The Rainbow

A young woman deals in her own personal way with the trials of adolescence and young adulthood in early 1900s England. Ken Russell's loose adaptation of the last part of D.H. Lawrence's "The Rainbow" sees impulsive young Ursula coming of age in pastoral England around the time of the Boer War. At school, she is introduced to lovemaking by a bisexual physical education instructress. While experiencing disillusionment in her first career attempt (teaching), she has an affair with a young Army officer, who wants to marry her. Unable to accept a future of domesticity, she breaks with him, and eventually leaves home in search of her destiny.

This Movie by Ken Russell is based upon the writings of the legendary Victorian era author D.H. Lawrence, but with a Ken Russell twist. The story is about a young woman (Sammi Davis) who wants to live her life but she has to do it during the repressive Victorian age of England. But she meets a mentor (Amanda Donohoe) who shows her the many ways she can escape her button up lifestyle (if only for a few hours at a time). I recommend this Film for Ken Russell fans and those who if like period films.

Overall I did love this film, which in my opinion is a beautifully written and filmed story of a young woman who just wants more than her unsightly industrial town has to offer. She is influenced by a couple of unconventional older people in her life. I thought it was a sensual portrait of bisexuality and creative freedom. This is period drama that has genuine relevance to modern life and modern concerns, and is a great coming-of-age story with a brave and life-inspiring message.

Review Courtesy of Neville Cawas Cyrus Bardoliwalla OBE