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The Law of Enclosures

  • 2000
  • 1h 51m
IMDb RATING
6.2/10
289
YOUR RATING
The Law of Enclosures (2000)
Drama

Story of the same couple, first in their teenage years and then in their twilight years, paradoxically set in the same time during the backdrop of the Gulf War in the Middle East.Story of the same couple, first in their teenage years and then in their twilight years, paradoxically set in the same time during the backdrop of the Gulf War in the Middle East.Story of the same couple, first in their teenage years and then in their twilight years, paradoxically set in the same time during the backdrop of the Gulf War in the Middle East.

  • Director
    • John Greyson
  • Writers
    • John Greyson
    • Dale Peck
  • Stars
    • Sarah Polley
    • Diane Ladd
    • Kelci Stephenson
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.2/10
    289
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • John Greyson
    • Writers
      • John Greyson
      • Dale Peck
    • Stars
      • Sarah Polley
      • Diane Ladd
      • Kelci Stephenson
    • 10User reviews
    • 2Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 2 nominations total

    Photos

    Top cast39

    Edit
    Sarah Polley
    Sarah Polley
    • Beatrice
    Diane Ladd
    Diane Ladd
    • Bea
    Kelci Stephenson
    • Beatty
    Robb Paterson
    • Pharmacist
    Jennifer Villaverde
    Jennifer Villaverde
    • Checkout Girl
    Susie Yamamoto
    • Beatty's Friend
    Brendan Fletcher
    Brendan Fletcher
    • Henry
    Tracey McCorrister
    • Pearl
    Kristen Thomson
    Kristen Thomson
    • Myrah
    • (as Kristen Thompson)
    Rob Stefaniuk
    • Stanley
    Allegra Fulton
    Allegra Fulton
    • Henry's Mother
    Tom Anniko
    Tom Anniko
    • Henry's Father
    Sean McCann
    Sean McCann
    • Hank
    Shirley Douglas
    Shirley Douglas
    • Myra
    Victor Cowie
    • Stan
    Stan Lesk
    • Border Guard
    Robert Huculak
    Robert Huculak
    • Bouncer
    • (as Bob Huculak)
    Nancy Jane Drake
    • Sarnia Mayor
    • (as Nancy Drake)
    • Director
      • John Greyson
    • Writers
      • John Greyson
      • Dale Peck
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews10

    6.2289
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    Featured reviews

    8wad-1

    Excellent Film

    I stumbled upon it unexpectedly but it was marvellous, my next step is to read the book. I recommend this movie to anyone both young and old, it'll definetly capture you. The actors are amazing in particular Sarah Polley who shines!
    10pacifica333

    The best film the world has never seen...

    Although I tend to pick some rather unconventional films to deem "my favorites" it baffles me to see very little about this movie anywhere on the net, and even more people who have never seen it. Brilliantly cast, beautiful cinematography, and the surreal (yet very real at the same time) timescape, make this movie unsurpassable and should be a staple in anyones top ten list. I can't find any information when or IF this will be out on video or DVD and it bothers me even more to see such negative comments about it. I'm beginning to think I saw a different movie. Yes, its long and it borders vaguely on magical realism at times, but I think these are necessary in capturing 40 years of a couples normal (yet uniquely personal) life together in the matter of one year. I still feel the knot in my chest at the end when the clock actually starts ticking again, signifying the end of this emotional landslide of tragedy and happiness.

    One side note I would like to point out is the question of who actually has seen this movie!! The comments I've seen on the net and the reviews its gotten make me wonder what audience actually went to see it and why no one else did. There was one scene where the eldest couple of Bea and Hank finally grasped what they had been missing all along. In this beautiful scene a couple have finally fallen back in love after what seems like 40 years and they are laying in bed nude. In this scene I was on the edge of tears and people were actually laughing and snickering that there was nudity of older people sleeping together. So if you are offended by experimental film techniques, dramatic climaxes, and most importantly images of people over the age of 23 nude, then maybe you shouldn't watch this movie. If not, find a copy or a showing of this movie right now and watch it.
    amorphous_sky

    Fascinating moments

    I have seen The Law of Enclosures twice now. Although there are several flaws in the film, there are also many moments of brilliance. The director wove wonderful metaphors throughout the film, and the cinematography also had its moments. Brendan Fletcher gives an amazing performance - as always. I, personally, was fascinated by the film and am looking forward to director John Greyson moving onward and upward.
    10thylacines

    Subtle intelligent film

    I missed a film class to see this movie, it was closing after only a week so I decided to see the last showing, a late Thursday. Thanks God, I missed my class, because I REALLY loved the film. I read the first review on the site and I'm in total disagreement with it. I cannot understand how you cannot be in awe with the film. The acting is top-notch especially from Diane Ladd and Sarah Polley. I didn't read the novel but it is so intelligently adapted to the screen. The diverse narrative reminded me of a Scott Heim novel. The film may not be an ideal first-date material but if you're open-minded you'll love The Law of Enclosures. Anyhow, I really enjoyed the film so GO SEE IT! ;.)
    8suling

    Emotional, atmospheric, painful, lovely story

    A great film about the struggles and decline of relationships. Sarah Polley is excellent as usual, she can just do no wrong in my book. Her character is a somber, depressed young women after her relationship with Brenden Fletcher changes from its romantic beginning to a lonely, neglected existence. The older couple of Dianne Ladd and Sean McCann is a particularly vicious pairing, they are very, very cruel to each other. Nice music/background sounds creating an atmospheric feel that puts one in touch with the mood of the film,... changes, life, pain, love, a story about these simple and complicated things.

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    Related interests

    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

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    Did you know

    Edit
    • Soundtracks
      Like This
      Lyrics by G.B. Jones

      Music by G.B. Jones/Caroline Azar/Beverly Breckenridge

      Performed by Fifth Column

      ((P) & © Fifth Column, SOCAN)

      Produced by Peter Hudson, Walter Sobczak and Fifth Column

      Used with the kind permission of Fifth Column

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 21, 2001 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • Canada
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Una oportunidad para amar
    • Filming locations
      • Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
    • Production companies
      • Alliance Atlantis Communications
      • Buffalo Gal Pictures
      • Odeon Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • CA$2,200,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 1h 51m(111 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital

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