This movie is another poetic gem from the 70's, like McCabe and Mrs. Miller, has a stubborn, sexist male protagonist guiding the plot. His sexism, anger, and controlling character represents the egotism and ignorance of men throughout the ages. They had to learn how to be kind and considerate, but it was hard since they had no reference point in their experience and generations of fathers who acted the same.Gene Hackman's breakthrough happens through the love and strength of Liv Ullman, in one of her all-time great performances.Gene Hackman does a very difficult and dangerous horse riding stunt that has to be seen to be believed.It's a simple Western drama, shot in spectacular scenery which acts as a background character and metaphor that draws you in. If you're bored, watch The Matrix and have it all done for you. This is not slow and plodding as others have said, it follows all the right story beats, moves compellinginly and logically and has an emotionally satisfying ending.

Overlooked and HIGHLY underrated.Gene Hackman and Liv Ullman are both superb in this film. Gene Hackman's performance is especially noteworthy.I saw ZANDY'S BRIDE years ago, shortly after it was first released. It stuck with me. It's even better than I remembered.I had trouble hunting down a copy as it hasn't been released on DVD. Like another terrific film, THE GREY FOX, a DVD really should be produced. Locating a VHS copy was worth the effort.I definitely recommend checking it out if you are a fan of either actor.

Zandy's Bride is a unique film, in that its sense of realism is remarkably good. The character Hackman and Ullman portrayed are believable: strong, simple, independent, honery at times, solemn, determined to survive. Their portrayal is how I would have imagined earlier settlers in a harsh, and unforgiving environment to act. I enjoy researching and reading about the common struggles of people throughout American history. All the more reason to give this film high praise, and again not because its tainted with Matrixisque, and any other high tech movie spillover, with its intense action, and depletion of substantive characterization. This film dealt with human conflict and the mistakes we consistently seem to make, before we are forced to face someone with whom we can trust and care for. This is one of the best films to watch in our day of complexity and lack of inspiration.. How and when can I watch it again, is my comment and question.

I had read the book, and was looking forward to the movie.Happily, I wasn't disappointed.Zandy's Bride is the story of an unsociable, uncivilised, isolated man who sends for a mail order bride.He has little experience around women other than his mother and treats his new wife rather badly.It is an interesting character study of two people thrown together, and how they adapt to their new life together.