This is a very sentimental film about a quite backward man played by Kevin Spacey, who lives an incredibly shut out life with virtually nothing to his name. When a woman falls into his life for the first time he thinks it is true love, but after they... (read more) This is a very sentimental film about a quite backward man played by Kevin Spacey, who lives an incredibly shut out life with virtually nothing to his name. When a woman falls into his life for the first time he thinks it is true love, but after they have a child together she ditches him, leaving him to become a helpless single father.
The story develops as he finds out about himself and his ancestry with a move to Ireland, becoming a reporter for a local paper, begins as a bumbling basket case until one of his random stories sparks enthusiasm in the community.
It is a moving film about acceptance and finding one's place in the world, I enjoyed it a lot more than I was expecting.

judi dench, as always, was brilliant...The direction was great...A very good movie overall

Different than the book in many ways but still a very good movie!! good acting and amazing music!!

Shunts Itself At Varying Paces Onward Through A Semi-Interesting Story. Overall I Found It Pretty Boring...Didn't Get Into It..

The Shipping News impressed me for several reasons: first the location, second Lasse Hallstrom's direction and third the acting by the lead characters and the supporting characters as well, they were outstanding. The beauty of the story, involving fa... (read more) The Shipping News impressed me for several reasons: first the location, second Lasse Hallstrom's direction and third the acting by the lead characters and the supporting characters as well, they were outstanding. The beauty of the story, involving familiar dramas that were easily recognized anywhere, was used in here to explore known aspects and to bring them to screen. My mayor credit goes here for the director Hallstrom to put such a great story about grief, family secrets, loss, and love.

Some novels need to be left alone. Hear that, Hollywood?

Despite its haunting artistry and its winning eccentricities, The Shipping News is a vehicle that's still very much at sea.

Relentlessly colorful and cute.

Moves at a glacial pace, much like the icy land it's set in. And even a top-notch cast can't warm up the atmosphere.

A meticulous and often moving adaptation from Lasse Hallström.