Firelight
In 1838, lovely governess Elisabeth agrees to bear a child of anonymous English landowner, and he will in return pay her father's debt. At birth she, as agreed, gives up the child. Seven years later she is hired as governess to a girl on a remote Sussex estate. The father of the girl, Charles Godwin, turns out to be that anonymous landowner. So Elisabeth has to be her own daughter's governess, and she can't reveal the secret of her tie with little Louisa.
Critics Sentiment
Elisabeth and Charles begin their forbidden sexual relationship again
Elisabeth gives birth to Louisa and surrenders the child
The film builds from the heartbreaking separation of mother and child to the passionate reunion of the lovers, with the biggest surge coming as Elisabeth and Charles rekindle their relationship.
Firelight follows a classic arc from compelling setup through emotional valleys to passionate peaks. While some critics found the story predictable, most praised the performances and atmospheric direction. The film succeeds as a tasteful period romance despite some plot conveniences.
Full cast
Sophie Marceau
Elisabeth Laurier
Stephen Dillane
Charles Godwin
Dominique Belcourt
Louisa Godwin
Kevin Anderson
John Taylor
Joss Ackland
Lord Clare
Lia Williams
Constance
Sally Dexter
Molly Holland
Emma Amos
Ellen
Maggie McCarthy
Mrs. Jago
Wolf Kahler
Sussman
Annabel Giles
Amy Godwin
John Flanagan
Robert Ames
Valerie Minifie
Hannah
Diana Payan
Mrs. Maidment
John Hodgkinson
Carlo
Anthony Dutton
Dodds
Hugh Walters
Dr. Geddes
Peter Needham
Rector
Melissa Knatchbull
Mrs. Hurst
Mark Chapman
Servant Jake
Crew
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