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Light and dust of history
The lingering impression of "Danton" is one of almost unbearably bright light, whiteness and dust swirling in rays of cold sunlight. When I want to cite an example of history brought to real, physical, wrinkled, dusty, sweaty life, I refer to "Danton".
A Lesson In Movie Making
It is a really fantastic movie. One of Wajda's best and one of Depardieu's best. The movie is set in post-Revolution France, in which two groups, one headed by Danton (Depardieu) and one by Robespierre (Wodjciech Pszoniak) who also give a great performance.
In the Way to the Scaffold.
Andrzej Wajda is one of the best Pole filmmaker.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign    2. Foreign Film - French    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. International    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Robert Donat won an Oscar for his portrayal of the humble British don in the 1939 film Read more

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Reviews (44)

Getting there...slowly
So - the CD soundtrack to this wonderful movie has finally been released.Don't delay, FSM are only producing a few copies of it (and I have one of them!).FSM are to be congratulated on a beautifully produced set of three CDs.Pure magic!
Good Bye Mr Chips with Peter O'Toole and Petual Clark
One of the finest films ever produced with outstanding music.I have other editions of this story, but none reach the standards of this masterpiece.I look forward to a release of this DVD.

One of the finest musicals we possess
It has always been a mystery to me as to the reasons behind the fashionable distaste for the musical version of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips."I've never been able to solve the mystery, but it is merely fashionability.The score is one of the most beautiful ever written -- I've listened to it across the span of my entire life from the time it was released in 1969 and have yet to find it anything but extraordinary.The film is a moving depiction of what love is really about and never fails to move me.The performances by both Peter O'Toole (why has Hollywood thought it useful to cheat this great actor of his due with a "real" Oscar -- sheer jealousy?) and Petula Clark are extraordinary. Yet, a strange, and, to me, bizarre cult of disparagement has risen about this film. Don't be fooled by fools who wish to belittle real talent.This is one of the all-time great musicals. Don't miss it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. Musical Features    4. Musicals   

Editorial Review

Daniel Day-Lewis won a much-deserved Oscar for his wily, passionate performance as Irish artist and writer Christy Brown, whose cerebral palsy kept him confined to a wheelchair. Filmmaker Jim Sheridan (Read more

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Reviews (35)

MY LEFT FOOT - A Must See for All
There are so many wonderful reviews already written here. I will only say that if you happen to be a person who saw this film way back when it was first released, please do yourself a favor and watch it again.I think it takes some maturity to really appreciate all that is given in this inspiring true story.Daniel Day-Lewis is probably the best actor we have had in the last 25 years.When you realize how he approaches his craft and really lives his roles and becomes a part of the person he depicts, it is amazing to see the portrayals Mr. Day-Lewis presents in any and all of his films.Again, I didn't appreciate this film as I should have the first time I saw it and am so glad I picked it up and watched it again.I will continue to watch it from time to time because it offers so much with regard to the human spirit and loving protection and support in this family.Please take time and really watch this again.You forget Daniel Day-Lewis is acting.What a talent!!!

Daniel Day Lewis shines!
Daniel Day Lewis is so convincing as a person with cerebral palsy that I was shocked to see him in another film role where he was not disabled. So, I extend my praises to Daniel Day Lewis for a flawless portrayal of a gifted, and intrepid, young man who happened to have cerebral palsy. It is also inspiring to see the family staunchly loving and believing in him. This film is a gem which no one should miss!

5 Stars is not enough
The true-life tale of Christy Browne, the Irish playwrite and artist portrayed by the impeccable Daniel Day-Lewis. Day-Lewis' portrayal of the artist afflicted with Cerebal-palsy is truely astounding and must go down as one of the best acting performances ever. Both Day-Lewis and Brenda Fricker (long-suffering mother), deserved their oscars on this one. Jim Sheridan (director) has done a magical job in bringing this movie to life. Heart-Breaking, uplifting tale of surviving and conquering against the odds. A Definite must-see movie. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Italy's rubber-faced funnyman Roberto Benigni accomplishes theimpossible in his World War II comedy Read more

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Reviews (602)

An absolute masterpiece
This film is better than anything else I've reviewed this week, or in a very long time. But you want details, so here we go.
A Wonderful Film
Life is Beautiful is a film by Roberto Benigni, which really showcases his talent before he made an embarassing stab at playing Pinocchio. "Life is Beautiful" is probably my favorite Foreign film (I've only seen probably 5 though); It's funny, heartfelt, has wonderful performances, and is all around a joy to watch. It also happens to be a layered film, that goes in one direction before veering off into another but never losing it's charm. Benigni plays Guido, a waiter with a humorous streak. After Guido contantly stumbles into Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), he falls in love with her and the movie (with no warning) flashes forward a number of years. This first half of the film (which is a little over 50 minutes) is pretty much a romantic-comedy. The second half is quite different. In the second half, Guido and Dora (who now have a young son named Joshua) live in Italy which is overrun with Germans. Subsequently, Guido and Joshua are taken into a concentration camp; Dora also goes to the camp, but under different circumstances which are a bit unbelievable but still a nice part of the story. Anyway, Guido employs his quick-wit to keep his son from the horrors of the camp; Guido tells Josh that it's actually an elaborate game and that he must avoid being seen. If, at the end, he does everything he's told and racks up the most "points" he will get a tank. Benigni (who is also the co-writer and director) does something that's never been done. He takes a horrifying setting (a concentration camp) and turns it into a comedy, without exploting anything and without losing heart.
Be happy that weare HERE.
Despite the holocaust that can happen to anybody,this movie shows deeply that as a child,everything you see around you is in it's nature.The heart of a child can feel the joy of living,while we (grown-up children) often look for the shade or nuance of everything....we judge,compare,condemn and critic.We are duped by all the happenings around.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - Italian    2. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    3. Movie   

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Reviews (29)

A prayer to the DVD gods
Among many others, I, too, remain bewildered by the absence on DVD format of this brilliantly hillarious film.All the performances mentioned in these Amazon reviews were terrific; I just want to add Wilfred Lawson's butler Peacock for special mention.

The Best Comedy of all Time!
Here it is, If you want to laugh, this is the movie for you!

TOO GOOD FOR DVD?
I am glad to see the universal appreciation expressed in all the preceding reviews.This is a wonderful film and good for the whole family.I have enjoyed it for years and may have to replace my own copy in the not so distant future.It is a great gift to give and an even better gift to receive.Unfortunately, it is available only on VHS.Still, it is very much worth having and enjoying - over and over again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-comedy    3. Movie   

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Reviews (12)

Wonderful
I loved this movie.Like so many other Masterpiece Theatre productions, it takes it's time and tells a beautiful story of a young woman who comes to know what love truly is.Bathsheba Everdene is a willful, determined young lady who rejects the infactuation of farmer Gabriel Oak.Shortly afterwards, she inherits a farm and decides to work it herself.Gabriel Oak comes back on the scene and his infactuation for Bathsheba grows into love as he works alongside her.Meanwhile, Bathsheba foolishly flirts with an older local farmer and the consequences of this are far-reaching as he becomes obsessed with marrying her.A third man enters the picture--the dashing Sergeant Troy. Bathsheba thinks she's in love, yet becomes painfully aware that her feelings are more along the line of lust.Bathsheba is irritating at times--stubborn, prideful, unwise--yet she's real.Part of what makes this film so great is the honest and genuine portrayal of the characters, imperfections and all. We also get to see each character grow and develop as a person before the movie ends.In the closing shot of the movie, we see a look of wisdom on Bathsheba's face and we know that she has lived, loved and learned. This film is a keeper--a great story, great performances by the main cast, wonderful scenery, and delightful supporting characters.

Even more impressed after I read the book!
I happened to catch this when it first played on TV.It impressed me so much that I decided that I needed to read the book.Usually,I get more and more disillusioned with a movie after I read the book.On the contrary ,with this one,I was so impressed with what they kept in and how they so respectfully kept the feeling of the book.
Too good just to rent!
I hardly every want to see a movie enought times to buy it.But this is an exception.The story, the characters, the portrayals, the cinematography all combine to make a wonderful production.You will fall in love with these English country people, and you see the characters' nobility as well as their flaws.Don't even bother to see the 1967 version.I saw it and hated it, and probably wouldn't have seen this one except I caught it a few minutes in and didn't see the title at first.It's so far above the 1967 one it's almost like 2 different stories!In the 1967 one, you can't see why Bathsheba would have anything to to with any of her suitors, much less become so obsessed with Troy.But in this one, you can see merits in them all.But of course, Gabriel is the one we all fall in love with.It's a beautiful, beautiful movie. ... Read more

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Reviews (39)

A WInner
This is a great movie that depicts the spirit of the courageous priests, religious and lay people during a terrible time.It is definitely a must see!

Powerful story about strength, convictions, action, and the power of forgiveness
I'm Protestant ... and some may think this is only a movie for Catholics ... but this movie transcends 'religion'. It is a movie for anyone facing adverse times and the difficult choices one must make (the choice between protecting self, or risking all for someone who cannot give anything in return). Because of this, it has always been one of my favorites. "What is our duty when we come face-to-face with evil?"
Gregory Peck stars as Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, a brave Irish priest who works in the Vatican during the German occupation in World War Two. Over time O'Flaherty builds a network of hundreds of equally brave civilians to help him hide refugees and escaped Allied POWs from the Gestapo, under the command of the brutal Colonel Kappler (played by Christopher Plummer, in an unforgettable performance). Pope Pius XII (played by John Gielgud) soon knows of O'Flaherty's activities, but does nothing to help him, insisting on the church's neutrality and the dangers of working against the German occupation.
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Writer William Nicholson's (Read more

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Reviews (70)

Wonderful Movie
This is an exceptional period in the Jane Austen style.Everyone else here has established the plot, but I can just add that if you like Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility you will like this film.It will tug at your heart strings, and make you laugh.My wife and I really loved this film.I wish it was available on DVD in widescreen format ... maybe someday!

Firelight
This movie is superb from beginning to end.Stephen Dillane and Sophie Marceau make a beautiful couple and it was hard to beleive they were only acting!. It was a most convincing story about both maternal and romantic love.
A movie for romantics only.
{Sigh.} This is a sleeper movie that catches the viewer completely by surprise."Passion has no limits" proclaims the movie soundtrack which is now out of print and nearly impossible to find.That statement is correct and the viewer finds themselves caught up completely in the storyline, such as it is, waiting in anticipation for the next clandestine rendezvous of the two lovers.Who cares if the story is not historically correct or if the acting is not Oscar-worthy.Sophie Marceau is in her element here, and Stephen Dillane, while not a super-stud, is still perfect for the part and is a believable partner for Sophie.As for Louisa, the child is spoiled, obnoxious and difficult to feel sympathy for, but she is a creation of her environment and what her father made her to be.
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Reviews (22)

History or Hollywood?STALIN delivers an excellent balance
I agree with Leaming.Any time Hollywood depicts history, there are going to be issues of inaccuracy, artistic license, etc.In the case of the film STALIN, this is mostly due to the need to compress about thirty years into less than three hours.The portrayals of the primary characters are sometimes simplistic and inaccurate, but Bukharin and Kirov's characters (for example) are portrayed so as to accentuate the perception of Stalin as a monster (which is accurate).In other words, the truth is adapted somewhat to generate a dramatic foil.Films are never a substitute for reading the real history, but I find that they often whet an appetite when one did not previously exist.The mini-series PETER THE GREAT with Maximilian Schell in the title role is another great example of a film that generated popular interest in Tsarist Russia.SHOGUN, ROUGH RIDERS, LAST SAMURAI, GLADIATOR, GODS AND GENERALS, SHARPE'S RIFLES -- all are examples of films that prompted people to actually read history.So, take the films for what they are -- all in all, everyone who loves history should encourage this terrific trend in film-making!

nevermind the "purist" reviews - this is an excellent film
This film is historically excellent.What most reviewers seem hung up on are accents, make-up and costumes.Most comment that it is historically inaccurate but give nothing very specific.The film is a broad overview of the life of Stalin and could never include every element of his life.All the important stuff is there:the Revolution, the power struggle between Trotsky and Stalin, Stalin's rise to power, The great famines, The Great Purges, WWII, etc.The film gives great insight into Stalin and the paranoia that he experienced and how that paranoia influenced the way he ruled over the Soviet Union.Sure, many of the other characters were somewhat glossed over, but the film is essentially about Stalin and what made him tick - not about the intricate backgrounds of other revolutionaries and supporters.If you don't come away from the film thinking what a bastard Stalin was, then you simply missed the point.The way that he treated his family, friends and so called counterrevolutionaries is illustrated correctly in this film. Good Characterization of Stalin, Bad History
In the past, apologists for Stalin (including many of his victims) said that Stalin was good, but he was surrounded by bad people.This film turns this on its head saying that Stalin was bad, but he was surrounded by good people.Both of these are wrong--the leaders of the Bolshevik Revolution and the leaders of the USSR in the period following the revolution were all up to their necks in blood. Robert Duvall gives an excellent portrayal of Stalin, emphasizing that he, unlike his ranting partner in mass murder Hitler, was soft-spoken and basically uncharismatic.Duvall correctly does not use a "Russian" accented English because Stalin spoke Russian with a heavy Georgian accent.Having said this, the historical aspects of the film are very poor.First of all, Maximilian Schell's portrayal of Lenin is way off base.The Old Bolsheviks like Trotsky, Kamenev, Zinoviev, Bukharin, Ordzhonikidze and Kirov are shown to be basically well-meaning people who got trapped in Stalin's web.This is untrue, they were all involved in mass terror, justifying it in the name of a "higher good".In Solzhenitsyn's "Gulag Archipelago", he points out what a pathetic man Bukharin really was and how he so freely shed tears for the injustice committed to his person, and yet he had no pity on the millions of others who suffered.At the end of the film, Khruschev says that Stalin's crimes ("the millions" he liquidated) had to be accounted for, whereas,in reality,he himself took an active role in the Great Terror.Read more

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Reviews (25)

a mixed bag
What this movie has going for it is the touching story of two early-teenagers who meet and together flee from their troubles at home and struggle to make a life together and in the process fall in love.There is nudity and simulated sex, but it is handled naturally and tastefully.
One of those great "coming of age" movies
My husband of 26 years & I saw this as Juniors in HS. Yes, he was my boyfriend then and still continues to be. I think we both cried our eyes out. I think possibly we were drawn to the movie by the Elton John music in it, but were then swept away by the teenage angst of it all. Paul and Michelle were just about our ages when we saw the movie- so very easy to identify with!!
Thank you !
I can't believe that such a small budget film that Anicee and I had the good fortune to make all those years ago, is still receiving your kind attention. Thank you for all your comments, I assure you it was great fun to make "Friends" and an honour to work with Lewis Gilbert who has continued to make some super films.Read more

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Reviews (30)

Love the French, its easy
Hey, you have heard all the stories of the French...well, perhaps you will see some of that in this movie, but, you are going to understand the French a bit more after watching this wonderful movie.I have watched it many times over and find it keeps calling me back when I want to escape to some place better than where I am.Lean back on your favorite sofa, pour a glass of wine, cut some good bread and feed your brain and senses with this one.What a wonderful delight to see and experience a different, and somewhat slower pace to life.

Delightful
These DVDs are a delightful look into life in the rural area of France.The characters are entirely believable - take it from me, I've been there!And the mix of French and English keeps the interest of non-French speakers.

Love Provence all over again!
This is an hearty and wholly marvelous adapation of Peter Mayle's ever-popular writing!Filmed on location, Tucker is able to creatively bring Mayle's cast of characters to life.Of course, some names and scenarios have been changed in the series; however, the overall spirit of Mayle's work is well-preserved.John Thaw is superb in his role as Peter Mayle, and Lindsay Duncan is convincing in her portrayal of Annie Mayle.This is truly a "must see" series! ... Read more

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Reviews (13)

Compelling...As remarkable as Daniel Quinn's, "Ishmael"
This was a profoundly moving film. It conjured images of D.L. Rosenhan's(1973) research, "On Being Sane In Insane Places." The film forces the viewer to question the labels we attach to people, and how powerful they can be to limit them as human beings, to ostracize them from mainstream life, and to irreparably stigmatize them. After viewing this film, you will be struck by the audacity of any system (in this case the mental health system) that forces personality changes on those it views with suspicion and contempt. Although this film is in Spanish, it is subtitled and easy to follow. I would recommend this film for viewing at the high school and collegiate levels.

The Human Condition
One of the great things about contemporary media is that we can collect films that are unusual, beautiful, or particularly meaningful, and we don't have to be stuck with the endless minlessness of most commercial films.I remember this film as powerful, simple but moving in its theme:the "extraterrestial" being observes people on earth and cannot figure out why they make themselves unhappy and why they cannot respond to each other's unhappiness.The psychiatrist assigned to work with this being, who sees more deeply into humans than the psychiatrist himself, has a chance for happiness but rejects it because he can't believe in the simplicity of the solution.He acquiesces in destroying the one person who has tried sincerely to help him.A very strange and ironic film that tries to bring human beings to their senses but suggests that they are beyond help and must destroy any potential saviors.Worth having in your collection for its meaning and overall impact, especially its haunting score.

Fantastic Movie!
This is one of the best movies I've seen, because even with its minor flaws it forces the viewer to consider what is real, andwhat it means to be human.(The movie certainly was the genesis of the later Hollywood disasterization, "K-PAX," but please do not let any negative feelings about that movie stop you from seeing this one if you can.)Although it is nowhere apparent in the credits, this movie clearly seems influenced by the works of science-fiction author Philip K. Dick. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Alexandre Dumas's classic tale of fraternal squabbling makes a more than satisfactory transition to celluloid with this 1976 made-for-television swashbuckler. Viewers familiar with the more recent Leonardo DiCaprio version may be stymied at first by the non-MTV pace and the rather unhip presence of Richard Chamberlain in the lead role(s). This well-lensed actioner overcomes a somewhat pokey first half to emerge as a terrific adventure, complete with plenty of derring-do, some sharply pointed dialogue, and a wonderful performance by the incomparably malevolent Patrick McGoohan. Rousing fun for burgeoning rapscallions of all ages. Director Mike Newell would later find success in a different genre with Read more

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Reviews (12)

A Case Of Extreme Sibling Rivalry- -17th Century Style..............

Richard Chamberlain is excellent
Richard Chamberlain had already proved himself a fine actor before starring in this TV production of "The Man in the Iron Mask," but here he truly gives the performance of a lifetime. Performances, I should say, because he plays two different (VERY different) roles: King Louis XIV and his long lost twin brother, Phillippe.
Fun and adventure for all!
I recently rented this tape from the local library, after seeing the 1998 version starring Leonardo DiCaprio. I was amazed that I actually enjoyed this one better. It is not so dark in tone, and I enjoy the scenery more. It has everything you would want in an adventure film: lots of swashbuckling, a villain, and a likeable hero. The acting is also superb, with great performances by Richard Chaimberlin and Louis Jordan. This is a fun adventure film that the entire family can enjoy. Do yourself a favor and get this! ... Read more

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"What you need now is someone with a PhD in Roughhouse."
Three years on the heels of Stanley Donen's delightful Charade comes his do-over effort Arabesque, a romantic spy thriller set in London. The leading man is Gregory Peck, who plays American David Pollock, a visiting professor of ancient languages who is persuaded by the Arab prime minister to infiltrate the household of a Middle Eastern oil tycoon, who is suspected of nefarious doings. This soon catapults him into the Hitchcockian world of deadly secret agents, spy intrigue, frantic chases and a mysterious cryptogram. He finds himself dubiously partnered with Yasmin Azir, the enigmatic mistress of the oil tycoon, as delectably played by exotic, statuesque beauty Sophia Loren. While questioning the ever shifting allegiance of Yasmin, Pollock must fend off international spies and foil an assassination attempt.
Amusing
This film is very amusing. In fact it is one of my preferred ones.
One of Gregory Peck's best..
and yet, this SUPERB film isn't on DVD! ARGH!!!!
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Editorial Review

Director Gillo Pontecorvo's 1966 movie Read more

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I have finally seen this movie and it is excellent
I travel to Algiers many time a year for work. As a result, I visited the Algiers casbah many times and each time, as I passed in front of the house where Ali Lapointe was killed by the French, along with another man, a woman and a 10-year old boy, I was reminded I needed to see this movie.
Extraordinary film
I'm a good friend of Haskell Wexler, and edited his film, "Medium Cool," in 1968. This film came out the year before and was required viewing for all of us -- especially because of the way it made a scripted story look like a documentary. I loved the film back then but hadn't seen it again until last week. I admit I was a bit worried that it would appear dated and irrelevant.
Original and Superb!
One of the most realistic war movies ever made, Battle of Algiers is a must see for those that would like a deeper insight into revolutionary mentality and/or expert film making. From actual FLN rebels used in the film to the scenes being shot on location, Gillo Pontecorvo is able to combine a terrifying event into a cinematic masterpiece.
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Editorial Review

The beauty of the South American landscape and of Gael Garcia Bernal (Read more

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Reviews (215)

Enchanting & memorable
I grew up during the Cold War when the USSR was the personfication of Evil and anybody left of Reagan was suspect.Listening to the nightly news, history books, and political pundits, one would think that Che Guevara was the Hammer of Evil; however, as I have learned since then, life is much more complicated than what was painted for me then.