Gran Paradiso

Ken Duken, as Mark, shines in this beautifully filmed tale (apparently based on a true story)of triumph over tragedy. Certainly not the usual soppy "Hollywood" formula... The scenery in the second half of the film is breath-taking, almost epic in its scale, and looks stunning on a widescreen display.

Sexual tension between Mark, Lisa & Wolf gives an unusual dimension here, though it is never fully explored...

Portrayal of the main two mentally challenged patients is brilliant (I am not aware if these actors were merely playing characters or if they were, indeed, themselves mentally challenged... if so this in itself shows what great character actors they are!). It was also great to see that obviously challenged actors were used in the institution scenes adding to the realism.

I will endeavor to find this title on DVD with English subtitles as I was so impressed! I'm sure that "Star Trek" fans will find this film amusing too...