Stephan Quinland Forget what harsh critics say about clique, or political-correct assortment of characters, this movie is a real find. Oyster Rochefellar is a classic dish, will you run from it just because you had it once and liked it ? When I first saw Kim Bassinger as the lead, images of her as bond girl or mistress of bad guys in bad movies cast doubt. I say they were largely erased by the movie's end. And the ending was quite acceptable and way better than what was predictable.A soothing, thoughtful soundtrack guides the audience along. The scenery was gorgeous and had just enough of a haze to get that feeling of the sea. The first boating encounter between male and female lead was spontaneous and perfectly played, with careful restraints. The second encounter was too abrupt as no questions were posted between adults about such an improper relationship.I like the fact that the slow pace cruised to a climax for which everything were explained. The aftermath displays care and nice touch. A nice find if you like slow, introspective movies.

nette-14 Alex Carter is absolutely gorgeous. The love scene on the beach was to die for; had to tune in for the next two showings to see it again and again. I was fortunate enough to catch him on a rerun of CSI. Cannot wait to see him in other roles. Watch out for this guy, people--he is not going away. I had read The Mermaid Chair and loved it. I thought Lifetime showed a very good screen adaptation and stayed true to the story. Sue Monk Kidd also wrote The Secret Life of Bees; might want to check it out-a really good read. Love Bruce Greenwood. Kim Basinger looked wonderful, haven't seen much of her in a while. Her wardrobe was pretty, too. One should also check out Thomas Merton's prayer that Father Thomas spoke of to Father Dominique. It is a beautiful prayer, very thought provoking. Yes, it is definitely a chick flick and I along with several friends really enjoyed it.

lgregg7 I've seen nothing but mediocre to bad reviews for The Mermaid Chair. Frankly, I think it was a very good book and chick flick. The music was lovely; the scenery was enchanting; the actors were entertaining. The plot is, indeed, a fantasy. But it is consistently the root of all the characters built around it. The characters compliment the story in a very beautiful manner. Frankly, it's one of the few movies that stem from bestseller novels that I've enjoyed. As far as reality is concerned -- come on, folks...it's a s.t.o.r.y!! One of the most inviting things about movies and novels is the chance to escape from a world that is far too realistic. Viewers, please take time to view this wonderful movie. You won''t be sorry.

ikanboy Kim Bassinger plays a woman married to Psychiatrist Bruce Greenwood, who goes back to her childhood home to find out why her mother deliberately severed a finger. The home is on an island, presumably off the Northwest coast, which houses a fishing village, and a monastery.The religious myth guiding the monks is about a Mermaid who saves the island, and the monks seem to spend their time sewing fishing nets for the local industry.Kim meets up again with her old women friends. There is the usual assortment for a chick flick; a wise Black woman; a "mentally challenged" but "intuitive" girl; and her tough, but lovable mother, who runs the local tourist Kitsch store.Bassinger's voice over fills us in on all the necessary details of her childhood, the local mermaid story, and her frustration with her mother's behavior. The music lets us know that this is going to be one of those "intelligent" stories, with deep undertones, and unexplained behavior that we are supposed to wait for the story to explain as it unfolds.A handsome monk soon shows up and we all know where this is going to lead! From what Kim has told us and from other hints we know she is "searching" for herself. The author prefers to call it "travelling" in an effort to take our mind of the clichés that are falling fast and furious.We are never told why Kim strays,only that she is "unhappy." Apparently we are supposed to allow her the benefit of the doubt. If Bassinger's character is unhappy, then it must be the husbands fault! No that is too easy. What Kim is apparently in angst about is the cloud of guilt from her childhood, that is connected to her father's death.What motivates the Priest to commit adultery against his vows? Oh wait, he's not officially a Priest yet, or at least a Monk, so he's "travelling" too. He joined the monastery because....well let's just say it's quite the tear jerker of a reason, guaranteed to tug at the heart strings of any co-dependent. He is not above luring Kim off on the flimsy excuse to see some "rare" White Pelicans. Could any woman who is looking for romance to sooth her ails resist?Will Kim take off with the Monk? Will Kim bury her childhood guilt? Will she discover why mother is determined to keep on cutting off fingers? Yes on the last two. I won't blow the first question, but any serious student of the genre will know the answer.Yeah, yeah, I'm a male. I know it's a chick flick so butt out; right? Well before I do I just want to have a few things explained to me. Why is it O.K. for a woman "searching" to screw a Priest, without thought, or at least without comment, about: 1. Her infidelity. 2. His motivation to screw up his vocation. 3. No mention of her marital status. If a male character did this most women would call him a pig. Why does the Monk seem to care less about Kim's marital status? It's as if: she's a big girl, she has to have a good reason. Romance and motivations triggered by the unconscious outweigh any sense of morality, guilt, remorse. As long as you follow your heart, everything can be forgiven!