director jay craven adaptation of howard frank mosher where the river flow north be one of the finer transition from literature to the screen . craven be an admirer of mosher work he also direct a stranger in the kingdom . the cast be superb especially rip torn and tantoo cardinal . torn offer what could be the fine role of his career noel lord and the fiercely independent former lumberjack who be at the center of this story . tantoo cardinal portrayal of lord live in housekeeper or common law wife be dead on as well . i be both amazed and disappoint that neither of them be nominate for oscar when this film be release . performance of this calibre should be acknowledge . the only character that a little hard to swallow for me be the power company executive play by michael j. fox . he just look too much like a kid in this role . i guess there a curse attach to youthful look and no matter how much people want them . craven have do a nice job here in bring the character of early 20th century vermont to the screen location and angle and set and all combine to transport the viewer to the time and place of the story . cinematographer paul ryan be exceptional . the score by the horsefly be also first rate it fit the mood and scenery perfectly . and the story itself . one of the most compelling portrayal of the fiercely independent american pioneer spirit ever a trait that be on the wane in this day and age . when it appear in modern time and the person be often look upon with suspicion and disdain . in noel lord and we have a character whom we can admire for his value and and even for his stubbornness . this be not a stodgy period piece and but a vibrant look at an era that be go and and a type of character that have all but vanish . these be not gold plat hero and but real people and with both strength and weakness at play within them . struggle in a harsh environment to live their life and at the same time be at peace with the world in which they live . like today and there be those who wield power that would have it otherwise .