The Rainbow

Why do some reviewers think this is a bad movie? There is nothing bad about it at all; unless you are some exceptional prude. Both Sammi Davis and Amanda Donahoe give outstanding performances. The chemistry between the two that was just glimpsed in "The Lair of the White Worm" comes to a beautiful frutation in this movie. That said, it should be noted that females have the primary roles in this movie unlike in "Lair" where Hugh Grant upstaged Amanda and drove Sammi into a virtually insignificant role. Perhaps that is the reason; movies that have women as leads are boycotted by the male audience.

Regardless of why, this movie got a lot less credit than it deserved. I hope it comes out on DVD in the near future.

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

The Rainbow (1989) was a film Ken Russell made based upon the writings of the legendary Victorian era author D.H. Lawrence, but with a Ken Russell twist. The story is a bout 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). At many times it feels like a stuffy D.H. Lawrence novel (with the occasional highly charged eroticism). Ken Russell gets the chance to show the beauty of Amanda and Sammi in various stages. Too bad it was never released in the United States on D.V.D. If you love Victorian romance films, D.H. Lawrence or the films of Ken Russell then you appreciate more than the average viewer.

Recommended for Ken Russell fans.

Pretty saucy material, considering it was written in 1915, in England. although in many ways, England is less shocked by some subjects then the U.S. Sammi Davis (the other one) is Ursula Brangwen, young lady from the country, who has experiences with both men and women. nudity. activism. sexual acts, almost shown. body parts tastefully hidden during the sex scenes. She moves to the big city, and lives the rough,gritty life there, working as a teacher. she is so naive at the start. everyone takes advantage of her softness and easy going nature. co-stars well known brit actors David Hemmings and Glenda Jackson, who was SO amazing in Hopscotch. story by David Lawrence, better known as DH Lawrence. Lawrence had also written Lady Chatterly's Lover and Women in Love. Rainbow contains much some of the same cast from Women in Love. also directed by Ken Russell. sadly, Lawrence died of TB at age 44, but left us a bounty of literature, which is constantly being remade into film. ironic, since several of his books were banned as obscenity. showing on the roku channel. some commentary on the pros and cons of war. womens' rights. industrialism. moves slowly but steadily. ok for a period piece.

Based on DH Lawrence's novel, it centres on Ursula (Sammi Davis) a young girl, used to a perfectly decent life in early 20th Century England. A staunch feminist living in a man's world, she grows intellectually and sexually into womanhood determining despite bi sexual romances and ultimately a challenging job as a teacher that she will remain her own woman.

Remarkably calm and engaging piece of work from maverick director Ken Russell, that nicely follows the aspirations of a young girl through to womanhood, including her battles with bosses, her father and partners. Davis is good in the lead but the film's strengths is also maintained by a very strong supporting cast including Russell stalwart's Glenda Jackson and Christopher Gable.

Beautiful score by Carl Davis.