to pass, barely able to utter last minute thoughts about what she really feels...

Suddenly Ralph sees her from his window... In this precise moment 'everything' was in slow motion... Of course, two lovers were communicating, the world had to stop!

Meggie's eyes were more focused, intense, commanding, and Ralph seemed, momentarily out of himself to bond with her in this gorgeous place... He knew the intensity of this moment would fade... Then we read Meggie's lips saying: " I love you."

This scene said everything... The two lovers were enjoying life at this very moment... Their senses awake and alive, passion burning through their veins, love pounding out such a sweet song in their heart and soul... Love is everything they need... Love is everything humans need...

January 15, 2007

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