If this story had been filmed in the 1930’s during the ” golden age’ of Hollywood it might have been condescendingly referred to as a “woman’s picture”. Jack Warner might have cast Bette Davis, Oliva DeHaviland, and Miriam Hopkins as the three female leads. Perhaps that important lead male role would have gone to George Brent ( or later in the decade by Errol Flynn ). But this tale begins in the modern age and spends most of it’s time in the early 1950’s. And while MGM or Warners would’ve shot on the studio back lot and on nearby California ranches, this film showcases the scenic wonders on New Zealand. Also this film features several terrific young actors who recite the dialogue in their native language of Holland. And of course modern times allow a greater intimacy during scenes of passion. Instead of calling this a “woman’s picture” a better term to describe it would be “romantic epic”.
BRIDE FLIGHT begins in the present day as Frank ( Rutger Hauer ) hops in his jeep and drives through his New Zealand vineyard to sample the new product at his winery. Driving back he loses control of the Jeep and plows through a fence. He’s having a heart attack. Frank glances at the photo on his jeep’s key ring and his mind races back to 1953. He’s back aboard a KLM airliner whose crew hopes to win an air race by flying from London, England to Christchurch, New Zealand in record time. Because many of the passengers were young, engaged women joining their fiancees, the trip was nick named ” Bride Flight”. Young Frank ( Waldemar Torenstra ) has lost most of his family to devasting floods in Holland and hopes to put his college agriculture degree to good use in New Zealand. He shares his row with one of the traveling brides, the reserved, shy Ada ( Karina Smulders ). Across the aisle is friendly outgoing Marjorie ( Elise Schaap ) and the sophisticated, brash fashion designer Esther ( Anna Drijver). During the long airborne hours Frank and Ada converse and exchange smoldering looks. After a spell of nasty turbulence the plane touches down in Pakistan for refueling. Ada panics and runs out of the plane. Frank dashes out to retrieve her. When he catches up to her behind one of the hangers they share a passionate kiss. Then Ada ‘fesses up-she’s pregnant and already married by proxy. They return to the plane. Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport, the ladies meet up with their men as Frank stares longingly at Ada. They go their separate ways, but over the next few years Frank will re-connect with Ada, Esther, and Marjorie and share secrets, love affairs, betrayals, and friendship. As their past stories are told, the film cuts back to the ladies in the present day as they get the news about Frank and prepare to meet again after many years.
What a gorgeous looking film! The New Zealand scenery almost sparkles. Nice to see that Peter Jackson’s not the only film maker showcasing this country. Kudos to the art directors for their skill in reproducing the 50’s. It’s always great to see Hauer on screen, even if his role in this is a cameo. The film really belongs to the young actors. I was particularly impressed by Drijver as young Esther. the scene in which she sheds her tough, brassy armour and tells of the loss of her family is heart wrenching. Bravo to the casting department for finding mature actors to play the modern day versions of these characters. Some scenes and situations may veer briefly into “soap opera” territory, but BRIDE FLIGHT is a great, sprawling drama that never lets it’s scope overpower the personal story of these friends.
Overall Rating: Four and a Half Out of Five Stars
