Strangers in Good Company

source: Strangers in Good Company

This mysterious story - a group of elderly women who don't know each other appear out of the mist, tell their life stories to each other then fade into the mist again - is told with with humour, compassion and huge respect for the women as they set about making the best of their predicament in a mutually co-operative and tolerant manner. The devising, filming and editing alone would make this an outstanding movie, but the depiction of an 'invisible' part of our society and its strengths makes it an important document. It is also a political statement that contrasts the cold, autocratic style of the boys' society in Golding's book with the warm, co-operative community of the old women. I would also recommend Mary Meig's book 'In the Company of Strangers' on the fascinating way the film was put together.

This is a quiet film, and it is beautifully photographed. The character sketches are marvelously drawn, and could easily be from real life. The inner beauty and serenity of each, rather plain and ordinary, woman is illuminated, but not forced on the viewer. This movie will be as valid and gorgeous in thirty, or even fifty, years as it is now. Unlike many contemporary movies, this one has no car chases (the one vehicle doesn't even work well), explosions, or violence of any kind. The only gimmick for pulling in the viewer is the believability of each scene. I could have been there, and would have enjoyed each individual and each conversation. It was necessary that the ladies be rescued from their predicament, but it was hard to part company with them. My only consolation, until more movies like this are made, is that I own a copy and can watch it as often as I wish.

I realize this is rural Quebec but they are driving in a freaking FIELD. I live in rural America and senior citizens have no business being on a FIELD in the middle of nowhere. What if there had been a medical emergency? Premise is ridiculous.

Watching this movie was like taking a true brake from everyday life. It was truly comforting. It might not seem a professional movie at first because of the free speech, but I think they looked more professional then any trained actors. I loved it. You have to see it.

This film will ring true to those of us who spent childhood afternoons with batty maiden aunts. Though batty maiden aunts vary in personality, temperament, and social skills you're sure to find one that is familiar because you have a whole busload to choose from. This beautifully shot and laconically paced film is sort of a rambling walk through the pasts of a group of older women from various backgrounds who get temporarily stranded in an isolated spot in Canada. Though the personalities of the characters are a little as-to-be-expected, the acting is guileless and the dialogue completely natural. Prepare to have your curiosity peaked about medicinal herbs, pornographic boot jacks, and the hunting habits of Cissy's cat. The only device I found a little annoying was the stopping of the action to show off old photos from the women's lives. It bothered me at the time, but looking back I understand what they were trying to do and even feel a little nostalgic about it; which, of course, is utterly appropriate. It's definitely off the beaten track, not either as flamboyant or banal as art films are want to be. But, In Good Company is definitely a well made piece worthy of a larger audience.

One of those quiet, little movies that leaves a small but thoughtful mark afterwards. So atypical of the modern wham bam flash modern film! Probably more a woman's film than a man's. I particularly liked the fact that they were all, bar one, not professional actors - made it a different sort of experience.

A superb movie dealing with life, the interplay of human strengths and weakness, and growing older. The movie uses non-professional actors playing themselves, and is wonderfully refreshing, thought provoking and moving. I give this movie a high recommendation.

This is a wonderfully worthwhile film. Anyone interested in the lives of women should watch this. The story was entertaining and yet in the true definition of the word art I found myself reflecting on my own life while watching it.