Jessica (2004)
The Bergman sisters could not be more different. Jessica is a feisty tomboy who loves to help her father work their farmland. Her beautiful sister Meg is eagerly being groomed by her mother Hester (Lisa Harrow) to be the perfect wife, so that she can marry her way out of poverty. However, when the man, Jack Thomas, who Meg has set her sights on falls in love with Jessica and gets her pregnant, Hester schemes to wrench the couple apart to claim Jessica's son, Joey for Meg. Later she commits Jessica to a mental asylum. It is here that Jessica receives news of her lover's death and almost loses hope, but after enlisting the help of Mr. Runche, a down and out lawyer battling alcoholism, she is eventually released. Years later, it is the reformed Runche who gives Jessica the courage to fight for the return of her child. Eventually Meg and Hester call an uneasy truce with Jessica, and allow her to play a role in Joey's life as his aunt.
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Reviews
Admirable film.
Wow! What a bizarre film! Unfortunately the few funny moments there were were quite overshadowed by it's completely weird and random vibe throughout.
I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.
The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
...you won't miss anything. It MIGHT have made one movie, but at this length? No. And talk about "good guys and bad guys", wow. You'd have tone about ten years old for this level of morals and characters. Don't bother.
This is the mini series based on the novel Jessica by Bryce Courtenay. It was well written and the characters were well played; however I felt as though there was a lot of material missing that was in the novel that would have been significant to the story. I understand that it would have been difficult to have everything from the novel in the movie. I was satisfied with the movie though I enjoyed the book much more. I had just finished reading the book, and watching the story and the characters come to life was great. It made me cry just as much as the book. If you liked the mini series then I insist you read the book. It is a great read and a very moving story. It will help you understand the story better.
Usually I don't enjoy Australian mini series due to the fact that most of the actors can not act but as I sat down to watch Jessica I was captivated. Jessica is an honest refreshing look at a young girl's journey through a tragic life. Leeanna Walsman who plays Jessica is refreshing and shoulder's the response of carrying a mini series on her small shoulders. She brings the character to life and is quite believable. This is one girl who will be going places.Sam Neill is impressive as the drunken Runchie who helps Jessica out and is quite believable. Lisa Harrow is quite scary as the believable evil mother who sacrifices one daughter for the sake of another. Theirs never been a person I have felt pure hatred for until i met Hester Bergman.i felt she brought the character to life and felt real sorry for Jessica for having a mother like her.Tony Martin as Joe Bergman (Jess's father) fitted into his role quite nicely. He was believable as the lovable yet detached Joe who looked after his tomboy daughter while his wife was busy with Meg their other daughter who was all into frills and boys.Olive Ackland as the lovable cute Jack Thomas is a face to watch for. His excellent in his roles and captivates the audience as we see his character grow throughout the film.All in all the movie was amazing experience to watch and I'll never forget it. I haven't read the book but i can not wait to go out and buy it. Jessica was truly an amazing person who grew stronger each day...The scenery was beautiful and the whole cast made an amazing mini series that they should be proud off. I don't want to describe what happens because it will ruin the series. I give this a 10/10 and recommended it anyone who loves mini series and true stories.
"Jessica" is a dramatic and heartfelt true story. The adaptation of Bryce Courtenay's novel is more wonderful than I could ever have expected, as it tells the story of a gut-wrenching story of a hapless life. The acting is brilliant all around. Leanna Walsman is perfect as main character Jessica Bergman, with her good looks and her extreme talent she tells a remarkable story of a heartbreaking life.Oliver Ackland is excellent as Jack Thomas, the love of both Jessica and her spoiled sister Meg's (Megan Dorman) life, with his handsome charm and love for Jessica, how can you not like him? Wil Traval is just as superb as Billy Simple, the brain-damaged friend of Jessica & Jack. Traval puts in a beautiful performance. Sam Neill is wonderful as the drunken lawyer of both Billy & Jessica, Neill is the icing on the cake. Tony Martin is also great as Jessica's dad Joe, his love and support for Jessica is beautiful. With other great supporting actors such as Lisa Harrow, Megan Dorman and John Howard "Jessica" is a soulful and riveting mini-series. 10/10