From Above

From Above is an enchanting 2013 romantic drama that showcases engrossing performances by its lead cast including veteran actors Danny Glover and Graham Greene, as well as Chelsea Ricketts. Directed by Norry Niven, the film, also known as "Chasing Shakespeare", masterfully blends elements of timeless romance, intriguing folklore and enthralling magical realism.

The main narrative of From Above centres itself around the love story of William Ward (Danny Glover), an older gentleman, and his wife Venus (Chelsea Ricketts, who plays the younger version of Venus and Tantoo Cardinal, who plays the older Venus). The film opens with the heartbeat of love resonating through William's melancholic reminiscing of his departed wife. He finds himself revisiting the days of his youth when he first met Venus, a beautiful and spirited Native American lightning shaman he instantly fell in love with, taking audiences on a journey through time in his memories.

Personal histories, cultural lore, and the vagaries of fate combine fluidly to beautifully chronicle the intense love story of William and Venus. Their relationship begins in the gloves of racially segregated 1970s rural America, where William, a young African-American boy, develops an innocent yet profound desire for Venus, an inspiring Native American girl who attends the same school. Rather than focusing on the social unrest of the times, the narrative wisely shifts to the resilience of their young love.

Venus's character is intricately woven with her Native American roots and her encounters with a lightning hawk that follows her throughout her life. This adds an element of magical realism to the plot while also sublimely paying tribute to the heritage and traditions of the Native American community and their deeply-rooted connection with nature.

Within this beguiling journey, audiences will be introduced to William's older self played convincingly by Danny Glover. As he processes his grief, he relives the ethereal yet hauntingly real romance that spanned over 30 odd years with Venus. The actors excel convincingly in their roles, their performances conveying sentiments of a love that time and death cannot tarnish. Glover's character, in particular, is seen imbued with a quiet sense of loss and a desperate longing for a love departed.

Chelsea Ricketts' portrayal of the young Venus is captivating and ethereal, endowing her character with a sense of mystery that's equally a part of her personal identity and her cultural background. The on-screen chemistry between the younger versions of William and Venus, skillfully portrayed by Mike Wade and Chelsea Ricketts, respectively, is particularly commendable. Graham Greene plays Mr. Mountain, a Native American character with deep wisdom who plays a pivotal role in the narrative, adding depth in his masterful portrayal of the role.

As the movie progresses, the audience is drawn into a world of star-crossed lovers, ancient connections, and the eternal power of love, captured against the backdrop of their shared experience of segregation, helping to foster a deep bond between them. Also, the film’s deep respect for cultural traditions and its ability to weave elements of folklore and mysticism into the narrative, introduce the audience to a nuanced side of Native American culture, rarely portrayed in mainstream Hollywood.

Set against various breathtaking landscapes, the cinematography artfully brings to life the beauty of the natural world in the movie. The film's original score is another aspect that deserves praise, with the soul-stirring music effectively setting the mood and complementing the film's overall theme.

In conclusion, From Above is a captivating romantic film, a reflection on history, culture, and timeless love, that leaves viewers with a profound sense of beauty, mystery and heartfelt emotion. This story is as much about the loss of love as it is about the enduring power of love, and this balance is maintained beautifully by efficient storytelling and engaging performances by the cast.