‘Epic’ period drama that ‘riveted’ fans is available to stream | Films | Entertainment

Don’t miss this underrated film featuring a young Brad Pitt.

An epic historical drama centred on a Cornish immigrant family could be precisely what Poldark enthusiasts have been searching for.

Featuring Brad Pitt in one of his earliest major film roles, the picture is currently available to stream on Paramount+.

Pitt portrays Tristan Ludlow, the son of disillusioned US cavalry veteran Colonel William Ludlow (played by Anthony Hopkins), who relocates his family to the wilds of Montana to settle on a ranch, aided by his Cree companion One Stab (Gordon Tootoosis).

When Tristan and his brothers Alfred (Aidan Quinn) and Samuel (Henry Thomas) sign up for the Canadian Expeditionary Force and are called upon to fight in the First World War, their father is left heartbroken, and an ensuing tragedy triggers a traumatic chain of events that gradually tears the family apart over the years that follow, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/film/brad-pitt-period-drama-poldark-37081772″>the Mirror</a>.

Helmed by Edward Zwick (Shakespeare in Love) and adapted from the 1979 novella by Jim Harrison, this 1994 epic is a frequently overlooked treasure within both Pitt and Hopkins’ back catalogues, yet boasts a devoted following who insist it remains well worth a watch.

Poldark devotees will discover much to savour in Legends of the Fall owing to the Ludlows’ Cornish heritage, while those who were captivated by the sweeping Montana vistas of Yellowstone and The Madison would be well advised to add it to their watchlist.

One IMDb user made a bold claim in their 10/10 review: “Despite some of the reviews, I think this film is one of the best ever made. I have seen it a hundred times. The sweeping score, the Montana backdrop and the plot are just some of the things that make this film great.

“I would recommend everyone to see [it], although not everyone will like what they see as it requires a certain taste.”

Another viewer concurred: “I absolutely loved the movie, it’s the second time I’m seeing it and I’m glad I did, because I love epic dramas…and this one well, not only did it have a great and an original storyline, it had a great cast also.

“But my favourite had to be Brad Pitt, his performance was engaging and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen, because I simply was fascinated by the way the story was constructed.”

A further enthusiast declared: “Moved me like no film I’ve seen in a long damn time!

“I watch a lot of movies and I can’t remember the last time a film held me so spellbound. Star billing or even an Oscar should also have been awarded to the spectacularly beautiful scenery of Montana for the vast majesty it bestowed.

“A tragic tale, yes; heartbreaking at times, but never boring. Every time I felt certain I knew what was coming next, the plot took another unexpected turn and I sat there riveted, softly breathing ‘Wow!’ now and again into the darkness.

“This film immediately became one of my all-time favourites; I’ve watched it half a dozen times since then and its scope and power never fail to move me.”

Legends of the Fall is available to stream on Paramount+.