The Rainbow

The Rainbow is a captivating British drama film from 1989, directed by the critically acclaimed Ken Russell and starring Sammi Davis, Amanda Donohoe, and Paul McGann. The film is a prequel to the well-received D.H. Lawrence adaptation, Women in Love (1969).

Aside from its stunning cinematography that evocatively captures the English countryside, the film has a compelling storyline. Set in the early 20th century, The Rainbow delves into themes of freedom, love, oppression, and the yearning for self-discovery – all of it filtered through an intensely passionate, uniquely female perspective.

Central to the narrative is the character of Ursula Brangwen, beautifully portrayed by Sammi Davis. Ursula is an ambitious young girl who decides she wants to escape the harsh confines of her stifling familial environment and the limitations imposed on her because of her gender. She dreams of a life that extends beyond the conventions of society. The story follows her life at school until early adulthood, narratively illustrating she is a young woman of unique intelligence and spirit battling a world which demands she conform.

Amanda Donohoe gives a compelling performance as Winifred Inger, a school teacher who exerts a profound influence over Ursula. Through their relationship, the film delves into the exploration of the era's views on femininity, female empowerment, identity, and same-sex relationships. Winifred, who exudes a sophistication and worldly wisdom far removed from Ursula's rural upbringing and the limited ambitions of her parents, illuminates new possibilities for her life.

Paul McGann also stars as Anton Skrebensky, a bold, handsome, and aloof soldier who further complicates Ursula's perspectives on relationships, love, and freedom. His worldly encounters and tales of the world beyond town borders fuel Ursula's education in love and lust and her palpable yearning for freedom and experience.

Through exploring these varied relationships and experiences, Ursula's previously vague dreams of self-discovery and independence start taking more defined shapes, ultimately leading to the potent strains of first adult love and the pursuing of her dreams, regardless of the societal constraints of the era.

Each character is drawn by the director in a way that they revolve around Ursula’s universal human journey, shedding light on different aspects of her development and enabling her to take her destiny into her own hands.

Vividly portraying the socio-cultural norms of turn-of-the-century England, The Rainbow presents its audience with a sublime cinematic canvas depicting the tensions between the old world and the dawning of a new era. It beautifully blends the exploration of profound philosophical themes with meticulously recreated historical settings, simultaneously resonating with contemporary themes.

The entire cast delivers powerful performances, grounding the film's daring, expansive philosophical musings in the gritty realities of time and place. Sammi Davis, in particular, wonderfully captures the complexities and contradictions inherent in her aspirational character.

At its core, The Rainbow is a poignant and evocative portrayal of yearning - yearning for knowledge, freedom, love, and self-definition. Russell, known for his provocative and sometimes controversial approach to filmmaking, manages to rouse a sense of rebellion against conformity through his vivid storytelling and sharp characterizations. The restrictions of the era come across potently, making Ursula's quest for independence both perilous and exhilarating.

The film is intensively character-driven, underpinned by a rich narrative that offers insights into the human condition, whilst exploring themes of love, ambition, sexuality, and personal freedom. It unwaveringly holds a mirror up to society's restrictions and prejudices without ever becoming pedantic.

A visually stunning period piece, The Rainbow brings to life D.H. Lawrence's beloved source material in a manner that remains thankfully true to the spirit of the original novel. It masterfully handles the writer's philosophical ideals and his exploration of relationships, individuality, and the personal quest for independence and self-exploration at the dawn of modernity.

Overall, The Rainbow's almost lyrical exploration of themes, standout performances, and vibrant portrayal of a bygone era make it a movie worth watching for any fan of high-concept drama and period pieces. It's a cinematic work that truly engages its audience, inviting them to question, analyze, and feel deeply.