Promise the Moon (1997)

Promise the Moon Poster

Ranch hand Roy Leckner tries to fulfill his employer’s dying wish to find his long lost son, bring him home and groom him to run the family’s failing cattle ranch.

Introduction
"Promise the Moon" is a 1997 Canadian tv movie directed by Ken Jubenvill. The film is set in the early 20th century and focuses on issues of commitment, honor, and the severe truths of the ranching company. Starring Henry Czerny and Colette Stevenson, the narrative touches on themes of social expectations, household, and the mission for justice.

Plot Overview
The movie opens with Royal Leckner (played by Henry Czerny), who works as a loyal hand on the large and powerful Bar E Ranch, owned by the steely yet fair Jane Makepeace (played by Shawn Doyle). After her sibling's death, Jane is figured out to maintain her family's tradition and the efficient management of the ranch, despite the gender standards of the time questioning a female's location in such a reliable role.

When Jane finds out that her bro covertly fathered a boy with an Indigenous lady before his death, she ends up being undaunted on bringing the young boy, named Levi, to the ranch to raise him in line with the Makepeace standing and values. However, societal bias and Levi's blended heritage make Jane's choice controversial amongst the conservative cattle ranch community.

Royal is delegated with retrieving Levi and bringing him to the Bar E Ranch. Throughout his journey, Royal deals with obstacles and unanticipated paternal feelings towards the young boy, despite his preliminary reluctance to disrupt his uncomplicated life with such a job. His commitment to Levi enhances as they browse obstacles together, from the bigotry of townsfolk to the rough surfaces they traverse.

Dispute and Challenges
As Royal and Levi make their way to the ranch, they confront both manufactured and natural adversities. The movie shows the ubiquity of bigotry during the period it represents, demonstrating how Levi undergoes systemic oppressions due to his origins. Royal's transformation throughout the movie is evident as he evolves from a duty-bound employee to an intense protector and dad figure to Levi.

Upon their arrival at Bar E Ranch, the narrative deviates as the pair battle to discover their location. Jane is battling against her own barriers, dealing with sexism and hesitation from her employees and next-door neighbors, which now reaches handling combined perceptions towards her brand-new, mixed-race nephew. She is unfaltering however quickly realizes that changes are essential which the longstanding codes of the ranch may not align with her new individual convictions.

Resolution
Tensions at the ranch intensifies as Royal's defense of Levi puts him at chances with those who fervently promote racist ideologies. The movie stresses Royal's sense of justice, which is tested when he is required to make challenging decisions that challenge the ranch's status quo and his relationship with Jane.

The climax sees Royal ready to risk everything to make sure Levi's security and rightful inheritance as a Makepeace, leading to a face-off that encapsulates the primary conflicts of the story. "Promise the Moon" presents a resolution that speaks with the redemptive power of love and the value of household bonds, even in the face of frustrating societal pressures.

Themes and Reception
The movie was well received for its handling of complicated themes such as racism, cultural identity, and the breaking of social norms. The duration backdrop improves the storytelling, offering a visually appealing setting while likewise highlighting the historical context of the battles dealt with by the characters. Noteworthy too is the movie's exploration of the characteristics of power and the repercussions of diverging from the anticipated path.

In summary, "Promise the Moon" is a poignant drama that combines components of experience with a powerful human story, showcasing the resistant spirit of its characters in the middle of the backdrop of early 20th-century societal difficulties.

Top Cast

  • Henry Czerny (small)
    Henry Czerny
    Royal Leckner
  • Shawn Ashmore (small)
    Shawn Ashmore
    Leviatus Bennett
  • Colette Stevenson (small)
    Colette Stevenson
    Jane Makepeace
  • Aidan Devine (small)
    Aidan Devine
    James Bennett
  • Ken James (small)
    Ken James
    Charlie
  • David Fox (small)
    David Fox
    Sir Robert Butler
  • Richard Donat (small)
    Richard Donat
    Wilbur Bennett
  • Gloria May Eshkibok
    Sophie Twelvetrees
  • J. Winston Carroll
    McNabb (as J.W. Carroll)