Swing Kids

Starring:Robert Sean Leonard, Christian Bale, Frank Whaley, Barbara Hershey, Tushka Bergen, David Tom, Julia Stemberger, Jayce Bartok, Noah Wyle, Johan Leysen, Douglas Roberts, Martin Clunes, Jessica Stevenson, Carl Brincat, Mary Fogarty, Karel Belohradsky, Peter Baikie, Jennifer Chamberlain, Lucie VackarovÃ¡, Katerina Dankova
Director: Thomas Carter (II)
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

This strange movie with a niche subject--jazz-loving, dance-loving German kids persecuted by Hitler's men--almost works, thanks to a good cast who seem devoted to the unusual story line. Director Thomas Carter doesn't bring the necessary stylistic oomph to the musical sequences, something that might have pushed the whole production to another, more interesting level of Hollywood dream. Kenneth Branagh makes a particularly effective, wolf-in-sheep's-clothing Nazi official. --Tom Keogh

Description

In 1939, Nazi Germany declares war on freedom and demands conformity from its youth. But a group calling themselves Swing Kids rebel with their "swing music" from America. When two of them dare to stand up against the powerful forces around them -- traditions will be broken and loyalties must be crossed! Robert Sean Leonard (DEAD POETS SOCIETY) and Christian Bale (SHAFT, AMERICAN PSYCHO) deliver gripping performances as two friends who must choose between their individual freedom or loyalty to the murderous Third Reich. Also featuring screen favorite Barbara Hershey (BEACHES, TIN MEN), SWING KIDS is an inspirational and powerful story about friendship -- and finding the courage to fight for what you believe in!

Customer Reviews:

You cannot love swing and be a Nazi.......2007-07-02

"Swing Heil!" that was the rally cry of the Swing Kids fighting against the oppression of Nazi Germany with the music of Africans and Jews. Swing records had to be re-labeled to come into Germany. As soon as the Nazis learned about Benny Goodman, his records were relabeled in the name of his drummer, Gene Krupa.

"Swing Kids" is the story of three friends: Arvid, Peter, and Thomas and how swing and Nazism effected them. It's also about how music was a rallying cry for a nation of young people searching for something else to believe in.

The film's got a powerful lesson behind it about thinking for yourself. "Don't accept a job if you don't know the consequences," a Gestapo agent tells Peter when he's delivering books for a bookseller. Peter again recalls that lesson when delivering packages for the HJ.

While I would second that a lot of the story was predictable, what made it glorious were the performances of the cast and the music itself. I got this film in the bargain bin, but I promise I will be spreading the word to friends to buy and watch "Swing Kids." It's well worth the price--and then some.

WONDERFULLY PALATABLE LEARNING!!.......2007-05-03

I saw this for the first time when I substituted for a history class, so I got to see it 5 times over 3 days. :) I loved the music and dancing. Beyond that, this was not just good family entertainment, but informative and a wonderful, and very palatable way to teach a little known segment of history to a sometimes resistant "student." If this couldn't get around the resistant, then nothing can! It wasn't meant to be a documentary, (for those who are so critical), nor a more adult fare drama like Schindler's List. In fact, the documentary format is usually not so palatable, thus not so readily learned. BRAVO! Great movie!

A Time In Hell.......2007-04-29

This is a film that brings out one of the overlooked aspects to life in Nazi Germany. Almost anyone who has any interest in History or World War 2 know of the Hitler Youth that actually took the place of the Boy Scouts in Nazi Germany. I dare say that few people know about those brave young people that chose to resist and be different at great personal risk and reject the Nazi Creed while following their first love...Swing Music. This Film solidly brings their story to the screen in a dramatic and heartwarming way. The cast in very good and bring the movie off very well. The only drawback to the film is that the actors speak their lines in perfect English. English spoken with a German accent would have added somewhat for those purists among us. Otherwise, the film is excellent and well worth viewing, Go ahead, learn something new!

5 Stars!.......2007-03-14

The movie gives a nice historical reference of the mind set to some of the kids that weren't into the whole idea of a pure race that should be dominating over others. How that despite how strong a bond you can have with someone, the power of propoganda is something that is equal to none. The acting is realistic and seems to hold a strong sense of natural reactions to the problems laid before the "Swing Kids". Great movie overall, I'm a large WWII buff and this prospective on the younger side of those who didn't support Nazism through joining the Hitler Juggands was much overlooked view.

A story about freedom, oppression and the evil in-between.......2007-01-16

I am a big fan of Christian Bale. "Empire of the Sun" by Steven Spielbierg was a real masterpiece and Bale - young as he was - carried it like a man and a talented one at that. I did not really follow his career until I watched Chris Nolan's Batman Begins. I realised that an actor like that must have made some movies in between that were probably pretty good. So I picked up "Swing Kids". A simple story of a bunch of friends in Germany who are in love with big band music from America circa 1940, and who represent a kind of happy American rebellion against the severity and violence of Nazism. As the Nazis recruit Nazi Youth members for their SS army and Hitler's propaganda reaches its heights, loyalties are split. Especially since one of the friends is Jewish. Bale is the first to fall as he becomes consumed by Nazi nonsense and foregoes underground Swing Nights at the usual pubs to raid Swing Night groupies instead. Robert Sean Leonard's character is the Empathiser who wakes up to the immorality of his own countrymen when he sees the way their Jewish friend is taunted and maimed. As Bale's best friend, Leonard represents the Conscience. The movie builds up to an intense climax at a Swing club whereby Leonard abandons all inhibitions and dances madly even as he awaits confrontation with Bale, whom he knows will turn up. On distinct opposing sides, Leonard attempts to shake Bale out of his brainwashed stupor to see the reality of his actions. There are great performances in this movie and the plot is simple yet engaging. If you watch it without the usual expectations associated with highly publicised blockbusters, you will realise that this is really a good movie and wonder "How did I miss it?"

Retro Hustle, Disco Style - Hustle Dancing for Beginners (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series)

Average customer rating:

Don't try other hustle DVDs - this is the one!
Great Video!
Having some fun now
Back to Disco Dancing
These instructors make learning to dance easy!

Retro Hustle, Disco Style - Hustle Dancing for Beginners (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series)
Starring: Shawn Trautman
Director: DanceLessonDVDs.com
Manufacturer: XiDance.com
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Kids & Family | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Couples Ultimate Dance Sampler (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)
Hot & Spicy Salsa for Beginners (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)
Swing Dance (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)
Slow Dance for All Occasions (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series)
You Can Dance Nightclub - Rock/Disco & Slow Dancing

ASIN: B000BP5R2K
Release Date: 2005-10-10

Product Description

It's time to take on the dance floor! Hustle is characterized by an extremely smooth look, with the dancers turning, rotating, and moving around the floor with seamless motion and minimal vertical movement or bounce. It is a three-count dance, danced as &-1-2-3, 1-2-and-3, or Quick-Quick-Slow-Slow to four-count music. Overall, the Hustle is a dance that was born as an adaptation to the new music of the disco craze, but has survived as a dance that has and will continue to grow with the times, trends and needs of the dancing public. It is a versatile dance with chameleon qualities that make it a highly effective tool in the beginner dancer's playbook. Released in October of 2005, Multiple camera angles and Picture-In-Picture technology make this DVD very appealing on top of the well thought out lesson plan that will have you dancing shortly after starting. Shawn Trautman has been a coach and mentor to numerous World Champions as well as countless social dancers since the early 1990's. Shawn welcomes people from all walks of life regardless of shape, size, or ability to his classes. His broad experience in both dance and Advanced Learning Techniques makes his methods of instruction innovative, easy, and fun. If you're ready to learn and have fun, Shawn Trautman's Learn To Dance Series is the way to go. Order your copy today, and be ready to dance by next weekend!

Customer Reviews:

Don't try other hustle DVDs - this is the one!.......2007-06-16

Honestly, when I first thought about Hustle, I thought it was an old out-dated dance that no one did anymore. Then I saw some dancers actually do the hustle and it looked like so much fun. I bought 3 or 4 DVDs on Hustle and Shawn's was one of them. It was the only DVD that put things into the beginners perspective and broke down each step for someone like me who doesn't understand some of the basic steps of dancing. I usually only had to review things once and he provided plenty of time for me to practice which I surely needed! I recommend this to any person looking to dance the hustle. You've found the right DVD!

Great Video!.......2007-03-14

I always wanted to learn to do the hustle because it goes with so many styles of music. This is a fantastic learning tool. Shawn breaks the dance down in such a clear format that it is easy to pick up. He also offers a lot of hints which are super helpful. I've been dancing for a long time and was surprised to see a video that was just as educational as private instruction. I can't wait to try the west coast swing!!

Having some fun now.......2006-11-23

Hi, having some fun now. this dvd is great.It teaches you the steps
at a slow pace.You watch, look, and listen and you will be dancing in know time.
Then put it to your music and dance away.enjoy.

Back to Disco Dancing.......2006-10-23

In the early 80's my wife and I did a lot of Disco dancing but somehow the dance craze died down and we forgot all the moves. Now with this DVD it brings us back to dancing Disco again which is great for when we go on cruises and even social dancing in our hometown. There seem to be a revival of the old Disco dance. The steps and moves in the DVD are all we need. They are easy to follow and to remember because of repetitive instructions. The review at the end sums it all up.

These instructors make learning to dance easy!.......2006-04-22

It is evident in this video lesson that these instructors really want you to learn the Hustle! The insight from their experience in teaching dance really shows when they can anticipate where a student might need help and then coach with precision through those steps. They repeat the dance steps often while counting and then help to build the skills needed for the more complex combinations. I really like the review of all of the steps at the end of the video and the bonus material that is included as a challenge. The lesson is fun and you will be inspired to dance when you watch this video!

Hot Country Dancing for Couples / Beginners (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series)

Average customer rating:

Great for Beginners!!
Can get you where you want to go
Worst dance tape I own!
Country Dancing Pros!
PERFECT GIFT FOR MY AUNT & UNCLE

Hot Country Dancing for Couples / Beginners (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series)
Starring: Shawn Trautman; Joanna Trautman
Director: DanceLessonDVDs.com
Manufacturer: XiDance.com
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Kids & Family | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Two-Step for Beginners Volume 1 (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)
A Quick Start Guide to Line Dancing (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series)
Essential Line Dances Volume 1 (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series)
Couples Ultimate Dance Sampler (Shawn Trautman's Dance Collection)
Country Dancing for Beginners

ASIN: B0009VF41K
Release Date: 2005-10-16

Product Description

If you're looking for a truly awesome way to learn several different country dances and dance types, this DVD is for you. Released in October of 2005, the Hot Country Dancing for Couples DVD was designed to get you feeling great about couples dancing and have no problem getting out on the dance floor. The instructor, Shawn Trautman, has been dancing and teaching in Country Nightclubs since the early 1990's and truly walks the walk as this isn't something right out of a 'Ballroom'. This DVD includes over 80 minutes of lessons on the following dances: Cactus Cha-Cha for Couples (Neon Moon); the Ten Step (Couples Style); the Sweetheart Schottische; the Barn Dance (Wild, Wild, West); some fun Two Step Dancing; and East Coast Swing. HD footage complemented by multiple camera angles and Picture-In-Picture technology make this DVD an easy "Must-Have" if you're wanting to explore the different dances. Don't miss your chance to vastly improve your Country Dance knowledge by passing this one by. In addition to teaching in the clubs, Shawn Trautman has been a coach and mentor to numerous World Champions as well as countless social dancers since the early 1990's. Shawn welcomes people from all walks of life regardless of shape, size, or ability to his classes. His broad experience in both dance and Advanced Learning Techniques makes his methods of instruction innovative, easy, and fun. If you're ready to learn and have fun, Shawn Trautman's Learn To Dance Series is the way to go. Order Hot Country Dancing for Couples, and be ready for your next outing.

Customer Reviews:

Great for Beginners!!.......2007-03-19

This is the second DVD I have bought from the Trautman's series. My fience' and I are preparing for our wedding and will be able to use several of these steps during the night. I can't believe we are having fun learning together instead of being frustrated with each other. Shawn breaks the steps down in such a way that we picked most of it up easily. (we're still practicing) Worth it.

Can get you where you want to go.......2007-01-25

I've been teaching couples dancing (rumba, cha, foxtrot, waltz, etc.) since 1993 and have designed a few dance DVDs. I got this DVD because I have no expertise in these particular dances. And I'm glad that I bought it.

Some people learn primarily by seeing a lot, others by hearing a lot, and still others by doing a lot. Most people learn best by getting some of each. Shawn Trautman overtalks the instruction? Not at all. DVDs that attempt to present a lot of information in a relatively short amount of time, as this one does, are condensed learning presentations. So, the necessary and helpful repetition of information may seem too much to people such as Mr. Davis. But if Shawn cut his verbal instruction way back, then people who learn primarily from hearing would be shortchanged. It is better to offer the maximum of which the DVD is capable, and let the viewer focus on what works for him/her.

Mr. Davis makes a value judgment when he says that he thinks that Shawn is "...trying to impress us..." I get the exact opposite impression. Shawn's presentation is very relaxed, even casual... as though he is a knowledgeable friend whom you invited into your house to teach you some dance basics. Friends don't try to impress; they try to help.

Would the DVD look different had I designed it? Sure, but it would be similar in more ways than it would be different. That's a matter of two teachers who have somewhat different approaches. There is no single correct method to teach dancing. Shawn's is certainly a valid technique.

The bottom line is: this DVD is a good introduction to the dances that are presented. People who buy it can expect to be successful in learning what is covered.

Worst dance tape I own!.......2007-01-19

This is by far the worst dance CD Ive seen and I own several. Trautman overtalks everything and makes all the moves much more difficult than they really are. Im a teacher myself with a degree in physical education and computers and have taken and taught many classes on teaching physical activities. This tape is very frustrating to watch and learn from. The only way you can get anything out of it is to watch it with the sound off so you dont have to hear the nonstop over complicated talk! I think hes trying to impress us with his chatter rather than teach dance. I have other tapes with the same moves and it takes 1/10 the time to learn the moves from them with no frustration and its actually fun! Gary in Texas.

Country Dancing Pros!.......2007-01-11

Living near an area where country music is king, I always wanted to know what the big fuss was about with country dancing, especially couples dancing. When I went out to a country western club, the couples line dances were AMAZING, but when I tried to catch on in the club, it just wasn't working. I searched all over to find DVDs like this one, and really there aren't many. When I found this one (I've bought from Shawn's series before) I was thrilled because I knew that he was a great instructor and already taught me quite a bit. After practicing for awhile, I went out to the same club and fit in really well! I even got a few compliments from my dance partners saying how fabulous I looked on the dance floor! If you want to dance the night away in the country club, this DVD is for you!

PERFECT GIFT FOR MY AUNT & UNCLE.......2006-11-27

My aunt and uncle are in their late 60's and took up line dancing at the community center about a year ago. Now they attend 3 times a week and sometimes help teach the classes.

As a gift, I decided to buy them a copy of this DVD and they absolutely love it. They haven't heard of amazon.com before and are now asking me where they can get more dances. Fortunately, I was able to search and find more DVDs from the same instructors.

I couldn't believe it as they were using just the step sheets to try to learn the dances. Since they had past experience dancing other dances, they were able to easily pick up the lessons in this DVD after just a couple times through. Now they're even shopping at the local western store for shirts, hats, etc. and have been going to the Country Western night clubs once a week in addition to the community center.

Many thanks to Shawn and Joanna for creating theses DVDs and helping me give the perfect Xmas gift to someone I had no clue what to get!

Average customer rating:

You cannot love swing and be a Nazi
WONDERFULLY PALATABLE LEARNING!!
A Time In Hell
5 Stars!
A story about freedom, oppression and the evil in-between

Swing Kids [Region 2]
Starring: Robert Sean Leonard , Christian Bale , Frank Whaley , Barbara Hershey , and Tushka Bergen
Director: Thomas Carter (II)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

Newsies (Collector's Edition)
Swing Kids: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Empire of the Sun
Royal Deceit
Newsies

ASIN: B0001IMCES

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

You cannot love swing and be a Nazi.......2007-07-02

WONDERFULLY PALATABLE LEARNING!!.......2007-05-03

A Time In Hell.......2007-04-29

5 Stars!.......2007-03-14

A story about freedom, oppression and the evil in-between.......2007-01-16

Michael Hebron's Blueprints for Building Your Golf Swing

Average customer rating:

Michael Hebron's Blueprints for Building Your Golf Swing
Starring: Michael Hebron
Director: N. Poillon
Manufacturer: Blueprints Video Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Kids & Family | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Sports | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0000AL9IP
Release Date: 1997-01-01

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