Gods & Generals

Starring:Jeff Daniels, Mark Aldrich, Stephen Lang, Robert Duvall, George Allen (III), Mira Sorvino, Keith Allison, Royce D. Applegate, Kevin Conway, C. Thomas Howell, Matt Letscher, Mac Butler, Frankie Faison, Robert Byrd (II), Jeremy London, William Sanderson, Shane Callahan, Kali Rocha, Stephen Spacek, Brian Mallon
Director: Ronald F. Maxwell
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
The more you know about the Civil War, the more you'll appreciate Gods and Generals and the painstaking attention to detail that Gettysburg writer-director Ronald F. Maxwell has invested in this academically respectable 220-minute historical pageant. In adapting Jeffrey Shaara's 1996 novel (encompassing events of 1861-63, specifically the Virginian battles of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville), Maxwell sacrifices depth for scope while focusing on the devoutly religious "Stonewall" Jackson (Stephen Lang), whose Confederate campaigns endear him to Gen. Robert E. Lee (Robert Duvall, giving the film's most subtle performance). Battles are impeccably recreated using 7,500 Civil War re-enactors and sanitized PG-13 violence, their authenticity compromised by tasteful discretion and endless scenes of grandiloquent dialogue. Still, as the first part of a trilogy that ends with The Last Full Measure, this is a superbly crafted, instantly essential film for Civil War study. For all its misguided priorities, Gods and Generals is a noble effort, honoring faith and patriotism with the kind of reverence that has all but vanished from American film - but provides abundant proof that historical accuracy is no guarantee of great storytelling. --Jeff Shannon
Description
A sweeping epic charting the early years of the Civil War and how campaigns unfolded from Manassas to the Battle of Fredericksburg, this prequel to the film Gettysburg explores the motivations of the combatants and examines the lives of those who waited at home.

The Gods Must Be Crazy Series (The Gods Must Be Crazy / The Gods Must Be Crazy II)
Average customer rating:

THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY

Classic

Two Good movies, One Low price...

The Gods Must Be Crazy

great movie

The Gods Must Be Crazy Series (The Gods Must Be Crazy / The Gods Must Be Crazy II)
Starring: Vera Blacker , Nic De Jager , Ken Gampu , N!xau , and Paddy O'Byrne
Director: Jamie Uys
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B00005JKU7
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Amazon.com

South African director Jamie Uys caught lightning in a bottle with The Gods Must Be Crazy--a Coke bottle, to be specific. This slaphappy collection of goofy pratfalls and culture-clash gags became an enormous international smash, and made a sort of star out of the Bushman selected to play the central role, the completely ingratiating N!Xau. He plays a man, unaware of white culture, who finds a Coca-Cola bottle in the Kalahari (dropped by a passing pilot) and promptly has his life turned around by this mystical object. The movie looks slipshod and even amateurish at times, yet its attitude is so bubbly it's hard to resist. Proving that physical comedy remains a true international language, millions of moviegoers around the world drank it up.

The Gods Must Be Crazy II (1989) returns N!Xau to the bizarre world of the white man, this time in a slicker plot (and a with a bigger budget) that, perhaps predictably, yields fewer real belly laughs than the first time around. Director Jamie Uys sticks to his cherished notions that tribesmen are wiser than civilized people, and that fast-motion comedy is inherently funny. The storyline begins with N!Xau's innocent Bushman searching for his lost children; he then gets sidetracked by subplots. The humor is basic, but in best silent-movie tradition Uys prepares his set-pieces with elaborate care, and he understands the value of the long-delayed pay-off. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY.......2007-07-01

If you haven't seen this film earlier, I invite you to my review of another film "DERSU UZALA". Thre is no apparent connection between these two films - one a 1975 masterpiece by a legendary Japanese director, and the other a suprise comedy hit from the '70s.

On the surface, "GODS MUST BE CRAZY"s sounds like a common slapstick filmed in the exotic locations of the African Kalahari.It took me few days after watching the film, when the realization dwawned on me about the significance of this seemingly simple film.

As a continuation of my earlier theme explored in the review of "DERSU UZALA", this film once again appears as an essay on the collision between man & modern civilization - pristine survival instincts genetically programmed into human civilization that face imminent devastation when they collide with the practices and values of modern society. There is again a sense of despair and nostalgia about the irreversible changes of planet earth, as well as a message of conservation.

The film-maker uses a tribe of Kalahari bushmen that utilize in the most pristine discipline and use minimal natural resources for daily survival, to make the point. Using the metaphor of an empty Coke bottle tossed out by an ignorant bush pilot from a plane passing overhead and its subsequent discovery by our bush protagonist as the interface of this collision, we are treated to a series of funny almost slapstick episodes that bring the message home about apparent evils of modern life.

If you are among those that watched the film earlier in life and if you have developed an inclination to ponder about things, I invite you to use my lens to view the film all over again. Better yet, I invite you to bring home copies of both "DERSU UZALA" and "GODS MUST BE CRAZY" together and watch it over a few days. Chances are you will get under the skin of this film's aparent levity and discover the gravity of the underlying message clearly. If you did, please feel to share your thoughts. Good luck.

Classic.......2007-06-27

This is a classic movie. It gives us insight into a lifestyle that few people know about.

Two Good movies, One Low price..........2007-06-04

These two movies brought me memories, i saw them when i was young. I was happy that it was released on DVD and not to forget the price for the two of them. These two movies are good and funny. Great for the family to watch...

The Gods Must Be Crazy .......2007-05-23

These are my favorite movies! Funny and family friendly.

great movie.......2007-05-15

I remember the movie from childhood and after watching it again after, probably 20 years, I remembered why when I saw the title for sale - I had to have it :).

Average customer rating:

More like a NEGATIVE 3
Mythological Fiction
Medicore Playback Abliltiy
A good tool but not a replacement for the real thing...
Armande Asante, need I say more?

The Odyssey
Starring: Armand Assante , Greta Scacchi , Isabella Rossellini , Bernadette Peters , and Eric Roberts
Director: Andrei Konchalovsky
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
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ASIN: B00005N913
Release Date: 2001-09-18

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Andrei Konchalovsky's expansive television mini-series production of Homer's epic poem gets off to clumsy start as he tries to squeeze the Trojan War into a mere half hour, but once the arrogant but honorable Odysseus (strikingly played by Armand Assante) and his loyal crew begin their doomed voyage home, this film turns into a fantastical adventure. Integrating often-stunning special effects with inventive art design, Konchalovsky achieves a beautiful look on a limited budget as he follows the 10-year ordeal of Odysseus from his battles with the Cyclops and the magical Circe (Bernadette Peters) to his secret homecoming and his confrontation with the treacherous Eurymachus (Eric Roberts). Isabella Rossellini appears as his spiritual guide, the goddess Athena, with Greta Scacchi as Odysseus's faithful wife and Vanessa Williams as the seductive Calypso. The rest of the cast includes Geraldine Chaplin, Jeroen Krabbé, Christopher Lee, and Irene Papas. The production was shot on location in and around the Mediterranean, making for a lush, lovely visual experience. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

More like a NEGATIVE 3.......2007-06-13

This comes close to being the worse piece of garbage it has ever been my privilege to view. The acting...HORRENDOUS!!! CGI...poorly done. Do yourself a favor and watch the Roman version of the Odyssey...Ulysses with Kirk Douglas. It may be an oldie, but it's definitely an absolute goodie!!

Mythological Fiction.......2007-05-26

This film is one of the better of this genre--due to the casting, and the more "true to life and literature" approach that is taken. The characters seem much more "human." Enough sexual content, albeit well done, to preclude viewing by even teenagers. Homer's story is followed pretty faithfully, too, from my distant memories. But the real "excellence" is in the acting.

Medicore Playback Abliltiy.......2007-05-14

The Movie in itself is a great movie however, there were a few times that the movie stopped and digital quality became distorted. I did not send it back because I did not want to go through with hassling of shipping it back. Let's just let bygones be bygones.:)

Sincerely
Stephanie Sims

A good tool but not a replacement for the real thing..........2007-05-13

Entertaining and they didn't add "extra" stuff, but a lot of details & characters are missing. I let my students watch selections from this film before reading The Odyssey. It was an effective motivation tool: Students put faces to characters when we read the real thing, had an idea where the story was "going," and it was neat when they noticed the differences.

Armande Asante, need I say more?.......2007-05-12

This movie is fabulous. Anyone who is a fan of greek mythology or the Roman era would love this movie.
I cannot get enough of Armande Asante and this movie portrays him in a way that would make any woman drool.
Definitely a great buy. {^_^}

Average customer rating:

God Help Us
great movie
Very disappointing from the book
Awesome
A Civil War Masterpiece

Gods & Generals
Starring: Jeff Daniels , Stephen Lang , Mark Aldrich , Robert Duvall , and George Allen (III)
Director: Ronald F. Maxwell
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00009OOFA
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Amazon.com

The more you know about the Civil War, the more you'll appreciate Gods and Generals and the painstaking attention to detail that Gettysburg writer-director Ronald F. Maxwell has invested in this academically respectable 220-minute historical pageant. In adapting Jeffrey Shaara's 1996 novel (encompassing events of 1861-63, specifically the Virginian battles of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville), Maxwell sacrifices depth for scope while focusing on the devoutly religious "Stonewall" Jackson (Stephen Lang), whose Confederate campaigns endear him to Gen. Robert E. Lee (Robert Duvall, giving the film's most subtle performance). Battles are impeccably recreated using 7,500 Civil War re-enactors and sanitized PG-13 violence, their authenticity compromised by tasteful discretion and endless scenes of grandiloquent dialogue. Still, as the first part of a trilogy that ends with The Last Full Measure, this is a superbly crafted, instantly essential film for Civil War study. For all its misguided priorities, Gods and Generals is a noble effort, honoring faith and patriotism with the kind of reverence that has all but vanished from American film - but provides abundant proof that historical accuracy is no guarantee of great storytelling. --Jeff Shannon

Description

A sweeping epic charting the early years of the Civil War and how campaigns unfolded from Manassas to the Battle of Fredericksburg, this prequel to the film Gettysburg explores the motivations of the combatants and examines the lives of those who waited at home.

Customer Reviews:

God Help Us.......2007-06-29

My wife and I both enjoyed "Gettysburg" and looked forward to watching "Gods and Generals". It was one of the worst films we've watched in years. To be fair, we did endure the whole thing. They should have re-named it "The Start of the Civil War as Seen by the South". This film portrays the generals from the south as religious zealots (especially Jackson) and the generals from the north as pompous idiots. This may be historically accurate but most of the film's focus wasted time on just one of these zealots: "Stonewall" Jackson. It was painful watching this delusional idiot who was no better than the religious terrorists we face today. The highlight of the film was when Jackson was accidentally killed by his own men. There is justice in the world after all. There were a few good scenes, such as when a lone soldier from each side greeted the other from across the river. However, I would have liked to have seen a more balanced account of this part of the Civil War without all of the religious dogma. This review is short since I don't want to waste any more time on this film.

great movie.......2007-05-17

This movie put me into the Civil War spirit of the moment. I was completely caught up in the sadness and the glory of the war. Points that I never new were brought up such as Robert E. Lee turning down the offer by Lincoln to be the commanding general for the Union Army.

I will continue to purchase other movies about the Cival War. This was a tremendously important part of our history.

Very disappointing from the book.......2007-05-07

If you read the book, don't buy this movie for you will be very disappointed. While the movie does have it's own value entertainment, it does not follow the book very well at all. The movie does not develop the characters at all, especially the relationships between the various Generals for both sides. The book particularly hit on the close relationship between Hancock and Armistead that was never even mentioned in this movie. I actually ran into Jeff Shaara in Gettysburg a few years ago and expressed my disappoint in the movie and he expressed his disappoint in how the movie was portrayed also. It would be nice if they finished the series and did a screenplay of "The last full measure" but it would need to be a mini-series or at least 3 hours long.

Awesome.......2007-05-02

Awesome movie. (Even though Jackson was a tad nutty)
I would always recommend it to anyone!

A Civil War Masterpiece.......2007-05-01

About twenty-five years ago, when I was in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, "Soldier of Fortune" used to get passed around. As I watched this film I couldn't help but remember a t-shirt that was always for sale within the magazine's pages: "GOD GUNS & GUTS MADE AMERICA GREAT." That seems to be the message of this historical epic, except that, here, the message is that they made the Confederacy great too.

The film starts out with Robert Duvall, as Robert E. Lee, expressing his sympathy for the Southern cause to a Federal official offering him a high position in the Union Army. The film portrays the Confederates as being moved not as much by support for slavery, but against what they see as an armed invasion of their lands by their own countrymen. We also get to hear the Northerners side of it, and neither side is demonized in this film.

It's not about good guys and bad guys: The film tries to show that both sides had moral reasons for going to war; that men on both sides were brave and honorable; and that Christianity and God loomed large in the hearts of Confederates and Unionists alike. For example, when asked why he is so fearless, "Stonewall" Jackson replies: "My religious beliefs teach me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time of my death. I do not concern myself with that but to be always ready whenever it should overtake me."

The film ultimately tilts to the Southern side, only because it focuses more on Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson than anyone else. The film takes us from the dawn of the War right up to General Jackson's death by friendly fire at Chancellorsville.

It is a long film - very long - and those with short attention spans may not be able to last to the end. But it is to the Civil War what Mel Gibson's "The Passion of Christ" was to the last day of Christ's life on earth: A Masterpiece.

Average customer rating:

Times change
One of the old classics
ANOTHER HARRYHAUSEN CLASSIC
Jason, Hercules. . . and his argonauts
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TOLD VERSION OF THIS STORY !

Jason and the Argonauts
Starring: Todd Armstrong , Nancy Kovack , Gary Raymond , Laurence Naismith , and Niall MacGinnis
Director: Don Chaffey
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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Jason and the Argonauts

ASIN: 0767810864
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Amazon.com essential video

Arguably the most intelligently written film to feature the masterful stop-motion animation of Ray Harryhausen, Jason and the Argonauts is a colorful adventure that takes full advantage of Harryhausen's "Dynarama" process. Inspired by the Greek myth, the story begins when the fearless explorer Jason (Todd Armstrong) returns to the kingdom of Thessaly to make his rightful claim to the throne, but the gods proclaim that he must first find the magical Golden Fleece. Consulting Hera, the queen of gods, Jason recruits the brave Argonauts to crew his ship, and they embark on their eventful journey. Along the way they encounter a variety of mythic creatures, including the 100-foot bronze god Talos, the batlike Harpies, the seven-headed reptilian Hydra, and an army of skeletons wielding sword and shield. This last sequence remains one of the finest that Harryhausen ever created, and it's still as thrilling as anything from the age of digital special effects. Harryhausen was the true auteur of his fantasy films, and his brilliant animation evokes a timeless sense of wonder. Jason and the Argonauts is a prime showcase for Harryhausen's talent--a wondrous product of pure imagination and filmmaking ingenuity. The DVD contains an informative interview with Harryhausen by filmmaker John Landis. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Times change.......2007-06-26

This was far and away one of my favorite childhood movies. So I got this DVD with the highest hopes that my kids (ages 8 and 6) would enjoy it as much as I did. Overall they found the story entertaining but they were utterly unimpressed by these same special effects which are so memorable to most of us. The skeleton battle scene was the notable exception but its' anticlimactic end left them wondering: "That's it?". The bottom line is my kids have not asked to see it again.

Sadly, I actually can see their point. Technology has come too far. Watching this movie now reminded me of when I was a kid watching movies from the 30's (e.g. King Kong, Flash Gordon) and thinking then how crude those special effects seemed. Since special effects were the main reason (acting or dialogue certainly aren't) for watching "Jason and the Argonauts", this movie has lost its' allure for me too.

One of the old classics.......2007-03-11

There is no way you can go wrong with this movie.....highly entertaining.

ANOTHER HARRYHAUSEN CLASSIC.......2007-03-08

This is another fine example of the incredible body of work the Master Ray Harryhausen has to offer. The dreaded 7 headed hydra and the famous 7 skeleton sword fight are two of the many highlights in this film. The DVD transfer could have been better, but there are some nice extras.

Jason, Hercules. . . and his argonauts.......2007-02-17

Not only does this one have rollicking special effects by the master Harryhausen, but it is quite intelligent in delivery. The negotiations between the gods of Mt. Olympus, Jason and his people leave you wondering if real life actually works that way. Are the gods that watch over us, playing us like pawns? Who knows, but Jason, who arrives personally to Mt. Olympus and discusses his longing to find the "golden fleece", then finds the paths that the gods bestow to the ends of the earth.
Wonderful movie, fine cast, believable effects, and astounding score by Bernard Herrmann, the John Williams of his day.

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST TOLD VERSION OF THIS STORY !.......2007-01-25

IF YOU LIKE THIS KIND OF STORY THIS IS THE BEST TOLD VERSION WITH THESE'S ACTOR'S IF THEY HAVE A BETTER ONE OTHER THERE I NEVER SAW IT AND I SEEN LOT'S OF MOVIE'S ! ... P.S. SOME OF THE BEST SCI/FI F/X OF IT'S TIME !

Average customer rating:

One is Classic, the other terrible...
The best on the Civil War
Great Series and Historically Accurate!
Civil War Buffs
Civil War History at it's best!

Gettysburg / Gods and Generals
Starring: Tom Berenger , Martin Sheen , Stephen Lang , Richard Jordan , and Jeff Daniels
Director: Ronald F. Maxwell
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Gods & Generals

ASIN: B000GW8OA0
Release Date: 2007-01-02

Description

Key battles of America's Civil War thunder across the screen in two richly scaled, rigorously authentic, powerfully compelling epics based on acclaimed historical novels by Michael Shaara. The tide of the war changes during three fierce days of combat at Gettysburg [Disc 1], the gripping saga of the tactics, command errors and sacrifices behind the bloodiest battle ever fought on U.S. soil. Gods and Generals [Disc 2] reveals the spirited allegiances and fierce combat of earlier Civil War struggles, framing its tale with the fateful clashes at Bull Run, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. These sprawling films remind us of the people, passions and heroism that fanned the flames of a country at war with itself.

Customer Reviews:

One is Classic, the other terrible..........2007-05-29

While they are both very accurate and both likely a civil war enthusiast's dream, the former, "Gettysburg" is actually a terrific movie, paced and written and acted quite well (except for some rather bad adding by extras...its forgivable). Gettysburg is a must for everyone. It is important US history of obe of our country's defining battles, told in a very convincing human manner.

The second movie included "Gods and Generals" comes from the same director, Ron Maxwell, off the novel written by "The Killer Angels" (Made into Gettysburg) son, Jeff Sharra. Unfortunately, this movie doesn't come close to what was shown possible in Gettysburg. In many instances, the movie is rendered almost unwatchable. While realistic almost to a fault, Maxwell sacrifices competent movie making for the sake of the hard core civil war enthusiasts. While the written word of the day was far more floaty and discriptive than today's writing by the masses, soldiers of day still had slang, and its hard to believe a second of the lofty impromtu speeches given by soldiers in the confusing of battle. This movie tends of be more a series of recorded speeches than providing any kind of vehicle to tell such an important story to the masses. The movie tanked at the box office and rightfully so...its an awful movie. And its a shame. Ted Turner (who financed both movies) subsequently lost faith in Ron Maxwell as a movie maker and sold off the rights to "The Last Full Measure" (the third book in the trilogy) for pennies on the dollar. Here's hoping a competent movie maker attempts the 3rd installment or Maxwell can make a return to his roots.

The best on the Civil War.......2007-05-04

These two films are the real thing, civil war movies at their best, in addition to great drama and acting taking ones' breath away. They cover the first three years of the Civil war including the battles of Bull Run, Fredricksberg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg(Antietem is not included).

Gods and Generals follows the stories of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin and Stonewall Jackson but is mostly the story of Stonewall Jackson and his leadership and religious beleifs. This is a wonderful folm shot on location with many reenactors and brilliant acting, a fair depiction of both sides and real poetry in the language.

Gettysburg covers the three day battle that is seen as deciding the war and concentrates on Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet and Joshua L. Chamberlin and his main company. A brilliant film full of tragedy and love.

Seth J. Frantzman

Great Series and Historically Accurate!.......2007-03-17

I loved this series. As a Civil War reenactor, and a history/education major, I have to say that these movies are awesome. I would also reccomend The Last Full Measure. The only thing I can find that is NOT historically correct off the top of my head is that in real life Lee asked for time to decide between his country and his state. I also wish that they had covered what actually happened at the Wilderness better. The Wilderness caught on fire, and the soldiers who were wounded, but not killed, burned to death. This is a part of the battle that was completely left out of the movie.

Civil War Buffs.......2007-03-10

My son's and I have recently moved to North Carolina and have an interest in the Civil War. These 2 movies are excellently done. The visual and audio effects are both tasteful and artful. One of my son's was studying the Civil War in High School and he enjoyed the movies very much. I would recommend either of these movies to any one, not just Civil War enthusiasts! Pop some pop corn and enjoy these movies with the whole family. However, I would want to watch them first before allowing young viewers to watch them. They are war movies, afterall.

Mirl

Civil War History at it's best!.......2006-11-05

Both of these movies are based on the books by father and son historians Michael & Jeff Shaara. Gettysburg is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning book "The Killer Angels". No school library should be without these two wonderful films and the related books. These movies were filmed using reinactors and are very realistic and very close to actual events. These films were made by Ted Turner and part of a trilogy. The third movie about the defeat of the Confederacy may or may not be completed (PLEASE Ted do the film!!). A fourth movie "Andersonville" is about the infamous southern prison camp (not for the squeamish!!).
I cannot recommend these movies highly enough. They are GREAT films for every American to view at least once so that they understand how terrible the Civil War really was. Very entertaining and not to be missed.

Average customer rating:

The God's must be crazy
One of the Best!
Best film out of Africa ever!
Classic. insightful and very funny!
It's great!

The Gods Must Be Crazy
Starring: Vera Blacker , Nic De Jager , Ken Gampu , N!xau , and Paddy O'Byrne
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0001Y4LBY
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

The God's must be crazy.......2007-06-09

I had seen this movie years ago and loved it.I watched it again a week ago I still love it and will watch again.It is really funny and entertaining.It is worth buying.

One of the Best!.......2007-06-08

This movie has always been one of my favorites. Very few productions capture the ridiculous nature of modern society as well as "The Gods Must Be Crazy". The stark contrast between a Bushman and "civilized" people show that the Bushman is happier and better off without all of the items that we think we need. The movie continues to poke fun at our culture and taboos. If you watch this movie, you should read the trivia on it. The Bushman had never acted before, and was, in fact, a real Bushman. The movie did not do well in theaters, but caught on later to become a cult classic. This is one of those movies that everyone should see at least once!

Best film out of Africa ever!.......2007-05-12

Not really the best movie ever in the history of movies, but one that everyone should watch for its unique charm. Low budget movie with high value content. Btw, this is a movie and not a documentary, so you cant really take anything they say about Africa or its people as fact.

Classic. insightful and very funny!.......2007-05-04

I was first introduced to this film in high school. We were studying the effects of the West on those from other parts of the world, and nothing says Western arrival like the triumphant descent of the infamous Coke bottle, that mysteriously drops from the sky and plagues tribal leader Xi (N!xau) and his family. Why did this thing fall to Earth, and why does it continue to plague him, no matter what lengths he goes to get rid of it (even throw it off of the ends of the Earth, for good and all). Add in the subplot (or counterplot), with a bumbling scientist (Marius Weyers) with an incredible fear of women, especially beautiful blondes (Sandra Prinsloo), and you've got a great slapstick comedy with a message!

I haven't had a chance to watch the sequel, but I plan to do it straight away. This, the original, is wonderful and though, it definitely has a 1980s feel (it was filmed in 1980), it still remains very funny and clever, complete with fast-forward photography, enough silliness to sustain the attentions of the youngest viewers, and a compelling message for the rest of us, about the fate of "modern" civilization. Wonderful. I believe that the United Nations should make this a prerequisite for anyone planning to pursue a career in politics.

It's great!.......2007-03-20

I really liked this movie. It's a classic if you live or have lived in Africa, I had heard about it from so many of my African friends I finally bought it for myself. Very funny.

Average customer rating:

Mythological Fiction
Great set, terrible acting
Great Mythological Story/Bad Director!
Give it a chance.
sex sex sex not for kids

Jason and the Argonauts
Starring: Jason London , Frank Langella , Natasha Henstridge , Derek Jacobi , and Olivia Williams
Director: Nick Willing
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

The Odyssey
Hercules
Clash of the Titans
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ASIN: B00004U28P
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Amazon.com

Is your classical Greek rusty? This is just the thing--a feast of epic Greek mythology--and the classic tale of Good (Jason, Theseus, Hercules, Orpheus) versus Evil (angry gods, Poseidon, Harpies, the women of Lemnos) is a great introduction. The plot has been entertaining people for thousands of years and is still going strong--now strengthened by great special effects and good acting. Sure, some people will think this version isn't "high culture" enough (it's a bit reminiscent of The Clash of the Titans), but those folks should probably be reading Bulfinch's Mythology instead of watching TV anyway.

The DVD includes a "making of" documentary, "notable and quotable," detailed cast and crew information, scene access, and Dolby surround sound. Even hard-core fans of Ray Harryhausen's 1963 stop-motion-animation version will find room in their hearts (and DVD libraries) for this one. Although the basic plot elements are the same, the two versions achieve very different (and both quite enjoyable) effects. The new Jason and the Argonauts is something kids and adults can all enjoy. --Tara Chace

Description

Inspired by the Greek myth, the story begins when the fearless explorer Jason returns to the kingdom of Thessaly to make his rightful claim to the throne, but the gods proclaim that he must first find the magical Golden Fleece. Consulting Hera, the Queen of gods, Jason recruits the Argonauts to crew his ship, and they embark on their eventful journey.

Customer Reviews:

Mythological Fiction.......2007-05-26

This was a better-than-average attempt to portray a mythological literary event on film. Not for the very young, as some disturbing violent scenes are present. I DO happen to like this genre of movie, however, even though hardly any of them would rate 5-stars in my humble opinion.

Great set, terrible acting.......2007-05-13

Having seen Hallmark's production of The Odyssey, I expected this version of Jason and the Argonauts to meet those same standards. It didn't! Alessandro plays such a great Odysseus, and I think this is what makes that version of the Odyssey so great. The settings and effects are okay, but it's good because of the excellence the actors use in playing the characters. Hallmark's Jason and the Argonauts has a great set with good costumes etc., but Jason and Orpheus are terribly misrepresented by the actors in this film! Jason and Orpheus are perhaps two of the most important characters, yet they are portrayed by the worst actors in the film. I'm sorry, but a great set simply cannot make up for this.

Great Mythological Story/Bad Director!.......2007-03-20

I enjoy Greek Mythology and I love this story. Although there was alot of bad acting especially from the lead character Jason, who acted like he was stoned throughout the film. I was expecting the Hydra guarding the golden fleece but got a oversized Komoto Dragon(Lost me there) This Film had potential but the director went off on some wierd drug indused trip. Overall I was dissappointed and was expecting more. Sorry!

Give it a chance........2007-01-16

Almost all of the negative reviews revolve around a comparison to the original. I personally have some issues with the original's stop-motion animation. Filmmakers don't use that technique anymore because it isn't realistic. Yes it's a classic...but let's view this new version with an open mind.

The effects in this version are outstanding. I really enjoyed the gods up in the clouds bickering and messing around with the lives of mortals. Exactly how they are portrayed in mythology.

I only happened across this movie when it was on SciFi channel, after Kull the Conqueror. If you really want to see the worst movie of the 20th century...check out Kull. Not even watchable. But when Jason and the Argonauts came on, I was immediately taken by the depth of the acting. I think the choice of Jason London was done on purpose...he obviously is portraying an "innocent", not established in any way as a man, and at the whim of the gods.

And I happen to believe that Baron Munchausen is one of the most glorious scifi/fantasy movies ever made (along with Dune), so I consider any comparisons a compliment to the new Argonauts.

(Side note...this is apparently a fullscreen DVD. I do not know why they continue to make these. I am looking into the widescreen version, which is apparently only available in Region 2 PAL format.)

sex sex sex not for kids.......2006-03-28

This movie has a SEX sceane in it that is not kid friendly.

Average customer rating:

Inconsistent production and confusing storyline
What a waste!
Fantastic visuals, interesting story
What a Mess
Supreme Science Fiction Fantasy Visuals

Immortal
Starring: Linda Hardy (II) , Thomas Kretschmann , Charlotte Rampling , Frédéric Pierrot , and Thomas M. Pollard
Director: Enki Bilal
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0008ENI0W
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Customer Reviews:

Inconsistent production and confusing storyline.......2007-05-30

For the most part, I enjoyed this movie, but the experience was bumpy, mostly because the quality of the visuals were inconsistent. Some scenes were gorgeous, while others (the Gods in the pyramid, in particular) looked like something out of a 90's video game. The story was a little hard to follow, but if you like hard sci-fi, you'll probably enjoy it.

What a waste!.......2007-05-19

The movie is awsome and everything written in the other reviews is correct. Just one BIG screw up:

The original movie is in french. The original graphic novel was written in french. As showed in the special features the filmakers spent months to lipsinc the entire movie with the lines in french.

So why in heaven would they REMOVE THE ORIGINAL SOUND IN FRENCH FROM THE DVD??? What the hell did they have in mind??? There's plenty of space for both english and french sound!

BIG mistake! They didn't even put subtitles in the begining of the movie when the gods are speaking to each other in a weird language (neither french or english). What they say is VERY important for the entire plot. In the french version they included subtitles in this part...

Summary: Great movie, awful release...

Fantastic visuals, interesting story.......2007-03-22

I'd first like to take issue with the many references to Blade Runner. Simply because a movie has a film noir atmosphere and is set in the near-mid future doesn't make it a Blade Runner clone. The stories of these two films are nothing alike. Enough said there. :o)

Wow, this film looks fantastic. It's major eye candy from start to finish. I think the noir aspect goes slightly too far with the flying cars that look like the result of a 50's taxi getting a makeover on "Junkyard My Ride," but otherwise it's as fascinating to watch as the plot is fascinating to see unfold.

I love the animal-headed Egyptian gods who feature strongly (mainly Horus, the film's focal point), and the story built around him and the female protagonist is interesting. It draws just enough from mythology to feed the plot without trying to rewrite history, and the people and events surrounding them are interesting and relevent.

There is some ambiguity at times where you're not sure exactly what's going on and exactly what sort of future this is, but otherwise it's hard not to just sit back and be engrossed. Ultimately I disliked Horus but at the same time understood how deep his motivations ran, and that sort of thing is important in character-building. Visually...wow, what a piece of work he is.

I highly recommend this for any sci-fi fan, but even if that isn't your thing there's still a great story, great characters, and a nice noir feel to satisfy non sci-fi fans. The sci-fi aspect doesn't overwhelm the story, even given the fantastic visuals and eye-catching aircraft. Please support them and buy this so they'll make more.

What a Mess.......2007-02-18

It's too bad that Bilal chose to direct this himself. Another director might have been able to keep the story on point. While the visuals are well done, they are highly derivative (Blade Runner anyone?) and they are not enough to make this sloppy story worth watching. Were this a longer format piece, it might be better in that all of the random tangents would eventually be given the opportunity to pay off, but as it is Immortal's just a beautiful mess.

Supreme Science Fiction Fantasy Visuals.......2007-02-09

Okay, the movie is not typical and many people will be turned off by the slow pace and lack of familiar references. But the film itself is art. Bilial, the artist behind the film; it's based on one of his graphic novels that I knew from the Heavy Metal Magazine (which has little to do with the music genre of the same name); is an influential graphic artist that has illustrated literary work.
The special effects and sets of Immortal, and this is not a huge budget film, are fantastic and richer than anything in Blade Runner. I admit George Lucas did a good job on the sets of the last two Star Wars movies, but Immortals' sets are just as good, more detailed and you have time to see them.
A cerebral film for lovers of fine SF/fantasy/animation.

Average customer rating:

I LOVE this movie:It is soooo groaty!!!!

The Food of the Gods
Starring: Marjoe Gortner , Pamela Franklin , Ralph Meeker , Jon Cypher , and Ida Lupino
Director: Bert I. Gordon
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000RO9PV4
Release Date: 2007-09-11

Customer Reviews:

I LOVE this movie:It is soooo groaty!!!!.......2007-06-26

It has all kinds of groaty monsters including:giant rats,giant bees,giant roosters, and my favorite,giant maggots (ewwwe)!!!!!!!!

In Search of History - The Greek Gods (History Channel)

Average customer rating:

In Search of History, and it found it!!
History Altered for Modern Palatablity
Just OK

In Search of History - The Greek Gods (History Channel)
Starring: In Search of History
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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Ancient Greece - Traditions of Greek Culture
Gods and Goddesses
The True Story of Alexander the Great (History Channel)
Empires - The Greeks: Crucible of Civilization
The History Channel Presents The Crusades - Crescent & The Cross

ASIN: B000BF0CNO
Release Date: 2005-12-27

Description

Their exploits were recorded and passed down through countless generations. Their images inspired some of the most beautiful art ever created. Their names echo throughout history. From their mythical home atop Mount Olympus, the Greek gods played an integral part in Ancient Greek life. THE HISTORY CHANNEL® explores the fascinating history of these enduring figures through period accounts, interviews with renowned historians and classicists, and stunning location footage, including glimpses into the gods' phenomenal temples. Learn why the ancient deities were endowed with human failings and discover the significance of the most famous Greek myths. View the magnificent artwork that preserved their images and learn how these epic figures have been integrated into modern life. From Aphrodite to Zeus, THE GREEK GODS presents an unforgettable exploration of the mythic and monumental world of Greek deities. DVD Features: Interactive Menus; Scene Selection

Customer Reviews:

In Search of History, and it found it!!.......2007-05-13

Great History DVD, the Greek Gods are well descrived, and the journey is really interesting. Recommended!

History Altered for Modern Palatablity.......2007-05-04

Two hours' worth of info on the Ancient Greek gods!? You can't help but learn something. I didn't know the word "hygiene" came from a god's offspring. I knew one goddess burst out of Zeus' head, but I didn't know another appeared from a god's bleeding genitals.

Though informative, this is filled with cheesy reenactments. The work could have been shorter. It has a diverse group of interviewees in terms of gender and institutional location.

I thought it was a bit heterosexist. It emphasizes that Zeus seduced goddesses and mortal women. I don't recall it mentioning Ganymede and that Zeus seduced males too. Perhaps due to the cross-generational romance in male-on-male mythology, the History Channel didn't want to turn off concerned parents. Still, it seems like a bigoted de-gaying of the past that is potentially oppressive. It also doesn't give modern viewers an accurate picture of Ancient Greek life and beliefs. We see reenactments of heterosexual romance, but none of the [...] variety.

In Ancient Greece, statues and people were often nude. This work dances around that fact, but it doesn't avoid it. You see the silhouette of an athlete being crowned and it's implied that the athlete and the rewarder are nude.

You may want to see this work after showing "Clash of the Titans" to first-time viewers.

Just OK.......2007-02-15

The DVD is just basics on the Greek Gods. No real detail, but an overview.

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