Winter People

Kurt Russell and Kelly McGillis give believable performances in this rural drama. Tremendous North Carolina atmosphere and a fine score add immensely to the film. Some may find it a bit slow, but those willing to watch and listen, will be rewarded. "Winter People" does not follow any typical feuding families formula, but carves new ground, with sacrifice instead of shoot outs. Anyone expecting a "Deliverance" clone would be advised to seek out "Hunter's Blood" and leave "Winter People" to those who appreciate a quieter, more thought provoking movie. Definitely recommended for couples viewing as there is enough depth to maintain interest for everyone. - MERK

Wayland Jackson (Kurt Russell) and his young daughter leave Pennsylvania and movie to rural Appalachia in 1934. Now considering the poverty in this part of the world, particularly during the Depression, this is an odd decision to say the least. On their way, Wayland's truck breaks down and he and the daughter make their way to a local cabin where Collie (Kelly McGillis) and her baby live. She lets them stay a bit, as it's cold outside and soon the pair fall in love. However, the baby's ne'er-do-well and extremely violent father returns for one of his rare visits...and he nearly kills Wayland and attempts to force himself on Collie. What's next? Well, a LOT...including threats from the violent man's very violent and awful clan.

The film has some remarkably good and restrained acting. In addition to Russell and McGillis doing a fine job, the oddly named Jeffrey Meek is exceptional as the evil father of the baby and the rest of the supporting cast (including Lloyd Bridges and Mitchell Ryan) are superb.

As for the story, it's compelling and has many twists and turns. You might not like these...but they do make for a story that is hard to stop watching.

Overall, a very well done film....not always pleasant but exceptional nonetheless...and far better than its current 6.3 rating on IMDB.

This movie was filmed near my hometown in the Western North Carolina mountains in a little community called Plumtree in Avery County. The severe winter weather depicted in the film is like it really is. The elevation here is about 3500 feet and the area gets enough snow to support a large snow skiing industry.

One of dozens of movies saved the past couple of years for viewing, that I remembered hearing years ago were good - but never had the chance to watch.

Some are fine. Some are not.

This one is better than expected.

Always loved Kelly McGillis, and Kurt Russell is excellent in this film. Initially it looks like we're going to be stuck viewing Hatfields and McCoys type nonsense, but among the feuds and fights, difficult events lead to compromise and a satisfactory ending.

A couple of hunting scenes, and injured or killed animals, but nothing too graphic. It is depression era mountain life.

Worth seeing through to the end.

I live here where they filmed the movie and I thought it was wonderful, the story was a wonderful setting for a romance and I thought the way they met and grew to love one another was outstanding. Even though the murder took place it showed what all they were willing to sacrifice for love. The way the family takes him in as a part of them at the beginning except for one brother and the way he begins to trust him is even as touching. The bear hut I thought was true to life as everyone here has mostly been and the producers and directors kept it true to life. We had a couple of our own hometown folks in the movie, the older men on the porch of the store, added more depth and made us proud. I guess in some ways we are portrayed as "bumpkins" still but I guess in a lot of ways we are and it shows how we live here... or families are all close and loving, never turn our back on our loved ones and I like how the movie shows us.