Angels in America

Starring:Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Mary-Louise Parker, Justin Kirk, Jeffrey Wright, Ben Shenkman (II), Patrick Wilson, Brian Markinson, James Cromwell, Melissa Wilder, Fatima Da Silva, Florence Kastriner, Howard Pinhasik, David Zayas, Kevin 'Flotilla DeBarge' Joseph, Robin Weigert, Sterling Brown, Lisa LeGuillou, Michael Gambon
Director: Mike Nichols
Studio: Hbo Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Tony Kushner's prize-winning play Angels in America became the defining theatrical event of the 1990s, an astonishing mix of philosophy, politics, and vibrant gay soap opera that summed up the Reagan era for an entire generation of theater-goers. Post-9/11 would seem to be too late for a film version--philosophy and politics don't always age well--but this 2003 HBO adaptation, ably directed by Mike Nichols (The Graduate), provides a time capsule of the '80s and reveals the deep emotional subcurrents that will give the play lasting power.

The story centers around Prior Walter (Justin Kirk) and Louis Ironson (Ben Shenkman), a gay couple that falls apart when Prior grows ill as a result of AIDS. But cancer is not the only thing invading Prior's life: He begins to have religious visions of an angel (Emma Thompson, Sense and Sensibility) announcing that he is a prophet. Louis, who doesn't cope well with disease and suggestions of mortality, leaves and starts a relationship with Joe Pitt (Patrick Wilson), a closeted Mormon who works for Roy Cohn (Al Pacino, Dog Day Afternoon)--the real-life right-wing lawyer, notorious for his ruthless behind-the-scenes machinations. Add in Joe's depressed and hallucinating wife Harper (Mary Louise Parker, Fried Green Tomatoes), his determined but open-minded mother Hannah (Meryl Streep, Adaptation), a fierce drag queen/nurse named Belize (Jeffrey Wright, Basquiat, reprising his celebrated performance from the Broadway production), and you've still only begun to discover the wealth of characters and storylines in Kushner's ambitious work.

Amazon.com

Tony Kushner's prize-winning play Angels in America became the defining theatrical event of the 1990s, an astonishing mix of philosophy, politics, and vibrant gay soap opera that summed up the Reagan era for an entire generation of theater-goers. Post-9/11 would seem to be too late for a film version--philosophy and politics don't always age well--but this 2003 HBO adaptation, ably directed by Mike Nichols (The Graduate), provides a time capsule of the '80s and reveals the deep emotional subcurrents that will give the play lasting power.

The story centers around Prior Walter (Justin Kirk) and Louis Ironson (Ben Shenkman), a gay couple that falls apart when Prior grows ill as a result of AIDS. But cancer is not the only thing invading Prior's life: He begins to have religious visions of an angel (Emma Thompson, Sense and Sensibility) announcing that he is a prophet. Louis, who doesn't cope well with disease and suggestions of mortality, leaves and starts a relationship with Joe Pitt (Patrick Wilson), a closeted Mormon who works for Roy Cohn (Al Pacino, Dog Day Afternoon)--the real-life right-wing lawyer, notorious for his ruthless behind-the-scenes machinations. Add in Joe's depressed and hallucinating wife Harper (Mary Louise Parker, Fried Green Tomatoes), his determined but open-minded mother Hannah (Meryl Streep, Adaptation), a fierce drag queen/nurse named Belize (Jeffrey Wright, Basquiat, reprising his celebrated performance from the Broadway production), and you've still only begun to discover the wealth of characters and storylines in Kushner's ambitious work.

Description

Academy Award-winners Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson lead an all-star cast in a 6-hour HBO Films Event. Directed by Mike Nichols and written by Tony Kushner based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning play: Angels in America.

Customer Reviews:

outstanding!.......2007-03-25

If I could rate it 10 stars I would. Heart-Wrenching, Funny, Appalling, Spiritual, Sexual, Powerful. Evoking Anger, Laughter, Sadness, Joy, Hope, Love for fellow human beings who have been discarded and ignored instead of included and cherished. Amazing Film Adaptation.

Magnificent.......2007-03-03

I have seen many hundreds of movies, and this is only the third that I rate 5 stars. The acting was beyond superb, the screenplay and story line truly outstanding. I saw the play many years ago and totally enjoyed it. The DVD was even better.
While reading the reviews, it becomes obvious folks get different things out of the movie depending on their frame of reference. As a straight man working in San Francisco during the 80s and 90s, I watched the devastation this disease wreaked on friends, colleagues and strangers while the world ignored the issue. This movie gave me an insight into some of the emotional and spiritual struggles of the human beings affected by AIDS. I also loved how the lives of the characters intertwined in unique and sometimes outlandish ways. For me, a truly satisfying film. Most of the reviews express my thoughts better than I. A must see, but schedule 3 hours for each of the 2 DVDs.

Pure Smut.......2007-02-21

I don't recommend this movie. Not sure why the title has the world "angels" in it. Didn't watch the entire movie as it was very depressing and profane. There is a lot of language in it and there is a scene showing two men humping- absolutely nasty.

Wonderful movie.......2007-01-04

This is a long movie but well worth the time. It's thought provoking, insight and even humorous in parts. Money well spent.

Marvelous.......2006-12-19

Profoundly moving. Evangelicals, please read the description. Don't buy it just because of the name and cover. It might not be about what you think it is. Nevertheless, if you've found yourself with it and have around six hours on hand, it's definitely worth a viewing or two. Part 1: Millenium approaches might drag a little bit, but Part 2: Perestroika, is some of the best theatre that I have ever seen or read. It's well worth your time. The writing is excellent, the acting is wonderful. It's a piece of art that definitely stays with you long after you've viewed it. Additionally, for people who truly love the miniseries, I also strongly recommend you read the play itself. There are a few changes in the adaptation, and it's worth your time from a critical perspective so how things are different. Both the DVD and the written play are wonderful on individual merit. Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Tell the Angels: Live in Memphis
Starring: Lee Williams & The Spiritual Qc's
Manufacturer: Mcg Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Good Time: Live in Memphis
Right on Time
Tell the Angels: Live in Memphis
Love Will Go All the Way
Soulful Healing

ASIN: B000A1IKKQ
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Average customer rating:

Angels in America Part 2

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

Angels in America

ASIN: B000IG9Z16

Product Description

Al Pacino, Meryl Streep and Emma Thompson lead an all-star cast in an epic movie event directed by Mike Nichols and screenplay by Tony Kushner based on his Pulitzer Prize-winning play: Angels in America.

Charlie Rose with Tony Kushner (May 28, 2004)

Average customer rating:

Misleading synopsis = major disappointment

Charlie Rose with Tony Kushner (May 28, 2004)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

Homebody/Kabul: Revised Version
Caroline, Or Change: A Musical

ASIN: B000HBL146
Release Date: 2006-08-15

Description

An hour long interview with playwright Tony Kushner. The discussion revolves around three of Kushner's most renowned plays: Angels in America; Caroline, or Change; and Homebody/Kabul. The conversation also covers the theatre, playwriting, America and Iraq.

Customer Reviews:

Misleading synopsis = major disappointment.......2007-04-11

If you buy this expecting a discussion that "revolves around three of Kushner's most renowned plays: Angels in America; Caroline, or Change; and Homebody/Kabul," you are likely to suffer major disappointment. Despite what the synopsis asserts, the plays are pretty much an afterthought in a discussion of American and Middle Eastern politics and the Iraq war, circa 2004. Given the subject matter of his plays, it would be foolish to expect Kushner not to talk politics, but I certainly expected more than a question at the start of the interview and one at the end. You're wasting your time -- and your money since you can't return an opened DVD -- if you're looking for more.

Average customer rating:

Angels in America [Region 2]
Starring: Al Pacino , Meryl Streep , Emma Thompson , Mary-Louise Parker , and Jeffrey Wright
Director: Mike Nichols
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Angels in America

ASIN: B0001P1B2K

Charlie Rose with Ahmed Rashid; Tony Kushner; Jesse Norman (December 19, 2001)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Ahmed Rashid; Tony Kushner; Jesse Norman (December 19, 2001)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

Description

Charlie Rose talks with Ahmed Rashid, correspondent for The Far Eastern Economic Review and The London Daily Telegraph, as well as author of the book Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil and Fundamentalism in Central Asia. Next, the playwright Tony Kushner, of Angels in America fame, talks about his new play, Homebody Kabul, opening in New York. Finally, soprano Jesse Norman discusses her successful and diverse musical career.

Average customer rating:

"Glenn Hughes voice Rocks"

Soulfully Live in the City of Angels
Starring: Glenn Hughes
Manufacturer: Frontiers Italy
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Customer Reviews:

"Glenn Hughes voice Rocks".......2005-06-03

Glenn Hughes voice intensely Rock although the venue for this concert or a few gatherings is depressing. First of all for an Icon such as glenn, deserves a bigger and better venue. Imagine him singing in an open field with his gutsy high octane voice in front of 50,000 people or more wouldn't it blend and rock better. Another thing the delay effect makes it looks like a lipsync or an over delay dub that makes you wonder what is happening or going on out there. Yes it is a must to see Glenn live on DVD but a worthy artist such as him deserves a far more better live high octane DVD. "Glenn We salute you that's why were just concern always".

Charlie Rose with Fouad Ajami, Judith Miller & Leslie Gelb; Tony Kushner (December 16, 2003)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Fouad Ajami, Judith Miller & Leslie Gelb; Tony Kushner (December 16, 2003)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

Description

A look at the options for the United States and its coalition partners in Iraq with Leslie Gelb, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, Judith Miller, correspondent for The New York Times, and Fouad Ajami, director of Middle East Studies at Johns Hopkins University. Then, the playwright Tony Kushner reflects on his work Angels in America and its recent adaptation into a mini-series for HBO.

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