Dare to Be Wild

This had a great message but it became lost along the way. Although said to be based on the true achievements of Mary Reynolds, the effect of the "fairies" was disastrous on the plot line, stretching credibility to breaking point.

Despite the fast pace and frenetic editing, what could have still been salvageable with the apparent sincerity of the female lead and supporting cast was rendered a lost cause by the appalling male lead with no character depth at all whose chief contribution was a succession of attempts at smouldering looks that became incredibly annoying.

Of course, all films are built on an investment of time, talent, money, and emotion and so it is difficult to be negative about the hard work that goes into them. However, in this film the potential was simply not realized.

I absolutely loved this film and was pleasantly surprised to see the part on the travel to Lalibela! The film might be based on a true story, about the adventures of a young, nature loving Irish woman who sets out to create and preserve natural sacred spaces (i.e. Celtic Sanctuary, etc.) The story takes place in Ireland, England, and in the high-hills of Ethiopia at a sacred site called Lalibela. For those with green sensibilities and appreciation for travel, especially to remote places that we don't get much exposed to, then this film is quite a treat! The landscape in the high-hills of Ethiopia, the natural lifestyles, the people, the costumes, the religious ceremonies etc. were all beautiful to see. The film is well done with a great cast and its message is simple but potent.

7.6 stars.

This film feels like you are present in the wild hills of Ireland and the arid deserts of Ethiopia. We are presented with a very intricate tapestry of nature and how the various peoples of the world are closely linked together with it and with each other through the gentle power and magic of nature.

Somehow this film brings to life the wildness of it all, almost to another plane of existence. It's a cluster of emotions obviously evoked by the cinematography and music. The acting is intriguing. The female lead is a wonderful down-to-earth old soul who can envision a world full of life once again, with trees, plants and flowers abounding. The male lead, however, was suspicious. That's the closest word I can think of.

I enjoy this movie for her artistic endeavors and indomitable spirit. The actress and the production are brilliant. Some of the other characters are interesting. The male lead is odd, but obviously gorgeous as far as I can tell, being that I'm a man.

'Dare to Be Wild' was so clumsy in its sentimentality and over-the-top ridiculous in how it portrayed the uptight gardeners and clients that the message of supporting wild areas was almost entirely lost.

I don't see any discrepancy between God and nature as do some of the reviewers. This is a film that invites the viewer to explore and appreciate the natural world in all it wildness. I love to go into nature and live on the ocean surrounded by beautiful green mountains. I go into nature and feel at one with it as I open to being at one with the Creator of all worlds. Natural Love and Divine Love go hand in hand for me and I respect those who disagree. A wonderful film in its essence with a message that at its core is love.