Eli's mystery
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — The Spitfire Grill
jolypm — 20 years ago(February 21, 2006 01:56 PM)
Gee! I am realizing that I wasn't the only one to wonder who Ely was exactly!!
And, yesterday, I saw it in a French language version, my own language, to be sure I wouldn't miss a thing! Well, it's still not clear! You guess more than you are sure! I figured that Eli was Hannah's son who came back from the Vietnam war, completely traumatised and that is why he was living in the woods! Still, I also thought that he was possibly a deserter hiding in the woods for fear of being ostrasized by the villagers. Anyway, I won't bother any more It is not clear that's all I know. The story if good, touching, the end, specially, but the directing of Mr. Zlotoff is so-so The rhythm of the movie is far from being even Had never heard of Alison Elliott She's good, really And Miss Burstyn is truly a formidable actress. But this, of course, is nothing new. -
Olwen363 — 20 years ago(March 21, 2006 06:11 AM)
They say pretty clearly in the movie that Eli was Hannah's son. When Shelby and Percy are sitting on the back porch with the potatoes, Shelby tells the story of how Eli left for Vietnam and then "never came back". Then at the end, Naham identifies Eli when he's holding Percy's body.
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Joe-321 — 19 years ago(May 14, 2006 08:42 AM)
This was a great movie (9.5), my wife and I watched it for the first time on DirecTV this AM. The actors gave an excellent performance. I think this film is trying to send a message or at least teach us that there is good in all of us, and persons can change. Like many great movies too many persons do not like it as it hits near home.
Having served in the Vietnam War (1965 - 1979 station in France, England, Turkey, Korea & South East Asia locations) I can verify the anti GI feelings from my fellow Americans during those years. I was treated better by non-US citizens in several countries.
Eli's actions & lack of treatment (MIA or AWOL) for shell shock would be consistent with the film.
Many Vietnam returnees suffered from their experiences. Like after a rocket hit the lead duce & 1/2 and killed all on the truck and the 2nd trucks also loaded with troops wiped out the hut that the rockets and machine gun fire came from only to find that the hut had only woman and children in it. Finding out that women and children were killing you and your friends will mess up one's mind.
The present war will mess up most Americans minds once the fighting moves to your local mall or restaurant. Spend a year in the middle east and you will understand why all Christians and Jews will have to die for Osma to feel he as won.
This movie has had a lot of good comments for most who have posted them.