Simon Birch

Starring:Ian Michael Smith, Joseph Mazzello, Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, David Strathairn, Dana Ivey, Beatrice Winde, Jan Hooks, Cecilley Carroll, Sumela Kay, Sam Morton, Jim Carrey, John Mazzello, Holly Dennison, Peter MacNeill, Addison Bell, Roger McKeen, Sean McCann, John Robinson, Guy Sanvido
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
This screen adaptation of John Irving's novel A Prayer for Owen Meany was appreciated much more by audiences than by the majority of disapproving critics. Irving's books have fared only moderately well on film, and while The World According to Garp garnered critical praise, The Hotel New Hampshire was waiting in the wings to counteract the fanfare. Simon Birch is one of those nostalgic movies--determined to view the past in rose-colored hues--despite the fact that its protagonist, a dwarf named Simon Birch, is wholeheartedly unsympathetic. The film opens weepily, with Jim Carrey as the adult version of the film's main character and narrator, Joe Wenteworth (played as a youth by the serious young actor Joseph Mazzello). He's mourning at the grave of his best childhood friend, Simon Birch, with whom he had bonded instantly because both were misfits--one a dwarf, the other illegitimate. The deck is stacked from the beginning, especially when the camera dwells on Joe's luscious mom, Rebecca (Ashley Judd), who refuses to reveal the identity of Joe's father, which in turn urges Simon and Joe to embark on a quest to discover Joe's paternity. In a plot point that resembles The Scarlet Letter, the tide of fate turns on the "immoral" mom just as she's on the verge of finding true love with a decent fellow (played by Oliver Platt). Simon Birch ultimately descends into crudeness, though it asks the audience to continue to engage with its crass lead character. By the end, the film is reduced to drivel, cliché, and melodrama to tug our heartstrings into submission. All the things that should have been the film's focus--guilt, self-loathing, and redemption--remain elusive. --Paula Nechak
Description
A heartwarming and funny hit that's earned overwhelming critical acclaim, SIMON BIRCH features great performances from stars Ashley Judd (DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD, HIGH CRIMES, KISS THE GIRLS) and Oliver Platt (BICENTENNIAL MAN, DON'T SAY A WORD) in an outstanding cast! Even though Simon Birch is the smallest kid in town, deep down he knows that he was born to do something big! He's on a constant search to discover his destiny, but somehow manages to find nothing but trouble! Meanwhile, Simon's loyal best friend, Joe (Joseph Mazzello -- JURASSIC PARK, RADIO FLYER), is searching for the identity of his father, a secret his beautiful mother (Judd) has guarded Joe's entire life. Discover for yourself the undeniable charms of this uplifting and inspirational motion picture as these two share the hilarious, and sometimes tragic, ups and downs that will forever bind them together!

Average customer rating:

Just a great movie

Heartwarming film that pulls at your heart strings

entertaining

I'm Glad I Didn't Listen to the Critics

Simon Birch

Simon Birch
Starring: Ian Michael Smith , Joseph Mazzello , Ashley Judd , Oliver Platt , and David Strathairn
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0788815466
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Amazon.com

This screen adaptation of John Irving's novel A Prayer for Owen Meany was appreciated much more by audiences than by the majority of disapproving critics. Irving's books have fared only moderately well on film, and while The World According to Garp garnered critical praise, The Hotel New Hampshire was waiting in the wings to counteract the fanfare. Simon Birch is one of those nostalgic movies--determined to view the past in rose-colored hues--despite the fact that its protagonist, a dwarf named Simon Birch, is wholeheartedly unsympathetic. The film opens weepily, with Jim Carrey as the adult version of the film's main character and narrator, Joe Wenteworth (played as a youth by the serious young actor Joseph Mazzello). He's mourning at the grave of his best childhood friend, Simon Birch, with whom he had bonded instantly because both were misfits--one a dwarf, the other illegitimate. The deck is stacked from the beginning, especially when the camera dwells on Joe's luscious mom, Rebecca (Ashley Judd), who refuses to reveal the identity of Joe's father, which in turn urges Simon and Joe to embark on a quest to discover Joe's paternity. In a plot point that resembles The Scarlet Letter, the tide of fate turns on the "immoral" mom just as she's on the verge of finding true love with a decent fellow (played by Oliver Platt). Simon Birch ultimately descends into crudeness, though it asks the audience to continue to engage with its crass lead character. By the end, the film is reduced to drivel, cliché, and melodrama to tug our heartstrings into submission. All the things that should have been the film's focus--guilt, self-loathing, and redemption--remain elusive. --Paula Nechak

Description

A heartwarming and funny hit that's earned overwhelming critical acclaim, SIMON BIRCH features great performances from stars Ashley Judd (DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD, HIGH CRIMES, KISS THE GIRLS) and Oliver Platt (BICENTENNIAL MAN, DON'T SAY A WORD) in an outstanding cast! Even though Simon Birch is the smallest kid in town, deep down he knows that he was born to do something big! He's on a constant search to discover his destiny, but somehow manages to find nothing but trouble! Meanwhile, Simon's loyal best friend, Joe (Joseph Mazzello -- JURASSIC PARK, RADIO FLYER), is searching for the identity of his father, a secret his beautiful mother (Judd) has guarded Joe's entire life. Discover for yourself the undeniable charms of this uplifting and inspirational motion picture as these two share the hilarious, and sometimes tragic, ups and downs that will forever bind them together!

Customer Reviews:

Just a great movie.......2007-07-03

Several emotions wrapped up in one fine movie. Sad, happy, wasrm hearted, funny. Just a great movie with exceptional acting. An enjoyable film for anyone...

Heartwarming film that pulls at your heart strings.......2007-06-14

this is a story about two 12 year friends who have the best times together, except one is about 2 foot tall, and seen as an outcast to the town. However, Simon Birch does not let that get him down, he has faith and believes he is "going to be a hero". Through many adversities, these gruesome twosome continue to do amazing things, and entertain you throughout the whole movie. you will laugh, and cry. At times, the "emotions" get a bit thick and artificial, but overall, the story is well developed. worth a viewing or two.

entertaining.......2007-06-12

I have an old VHS copy of this film which I have watched over and over again and also have lent to others who really enjoyed it. I am glad I can add a DVD to the collection. Also have the soundtrack and the songs are great.

I'm Glad I Didn't Listen to the Critics.......2007-06-08

This movie is a charmer. Funnier than you expect, more touching than you would think, an all around "cute" movie. Maybe you don't like cute movies. Okay. Then you should listen to the critics who slammed this film. This film has become one of our family favorites, we don't purchase many films since there are so few that we want to watch more than once. We purchased this one after renting it several times. We've watched it over and over, whenever we need a little laugh. It's grown up enough for adults and clean enough for all but very young children. There are some references to "boobs" and "balls" but that's about as graphic as it gets. Buy this movie, don't worry about the critics.

Simon Birch.......2007-05-23

Very heart warming movie, with several good messages and lessons to learn for the Christian veiwer... Good movie for the whole family. Nice change from all the Sex and Violence...

Average customer rating:

the man who shot liberty valance
Best Western Ever!!
"When the legend becomes fact, print the legend"
John Wayne at his best!
It's Pendelton's in a sippy-cup.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Starring: John Wayne , James Stewart , Vera Miles , Lee Marvin , and Edmond O'Brien
Director: John Ford
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005ASGG
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Amazon.com essential video

"When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." That's more than the code of a newspaperman in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance; it's practically the operating credo of director John Ford, the most honored of American filmmakers. In this late film from a long career, Ford looks at the civilizing of an Old West town, Shinbone, through the sad memories of settlers looking back. In the town's wide-open youth, two-fisted Westerner John Wayne and tenderfoot newcomer James Stewart clash over a woman (Vera Miles) but ultimately unite against the notorious outlaw Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin). Ford's nostalgia for the past is tempered by his stark approach, unusual for the visual poet of Stagecoach and The Searchers. The two heavyweights, Wayne and Stewart, are good together, with Wayne the embodiment of rugged individualism and Stewart the idealistic prophet of the civilization that will eventually tame the Wild West. This may be the saddest Western ever made, closer to an elegy than an action movie, and as cleanly beautiful as its central symbol, the cactus rose. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

the man who shot liberty valance.......2007-06-27

The first time I saw "The Man who shot Liberty Valance" was on TCM.I was amazed at the casting of this fine old western and decided to buy it for my library of old movies. I was not disappointed. John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, along with Lee Marvin made this far better western than most movies were in it's day! It is fun to see all of these actors in their prime, doing what they do best! Thumbs up!!

Best Western Ever!!.......2007-04-23

John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart come together to lead one of the most dynamic casts of characters ever put into a western movie.

Who really shot Liberty Valance?

In a story that speaks to true inner strength and humility, the question is answered after the strangest turn of circumstances sees Jimmy Stewart (Ransom Stoddard) rise from humble (almost cowardly) beginnings to become a very well-respected man of the community. It's only later in life that he learns he's made his name on the actions of John Wayne's character...

I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone who hasn't seen it, but one thing you learn in this movie is that things are not what they first seem. And that makes the movie WAY ahead of its time!

I am stoked to see it available on DVD.

"When the legend becomes fact, print the legend".......2007-03-16

The combination of John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart and Lee Marvin along with Vera Miles and a plethora of talented supporting actors from the John Ford stable make this one of the best westerns. Character development is what makes this film so wonderful. The premise is simple: a man builds his entire life on a legend. Told in flashback, Mr. Stewart's character, Ransom Stoddard, sets the story straight regarding the pivotal moment of his life that paved the way for future achievements. Yet, he fails to recognize that his greatest achievement was not in literally doing the things, but in the courage demonstrated in a time of crisis. "Murder, pure and simple; but I can live with it. Hallie wanted you alive. You taught her to read; now go back in there and give her something to read about." And so he does.

John Wayne plays the "noble cowboy" and shy suitor with his usual easy-going charm. Lee Marvin plays the villain, Liberty Valance, with particular passion, serving a worthy stereotype of the sadistic gunslinger. Vera Miles does a nice turn as the romantic interest for Wayne and Stewart's characters. Supporting cast members Woody Strode, Andy Devine, Edmund O'Brien, Strother Martin are all at of the "Old West Central Casting Department." Together, they make the movie entertaining and special on a variety of levels: action-western, romance, lost love, to name but a few.

The DVD quality is quite good. Although some have bemoaned the lack of DVD "extras," for the price, the DVD offers good value. These kinds of movies are rare today and should be appreciated for the pure joy of filmmaking craftsmanship.

John Wayne at his best!.......2007-03-09

This is a CLASSIC John Wayne movie! I strongly encourage any Duke fans to own this movie. He has often been criticized for his lack of acting ability, but this performance holds up very well next to James Stewart. This is truly a multi-faceted character. Red River and The Searchers are often acknowledged as his best. This one needs to be included in that discussion.

It's Pendelton's in a sippy-cup........2007-02-03

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a resonating acheivement in film. That, however, is not a new statement but I unlike others will ground it.
This most complex work, of John Ford's, is a compilation of talents. The quality, though, that holds it highly above the rest is its successful deconstructive nature. The Western's various elements are herein taken apart, examined, and then honed to as realistic a nature as possible. Then, they are put back together as they now are, except. . . except for one thing, now, they don't fit anymore. Do they? The righteous sigil of the law can't bring himself to end another's life (our films today ALWAYS justify the hero's killings with self defence, as if it was so simple as that). The Deus Ex Machina of the film John Wayne feels more like the villain than the hero. But, despite these sudden disparities with what we've seen on the screen before the film carries a successful and fluid narrative . So by that, the film acheives the deconstruction genre in its fullest form. Once the pieces are identified and shaped to perfect points they are amazingly, not just put back together but formed into a cohesive whole. That final step is the cruelest and breaks the majority of would be genre studies. It requires displacement of people, places, emotions, and actions. The man that was one is now two. The idea that was once impure and illogical is now entirely possible because it is now in the realm of the real human mind. The film is so exraordinary because it succeeds where so many others fail. To deconstruct a genre it is not merely enogh to have "The Antihero", darkness, or violence. Deconstruction is a difficult progression of story that requires a great understanding of story elements and their conventional use. It is a testament to this film that it is one of the few successes of its kind.

Now, the ephimeral.

This review is for a dvd not just the movie. The film gets five stars the dvd gets one (zero if I could) and those average to three. Suffice it to say that the lack of features, the packaging, and the John Wayne Collection moniker at the top of the box are all insults to this film. There are no notable features of any kind for a film which should be in a four-disk set to rival that of Gone with the Wind. The packaging is your standard keepcase which, I suppose, is acceptable. Lastly, I have no problem with John Wayne but putting that garrish moniker on this film would be simillar to printing "The Toshiro Mifune Collection" at the top of a Seven Samurai dvd. No, as much as I'd do "anything for the man who shot Liberty Valance" I will continue to rent the old VHS copy my local video store has yet to ruin and replace with some trite trash like "The Dukes of Hazard" Unrated. No thankyou, I'll wait for the film to be released in a five disk set, GwtW + 1.

We Go Together 2-Pack (Grease / Grease 2)

Average customer rating:

We Go Together 2 DVD-Pack (Grease/Grease 2 )
Service above all else
Double-Edged Review...

We Go Together 2-Pack (Grease / Grease 2)
Starring: John Travolta , Olivia Newton-John , Stockard Channing , Jeff Conaway , and Barry Pearl
Director: Randal Kleiser , and Patricia Birch
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000MX7V6Q
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Amazon.com

Grease
Riding the strange '50s nostalgia wave that swept through America during the late 1970s (caused by TV shows like Happy Days and films like American Graffiti), Grease became not only the word in 1978, but also a box-office smash and a cultural phenomenon. Twenty years later, this entertaining film adaptation of the Broadway musical received another successful theatrical release, which included visual remastering and a shiny new Dolby soundtrack. In this 2002 DVD release, Grease lovers can also now see it in the correct 2:35 to 1 Panavision aspect ratio, and see retrospective interviews with cast members and director Randal Kleiser. All these stylistic touches are essential to the film's success. Without the vibrant colors, unforgettably campy and catchy tunes (like "Greased Lightning," "Summer Nights," and "You're the One That I Want"), and fabulously choreographed, widescreen musical numbers, the film would have to rely on a silly, cliché-filled plot that we've seen hundreds of times. As it is, the episodic story about the romantic dilemmas experienced by a group of graduating high school seniors remains fresh, fun, and incredibly imaginative.

The young, animated cast also deserves a lot of credit, bringing chemistry and energy to otherwise bland material. John Travolta, straight from his success in Saturday Night Fever, knows his sexual star power and struts, swaggers, sings, and dances appropriately, while Olivia Newton-John's portrayal of virgin innocence is the only decent acting she's ever done. And then there's Stockard Channing, spouting sexual double-entendres as Rizzo, the bitchy, raunchy leader of the Pink Ladies, who steals the film from both of its stars. Ignore the sequel at all costs. --Dave McCoy

Grease 2
Too often, sequels to popular films simply rehash the original film; call it the carbon-copy syndrome. Grease 2 suffers from no such malady, having almost nothing to do with the original film. Sure, it focuses on teens at Rydell High, the imaginary school from the first film, which starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. But other than a few of the teachers, all of the characters are new and so are the songs--and more's the pity. By the time Grease hit the big screen, it already had had almost a decade as a theatrical musical, more than enough time to hone its mock-rock & roll score. But this sequel, which stars among others a then-unknown Michelle Pfeiffer, Maxwell Caulfield, and Lorna Luft (Judy Garland's daughter), has music that's neither fish nor fowl, neither rock nor Broadway. Meanwhile, the plot is a reversal of the first film, in which a cool guy fell for a square girl. In this one, the square is newcomer Caulfield, who catches the eye of tough girl Pfeiffer and her Pink Lady gang. The appearance of such pseudo-stars of the '50s, like Tab Hunter, is supposed to lend a nostalgic kick, but let's just say that Grease 2 slides almost instantly into obscurity. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

We Go Together 2 DVD-Pack (Grease/Grease 2 ).......2007-05-26

I already have the United Kingdom DVD's of Grease and Grease 2 but when I saw them as a two-pack I thought I must get them as Grease is a different version than the UK one.

Grease is one of my favourite musical films ever which was released in 1978. I love Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta and the love story storyline and of course the fantastic soundtrack including Summer Nights, You're The One That I Want, Sandy and Greased Lightnin'. It brings back so many fantastic memories of my childhood as I was only [...]at the time.

Grease 2 was released in 1982 and all though it is not up to the standard of the Grease storyline it is a great movie in it's own right and didn't get the recognition it deserved. Maxwell Caulfield, Michelle Pfeiffer and Adrian Zmed star in this very funny love story. It has a great soundtrack with songs such as Reproduction and We'll Be Together.

If you like musical films then Grease and Grease 2 are the ones you should have in your DVD collection. Also the soundtracks to Grease and Grease 2 are a must have for your CD collection to.

Service above all else.......2007-05-14

Good price. Prompt delivery. Excellent condition. As always!

Double-Edged Review..........2007-04-10

"Grease" is a classic and great movie. It will get a 5-star rating. "Grease 2" should never have been made! It deserves no stars at all! What were they thinking??? Certain movies will never merit a sequel - "Grease" is one of those movies.
You'd be better off just buying the original.

Average customer rating:

Surreal fare that borrows from Argento and Lynch
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Better than average horror cheap flick with GREAT nightmares
Not quite accessible but has its moments
kind od f blah

Dark Corners
Starring: Christien Anholt , Thora Birch , and Toby Stephens
Director: Ray Gower
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000NJXC4Y
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Customer Reviews:

Surreal fare that borrows from Argento and Lynch.......2007-06-24

This film is a surreal cross of Dario Argento's "The Stendhal Syndrome" and David Lynch, with a plot akin to that of someone suffering from schizophrenia; even the scenes of Karen being accosted by strange people laughing and whispering seem to remind me of someone plagued by paranoid schizophrenia. Let me just say from the start that this film is not for everyone. It is definitely gruesome at times and quite depressing. I read somewhere that the film is about an evil man (the killer, it is presumed) who is being punished for his sins by living completely polar yet interconnected lives as his victims; however, he appears to see himself as the dark-haired Thora in the mirror. I can't say for sure whether this is even a correct interpretation -- interpret the movie as you wish, there are many different themes and interpretations that could be found. Like Argento's films, I liked this one because you can find different interpretations, meanings, and connections. This certainly is not a fun film at all though, and the subject matter isn't that worthy of recognition, if only for the fact that we perhaps all ignore our own "dark corners" at times; again, another favourite theme of Argento's, especially in films like "Tenebre" ("Unsane"). Another thing I liked was Karen's bleak and surreal world. The fashions and colour-schemes are strange; the people oppressive and almost demonic; on the other hand, the "sunny" side of the world is nightmarish in its own way that it cannot escape the darkness that eventually bleeds through.

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 .......2007-06-19

I had though DVD production companies stopped making widescreen for 3:4 only aspect ratio TVs since MGM got sued but I was wrong! Apparently Anchor Bay did not get the message! This movie is stated as 1:78:1 widescreen but it does not play that way on a real widescreen TV! The picture is squashed! Someday!

Better than average horror cheap flick with GREAT nightmares.......2007-06-17

I sometimes have really vivid nightmares that are similar to the somber world the protagonist finds herself in when she sleeps. Those sequences come closer to the look and feel of the sort of nightmare where everything seems sort of off key and grotesque than anything I've seen except maybe parts of Jacob's Ladder. If your significant other tends towards dreams of peaceful meadows with happy bunnies (OK, I admit I'm being sarcastic), but never has nightmares, and just doesn't understand why you sometimes wake up shaking and on the edge of tears from a harmless little dream, show him this.

I noticed the director is British. I wonder if a little of that is flavored by C.S. Lewis's Great Divorce, such as the bus trip with one end in Hell.

Not quite accessible but has its moments.......2007-06-06

In one of the DVD's special features, the director notes this film is influenced by Japanese horror. That's a valuable fact to keep in mind while watching. It has that esoteric feel and pace so common in Japanese horror, though this film's resolution is slightly less accessible. Cast about for some message board discussions once you've read for some interesting theories and interpretations.

Beyond the plot, this is a visually interesting film. Color and lighting creating remarkable contrasts between the parallel story lines, each slightly surreal.

kind od f blah.......2007-05-25

This movie was not terrible but one of those movies that left you thinking it could have been much better.Basically its about a girl(blonde haired thora birch) who has nightmares where she has brown hair and is being stalked by a killer called needle tooth.This brown haired thora is also having nightmare where she is blonde haired thora.The ending is kind of predictable as I saw it coming right away.Some gore in this and not many scary moments at all.I fell asleep about 30 mins it and had to rewatch it.

Average customer rating:

Life and Gay Love
A Sensitive Examination of Displaced People and the Consequences
Excellent, unique coming-of-age drama

Innocent
Starring: Po Chan , Timothy Lee (III) , Jovita Adrineda , Stephanie Chang , and Larry Peloso
Director: Simon Chung
Manufacturer: Picture This
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Boys Briefs 3: Between the Boys - 8 Gay Short Films About Hooking Up
Broken Sky
Another Gay Movie
Boys Briefs 4
The Conrad Boys

ASIN: B000H1RFEG
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Customer Reviews:

Life and Gay Love.......2007-04-17

"Innocent"

Life and Gay Love

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

New from Picture This Entertainment is a very good film, "Innocent". It is sensitive and romantic as it deals with a young man who deals with life and his realization that he as found gay love.
Eric Tang is seventeen years old and h and his family has moved from Hong Kong to Canada. It is not easy for the family. They face the daily struggle of finances and adapting to a new cultural environment.
Eric falls very quickly for his cousin--a very good looking hockey player. But he also is enamored by a middle aged lawyer and a classmate James, as well. It seems that these love feelings that he has is a wake up call about his sexuality. The guys he loves do not seem to love him back. When the family's restaurant and the family ties start to be unsuccessful, Eric finds a friend with an illegal immigrant and what happens afterwards can only lead to unforeseen consequences.
The film is nothing more than a study of desire but do not misunderstand the meaning of the word to be negative. Youthful desire is beautifully explored in "Innocent". Timothy Lee as Eric is perfect. He is able to balance vulnerability and his own non-innocent feelings. This is not a big movie but t packs a large wallop.

A Sensitive Examination of Displaced People and the Consequences.......2006-10-23

Writer/director Simon Chung, in his first major motion picture, shows evidence of a solid talent and promise that there are many fine films lurking about in his head. He has produced a story that is pertinent on many levels, addressing the questions of family bonding after transplantaion to another country, sexual coming of age of a young lad without support systems, miscegenation of cultures at polar opposites, and how to cope in a strange land without adequate mental preparation.

Eric (Timothy Lee - a very promising, subtle young actor) and his sister, mother and father move from Hong Kong to Toronto, Canada to seek the wealth of their dream. Eric was in with the wrong crowd in Hong Kong and doesn't want to move to Canada, but his parents force the move to aid his education AND to find some success in business that eluded them in Hong Kong. The family moves in with relatives (Eric's very hunky cousin becomes the object of his sexual fantasies despite the fact that the cousin has a girlfriend) and slowly the family works into the atmosphere of Toronto. But Eric's parents show signs of breakup, a fact that actually occurs. Eric finds an older man who supplies his needs sexually and emotionally, but the man has a lover who returns form the Philippines to destroy the possibility of permanence. The mother opens a restaurant forcing Eric to work there, the only positive aspect of the job being Eric's friendship/potential love with one of the busboys who he decides to help make the crossing into New York. On a very brave venture Eric succeeds in getting his current amour into the city only to be deserted by him. The film slows and stops without resolution of Eric's needs.

And it is this ending that makes the impression. Life, Chung seems to be saying, is not a progressive series of culminating events, but is rather a potpourri of isolated incidents from which we learn and move on. The cast is uniformly fine, but the standouts are Eric's very handsome cousin who appears to have a solid career ahead of him, and Timothy Lee who brings compassion and very subtle acting to a difficult role. He is another actor to watch. Though being marketed as a gay film (and indeed it does deal with gay issues), the audience should be much larger, especially as we are constantly dealing with immigration issues today: this is another look and stance for a large problem and one about which we understand too little. Grady Harp, October 06

Excellent, unique coming-of-age drama.......2006-10-22

Eric is a rather "Innocent" (2005) and shy teen from Hong Kong, whose family immigrates to Toronto primarily for financial reasons, but also because they didn't like his friends back home. Eric tries to adapt to the new Canadian culture, and the very different approach to education, all while dealing with his homosexual crushes on his hunky cousin, a classmate, a band member, and eventually an illegal immigrant who is working at his family's restaurant. He also meets a much older man, with whom he carries on an ongoing affair, but the man's former boyfriend returns and Eric bows out. All this happens while his family life is far from stable, with his father and mother eventually separating, after having kept Eric and his sister in the dark about what was going on. The deception he experiences at home becomes his role model to be deceptive about his true feelings among others, distancing him from his family, and setting him up for disappointment and hurt. The overall message is essentially "When you're different than most people, life s*cks sometime, but you have to try your best to be happy", and the prevailing tone is hopeful rather than depressing.

Writer/Director Simon Chung tells a realistic, beautifully-photographed and engrossing story about a family in turmoil, which he admits is partially autobiographical. In the role of Eric, young Timothy Lee is freshly sincere and shows a commendable range of emotions during the film. Some nudity, rather tame simulated sex scenes, would likely have been rated R if submitted. DVD extras include two earlier gay-themed shorts by Chung, commentary by him and his young star, photo gallery and trailers.

Average customer rating:

Buyer Beware!
Wonderful For History Buffs
JWoznick
Bring it to DVD here in the states!
God save the King

By the Sword Divided
Starring: Sharon Maughan , Martin Pelling , Robert Ashby , Veda Warwick , and Hugh Dickson
Director: Michael Custance , Henry Herbert , and Brian Farnham
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Customer Reviews:

Buyer Beware!.......2007-03-07

Don't buy this for $200. It's available for around $90 from amazon.co.uk including shipping to the US. The guy offering it for $200 is trying to rip you off!

Wonderful For History Buffs.......2006-11-25

I have always been fascinated by the English Civil War (which was a TRUE Civil War, unlike our own War for Southern Independence) and the series enthralled me from the first. I have never forgotten it, and have waited for it to come out in a DVD format that could be played in the US.

Alas, as I notice, the price is exceptionally high :( and out of reach at the moment. But if you have the cash and are an English History buff, as I am, don't hesitate to buy this wonderful and historically accurate (for the most part) look at both sides of this important conflict.

True to the high standards that most British series adhered to, I remember the wonderful costumes and attention to the most minute aspects of the time and its people made by all involved in this production. One truly is looking through a time capsule at one of the most important periods of British history. The acting, as usual, is superb. It is hard to pick a favorite character, since all draw you into the life of each individual and the sometimes heartwrenching loyalties that divided brother from brother, father from son, etc.

Meanwhile, I'll wait for someone, somewhere to offer it for a bit less, and continue to dream....

JWoznick.......2006-04-09

I saw this production years ago on Masterpiece Theatre and I was fascinated by it then. I thought that the telling of the story of the Engish Civil war through the eyes of a divided family was an extremely effective way of making the history of a complex time come to life. Like our own Civil War the tale seems one of romantic glory at first but becomes ever more grim and real as the war is prosecuted. The story is historically accurate with everything that I have read on the ECW. I have been checking over the months to see when the American format DVD will come out and hope we see it soon.

Bring it to DVD here in the states!.......2006-04-04

Anyone who remembers and enjoyed the Masterpiece Theater presentations of the 1970s and 1980s like "Upstairs/Downstairs", "Elizabeth", and "I, Claudius", would also enjoy this mini-series depicting the struggles of 2 families during the English civil war of the 1600's.

Although it's been ages since I've seen this, I never forgot how good it was. I've been looking for this for several years, and I'm glad to see that it's being released for region 2 viewing. Hopefully, there will be enough interest to soon make it available stateside on region 1.

God save the King.......2006-01-14

I really enjoyed this series when it was shown on Masterpiece Theatre on PBS back in tht 80's. It's available in the UK on DVD so it's probably only a matter of time before it's available here in the US. Good acting, engrossing stories, and sometimes more brutal than you'd expect for a prim costume drama.

Would love to be able to see the series again.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

Atypical Ford flick
FORDs MYTHOLOGICAL WEST COMES TO AN END
Classic Western, Classic Wayne and Stewart, East Meets West
Right Up There With The Best Of Em...
NOTHING IS TOO GOOD FOR THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE!

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance [Region 2]
Starring: John Wayne , James Stewart , Vera Miles , Lee Marvin , and Edmond O'Brien
Director: John Ford
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

All Titles | John Wayne Store | Stores | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005UD0O

Customer Reviews:

Atypical Ford flick.......2006-10-04

I agree with my fellow reviewer and Amazon friend, gobirds2, that this is a darker, more pessimistic, and therefore atypical Ford movie. In this film, the wicked prosper as much as the virtuous, and it is much less certain that good will triumph over evil and that law and order will prevail in the end. In fact, it only prevails because Wayne himself resorts to some good, old-fashioned "western style justice," saving Stewart's life and ridding the town of the troublesome and evil Valance. The cast is as stellar as it gets, and I recall one more time Stewart and Wayne worked together. In Wayne's last movie, The Shootist, Wayne visits the doctor, played by Stewart, and finds he has a fatal cancer and only has a short time to live, thus precipitating the exciting finale of that film, when Wayne decides to go for broke against the arrogant younger gunslinger, played by Hugh O'Brien.

FORDs MYTHOLOGICAL WEST COMES TO AN END.......2006-07-12

This is a very good John Ford Western, which is untypical of Ford in many ways. It has a claustrophobic feel about it and it seems unusual that it was shot in black & white (by William Clothier) in 1962. On one hand John Ford was always concerned with Eastern vs. Western values. Most of Ford's Westerns have always been about bringing law and order to the West in which ultimately progress and not guns achieve that dream for society. Ford's vision of that dream is much darker here. In this film Ford creates a darker dream thus not allowing elements of the dream to expand into the legend. Thus, the visual claustrophobic feel bolsters that idea and reality of an aging and wiser filmmaker.

John Wayne quietly underplays his role. James Stewart as the idealistic Eastern lawyer who is robbed on the way West, goes to work in the town of Shinbone as a dishwasher and eventually brings law and order to the West unknowingly through the efforts of Wayne. Lee Marvin as the villainous and evil Liberty Valance is one of Ford's most violent screen incarnations. Edmond O'Brien and Ford veterans Andy Devine, John Carradine and the incomparable Woody Strode are all featured. Set designers Sam Comer and Darrell Silvera did an excellent job on the Shinbone sets, especially O'Brien's newspaper office. John Wayne, Ford's mythological hero, and his performance are for me the cornerstone of this film. As elements of an Eastern based society overtake the untamed West, the old dream comes to a conclusion and with it the mythological hero of that dream must end as well.

Classic Western, Classic Wayne and Stewart, East Meets West.......2006-07-09

Mark Twain often set up a contrast between the West and the supposedly civilized and superior East with stories like "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County". In 'Who Shot Liberty Valance' we have that same rivalry represented by a Senator who visits a territory readying for statehood. Here, however, law and order get a more sympathetic reading with Jimmy Stewart's ('Mr. Smith Goes to Washington') perfect performance. In '..Liberty Valance' he is injecting law and the American way to the wayward West, represented by the titled rascal outlaw, played convincingly by Lee Marvin, in what has to be one of his best roles. Similarly, John Wayne has a classic perfomance as the noble cowboy who seems to bridge the gap of decency into both worlds. Then, there is a shared love interest and ironic plot twists that give this film an excellent story. This whole grand film was skillfully assembled by the able hand of director John Ford. Highly recommended for the uninitiated.

Right Up There With The Best Of Em..........2006-05-09

For over 40 years this western has stood the test of time. It's one that I could watch anytime,a great story,with a tremendous cast and a legendary director. I was thrilled to see it on DVD.

Directed by John Ford, it stars, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Lee Marvin and Vera Miles.Stewart plays "Ransom Stoddard", an Eastern type bookish lawyer, who arrives in "Shinbone" naive to the code of the west. After witnessing the terroristic ways of one bad hombre, Liberty Valance(Lee Marvin),and his group of thugs, Ransom plans to rid the town of this menace, but is gonna do it legal like. At the same time, he is in competition for the fairest lady in town, with another good but tough guy...John Wayne.

The story of Liberty Valance's demise is told by Stoddard after returning to town decades later.He is now an esteemed Senator, and has been a legend in his own time for freeing Shinbone from the hold Valance had on it. But what is the real story of what happened that fateful day? The story unfolds captivatingly.

As I said it has a tremendous cast and you can never go wrong with a John Ford Western. But the cast doesn't end with the major stars. Here are some other notables to look for. Edmond O'Brien, Andy Devine, Lee Van Cleef, Ken Murray, John Carradine, Jeanette Nolan, Woody Strode, Denver Pyle and Strother Martin.....WOW!

Westerns are my favorite genre, I probably have more Westerns in my collection then anything else.This one is a more subdued storyline than most shoot em ups, but is one of my personal favorites. I consider it right up there with "Shane" and "High Noon". If you love Westerns, this is a great addition to your collection.

Several editions of both DVD and VHS are out there. Check the buying info on product page. It will give you links to the other editions. Check for best price and availability.

Happy Trails.....Laurie

NOTHING IS TOO GOOD FOR THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE!.......2006-02-03

IN A NUTSHELL: A FILM SO GOOD IT TRANSCENDS GENRE

"NOTHING IS TO GOOD FOR THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE" are about the last words of the film and essentially sum up the paradox that defines the entire film.

WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT: JOHN FORD TELLS A GREAT TALE SET IN THE OLD WEST

The melancholy nocturnal atmosphere of the film says it all -- the glory days of the OLD WEST were over, but many of the participants in the game of life didn't know it yet. Like the dinosaurs, characters such as Liberty Valance and Tom Doniphon were living on borrowed time. Their whole way of life was about to be completely overrun while they and others like them were literally buried alive as the west became more civilized and user-friendly -- to the new users. Settlers from the back east with families brought with them an avalanche of new churches, retail merchants, the railroad, schools, roads and all of the trappings of turn-of-the-century civilized living. This rather rapidly cuased the need for infrastructure, "law and order" and ultimately statehood. On the subject of statehood, the old west took its stand in this film -- and lost!

In taking this stand we have a triangle. Not the love triange between Doniphon, Stoddard and Hallie, but rather the power struggle triangle between Doniphon, Valance and Stoddard. Stoddard [James Stewart] was alone in the fight, but represented the interests of the majority of the people. They were a silent frightened majority who had yet to overpower the small vocal minority that was characterized and embodied in the person of Liberty Valance, [Lee Marvin] and funded by the hidden power of "The Cattlemen".

Basically Doniphon had every personal reason to support the Cattlemen.

-----*- First, his rough and ready macho western lifestyle was just as doomed as their's if Statehood arrived. Like the cattlemen, Doniphon believed that men should fight their own battles, and the hand gun was his and their weapon of choice. If law and order arrived, the great equalizer that was found in the hired gun would be erased by lawman, judges, prisons and executions.

While Doniphon employed no hired guns, he and his top hand, Pompey, could easily stand up to a greater number of hired guns giving Doniphon the luxury of having a rich man's power with only a poor man's wallet.

-----*- Second, Stoddard was increasingly becoming a rival for Doniphon's "girl", Hallie. If Stoddard failed, he [Stoddard] would be dead or heading back east. But most of all away from Hallie, who apparently saw in Stoddard something Tom Doniphon didn't possess, and Doniphon certainly knew it.

WHY DONIPHON SHOULD SUPPORT STODDARD IS WHAT THIS FILM IS ALL ABOUT!

THE CAST - THE CREW - THE MAJOR AWARDS:

----- THE CAST -

John Wayne - Tom Doniphon
James Stewart - Ransom Stoddard
Vera Miles - Hallie Stoddard
Lee Marvin - Liberty Valance
Edmond O'Brien - Dutton Peabody
Andy Devine - Link Appleyard
Ken Murray - Doc Willoughby
John Carradine - Maj. Cassius Starbuckle
Jeanette Nolan - Nora Ericson
John Qualen - Peter Ericson
Woody Strode - Pompey
Denver Pyle - Amos Carruthers
Strother Martin - Floyd
Lee Van Cleef - Reese
O.Z. Whitehead - Ben Carruthers

----- THE KEY CREWMEMBERS -

John Ford - Director / Producer
Willis Goldbeck - Producer / Screenwriter
James Warner Bellah - Screenwriter
Dorothy M. Johnson - Short Story Author

----- THE MAJOR AWARDS - included because I can't believe this film was so completely overlooked!

Best Black and White Costume Design - NOMINATED - Edith Head 1962 Academy

ABOUT THE DVD:

Excellent transfer in widescreen format. Includes a 3 minute original theatrical trailer.

BOTTOM LINE: MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Average customer rating:

Just a great movie
Heartwarming film that pulls at your heart strings
entertaining
I'm Glad I Didn't Listen to the Critics
Simon Birch

Simon Birch [Region 2]
Starring: Ian Michael Smith , Joseph Mazzello , Ashley Judd , Oliver Platt , and David Strathairn
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Just a great movie.......2007-07-03

Several emotions wrapped up in one fine movie. Sad, happy, wasrm hearted, funny. Just a great movie with exceptional acting. An enjoyable film for anyone...

Heartwarming film that pulls at your heart strings.......2007-06-14

entertaining.......2007-06-12

I'm Glad I Didn't Listen to the Critics.......2007-06-08

Simon Birch.......2007-05-23

Very heart warming movie, with several good messages and lessons to learn for the Christian veiwer... Good movie for the whole family. Nice change from all the Sex and Violence...

Average customer rating:

Simon Birch (DIVX)
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Manufacturer: Hollywood Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
ASIN: B000G96AC2

Average customer rating:

John Ford's Last Hurrah
FORDs MYTHOLOGICAL HERO COMES TO HIS END

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance [Region 2]
Starring: John Wayne , James Stewart , Vera Miles , Lee Marvin , and Edmond O'Brien
Director: John Ford
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

All Titles | John Wayne Store | Stores | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0000634BN

Customer Reviews:

John Ford's Last Hurrah.......2006-08-25

"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962) rightly takes its place among the great Westerns. Though not his last film, "Liberty Valance" was director John Ford's final masterpiece and a melancholy epitaph to the genre he nurtured. The iconic casting of James Stewart and John Wayne -- with effective support from Lee Marvin, Vera Miles, Edmund O'Brien, Woody Strode and Andy Devine -- lends emotional power to Ford's elegiac depiction of the civilized frontier. It's a haunting valedictory and an integral work in cinema history.

FORDs MYTHOLOGICAL HERO COMES TO HIS END.......2006-07-12

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