Directed by:
Atom EgoyanScreenplay:
Atom EgoyanCinematography:
Paul SarossyComposer:
Mychael DannaCast:
Ian Holm, Sarah Polley, Gabrielle Rose, Alberta Watson, Tom McCamus, Maury Chaykin, Arsinée Khanjian, Earl Pastko, Simon Baker, Bruce Greenwood, David Hemblen (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
The story concerns the cultural aftershocks which tear apart a small British Columbia town in the wake of a school-bus accident which leaves a number of local children dead. Ian Holm stars as Mitchell Stephens, a big-city lawyer who arrives in the interest of uniting the survivors to initiate a lawsuit; his maneuvering only drives the community further apart, reopening old wounds and jeopardizing any hopes of emotional recovery. In the ensuing atmosphere of suspicion and doubt, a teenage girl, left in a wheelchair after the accident, manages to regain her dignity and reunite the community. Through her courage, the townspeople are led to the "sweet hereafter," a realm reserved for those who are at peace with their fate. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Awards
- Winner
- Nominations
Academy Awards
- 1998 - Atom Egoyan (Best Achievement in Directing)
- 1998 - Atom Egoyan (Best Adapted Screenplay)
Independent Spirit Awards
- 1998 - Atom Egoyan (Best International Film)
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards
- 1997 - Best Film
- 1997 - Atom Egoyan (Best Director)
- 1997 - Paul Sarossy (Best Cinematography)
New York Film Critics Circle Awards
- 1997 - Best Film
- 1997 - Atom Egoyan (Best Director)
- 1997 - Ian Holm (Best Actor)
Cannes Film Festival
- 1997 - Atom Egoyan (Grand Prize)
- 1997 - Atom Egoyan (Fipresci Prize - Official Competition)
- 1997 - Atom Egoyan (Prize of the Ecumenical Jury)
- 1997 - Atom Egoyan (Golden Palm - Official Competition)
Toronto International Film Festival
- 1997 - Atom Egoyan (Best Canadian Feature Film)
Norwegian International Film Festival Haugesund
- 1997 - Atom Egoyan (The Norwegian Critics Award)