When Night Is Falling Reviews

• Brilliant direction and superb acting

  
  By on 1999-02-09
  This film in my view is the best coming-out story that I've seen portrayed, since Desert Hearts. This viewer can take the role of any of the major characters and empathize. The actresses were convincing as lesbians.

  The pain Martin felt personally and to his ego I felt, but all's fair in love. The issues and decisions that both Carmille and Petra had to make were realistically and tenderly portrayed. For example, Carmille's decision to follow her desire and heart or her decision to leave her okay life for a prospect shows a great deal of courage and spontaneity. Martin, I'm sure is a proponent of a bird in the hand philosophy.

  And Petra's pursuit of Carmille was laudable for an individual who seemed so carefree to dare confront a woman so emerged in religion; a woman, who already has a man (What a dyke!).

  The symbolism between christianity vs. circus life appeared a bit satanic for my taste; but it didn't distract from the movie. Instead it added to Carmille's journey of self-discovery from one end of the pendulum to the other. Both women were beautiful and sensual as disparate from sexy and provocative and as a woman I can appreciate that. Both women were able to make their respective characters come alive realistically.

  I've watched this movie several times and there is no end in site. I'm a fan and looking for more from Patricia Rozema. Watching this moving more than once I can appreciate the time, effort, talent, detail and affection that she put into each character and each scene. She did a great job. This is a good movie.
  
  

• When Night Is Falling...Definitely A Thumbs Up!

  
  By A8QQFGNPJOTCN on 1999-11-29
  I'm absolutely a tough critic, it's my "station in life," but this movie caught some sparks inside of me that I never knew even had a presence. When I first came across the movie it was an ordinary night; I was bored and channel surfing, I happened to be watching a cable channel and the titel displayed. Titles usually catch my attention and encourage me to want to actually watch a program and this particular night was no exception. I first thought it was going to be another cheesy movie; nonetheless cheesy lesbian movie, but I began to become intrigued by the storyline and overall performance of the two actresses. Camille presents an intimidating outer beauty that is coherent with her sweet voice, and what is even better; her looks don't have to compensate for bad acting, she doesn't become nude because she can't "get into" her character; she becomes nude because she does "get into" her character. Petra's beauty is strengthened as the movie progresses. You begin to see changes in her character, and in her performance. It makes it quite alert that love is a feeling in which no one born under the sun has any control over. The term "homophobia" has become quite a popular term among heterosexual men/women who fear other sexuality preferences; mostly homosexuality, and among homosexual men/women; which some feel like they are looked upon as contagious specimens...homophobia; Jesus, society acts as if a person's private life or choice in life is a topic for discussion during a therapy session. Therefore, seeing this movie and witnessing how, for once, a woman who was preampted to be "straight" with a "boyfriend" could defeat the opponents within herself and decide to act on her new found love for a "woman", and the new term "heterophobic" made me squeal in laughter. This movie, although a couple of years earlier, completely squashed the cliche' title of 'Chasing Amy' which certainly depicted lesbians as "needing men" or "eventually falling in love with men" as if there were no real lesbians in the world who preferred sharing their most intimate, passionate, and even routined moments with a woman. It's absolutely degrading. Not all lesbians are women just waiting for the right man, and for all those future producers and directors of 'Chasing Amy' movie upcomings...hint this; Not only was 'When Night Is Falling' filled with passion, steam, and creativity; it is more true to reality than your cliche' will ever be. For my friend who actually named her cat "Petra" after the character in the movie...this one's for you!
  
  

• Excellent, with a few reservations

  
  By A2I1PQG130B4FO on 2004-06-17
  We watched this film last night, and to say we were impressed is insufficient. This is a touching lesbian love story, an evocative discovery of a woman's sexual identity, and an entertaining couple movie, all bundled in an incredibly erotic package.

  Camille, played by Pascale Bussières (well-known in Quebec for her role as the title character in the wildly popular mini-series "Blanche") is a repressed, conservative teacher at a Toronto Christian college. Camille is engaged to Martin (Henry Czerny), a fellow teacher at the college. Czerny is miscast in my opinion--it is sadly difficult to separate his character from the abusive and menacing Brother Lavin of "The Boys of St. Vincent". Czerny's brooding, hooded stare distances him from the viewer and makes him far less sympathetic than his character demands in this film.

  Camille's engagement seems not to touch her very deeply, despite a passionate love scene she shares with Martin, and in a moment of vulnerability she is "cruised" and captured by Petra, a circus performer wild-child played by newcomer Rachael Crawford.

  Petra visibly falls head-over-heels in love with Camille and the love affair which blossoms is beautiful and exciting in its intensity. The viewer's emotions are snagged and held by the way the initial infatuation develops into profound love between the two women.

  Despite the foregoing, I have a couple of reservations about the film. The musical score is excellent--dark and sinister for the circus rehearsal and audition scenes and ethereal for the dream sequences--however it would have been nice to hear more of Shirley Eikhart's voice other than in harmony. The sets are good, but the "iron" scene is just plain weird and does not fit the Cirque du Soleil-like atmosphere. Is it a prerequisite of Canadian films that they display their artsy independence with strange camera angles, sentinel-like trees and transmission towers, and nausea inducing spinning?

  And one last minor whinge about the DVD: Patricia Rozema is a talented and courageous director, but her "director's commentary" is for the most part mind-numbingly boring and uninformative. We kept commenting that we wanted to learn more about the locations, the cast and the crew, only to be treated to a metaphysical soliloquoy delivered in a self-conscious monotone.

  In all, 4 stars for an excellent story, well delivered, with a few relatively minor cavils.
  
  

• A Great Fine Art Film

  
  By ARK5SAGVLW3FY on 2007-12-12
  I am so glad that Criterion picked up this film. The DVD came out late, well after the initial release of the video had disappeared. Recent showings on the LOGO network have rekindled some well deserved interest.
  
  Most Lesbian films are just plain bad. With the rare exception of a film like Desert Hearts, they are mindless romps by undeveloped, self-absorbed characters. They always end in the bedroom, usually to a lush musical score, because the plot literally can't go anywhere else. This film is not only a good lesbian film but a beautiful, artistically rendered chronical of a quirky relationship between two very eccentric people. The cinematography alone makes it so visually compeling that you could watch it just for that. It has a fine rhythmic pacing and a color saturation reminiscent of David Lynch. The color filled Art Circus atmosphere that surrounds one character pops as it is interspered with the staid beiges and browns that paint the academic world of the other. One scene that intercuts a car headlight dancing across a bedroom wall, a circus act that uses bouncing lights behind a screen and one of the female leads making love to her boyfriend turns editing into an artform.
  Well worth the price!
  
  

• This is an enchanting film

  
  By A1MFPISDZOYMX6 on 2000-02-02
  I had seen "When Night is Falling" in the video store for maybe 4 years. When I finally picked it up last week I was happy to find that $1 would buy me a weeks worth of viewing. Was that dollar worth handing over? An emphatic YES is my only response. I'd have happily paid the usual $7 had I known this movie would be so good.

  Going to work the following day, I was still entranced by this beautiful love story. Instead of actually doing work, I decided to find out some more information about this movie. After going to amazon.com, I was overjoyed to find that so many others were also thrilled be this film.

  The cinematography was magnificant and left me longing to visit those snow encrusted forests of Canada. I'm still dazzled by the swirling power staunchion over Petra's head. And like so many others, I too was capitivated (maybe even spellbound) by Camille beauty. My only regret in having finally seen "When Night is Falling" is that I now have the knowledge that such consuming passion can exist. Had I not seen this film, I might never have wanted to experience that passion myself.

  I have the arduous task of handing back the video to the store today. Perhaps "When Night is Falling" answers the "wordless question" that so many other movies have been unable to answer. I certainly feel it has answered some questions for me.
  
  

• In the top 5 of BEST LESBIAN FLICKS
  By AXB8E576QYSKJ on 2004-06-24
  I'll have to admit..I'm a lesbian trapped in a man's body!
  Nothing is more enjoyable than to see a successful love relatioship between two women. Unfortunately, in movies (major and independents) nothing is more rare! I am so tired of self hating lesbian directors making movies about sick, twisted women behaving in self-destructive behavior!
  Fortunately!!! This movie is not one!
  A wonderfully acted, enjoyable LOVE STORY between a lesbian and a "convert to lesbianism". You might even say a convert to real love, after having a ho-hum relationship with a man- just because it's what's expected. Some of the story is kind of silly or quirky, but adds to the oddball character of the movie. American movies can be so tedious sometimes...foreign movies (especially Canadian ones), tend to take more chances and less car chases!
  A BEAUTIFUL movie with incredible music to boot! The two sister trapeeze act during the love scene is worth the price of the movie...they are former Cirque du Soleil performers.
  SOME ADVICE.........You can get this movie on DVD on some Canadian websites. The love scenes are extended and well worth buying the DVD for....Also, it is a MUCH better re-mastered copy with director's commentary.
  The movie is funny in spots....very tender and passionate.....beautifully photographed....and the acting is first rate. One of my favorite lovestories...straight or lesbian.
  
  
• A Beautiful Love Story
  By A39FJVEBCJHRN7 on 2006-08-11
  This movie isn't perfect. It's quirky and artsy and sweet and intimate, but everything doesn't always track all the time. But this movie is so lovable and delicate and sweet that I can't even bring myself to discuss its flaws. (And actually, it's one of those movies where the flaws become part of what you love about the film).
  
  The plot goes something like this: Straight woman in rather ordinary relationship with a nice enough guy. Lesbian circus performer comes after straight woman. Straight woman resists but is clearly intrigued. After a little back and forth, straight woman finally gives in and the two women ultimately fall in love.
  
  "When Night Is Falling" does everything a love story's supposed to do. Pascale Bussières (Camille) is tortured, lovable, and convincing. And Rachael Crawford (Petra) is honest, quirky, and absolutely mesmerizing. By the time these two women realize that they're in love, you find that you've sort of fallen in love too. And really, what more can you ask for from a love story?
  
  
• My Favorite Film
  By A3AT36FW3RNGEE on 2008-01-04
  I'm not lesbian, I'm not gay, I like all sorts of films, but this film evokes more powerful emotions in me than any other film I've ever watched. I've watched it over and over (on video), and it's not even the same things that drive the emotions. I'm hetero, and at first I must admit it was Pascale's luscious body that fascinated me. Later I liked the whole trajectory of the love story, the leaving behind of heterosexuality, the tweedy university, Canada, the established church, marriage, for the wilds of San Francisco, the circus, no sure means of support, and a lesbian relationship. (I lived just south of San Francisco for many years.) Later still I was mesmerized by the two trapeze artists who showed so overwhelmingly what trust is. I used to watch the movie over and over just to see that sequence. Then there was a time I grieved terribly for the church. The church! When did I ever even love it so much? Yet the emotions came. I agree with the other reviewer that sometimes the movie is cheesy, but also I agree it's overwhelming in its beauty. There's some wonderful humor in the film, too, including the immortal line, Oh grow up. This film has tapped into archetypal energies. I wouldn't miss it. Thank goodness it's now coming out again in DVD. Sign me up.
  
  
• When Night Is Falling
  By A2Q612V1Z6FVHF on 2000-02-16
  "The world is a den of thieves and night is falling. Soon it will be the hour for robbers and murderers. Evil is breaking its chains and goes through the world like a mad dog... So it shall be. Therefore let us be happy, let us be kind, generous, affectionate and good. Therefore it is necessary, and not in the least shameful, to take pleasures in the little world, good food, gentle smiles, fruit-trees in bloom and waltzes"

  --excerpted from Fanny & Alexander by Ingmar Bergman.

  Camille (Pascale Bussieres), a professor at a Protestant college, is engaged to Martin (Henry Czerny), a sympathetic minister and fellow professor who clearly loves Camille. As "career Christians," they are urged to get married and to become co-chaplains of the New College of Faith. But Camille is vaguely unhappy with Martin and her life, and when her beloved dog dies suddenly, she begins to lose her grip. As she sits weeping to herself in a laundromat, Camille meets Petra (Rachael Crawford), a flamboyant circus performer. Anyone who has ever lost a pet knows how intangibly devastating it can be, and Camille is sincerely shattered. Petra realizes this, tries to offer solace and is so attracted to Camille that she finds a way for them to cross paths again. When they do meet again Petra flirts brazenly with Camille, who is deeply offended, confused, yet curious as well. Petra, who lives in her own paganly decorated trailer, is part of a "modern primitive" circus, not unlike The Jim Rose Circus Sideshow filled with freaks, artists and jolly folk of all ilks. Petra, who is looking to have Camille "under the moonlight with her head thrown back," balks when Camille sheepishly asks if they could just be friends instead ("like Thelma and Louise, but without the guns?"), wanting to take her time. The two do become friends and Petra takes Camille hang gliding even though she has to convince her that the price of adventure is fear. For the first time in her proper and very intellectual life, Camille's desire comes rushing forward. She is shocked to find that she is infatuated with Petra. Soon she believes that she is in love.

  But all is not well with the circus. Hounded by creditors, the circus must leave town, threatening to tear the new lovers apart. Meanwhile, part of Camille is still deeply attached to Martin, who is away trying to get a paper of his published in a seminarian journal while Camille and Petra discover each other. When Martin returns from his business trip and begins to figure out what has been happening, his frustration comes a hair's breadth from turning into rage and tries getting through to her that "experimentation" is one thing, but a three year bond is something else entirely. This is a beautiful little film by Patricia Rozema, who also directed the lovely 1987 character study I Heard The Mermaids Singing. Due to a strict Calvinist upbringing Rozema had seen no films before the age of 16, and this film almost serves as a dialogue for her muse, before and after she escaped the doctrines of the church. Pascale Bussieres is wonderful as Camille, who is able to tread that fine line between confusion and curiosity very well. She has an inner beauty that draws not only Petra, but the viewer. There is a calm in her soul that is so very soothing. There is no trace of anger or impatience in her character whatsoever, instead she turns inward and mentally reviews her situation on such a continual basis, always searching for balance, that her trepidatious innocence is the allure that Petra finds so fascinating. With Bussieres' almond eyes, auburn hair and porcelain skin, hers is a very classic sense of beauty that is so dissimilar to Petra's attractiveness (black, sexy, passionate, whimsical) that they make a very complementary match. Petra's initial impetuosity soon smoothes itself out and Camille's reticence begins to ebb as they both realize how much they can learn from each other if they can let their blossoming love develop naturally. There is such a well-measured sense of balance in this film that the love scenes are in turn very highly erotic, as well as touching and moving. Perhaps the most difficult thing a person can ever do is look their partner in the eyes while making passionate love, tell them `I love you' and have it sound like the most intimate and genuine thing they'll ever hear. Bussieres is able to do this effortlessly. The character of Camille is so very obviously treading into deeper waters than she's ever fathomed before, but she proceeds cautiously enough so that she is able to slowly and wisely understand that the love and understanding she has already been able to appreciate on an intellectual and otherworldly level through the church need not mean that it must be denied to her sensually simply because it's a body of another gender. In fact, the lovemaking she shares with Petra is so unbridled that it unleashes her enough to be able to bring her new- found passion back to her fiancé, which he duly notices and appreciates.

  Don't misunderstand me: She does cheat on her fiancé, and in so doing, Martin's anger is perfectly understandable, but by that time the world that Camille has tasted and chooses to be a part of is chosen simply because it is one that is not as blindly judgmental as the church. If anything I would say that the film is too short by half an hour simply because the end is more of an escape than a conclusion, but maybe that's the point. Or perhaps, in the tradition of Traffaut, Rozema plans to follow-up her story with Part Two.

  There aren't any "evil" characters in this film, each of the leading roles are characters that are drawn and performed so well that you do end up caring for all of them, so much so that when Martin realizes what has developed between his fiancée and her new girlfriend, the delight you feel for Camille is offset by the empathy you feel for Martin. No matter how painful it is for Martin to lose the love of his life, the film makes it clear that it is much more than just sex with another woman that has persuaded Camille away: It is a way of life that has more to do with living than the cloistered, regimented facades she has grown to endure her entire life. If anything you wonder why Martin doesn't join them, too.

  I hope this film gets a general release and finds an audience in the shopping malls because it could very gently and significantly open up conversations across middle America about the relationship between desire and gender.
  
  

• Funny, Arty, Romantic, Fun
  By A3IRZ4BI09X1GY on 2000-10-03
  When Night is Falling is easily one of the most romantic movies you are going to see about two women falling in love with each other in spite of the world around them. The lead actresses, Pascale Bussieres and Rachael Crawford give wonderful and believable performances as the main characters Camille and Petra.

  The romantic soft-focus cinematography and mellowy music that seems to be an overused cliche in most lesbian orientated genres is used superbly this time by its director, Patricia Rozema,who gives us a very colorful perspective of the "Land up North".

  I felt that there are many great scenes in this movie but the opening scene where we see the very straight-minded Camille having lesbian fantasties is probaly the most important scene because it establishes Camille's potential desire to be with other woman. These desires made the unlikely relationship between Camille and Petra(who is openly lesbian) much more plausible and believable.

  I also liked the fact that the movie at times did not take itself too seriously and mixed in some fun and interesting moments with Camille and Petra. I loved the acrobatic lovemaking scene with the carnival music and the two trapeze artists performing overhead but the scene at the laundry where Petra pulls the old "switch-charoo" is a classic...
  
  

• You have an exquisite mouth, you know...
  By A3OWHDVW09EK9S on 2001-08-02
  What is it about this movie that makes it so attractive (and a cult item in its own right, as you can see from the other reviews)?
  
  Could it be the gorgeous photography, or its beautiful music score?
  
  Can it be that the movie DEFINES impossible (or, at least, unlikely) love between two totally different women?
  
  Or, that it is one of the most tender stories ever filmed?
  
  Well, for me, what makes it one of my favorite films is all of the above, plus the performance by Canadian actress Rachael Crawford (who plays Petra). She is amazing. Her character is honest, self-assured, direct and sweet. She is the main reason I see this movie again and again. I don't know if I want to be like her (I am a guy, so that's impossible) or meet someone like her.
  
  For the moment, I will try to catch all the video material out there by Ms. Crawford (Rude, for example). She also has done a lot of work for TV.
  
  And back to WNIF, I know it's difficult to get, but by all means try to see it. It is a great movie.
  
  
• Movie Entertainment or Art Piece? How about both?!
  By A3DRO53HT1LXOW on 2005-01-01
  I love this movie. I can't say how many times I have seen it. It's one of my absolute favourites. Director Patricia Rozema made this a masterpiece. It has all the ingredients: Great story, beautiful cinematogrophy, thoughtful dialogue, talent, emotion, wonderful contrasts; the list goes on and on.
  
  So here's the plot, in no certain order: Camille (Pascale Bussières) is a Mythology teacher at New Faith College, a Christian Post-Secondary Institute. Her boyfriend, Martin (Henry Czerny), is a theologian at the same school. There is an open position for a new chaplain at the school, as the current chaplain is moving on. Camille and Martin are offered the position as a team. The position can go to a man/woman team provided their relations were not questionable, ie. provided they were married. So the school is pressuring Camille and Martin to get married so that they would not be presumed to be having sex out of wedlock. Bad Christians! They do have sex. They don't get married.
  N.B. Some lesbian viewers may not like the inclusion of a hetero sex scene, but it's very important to the story. One must pay attention to details of how she is attempting to make love to her partner and how he appears to just be screwing. (Reviewer's opinion)
  
  At a local laundromat, Camille meets Petra (Rachael Crawford), a performer in the modern circus, Sirkus of Sorts. Petra and Camille connect (Rachael and Pascale have chemistry!!!) and Petra performs a "switcharoo" with their laundry, thus prompting them to meet again.
  
  As the story develops, we see Camille struggling with her faith and it's conservative, anti-gay views versus her feelings for Petra. Camille is still very conservative and not used to the crass nature of the performers. My favourite dialogue is after Petra dances with Camille while other performers are cat-calling.
  
  Camille: "It's vulgar and crass."
  Petra: "Wh-What? Are you ashamed of me? These are some of the nicest people, Camille. If you can't handle a little fun with them, what are you going to go when the really mean f#%^*@$ of the world start picking on you, huh? 'Cause they will, Camille. They'll be mean and they'll be laughing up a storm."
  Camille: "Not if you show a little dignity"
  Petra: "Dignity? What could be more dignified than dancing with the woman I adore?"
  
  It's beautiful, really.
  
  Naturally, the love scene between Petra and Camille cannot go unmentioned. The chemistry between these actors is enough to project their feelings, but the twin trapeze artists provide beautiful imagery for the scene occurring below them.
  
  I went to St. Patrick's High School in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Patricia Rozema went to Lambton Christian High School, which was across the street and recently closed. We are in two very different age groups, but from the same area of town. I wish I could know her. I wish more of her recent alumni could know her. I had very in depth conversations with my religion teacher at St. Pat's and even lent her my copy of this film. She actually watched it, though she said she turned it off when Camille walked out on the chaplain and thus, "chose Petra over her Faith." Of course, I told my teacher about the ending, and I think she wished she'd stuck it out to see it. I found some of the dialogue hard to hear because of wispering and such, but if you watch the movie enough, you'll get it.
  
  One last thing: Camille's dog. He dies in the beginning, and you'll no doubt be confused when you see him in the end, but I suspect it is more imagery. The dog is not just her pet, but part of her heart. This movie is not for those who don't enjoy thinking about a film LOOOOOOONG after it's over. If you don't think about it, you miss stuff (by "you" I mean "me" because I still haven't caught everything). But it's definately for anyone who loves love.
  
  
• When Night Is Falling
  By on 2002-03-05
  This film is amazing! The cinematography, symbolism and beauty captivate you. It's endearing and real with a story that hits on all aspects of being "different". I bought this film before it was popular because it surpassed all other "women films" at the time of it's release. At the end, keep watching thru the credits - there's more. I want this one on DVD so I hope it's distributed in that format very soon.....I'd be a buyer!
  
  
• Sensual, Luscious, Divine Music!
  By AKE2GITTYFRJG on 2000-02-17
  The soundtrack from When Night Is Falling gives me chills every time. The music really is beautiful and evocative. Great music to make love to!
  
  
• Tender, beautiful, believable, warm, wonderful story!"
  By A1OXH6BF4LJEVH on 2003-05-24
  This beautiful, tender love story is another of my healing and gentle "recovering from Christianity" gems (see the book Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson). Petra gently, patiently and lovingly draws Camille out, and does it with love and tenderness. Camille is not greeted with the same love and tenderness in her other life, although she is admittedly not met with the hatefulness and viciousness so typical of present day fundamentalist/charismatic Christianity. She finds her redemption and resurrection in the love of a beautiful woman. The story is beautifully drawn, the plot flows, and where there are awkward spots, they reflect the awkwardness the heroine herself is feeling. I have seen this movie several times and I have loved it and seen something new in it each time. I recommend it highly as a superb love story, gay or straight!
  
  
• comparison of differant releases
  By A31PMGZ4CTMENC on 2008-02-23
  This new release has extras the other releases don't. They are a behind the scenes footage and a short film. However, this release is not digitally remastered and not made from a clean print. My advice is to rent this through netfix to watch the extras, but purchase one of the remastered, no frills, versions to keep in your collection.
  
  
• Thelma and Louise, but without the guns
  By AM6AZ4ITGQ3K1 on 2003-12-01
  Probably 10 times I've watched this film. Each time I find myself falling in love with the both characters, they appear to have a chemistry I liken to Xena and Gabrielle. This is different though, as we only see this unfold in the course of a few weeks. The opening scene becomes very important, as we see Camille's inner desire, and when she kisses Petra for the first time, you can feel the excitement and utter fear of the realization of ones sexuality. That scene alone could foretell the final scene...What joy for a film of this genre to have a happy ending. Watch this movie with an open mind, admire the courage of accepting differences, and appreciate love...all love
  
  
• THE BEST
  By A19QKNSB5EUYIA on 2007-12-26
  Petra and Camille makes falling in love come to life. a definite must see. of all lesbian films this one is my favorite.
  
  
• A sexy passionate journey of discovery
  By A15TIGL6MKUWYU on 2001-02-23
  A lot of times, as good as the story behind a movie might be,without the right actors to carry it off, it can still bomb.Fortunately, in this case, they found the right actresses for the mainroles, and made a decent movie. Pascale Bussieres(Camille), andRachael Crawford(Petra), two actresses I had never heard of beforeseeing them in this movie, literally shine during their performances,and they each have their own unique brand of beauty to bring to thescreen.

  Camille is a teacher at a religious college, and Petra is acircus performer, who meet one night at a laundromat where Camille hasa break down over the fact that her dog had died earlier that day.Petra offers her some comfort, takes both their laundries from thedryers when they are done, and seeming accidentally switches theirclothes, although she does this on purpose because she is attracted toCamille, and wants to see her again. This scene worked for me,although if it had been a man who had done it it might have seemed abit banal, but this fit Petra's character, and seemed cute. ...

  Thereare no real heroes or villains in the movie, just people who react towhat is going on around them to the best they can, and two women whoare drawn to one another, and act upon their feelings.

  The one lamenote of the movie, besides the slightly pedantic hang gliding episode,is the ending of the movie. I don't really want to give it away,but it just didn't really seem strong enough, or real enough to endthe movie I had been watching. That aside, I enjoyed the movie as awhole, and I certainly hope you at least rent if for yourself, and seewhat you think.

  One last word about the actresses. As I saidearlier, both of them are charming and beautiful, and seem to fittheir roles wonderfully. Camille, with her pale sort of beauty,unsure, and trying to discover what she wants out of life, and Petra,with her dark sort of exotic looks, and trying to find someone she canlove. They are both wonderful characters, and I enjoyed watchingtheir journey into love.
  
  

• One of the best out there-Intense
  By AQH6PEIH4PI3Z on 2002-09-01
  I only have two favorites 'When Night is falling' and 'Lost and Delirious' both are incrdibly touching and wonderful...oh and Gia was another good one!
  
  
• Hot Hot Hot
  By on 2003-10-31
  I loved this movie. It was refreshing to have a tale of two women falling in love that didn't end badly or deal with mental illness/perversion; espically fabulous looking women. The love scenes were realistic and well filmed. The cinematography was wonderful. It had, at times, a dreamlike quality and yet at other times it was like a "telling" photograph. The first love scene between Petra and Camille which is foiled by the women trapeze artists, was a sensual delight. A definite date-night movie, reserved for that special someone.
  
  
• ten stars
  By A6RODQ2PH1WFN on 1999-09-12
  I've seen this movie over and over (would buy it except it's still a fortune) - each time I see it it evokes the deepest feeling in me - sometimes one thing, sometimes another. The first time I saw it I was shocked by how beautiful Camille was and I wanted her for myself. I loved the two women on the trapeze - a more compelling presentation of trust in love and of the beauty of two in one I have never seen - with each viewing I love that sequence more. In later viewings I came to see Petra's beauty, too. Then they were equal. I loved from the first the accepting nature of the man who ran the circus. Several viewings in, I felt terrible sadness at the loss of the church. The movie sort of presents the husband and heterosexuality and the church (not to mention Canada which expects them to pay their bills) as the bad old life - the world necessarily left behind in the quest for right loving and living - and yet I felt the loss of the church so intensely - not that I wanted Camille to stay. Of course she has to leave. The only things I have never warmed to are some of the kitschier bits, such as the heavy dog symbolism and Camille's passing out in the snow - one always wants the plot never to kick in - contrary to other reviews, this is not a realistic love story, rather a fantasy and a myth. The movie is so Canadian - that country that hasn't gotten around to only doing blockbusters - it's rather quiet in its over the top way. I think this is my favorite movie. I want to see it over and over - at intervals - one has other moods. It's so passionately beautiful and lovely. And I don't think I have yet exhausted my responses to it.
  
  
• I wanted this soundtrack before the movie was even over
  By A2YJRLLBUXPYR1 on 2000-07-06
  The night I saw this movie in an art house, I went straight to the record store down the block from the theatre and looked for the soundtrack, but alas at the time it was not in stores. This visually gorgeous movie encompasses very large themes (what forces control whom we love?) and the music is a major part of its effect. So glad to see it finally available!
  
  
• Unbelieveable, exotic, passionate
  By A20GD8XO306UIZ on 2000-11-16
  This movie was superb, I've seen it a thousand times and I don't get tired of watching it after so many years. I was hoping and struggling to bring camile back from the unknow. My only question that. I have asked on numerous occasiones "when is this movie ever coming out on DVD!"
  
  
• One of the Best Lesbian Films
  By on 2001-04-13
  I am a Lesbian. I have seen plenty of lesbian movies. And When Night is Falling is one of my favorites. I only wish they would put it on DVD. Hopefully before I wear out my copy on VHS.
  
  
• Where to find a DVD of this movie?
  By A1YFQ03K0Y64SK on 2004-03-20
  Can something give me suggestion please?
  
  
• A movie to restore even the most jaded soul's faith in love.
  By AGDPJ1SCESEVP on 2008-03-24
  I filed my first ever amazon review today and this is my second. The first was in regard to a movie I hated so much that I felt compelled to voice an opinion. And then I watched this movie again. I needed to see a non-hollywood movie. And I was justified in my belief that this lovely little movie would once again restore my faith in the art of moviemaking. On what may be my tenth viewing, I was touched, as before, by this beautiful movie. It was wonderfully written, cast, acted and directed. Even the music was well done in that it fully complemented the acting without ever being obtrusive. I had never seen many in the cast before and marvel at how truly gifted they were. I am sure that it is labeled a lesbian movie. But the romance transcends category. And it was, quite simply, a gorgeous love story. I wonder at how many truly great little movies come out of Canada. Maybe there is a different sensibility and approach to movie making. Nice though, whatever the reason. This review intentionally told nothing about the story. I simply wanted to talk about how great the story was. And, by the way, I don't have the collector's edition so I can't comment on the extras. Kind of wish I had them to comment about.
  
  
• the best lesbian romance I have ever seen!
  By A2EAPJ68PVJRDR on 1998-12-13
  ...and I have seen a few ;) This is definitely a beatifully told and enthralling story, that goes far beyond the usual lesbian-chic erotica. The setting and especially the soundtrack give you the feeling of being drawn into a time and place as far removed from ours as the stories Camille teaches and the depth of plot does not let you off as easily as most other movies I have seen - you don't know how it will turn out, you don't know if it will end well, and for a long time you don't even know how you want it to end. I head to re-watch it three times the night I rented it before I could make myself turn the TV off. Without a doubt *the* best movie I have ever seen. Five stars just doesn't describe this one!
  
  
• The most romantic story of two women falling in love!
  By on 1999-04-27
  This movie was very well written and produced. It captures the essence of a budding romance between two women who fall in love with each other. It is touching and honest. I loved it!
  
  
• Excellent, sexy, tantilizing, HOT!!!
  By A2NMLH0I9E92L4 on 1999-10-28
  Camille, sexy lips. Petra, down right sexy in her own way. Reminds me of myself. When you really want something you'll do what you have to do to get. I recommend this movie not only to the gay communication but to whom ever loves good story lines and this movie,"When Night Is Falling" is it. I have seen this movie 3 times and its always like the first. This movie is excellent, the sets, the characters, etc. There need to be more movies like this. This movie gets me in the mood especially the romantic scene when Petra and Camille makes love while the twins are up on the high swing....brilliant! A movie to purchase, to add to my collection of great movies. This is a MUST SEE movie.
  
  

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