Oklahoma!
Where to Watch Oklahoma!
Oklahoma! is a British 1999 film adaptation of Rogers and Hammerstein's classic American musical of the same name. Brilliantly showcased through the mesmerising arts of song, dance, acting, and cinematography, the film intricately blends elements of romance, comedy, drama, and occasional hints of suspense. Directed by Trevor Nunn, this version of Oklahoma! simultaneously maintains the essential spirit of the original Broadway musical while incorporating a fresh, lively perspective that appeals to both lovers of the original production and a newer generation of audiences.
The narrative unfolds in the heartland of America, the state of Oklahoma, at the turn of the 20th century against the backdrop of the rustic yet charming terrain. This musical film chronicles the entwining love stories of two couples, focusing primarily on the blossoming romance between Curly McLain, a cowboy, and Laurey Williams, an independently spirited farm girl. The secondary thread of the story follows the flirtatious and light-hearted courtship between Oklahoma's zealous cowhand Will Parker and his enthralled sweetheart, Ado Annie Carnes.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman, later to achieve international renown for his role as Wolverine in the X-Men series, stars as Curly, epitomising the archetypal cowboy with his charismatic charm, daring spirit, and heartfelt sincerity. The actor's powerful performance captivates the audience throughout the film, blending passionate solos, dynamic duets, and impressive dance sequences, all crafted within an effortlessly personable demeanor.
Josefina Gabrielle breathes life into the character of Laurey, embodying the essence of a strong, independent woman of her time, conflicted by her growing affections for Curly. Gabrielle's portrayal of deep longing mixed with strong-willed defiance is moving and convincing, creating a mesmerising on-screen chemistry with her co-star, Jackman.
Further down the line of well-written characters is Ado Annie Carnes, portrayed by Vicki Simon, who, encapsulating the coy yet determined spirit of her character, becomes an emblem of light-hearted comedy, whereas Will Parker, portrayed by Jimmy Johnston, renders a performance brimming with the infectious energy of youth and optimism.
Serving as a sturdy comic relief in the narrative is Ali Hakim, the traveling peddler, brought to life by British actress Maureen Lipman. Lipman portrays Hakim with an effortless charm and wit, infusing the narrative interludes with her character's comic escapades with necessary laughter and levity.
The ensemble cast is not only proficient in acting, but each member also exhibits noteworthy singing and dancing talents. This is crucial in a film version of a grand-scale musical like Oklahoma!, where song and dance sequences are intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative rather than being mere sporadic spectacles.
Oklahoma! successfully captures the vibrancy and vigour of its characters within a scenic setting, guided by beautiful cinematography that highlights the natural grandeur of the American Midwest, complete with rippling golden wheat fields, clear blue skies, and breathtaking sunsets. The costumes further highlight the period realities, as well as the distinct personalities of the characters, enhancing the film's overall aesthetic appeal.
With the fusion of director Trevor Nunn's vision and the talented cast's realistic performances, Oklahoma! serves as a cultural artifact of an era, when America was evolving towards the modern age, symbolised metaphorically as a struggle between farmers and cowboys. The film, marked by its characteristic folksy charm, creates an immersive atmosphere that manages to evoke both nostalgia and novelty.
The reinvigorated orchestration of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless score, with memorable numbers such as ‘Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’, ‘Surrey with the Fringe on Top’, and ‘People Will Say We’re in Love’ among others add to the film's magic, evoking emotions ranging from romance and joy to conflict and suspense.
To conclude, Oklahoma! is a captivating incarnation of a beloved classic, revealing the power of love and community amidst trials and transformations, presented in a visually appealing manner with the aid of an incredibly talented cast and crew. The film is, indeed, a valuable contribution to the world of musical cinema that merits repeated viewing. Overall, the charm, vibrancy and thematic relevance carried by this rendition of Oklahoma!, continues to resonate with viewers even years after its debut, thereby etching an indelible footprint on the sands of cinematic history.
Oklahoma! is a Romance, Music, Western movie released in 1999. It has a runtime of 145 min. Critics and viewers have rated it moderate reviews, with an IMDb score of 7.8..
How to Watch Oklahoma!
Where can I stream Oklahoma! movie online? Oklahoma! is available to watch and stream, buy on demand, download at Amazon Prime, Amazon Prime, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Kanopy, Apple TV, Amazon, Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Oklahoma! for a limited time or purchase the movie for downloading.