The Story of O

Starring:Corinne Clery, Udo Kier, Anthony Steel, Jean Gaven, Christiane Minazzoli, Martine Kelly, Jean-Pierre AndrÃ©ani, Gabriel Cattand, Li Sellgren, Albane Navizet, Nadine Perles, Laure Moutoussamy, Henri PiÃ©gay, Alain Noury, Florence Cayrol, Eva Carson, Sylvie Olivier, Bernard Jeantet, Jean-FranÃ§ois Mathieu, StÃ©phane Macha
Director: Just Jaeckin
Studio: Somerville House
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Take away the Fairy Godmother, and what have you got left from the Cinderella fable? The story of a girl for whom a bad stroke of luck is no match for her internal strength and purity of heart. Drew Barrymore plays Cinderella's alleged inspiration, Danielle, in this romantic drama that purports to tell the "facts" behind the Grimm brothers' story. One of three daughters of a man (Jeroen Krabbé) who dies and leaves her fate in the hands of a conniving stepmother (Anjelica Huston), Danielle is cast into the lowly role of a servant. Meanwhile, her sisters are evaluated as possible mates for a French prince (Dougray Scott), but he's far more intrigued with Danielle's intelligence and beauty--not to mention her way with a sword and fist. Directed by Andy Tennant (who directed Barrymore in TV's The Amy Fisher Story), Ever After has that rare ability to win the heart and mind of a viewer simply by being committed to its own innocence, particularly where Barrymore's luminous performance is concerned. A contemporary take on an old, virtually forgotten Hollywood convention--the costume adventure with middling artistic ambition but real audience appeal--Ever After is a surprisingly delightful film. --Tom Keogh

Description

A "modern" young woman of the 16th century, Danielle (Barrymore) is as independent and wise as she is beautiful and kind. Against remarkable odds, she stands up to her scheming stepmother (Huston) and works miracles on the lives of everyone around her, including the crown prince of France (Dougray Scott)!Now you can relive this captivating, contemporary retelling of the classic fairytale.

Customer Reviews:

I will love Ever After forever after.......2007-06-29

This is the kind of movie you will watch over and over again with your daughter or your grandchildren (or by yourself on a day you need some cheering up). A time-honored story, beautifully done, and updated just enough--but not contemporized (thank goodness).

First there was "Pride and Prejudice" then "Ever After".......2007-06-29

"Pride and Prejudice" was the original formula: 1. a smart whitty character with a sharp tongue offsetting a royal admirer 2. A champion, who extends mercy and deliverance 3. A fairtale marriage to Prince Charming 4. They live happily ever after

The Cinderella story is more intriquing because the central character brings moral issues too the big screen: 1. Recognition of the middle and lower class rights - power resides with the people, not the rulers 2. the vices of involuntary servitude - bondage is abominable 3. the attractiveness of free thought and opinion - the mind is beautiful 4. Intellectual class fits with the wealth class (wealth, values, and religion) difference must be dealt with 5. Beauty overshadows poverty (commitment, passion, and intimacy) 6. Liberty is more compelling than power. (inalienable rights of man - philosophy of law) 7. Love transcends tradition. (Faith, Hope, Mercy, Love, Glory, and Beauty)

Ever After, A Cinderella Story.......2007-06-29

A new twist on "Cinderella." Drew Barrymore, a peasant servant, impersonates a Countess to plead for the freedom of an imprisoned servant bound for The Americas. While winning his freedom she meets the Prince who is curious about her resolve and conscience. He begs for her name, and the rest is an inriguing courtship. The prince is tested throughout - is he good enough for her?- and ultimately, do they live "Happily Ever After?" Overall a great lesson for the kids about morality and justice and strength through adversity, and a fun romance for adults. As a mom of four kids under thirteen, I highly recommend it.

a real cinderella.......2007-06-27

So you want a fluff story about Cinderella? This ain't it. She knows how to use swords, works herself crazy, and even throws a punch at her stepsister. Finally a version of Cinderella for modern times. Drew Barrymore shines. Wonderful characters at every turn. A sharp, fun movie to watch again and again.

Best Romantic Movie Ever.......2007-06-09

This film is GREAT. it makes in my openion the rather boring story of cinderella into a fantastic love story. it is the type of film that you could watch over and over and over again. simply GREAT!

Average customer rating:

No Star if it were possible
A bit clumsy
you're better off reading the book
Is this really what most "normal people" call erotic?
Not dominant submissive but metaphor

The Story of O
Starring: Corinne Clery , Udo Kier , Anthony Steel , Jean Gaven , and Christiane Minazzoli
Director: Just Jaeckin
Manufacturer: Somerville House
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Story of O
Intimacy (Unrated, Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000065RSW
Release Date: 2006-09-20

Amazon.com

A milestone of cinematic eroticism, The Story of O was an art house sensation in 1975, and it's still worthy of intelligent discussion. As with the controversial French novella by Pauline Réage, reactions to Just Jaeckin's sumptuous adaptation range from moral outrage to masturbatory indulgence, yet this remains one of the few sex films that stand the test of time (and a lot of academic study). Championed by practitioners of bondage and discipline and vilified by feminists, this metaphorical "love dream" (as Jaeckin has called it) follows the beautiful fashion photographer "O" (Corrine Clery) as she, like many gorgeously naked women before her, is "trained" for a seemingly satisfying life of love and discipline, her freedom sacrificed to the man (Anthony Steel) whom she willingly obeys. The debate whether Jaeckin's feminine-empowerment ending, which differs from that of the novella, justifies a story of humiliating submission is just one more reason why The Story of O endures. (Note: This DVD presents the 97-minute version of the film, edited by the director to improve pacing and not for purposes of censorship.) --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

No Star if it were possible.......2007-06-08

I was so disappointed by this purchase and this film. Being a fan of the book I was very excited to see how they translated it on to film. What I found out is that they didn't translate it at all. They LOOSELY followed the story line and took the liberty to add and change which in my opinion, changed the story all together. I threw this movie away and would not reccomend it to any true Story of O fan.

A bit clumsy.......2007-05-15

Somehow, I was expecting better acting, knowing this would be a major undertaking based on a controversial book. Sadly, the film just doesn't work. There's no arguing Corrine Clery's beauty but Udo Kier is completely miscast.

you're better off reading the book.......2007-04-04

The book is amazing; this movie adaptation is quite poor. Although the actress who plays O is quite beautiful, and there are some fairly erotic scenes, this movie is deeply flawed, and I can't recommend it. The plotline gets totally garbled, especially toward the end, to the point where it runs entirely contrary to the book's intention on several key philosophical and psychological points. Second, the actor who plays Stephen is absolutely one of the worst casting choices I've ever seen; doesn't fit the role one bit. So please, read the book. If you've already read the book and love it, it is probably worth your while to eventually see this film, but expect to be disappointed.

Is this really what most "normal people" call erotic?.......2007-02-17

This is one of the most boring films I ever watched. There is nothing erotic in it. The whole story is perverted with a poor, innocent but very stupid woman submitting to the sadist fantasies of various "lovers" she is introduced. I put inverted comas in lovers because none of them have a single tender erotic moment with her, but instead they brutally beat her and rape her in the presence of others, who seem to be totally oblivious to the proceedings.

Not dominant submissive but metaphor.......2007-02-15

I have not yet read the originating novel, but I have just finished watching this movie for the second time. I was renting it. Now I'm going to buy it - one of very few, as I almost never buy movies.

I must say that I found much more in it the second time. The first time not only did the physical and emotional whippings disturb me but, just as much, O's willing apparent debasement and her masters' disregard for her feelings - they only seemed to care about her obedience. This is an anti-turnon for me. The sex scenes are not really convincing, nor are the whippings. I realized that I, as audience, was not being asked to accept that much pain or that much pleasure from either.

The male characters are much more flat than the female ones, particularly O, as if they really didn't count. And there was something in this most beautiful woman's portrayal which left me thinking it wasn't at all simple.

Bottom line, it is abundantly clear that this is far, far more than an S&M movie, nor is it about bondage, submission and domination, or any other kind of sexual perversion or obsession.

Some phrases stuck out to me, although I'm not sure I'm quoting exactly accurately. The narrator said the O loved everything and everyone that came to her because it came to her by request from her lover. She said that O knew that if she lasted to the end that all would be given to her. O's apparent peace of mind about everything that happened to her simply didn't gybe with a debasement/submissive/sexual perversion sort of story. She definitely does not come across as sick. She, at times, was as deeply terrified or ashamed as any normal woman would be in the circumstances and yet continued freely to accept the demands of obedience to those who loved her and those who didn't. I was puzzled at how easily she accepted that Rene was no longer her lover, and continued to do exactly the same thing with Sir Stefan. All of this indicated that something much deeper than anything relatively superficial about perversion, infatuation, and so-on was going on. It made far too deep an impression the first time I saw the movie, even without understanding it. It made me think that it was, as another reviewer mentioned, hitting some archetypes, and something deep in the human spirit.

I began to think of the whole story as an extended metaphor about the demands and rewards of love. When we love, we willingly go through hell for the sake of love -- not just for the sake of the lover. The love relationship places heavy demands of obedience on us. It whips us and debases us -- love and its intimacy always find our weaknesses, and their exposure makes us feel naked, beaten and debased. But love always allows us the freedom to opt out, as did O's lovers and masters. And something deep within us always knows that, if we succumb to the abasement we may feel, and accept the beating our feelings take, that love, real human love, marks us forever as O was marked, and enbles us to love and be loved fully and deeply, and gives us peace -- indeed, it grants us everything. O shows us how wonderful it can become if we are not overly defensive about our selves in the service of love.

The movie itself does not look as dated as you would think for a 1974 movie -- actually, not at all. The color is a little unsaturated compared to the kind of color we have today, and this contributes to the fantasy that is clearly being spun. I happen to enjoy naked women a lot, and there are a lot of them in this movie, fully frontal, more than a glimpse, naked and unashamed. There are few scenes that are fully clothed for very long. I thought all were beautiful women, self-possessed, graceful, fully feminine and sensual without being affected.

The two brief closeup shots of "female genitalia", as one reviewer put it, (although he apparently didn't even notice them), are exquisitely done - just close enough, just long enough, just modest enough, just open enough.

There is a visual potpourri of modern day (for 1974), turn-of-the-century wealth and romanticism, and even some medieval castles and costumes. The only thing that bothered me even temporarily was Sir Stefan's overly-coiffed hairdo, but it didn't take long to get past it. It's a legitimate part of his character.

And the best comment of all came from my wife when the movie was over. And I hasten to add that there are absolutely no submissive or dominative tendencies in her at all. She said, "Wierd. Wow. That's one very sexy movie".

Average customer rating:

Fairy Tale - A True Story
Delusion and delight
Beautiful story with appeal for all ages
Fairy Tale - ATrue Story - GREAT Family Movie
Absolutely beautiful

Fairy Tale - A True Story
Starring: Harvey Keitel , Jason Salkey , Peter O'Toole , Lara Morgan , and Adam Franks
Director: Charles Sturridge
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000AUHQR
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Amazon.com

When her father is declared missing in action during World War I, Elsie Wrigth (Florence Hoath) goes to live in England with her cousin Frances Griffiths (Elizabeth Earl) for whom the topic of fairies is forbidden. Immediately, the girls discover the winged creatures in the garden and photograph them for Frances's startled parents. This leads to another kind of adventure for the girls. They become the toasts of London as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Peter O'Toole) and Harry Houdini (Harvey Keitel), who have seen the photographs, escort them around town. Mildly villainous reporters chase the girls and curious spectators invade their garden after the pictures are printed publicly.

Although fairies are the visible subjects, the enchanting video is really about faith. Frances's parents (Phoebe Nicholls and Paul McGann) recently lost their son, Joseph, who had originally discovered the fairies and would like to think he may be an angel. Sir Arthur also lost his son and is courted by clairvoyants who claim they can talk to the boy. Elsie waits patiently for her father to come home, although it appears hopeless that he will. Harry Houdini is an illusionist but acts against the fraudulent claims of greedy mediums and the like. They are all touched by a need to truly believe in what remains hidden. The story is very loosely based on an early 20th-century controversy involving the real Frances and Elsie who faked pictures of fairies similar to the ones in the video. The real girls never confessed, but the video suggests the manner in which the real life photos may have been produced. --Margaret Griffis

Customer Reviews:

Fairy Tale - A True Story.......2007-06-20

The imagination of children is wonderful. That's why I refuse to fully grow up. Wouldn't it be wonderfully if there really were fairies?

Delusion and delight.......2007-06-18

One of the negative reviews complained that the movie fails to reveal that the photographs were a hoax and suggests that it portrayed the fairies as real.

I never got that impression, but rather that their depiction was used as a cinematic device of seeing the world as the two young girls saw it.

For me, the real delight of the movie is the contrast between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini. Houdini, who exposed charlatans and spiritualists, recognized that the two young girls got swept up into a sensationalistic story over an innocent prank, while Doyle, grieving over the loss of his son in WWI, lost the objectivity of his rigorously logical alter ego, Sherlock Holmes.

It was the grief and suffering caused by a horrible war that sparked the hysteria over the photographs, with people reaching out for something pure, innocent and beautiful. Houdini, as well as the filmmakers, recognized that, and artfully refrained from bulldozing over innocence with the sharp edges of fact.

One of the daughters of the late conductor Bruno Walter, said in an interview that their father never allowed them backstage at an opera until they were grown. He explained later that he didn't want to destroy the magic for them.

Houdini would have understood.

Beautiful story with appeal for all ages.......2007-05-14

An ultimate childhood fantasy work with appeal for all ages. It's a very carefully crafted story with wonderful interweaving of fantasy and reality.

Fairy Tale - ATrue Story - GREAT Family Movie.......2007-03-29

This movie has never received the credit it deserves! It is a wonderful family movie. My daughter first saw it when she was 8. She asked for it several times and we couldn't find it. So for Christmas (she is now 17) she asked for it. Amazon is the ONLY place that has it!! We watched it together and enjoyed every minute! This movie really needs some publicity!! BUY IT TODAY!

Absolutely beautiful.......2007-03-27

My wife and I bought "Fairy Tale" on a whim. We had never seen it, but we thought it might be interesting. What we discovered greatly exceeded our expectations. The storyline is simple, yet very poignant and deeply symbolic. The setting is England during World War I. The cinematography, because the story is about Fairies, is absolutely stunning. The first time we saw this movie, true to the magic of it, great flakes of snow began falling gently outside our window. Needless to say, we fell deeply in love with "Fairy Tale" and we have watched it time and time again.

We shared this movie with my mother who lived in England as a young lady. She was so taken by the magic of the movie, it reminded her so much of the Fairy Land she knew in a forest-covered stream outside her English village during her childhood, that she ordered enough copies to give it to all of her siblings, parents, and children. She also shared it with her burly, coal-mining, 300+ pound, Italian husband who sobbed like a baby while he watched.

"Fairy Tale" is a stirring and powerful movie! It gently wraps itself around your heart strings and plays a sweetly intoxicating melody that resonates through your soul for weeks at a time. It is a movie that nurtures the most heart-felt magic deep inside anyone who dares to believe in love and beauty. For those who dream, "Fairy Tale" is the perfect, enchanting tale.

Average customer rating:

Captured Perfectly
Love Story
Love Story....I loved it !
Beautiful
"Love knows not its own depth, until the hour of separation."

Love Story
Starring: Ali MacGraw , Ryan O'Neal , John Marley , Ray Milland , and Russell Nype
Director: Arthur Hiller
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000059TEQ
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Amazon.com

Strife-torn America wanted a meat-and-potatoes romance in the late '60s, and the country embraced Erich Segal's slim, generic-sounding novel in a big way. It did so again for the film adaptation in 1970, starring Ryan O'Neal as a law student who defies his rich and powerful father (Ray Milland) on every issue, including the former's love for a music student (Ali MacGraw). The two marry, start life together...and then the Grim Reaper turns up at the door. Directed by Arthur Hiller (The In-Laws), the film ends up lacking the kind of stylistic boost that might have made it a must-see for the ages. But its faithfulness to the book's uncomplicated and, yes, moving intentions is pretty solid. O'Neal is convincing as a nice guy who's as bullheaded in his own way as his steely father (a nice job by Milland), and MacGraw has a way of getting under one's skin. A viewer just has to try not laughing at the refrain, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." --Tom Keogh

Album Details

The soundtrack to the 1970 tear-jerking, box-office smash film 'Love Story', starring Ryan O'Neal and Ali McGraw. Features the official theme (in three parts) by French composer Francis Lai, Mozart's 'Sonata in F Major', Bach's 'Concerto No. 3 in D Major' and nine more.

Customer Reviews:

Captured Perfectly.......2007-05-28

I imagine that the movie must make Erich Segal proud as it's very true to the novel and captures the characters perfectly. As I read, and re-read love story the faces of McGraw and O'Neal are in my minds. The movie is tragic, and beautiful all at once, just like the book, and is in the same tone and timing as the book. If you loved the novel, the movie will not disappoint you.

Love Story.......2007-04-11

I saw this as a teenager and have always loved it. What a beautiful story of love and loss. It helps you remember how short life is and how important the little things are.

Love Story....I loved it !.......2007-03-09

Great Movie...the quality of the disc was great ! It was very quick getting to me. I bought two copies of it..one for My Parents since I was named after the movies main character. Thank You I will buy again from the seller.

Beautiful.......2007-02-24

I love this rather corny, cheesy love story which has a very 70's movie feel. If you like 70's films you will love this. I am not sure this film would have been well received if it had been made today but with 70's movies you kind of expect a film like this. All in all it is solid on all counts - acting, writing and directing. It has being accused of being morbid and manipulative but I think the subject matter was handled with maturity and in a way was uplifting in the end. Even though you know what is going to happen you can watch this over and over again and each time its a trip back in nostalgia - back to a time when Hollywood still made movies like this.

"Love knows not its own depth, until the hour of separation.".......2007-01-07

The sentimentality of "Love Story" ("What can you say about a 25-year-old girl who died?") is a hearty welcome retreat to the past... There is nothing to spoil love, trust, confidence or even the events... Jenny seems to die... She just escapes in loveliness...

Jenny (Ali MacGraw) is half of a pretty young married students from a working class background... And Oliver (Ryan O'Neal) is from a very wealthy family... Both have the predictable problems with disapproving parents... Both struggle along through hard times, until Oliver obtains a fine job with his own merit... When Jenny tries to get pregnant, the doctor finds out that she has an incurable disease, and has a very short time to live...

Ryan O'Neal plays well the intense sensitive rebel, giving a heart-breaking performance as the ultra-rich man's son who works to pay his way through law school when his father won't...

Ali MacGraw is good and touching in her portrait of Jenny, the dying heroine, the poor baker's daughter studying classical music at Radcliffe, the smart young girl who gives up her plans to study in Europe in order to marry Oliver... She never missed a 'shred of her beauty' in her role...

Ray Milland is the 60-year-old Oliver Barrett III... He is a strong, articulate, civilized millionaire from Boston who refuses to support his son in marrying a girl of such low social stature... He commands him instead to finish law school...

John Harley is Phil, the father of Jenny... For him, "Father's love is something to cherish and respect."

There is three sequences that I liked the most in the film:

- Jenny and Oliver wonderful kissing scene... From this point on, both were entirely engrossed with each other, ready to risk anything for love...

- Oliver's long day search looking for Jenny, until he sees her sitting, outside, on a stair... She forgot her keys... Jenny is comforted by Oliver who tries to apologize for his continual disputes... Jenny, all shaken, and with tears in her eyes and with an emotional voice stops him with words of deep affection: "Love means never having to say you're sorry."

- Oliver, sitting alone and lost to the world, uncertain and perplexed, unable to understand Jenny's tragic fate... If Jenny could spend an hour in his mind, a minute in his heart, a second in his soul to discover what he really feels loving her... Why Jenny has to die so young? Why destiny is against us sometimes, smashing all our hopes and happiness? Why we feel so impotent in front of the will of God? Why can't we understand that we are 'blessed with Life,' and this is our great gift, our true treasure! Barrett's millions could never save Jenny!

The Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran said once: "Love knows not its own depth, until the hour of separation." And let me say that 'nothing is more beautiful than the love that has weathered the storms of Life.' They say: Time mends a broken heart and true love never ends... But if true love never ended then time wouldn't have to mend... So "Love Story" was followed by "Oliver's Story".

Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw are splendid and beautifully matched... Arthur Hill's sincere direction commend the picture to a wide audience eager to a flood of tears...

"Love Story" won 7 Academy Award nominations and Frances Lai - touching music - mixed by Bach, Mozart and Handel, won an Oscar, enriching the beauty of the film...

An intense, tough-looking leading actor is seen: Tommy Lee Jones in his film debut...

Average customer rating:

Transcendent!
The Nun's Story
A Classic
Stumbling Perfectionist in a Fractured World
I would give it less than a zero rating!!!!

The Nun's Story
Starring: Audrey Hepburn , Peter Finch , Edith Evans , Peggy Ashcroft , and Dean Jagger
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000E1MXSW
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Amazon.com essential video

Fred Zinnemann's epic drama is a splendid showcase for Audrey Hepburn, who stars as the young nun Sister Luke, who is deeply spiritual yet conflicted about whether or not she can conform to convent life. Though the film is a mesmerizing--and quite leisurely--two and a half hours, its plot is fairly simple--young Gabrielle (Hepburn) enters the convent pledging her life to God, learns the disciplines associated with the life, receives her dream assignment of going to the Congo as a missionary nurse, and once there, is forced to face whether she is meant for the rigorous life of poverty, chastity, and most difficult of all, obedience. The film does a marvelous job of portraying the challenges of cloistered life without being either off-putting or overly romantic. And Hepburn, sometimes with only her eyes, communicates all the drive, faith, and conflict of a young woman so torn. --Anne Hurley

Description

Story of Gabrielle Van Der Mal, who gives up everything to become a nun, facing incredible odds in the Congo and then at the mother house in France at the outbreak of World War II.

Customer Reviews:

Transcendent!.......2007-07-01

This magnificent film of 1957 still shines in all its luminosity after 50 years. It reminds us of the heights to which Hollywood could rise in the old studio system, which invested its resources on quality: the actors, the director, the music, the costumes, and the splendid genuine locations, from the canals and bridges of Bruges and Antwerp to the sweeping expanse of the Congo river (The scenes at the leper colony, among many others, are fascinating.). "The Nun's Story" allows us to glimpse a slice of history of the 1930s, as it unfolds on two continents. It gives us a look back into a society, both sacred and secular, that World War II was to change irrevocably.

The superb performances of Audrey Hepburn, Peggy Ashcroft, Edith Evans, Mildred Natwick, and Peter Finch speak for themselves, and it would be superfluous of me to comment on them further.

I merely wonder how many of the hundreds of films now churned out in Hollywood every year (the millions of dollars spent making them; their celebrity actors; their special effects) will still shine as brightly as "The Nun's Story" 50 years from now?

Relatively few, I think!

The Nun's Story.......2007-06-26

Zinnemann's "The Nun's Story," showcasing the luminous Audrey Hepburn in her prime, contemplates hardship, devotion, and a very special kind of self-realization. A literate, nuanced drama with size, scope and color, the film boasts superb location photography and uniformly fine performances, both from the young leads and two English Dames in support: namely, Edith Evans and Peggy Ashcroft, playing senior nuns who guide Sister Luke along her often thorny path. Based on Kathryn Hulme's autobiographical novel, "Story" is an affecting, heartfelt epic of inner struggle.

A Classic.......2007-04-25

Not only is the story itself a true statement on women brought up in a certain manner, I find it the story of one woman's awakening. And Audrey was perfect for this tale. I love this movie

Stumbling Perfectionist in a Fractured World.......2007-04-06

`The Nun's Story' is an engaging tale about an aspiring nun who wishes to serve in the missions of the Belgian Congo. Multi-faceted Audrey Hepburn makes the story absorbing enough with her excellent performance as Sister Burt. There's the drama of the Congo, World War II is breaking out in Europe, and her vocation is on the line, but mainly we care about her own development.

The inner conflict is written all over Hepburn's face as she grapples with self-will. Obedience being the hardest vow, she, nevertheless, finds perfectionism, a manifestation of pride, her biggest stumbling block. Having a low tolerance for her own failures, she meets into agnostic-skeptic Dr. Fortunati played with colorful zest by Peter Finch. He challenges her motivation and makes her contemplate "a change of habit" to sport another movie's title. Then, with war beginning in Europe, she struggles with the community's edict to remain nuetral.

Constrasting Hepburn's role in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's,' she really demonstrates a conflicted, resolute, yet fragile nun with great skill. Hepburn is the centerpiece because even with a good story, she makes us care deeply about her character. The movie makers painstakingly put together a movie that really understood the religious aspects and got it right. Absorbing and genuine, `The Nun's Story' makes the movie a must-see mission.

I would give it less than a zero rating!!!!.......2007-04-06

What a horror of an example to others. This is a story about a nun and her temptations about her calling. Well, in the end she fails and gives up her vocation. What a let down of a movie. As if it is the most impossable thing to persevere in one's vocation as a nun. Nice one hollywood, another blow to the religious. I felt it my duty to warn those who wish to obtain this dvd, thats why I gave away the story. audrey hepburn does a disservice to our religious by playing the role of an apostate nun, shame on her! An Audrey fan no more. This is not in the same class as 'The song of Bernadette', 'A Man for all seasons', 'Therese', 'El Cid', etc.

Do You Believe in Miracles? The Story of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team

Average customer rating:

The Miracle
Thanks for the memories!
A Slice of Americana
The Real Story of "Miracle of Ice"
Great Documentary, but I need the whole game

Do You Believe in Miracles? The Story of the 1980 U.S. Hockey Team
Starring: Craig R. Whitney , Walter Mondale , John Powers (VII) , Jack O'Callahan , and John Harrington (VI)
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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Miracle (Widescreen Edition)
The Boys of Winter: The Untold Story of a Coach, a Dream, and the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team
NHL's Greatest Goals (Vintage Hockey Collection)
Mystery, Alaska
Slap Shot (25th Anniversary Special Edition)

ASIN: B00005TPC7
Release Date: 2002-01-08

Amazon.com essential video

You don't need to know anything about hockey to be moved by this hourlong documentary about one of the greatest upsets in sports history: the United States' defeat of the vaunted Russian Olympic hockey team at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The film recounts the David vs. Goliath matchup between the Americans (essentially a group of college kids molded into a team by coach Herb Brooks, also the U.S. hockey coach in the 2002 Olympic games) and the Russians, professionals who had won four straight Olympic golds. The story is retold in interviews with the people who lived it, including Brooks and several of the American players, sportscaster Al Michaels (who uttered the title line as the game ended), and key Russian players. Do You Believe in Miracles? is a solid blend of sports and history that focuses on the human element in one of the great underdog victories of all time. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

The Miracle.......2007-05-14

this is a great documentary of the 180 US team. the insight was invaluable. It was wonderful to relive this great moment in American sports.

Thanks for the memories!.......2007-05-04

A beautifully done documentary in honor of what had to be one of the greatest sports moments in US history. The Al Michaels yelp "Do you believe in miracles?" still brings tears to my eyes so many years later. The documentary is fleshed out with insightful interviews, and it is just as nice to see that victory in 2007 as it was in 1980.

A Slice of Americana.......2007-01-20

Every American should own a copy of "Do You Believe in Miracles?"

Patriotism is what this movie is all about!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Real Story of "Miracle of Ice".......2006-09-07

For those of you who saw the movie, Miracle, this is a great follow up with the real players and coaches. It covers every game the USA hockey played to win the gold medal. As Al Michals says in the film, "Everyone forgets that the US team had to win one more game after beating the Russians." With interviews with the players from both teams, you really get a sense of how much impact there was from a hockey game.

Great Documentary, but I need the whole game.......2006-08-01

This was probably the greatest sports upset ever (at least American). No need to rehash what others have said, except for I want this game, the gold medal final, and medal ceremony on DVD. Every anniversary I check to see if it came out. The 20th and 25th anniversaries have past, and I'm not sure it's ever going to come out. This game brings a tear to my eye, because it was so amazing. It shows the true passion of sports.

Average customer rating:

The Jolson Story
The Jolson Story Still A Hit!
The Jolson Story
Great Movie
The Real Al Jolson

The Jolson Story
Starring: Larry Parks , Evelyn Keyes , William Demarest , Bill Goodwin , and Ludwig Donath
Director: Alfred E. Green
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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Similar Items:

Jolson Sings Again
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The Glenn Miller Story
Hallelujah I'm a Bum

ASIN: B0000C23T2
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Customer Reviews:

The Jolson Story.......2007-05-12

A superior musical of the 1940s. The film has held up well over 60 years. I first watched it when I was in grade school, then most recently at the age of 52, and I was surprised at how solid it remains. Like most biopics of its day, it plays fast and loose with the facts, but the story is entertaining and the production values very high. Lost of wonderful details and a great cast. Parks (oscar nomination) cannot convey the dynamic charisma reported about the live performances of the man he portrays, but then, Jolson himself could not do that on film, either. Still, Parks gives it his all, and lip sinchs magnificently. Terrific character actors fill in all the gaps. Still a great film.

The Jolson Story Still A Hit!.......2007-01-11

I saw the original Jolson Story 18 times as a youngster and went on to emulate the "Larry Parks" dead-on portrayal in school events and in my parlor. This DVD is exceptional in terms of color quality and sound. A wonderful restoration of a truly classic film that traces Asa Yolsen's rise from a young lad singing in the synogogue to the world's greatest entertainer. The Jolson songs and voice are still thrilling and there are lots of favorites to enjoy..Mammy, Rosie, California Here I Come! and more. As Jolson used to say, if you havent seen this video "You ain't heard nothing yet!"

The Jolson Story.......2006-11-10

I loved this movie growing up in Southern California. It was on every night for weeks on "The Million Dollar Movie," a local movie channel. Larry Parks is amazing as Al Jolson. Truly, the greatest entertainer who ever lived!

Great Movie.......2006-11-04

I must have watched this movie at least ten times in the first two weeks that I had it. Larry Parks was fantastic as Al Jolson. The songs were great and it's a movie I will enjoy for years to come. Even my 15 year old son enjoyed it.

The Real Al Jolson.......2006-09-27

I first saw this movie over 40 years ago when I was 12 on TV at my aunts house, and it was a magical experience I will never forget. When I recently watched the DVD release, the movie still had all the elements that made such an impression on me many years ago. Everyone who has commented have stated that Jolson did the actual singing for the film, but this is not mentioned in any of the credits. Why was this? When originally released, did the studio try to make everyone believe that Parks was doing a good imiation of Jolson? I thought there might be something at the end of the movie, but the DVD version abruptly ends as soon as THE END fades from the screen. It would have been nice if the DVD had included a short segment addressing how the movie was made with Jolson's real recordings.

Average customer rating:

Solemn, powerful and brutal adaptation!

Macbeth (Fully Restored Version)

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Orson Welles' Othello
Falstaff Chimes At Midnight [Import]
Macbeth / McKellen, Dench (Thames Shakespeare Collection)
Macbeth
The Orson Welles Collection (The Stranger/ King Lear/ David and Goliath/ The Trial)

ASIN: B000B65ZGM

Product Description

PLOT SUMMARY: In fog-dripping, barren and sometimes macabre settings, 11th-century Scottish nobleman Macbeth is led by an evil prophecy and his ruthless yet desirable wife to the treasonous act that makes him king. But he does not enjoy his newfound, dearly-won kingship... Restructured, but all the dialogue is Shakespeare's. [IMDB - Rod Crawford] ++++ DVD FEATURES: This officially licensed release from South Korea is the ORIGINAL, fully restored version (which returns the 20 minutes previously cut by the studio), in black & white, 4:3 full screen, Dolby Digital Sound in ENGLISH with optional Korean subtitles. NOTE: According to the manufacturer, there is a a misprint on the package: Orson Welles' "Ghost Story: Return To Glennascaul" is listed on the back, but it is NOT included on the DVD.

Customer Reviews:

Solemn, powerful and brutal adaptation!.......2005-10-28

The scintillating and untiring genius of Orson Welles carved in relief again with this unforgettable classic of William Shakespeare, despite the fact not all the cast be outstanding. Take into account this version was made in just 27 days!, you may agree the sum compensates by far, the core of this tragedy.

Another personal and artistic feat of Wisconsin `s lavish son, whose departure was on October 10 1985.

Average customer rating:

The Buddy Holly Story
Rave On
Buddy Holly Story
those magnificent men in their flying machines, they go up up up up, they go down down down down ...
A great rock-and-roll film

The Buddy Holly Story
Starring: Gary Busey , Don Stroud , Charles Martin Smith , Conrad Janis , and William Jordan
Director: Steve Rash
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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The Real Buddy Holly Story
Great Balls of Fire!
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Coal Miner's Daughter - 25th Anniversary Edition

ASIN: B00000K3TX
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Amazon.com

Rock historians and hard-core Buddy Holly fans can and do take issue with director Steve Rash's 1978 biopic of the Lubbock, Texas, rocker's life: the script liberally juggles details from Holly's brief but blazing career, replacing producer Norman Petty and Holly's original bassist and drummer with fictionalized composite characters. Yet the core of the film, and the reason it's definitely worth a look and listen, is Gary Busey's lusty performance in the title role, triumphing against what might have seemed miscasting.

The burly, lantern-jawed Busey steps into the lankier, narrow-faced Holly's blue suede shoes and dances off with the movie. At a time when live rock albums thought little of overdubbing mistakes in the studio, director Rash honored Busey's nervy gamble in performing these songs live, singing in his own raw voice and rumbling through his own approximations of Holly's guitar work. What's lost in precise verisimilitude is more than compensated by Busey's conviction and a palpable, almost ecstatic terror as he charges through Holly's wonderful songs before indifferent roller-rink audiences.

Other films have nailed the period more accurately through art direction or script, but Busey's authentic energy gives this movie an emotional veracity that's just right for this chapter in rock history. Still, for musical purposes, go straight to the source, Holly's wonderful recordings.--Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

The Buddy Holly Story.......2007-07-05

Steve Rash's film takes liberties with some details of Holly's short life, but more than compensates in showcasing the courageous performance of a most unlikely actor for the lead: Gary Busey, known for tough guy roles rather than musicals. The husky, rugged actor somehow turns himself into the lanky, bespectacled Texas singer and, more impressive still, performs all the songs himself. This was a triumph of characterization for which Busey was Oscar-nominated. The movie also succeeds in profiling an exciting if tragic early chapter in rock music.

Rave On.......2007-05-29

Buy this one just to savor the three Buddy Holly numbers played during Apollo Theater concert. Authentic musician Busey gives a memorable and true performance, full of flash and dash, which does honor to the legendary rocker. I was a little embarrassed for Charles Martin Smith when he tried to plunk the stand-up bass like a guitar in the scene, but that's what he does best, right? You gotta love the guy. The drummer comes off a jerk, but that's Hollywood.

Buddy Holly Story.......2007-05-07

Grew up listening to his music, and love it. The movie explained how he got his start and was well done.

those magnificent men in their flying machines, they go up up up up, they go down down down down ..........2007-04-07

a pleasant enuf biopic of early rock & roll icon buddy holly, portrayed here by the bizarre gary busey. ive always suspected that holly was one of those artistes fortunate to have died young before people realized in the none-too-distant future that his talent was limited. the movie is a fine way to spend two hours tho i doubt id ever feel the need to see it again.

A great rock-and-roll film.......2007-03-10

I grew up listening to Buddy Holly in his prime, and I played some of his records as a DJ on my local radio station on Saturday nights when I was in high school. He has always been an important icon of R&R in my mind. I don't know how I missed this movie when it came out, but I was totally enmeshed in building a career and wasn't paying much attention to movies.

So I caught up with this movie at a late date, in 2007, and I am blown away by the quality of the DVD, the acting, the representation of the early R&R scene. Gary Busey impresses me a lot with his acting and singing. As others have noted here, he recorded all the music "live" and that made a huge difference in the feel of the film.

The acting by Don Stroud, Charles Martin Smith and the lovely Maria Richwine are top-notch.

I particularly enjoyed the 'extra' on the DVD, the commentary telling the story behind the story time after time.

For Love or Country - The Arturo Sandoval Story

Average customer rating:

for the love of country
Terrific movie
Emotional journey
worth it for the hotties!
Fidel Castro has got to go!

For Love or Country - The Arturo Sandoval Story
Starring: Andy Garcia , Mía Maestro , Gloria Estefan , David Paymer , and Charles S. Dutton
Director: Joseph Sargent
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
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ASIN: B00005ALS5
Release Date: 2001-04-17

Amazon.com

For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story chronicles the life of a man torn between his home and his devotion to his music. In a Golden Globe-nominated performance, Andy Garcia portrays the gregarious, passionate, and obstinate Arturo Sandoval, the Grammy-winning Cuban trumpet player.

This HBO film shows how Sandoval's life in revolutionary Cuba is affected--beginning in the early 1970s--by his zeal for his music and by the limits placed on him by his homeland. Representing his torn loyalties are Dizzy Gillespie (the enigmatic jazz musician played by Charles S. Dutton) and Sandoval's wife, Marianela (played by the beautiful Mia Maestro). Gillespie embodies the freedom to follow one's dream, while Marianela represents family loyalty and the ideals of the Castro revolution. Yet, the same regime his wife embraces forces Arturo to play government-imposed music instead of the jazz that he loves. Sandoval travels the world, and while the Cuban government profits from his success, he is exposed to a freedom that eventually draws him to the difficult and life-changing decision he and his family feel compelled to make.

Against a backdrop of beautiful scenery and exceptional music, For Love or Country provides a harsh depiction of revolutionary Cuba, its outmoded lifestyle, and the restrictions placed on its people. --Mindy Ruehmann

Customer Reviews:

for the love of country.......2007-04-12

This is a very touching true story played beautifully by Andy Garcia.
If you are cuban, you will have a special interest in this film.

Terrific movie.......2007-01-18

This movie reveals a poignant love story as developed under the repressive regime of Fidel Castro. The music and development of characters provides excellent entertainment as well as education
into the worlds of music and Communist politics. Andy Garcia is
not only a talented actor but an excellent trumpet player as well.

Emotional journey.......2005-10-30

Since I have been unable to locate an address in which to write Mr. Garcia to explain how this film touched me, I thought this might be the next best thing. As a "natural born" citizen of the United States, I often feel overwhelming guilt for the suffering of the people who live in countries ruled by dictatorships and tyranny, while I enjoy innumerable freedoms here. Mr. Garcia has brought us a film that inspires hope, courage of conviction, and raises our awareness of the suffering still going on in his birthplace without bringing the stinging guilt that such a movie usually instills in me. I cried, then paced my apartment, then searched the Web for hours trying to find a way to contact Mr. Garcia to tell him that his message is received and appreciated.
The story is so amazing, it is almost difficult to believe that Mr. Sandavol not only lived it, but managed to see his whole family emigrate to the U.S. Thank you, HBO and Mr. Garcia, for telling a story that deserved to be told.

worth it for the hotties!.......2005-05-22

This movie deals with the fascinating subject of Cuba-US relations. Like Navratilova (sp?) and Baryshnikov (sp again?), Sandoval is a star from a Communist country who defected to the US. But more importantly, this film has the following hot actors of color in it: Charles Dutton, Stephen Bauer, Miguel Sandoval, and Andy Garcia.

Fidel Castro has got to go!.......2005-01-28

This HBO film depicts one of the world's great trumpet players and his inner and outer struggle for freedom from Castro's tyranny. His talent allows Arturo Sandoval to travel the world, but his wife and family are back in Cuba. His wife is a government employee who at first believes in the revolution until her eyes are opened to the reality behind the facade. The final straw is when Castro kills a hero of the revolution because he feels his monolithic power is threatened.

In 1990 Sandoval defects at the US embassy in Greece, but is stopped by bureaucracy until his friend Dizzy Gillespie calls the Vice President....yes, that's right, Dan Quayle the dunce. Well the only good thing Quayle ever does is speeding Sandoval through the bureaucracy. The irony here is that any Cuban who can get to the US by raft is granted US citizenship, but Sandoval is thoroughly grilled.

The film has some great jazz and Afro-Cuban music and Andy Garcia is believable and entertaining as the lead. When Castro goes, and it will be soon I hope, hopefully Cuba will have a true democratic revolution.

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