Children of a Lesser God

Starring:William Hurt, Marlee Matlin, Piper Laurie, Philip Bosco, Allison Gompf, John F. Cleary, Philip Holmes, Georgia Ann Cline, William D. Byrd, Frank Carter Jr., John Limnidis, Bob Hiltermann, E. Katherine Kerr, John Basinger, Barry Magnani, Linda Bove, Ann Hanson, James Carrington, Max Brown (II), MarÃa Cellario
Director: Randa Haines
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Mark Medoff's tough play about deafness is sweetened and softened in this 1986 film adaptation directed by Randa Haines (Wrestling Ernest Hemingway). William Hurt plays a teacher newly hired at a school for deaf children, and Marlee Matlin is the deaf and withdrawn janitor who captures his attention. Romantic and heartfelt, the film makes its audience care very much about its two leading characters, and wince when Hurt's well-meaning instructor allows Matlin's handicap to become a problem. Haines develops some interesting visual ideas to underscore the isolation of Matlin's world, particularly a lovely refrain that finds Matlin swimming alone at night. The drama is cut somewhat by the bouncy energy and good humor of Hurt's students. Piper Laurie is very good in a supporting role as Matlin's mother. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

A good plot ruined..........2006-09-26

This is a good movie, but could be better.
1) Having a "R" rating kind of limits the audience base. It could have reached more people if it was PG 13 instead. Maybe even PG. Maybe more people would watch it, like it, and discuss it if it wasn't necessary to rate it so strongly.
2) Is all the sex so necessary to the plot? No. It was embarrasing, to say the least. And their love would still be as strong if they restrained their passions until they were married.
3) The sex weakens the plot in another aspect. If Sarah hated her childhood, hated being known as promiscuious by every single boy in her neighborhood, you'd think she continue to distance herself from her mistakes, and make him wait until they were married. That would show that he loved her and cared for her so much he wouldn't mind waiting.
4)Yes, I can see the humor in having a deaf kid want to learn to speak so he can swear at people, but is it so necessary, I have to ask?

I hope somebody remakes the movie with these points in mind, enabling a greater audience to be exposed (to the ideas, not to the...you know...) to the deaf community.

James and Sarah's Story.......2006-08-15

Hollywood has often visited the story of the teacher who comes to make a difference. There have been some fine films born from that premise but Children of a Lesser God gets my vote as the really interesting one.

William Hurt's James is an offering that has a real feel to it. He has wandered through some of his earlier days, drifting and learning through a variety of different disciplines and jobs (as principal Bosco points out to him while he is interviewing Hurt). He is cocky, passionate and searching but there is also the hint of arrogance in his motivations. William Hurt has never been better and he delivers a subtle, intense and yet a kind performance.

Marlee Matlin's Sarah is equally as compelling and her portrayal- explosive and needing at every turn. No wonder she won the award for this work. She conveys the frustration this character feels with a precise on target delivery.

What makes this story interesting is that it is the story of a teacher who reaches into himself, reaches into a quiet that has robbed a group of students of their ability to actively participate, and reaches into the life of a young woman who has imprisoned herself in her own frustration and anger. All are changed by the results and in a very real, positive and life renewing way.

Randa Haines direction is restrained, inspired and poetic and the film plays like a glimpse into someone's life. It's a beautiful thing to watch and to learn something from. And while I've said it's a story of a teacher who has come to make a difference, it is also a very tender and moving story of love. Love between James and Sarah, between James and his students and between the small community that is depicted here.

Special mention to of Piper Laurie and Philip Bosco's work here as the mother and the principal. They are two extremely fine character actors whose work (as always) is nothing short of a joy to watch. They lend the more sage advice that rounds this story's points out to have some real weight.

If you're looking for a film that lends its love on several levels, this is the one for you.

Incredible.......2006-08-06

This is one of the best movies ever made that looks at a culture that still has not been touched upon by the media.

CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD.......2006-07-05

NOT SINCE THE STORY OF HELEN KELLER HAS THERE BEEN SUCH A SENSITIVE MOVIE ABOUT A HANDICAPPED PERSON. MARLEE MATLIN AND WILLIAM HURT ARE EXCELLENT, THE SCRIPT IS GREAT AND THE PRODUCTION VALUES LEAVE NOTHING TO DESIRE.

5 questions you might be asking.......2006-07-04

If you are reading this review, chances are you saw this movie many years ago and you might be asking yourself:

1) Does William Hurt talk unusually slow in this film, like he does in all of his films? Yes

2) Was this film like an afterschool special, filled with overwrought acting and obvious advice? No

3) Will the women have 80s big hair and be wearing shoulder pads? Quite possibly

4) Do I remember correctly that William Hurt's character speaks both the female and male dialogue in most of the key scenes? Oddly, yes. But we forgive it, because it is a necessary device.

5) Why is this film popping up in my subconscious, and why am I asking myself if I should watch it again? Because the film is better than you remember, and the ideas it discusses are still applicable to your conflicts today.

If you haven't watched the movie recently, I recommend watching it again. It is as strong as it was 20 years ago.

Please comment, express feedback, or suggest related movies.

Average customer rating:

Perfect Presentation of the Gospel for Young Children
Good movie.
The best claymation yet!
More Than the Perfect Kids' Film
More than a kids movie.

The Miracle Maker - Special Edition
Starring: Ralph Fiennes , Michael Bryant , Julie Christie , Rebecca Callard , and James Frain
Director: Derek W. Hayes , and Stanislav Sokolov
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Religion | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Joseph - King of Dreams
The Prince of Egypt
Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible: Daniel and the Lion's Den
Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible: David and Goliath
Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible: The Story of Moses

ASIN: B000LXGXVQ
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Amazon.com

This animated feature-length life of Jesus boasts a stellar pedigree. Originally a BBC: Wales production, it showcases the voices of some of Britain's finest actors in any medium: Ralph Fiennes as a brooding and humble Jesus, Miranda Richardson as Mary Magdalene, Richard E. Grant as John the Baptist, and David Thewlis as Judas. The lovely, flute-heavy score is by Oscar winner Anne Dudley (The Full Monty). And clearly a lot of expense has gone into the Claymation-like animation. But while it's hard to find fault with the rendering of this familiar story--it's respectful and definitely done, you might say, by the Book--it would have been nice if there had been a tad more joy, if it walked a bit lighter in its sandals. As it is, all the characters seem consistently subdued, whether they're expressing angst, rage, terror, or bliss--none of which is helped by the figures' blank-eyed stares (if animators are becoming ever more sophisticated, why can't they get rid of those creepy Charlie McCarthy gazes once and for all?). Still, the weight of having such formidable actors play these familiar roles lends the production a certain credibility, and parents looking for good religious videos that won't insult their kids' intelligence will be thrilled. --Anne Hurley

Description

The greatest story ever told comes to life in spectacular clay animation. THE MIRACLE MAKER: THE STORY OF JESUS will raise your faith to new heights. Featuring the voices of an all-star cast, Christ's ageless tale unfolds around the story of a family seeking help for an ailing daughter. When they cross paths with an extraordinary carpenter named Jesus, the family's faith is put to the test as the father is torn between allegiance to the king and the desperate need for the miraculous powers of God. Don't miss this blessed opportunity to witness firsthand the power and the glory of the kingdom of heaven in your own home.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Presentation of the Gospel for Young Children.......2007-05-18

I watched this with my 4-yr old daughter and was thrilled by the way it presents the gospel, and she loved it too. It opens up a new way to discuss the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The script and characters are impacting to adults too...it is definitely for the entire family.

The clay animation is well done and not amateur at all. I could not have been more pleased with this dvd.

Good movie........2007-05-13

This has been a wonderful addition to our Sunday morning Bible time. My son is 11 and has autism, my daughter is 7 (does not have autism). They both enjoy this dvd. It helps them understand more of the bible on their terms. They don't even realize that they are "learning" anything, except that we talk about the movie when it's done. They really like the characters. We find it perfect for the ages of our children.

The best claymation yet!.......2007-05-04

I can watch this movie over and over and not get tired of it. It tells the beautiful story of Jesus and his last days here. I couldn't believe they showed this one on television! Wonderful movie and worth buying!

More Than the Perfect Kids' Film.......2007-05-01

I watched this to find out if it would be a good film for kids to see about the life of Christ. (My favorite was and still is the 1977 mini-series, JESUS OF NAZARETH--still a powerhouse of A-list acting and a triumph of storytelling).

THE MIRACLE MAKER - THE STORY OF JESUS is not just terrific for kids to watch as an introduction to the Gospel, but it's also a visually compelling version of the greatest story ever told for any age. I only wished that the filmmakers had the time and money to commit every scene to claymation (some parables and flashbacks are shown as cell animation).

The familiar voices such as Ralph Fiennes (as Jesus), Julie Christie and David Thewlis definitely lifts this presentation above kids' fare, that's for sure.

Amazon says this DVD is currently unavailable. I hope that's a temporary status since this would make a great holiday gift for any kid. Or grown up.

More than a kids movie........2007-04-02

If you know the Gospels this movie plays with what you don't hear in them without taking away from the original message. The movie also gives you a better idea of what might have been going on politically in Jesus' time.The movie looks great too.

Average customer rating:

Excellent
Exceptional Rendering of Traditional Bible Story
MOSES (THE BIBLE COLLECTION)
Wonderful story of faith
Moses with a speech impediment

Moses (The Bible Collection)
Starring: Ben Kingsley , Frank Langella , Christopher Lee , Anna Galiena , and Enrico Lo Verso
Director: Roger Young
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Religion | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Miniseries | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

Abraham (The Bible Collection)
Joseph (The Bible Collection)
Jacob (The Bible Collection)
The Bible Collection
Samson and Delilah (The Bible Collection)

ASIN: B0006J28KA
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-04-10

This is not as exciting as Charlton Heston's TEN COMMANDMENTS but it is every bit as good in terms of instruction and as a depiction of a biblical story. It covers some aspects of the exodus story that are not found in the older classic and which help make more sense out of the story. The sets are not as big or as expensive but everything is well done.

The story is the seminal event for the story of the Jewish people and nation. The people are held as slaves in Egypt. Moses is raised as a privileged prince of the royal house but is conflicted. He kills an Egyptian while saving a Jewish slave and flees for his life. He finds safety but God orders him to go back and free the people. This he does with his brother and brings the people out of bondage and into the wilderness where they are forged into a real nation.

TNT did a great job on this series and this is one of the best of the group.

Exceptional Rendering of Traditional Bible Story.......2007-02-18

This entire series of Bible stories by this Italian production group is simply splendid. These are relatively low cost films but they are very skillfully produced to maximize the quality of the story being told. Of course we Christians and Jews will sit around and pontificate about every little error or short cut the movie script incurs, never the less, it is ultimately left to the actors and directors and their considerable skill to pull off what I consider to be, for the most part, some of the most successfully done Bible story dramatizations that have ever been produced on film, with or without a big budget. My favorite is the story of Abram, the movie Joseph coming in a close second, and this movie, Moses, coming in a close third or even equalling Joseph. Bravo bravo - Please make more! My five stars applies to this complete series of movies - Obviously some are done a little better than others, but the effort is exemplary.

MOSES (THE BIBLE COLLECTION).......2007-01-19

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORATE MOVIES THUS FAR. BEN KINGSLEY DOES A GREAT JOB OF PIN-POINTING THE BIBLE'S DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTER OF MOSES. THIS IS AN INSPIRING MOVIE THAT WILL BE TREASURED IN MY HOME.

Wonderful story of faith.......2006-07-06

This is one of the best adaptations of Moses. Ben Kingsley's portrayal is emotive and accurate. The whole cast bring forth a very powerful performance which truly encompasses the journey of trusting God and allowing him to guide you.
A truly beautiful feature.

Moses with a speech impediment.......2006-03-28

More accurate than the Prince of Egypt but still falsely presenting Pharaoh as Ramses... doesn't anyone realize the Pharaoh obviously wasn't the firstborn of his father since he wasn't killed in the plague?! Also, Moses was a general of Pharaoh's army... not a blundering clutz with a speech impediment (stuttering) as they present him here. This movie exalts Aaron as the one constantly making Moses go on. We know Moses was reluctant at times, but on the mount, Moses begged God to kill him along with the rest of the nation rather than go on without them and Aaron is not there telling him to do it. Considering these limitations, they did the best they could from there and had most of the other details somewhat in line with scripture but I've seen better. This company has some other stories that are excellent but I find this one the fartherst from being an accurate protrayal.

Average customer rating:

Perfect Presentation of the Gospel for Young Children
Good movie.
The best claymation yet!
More Than the Perfect Kids' Film
More than a kids movie.

The Miracle Maker - The Story of Jesus
Starring: Ralph Fiennes , Michael Bryant , Julie Christie , Rebecca Callard , and James Frain
Director: Derek W. Hayes , and Stanislav Sokolov
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Religion | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

Joseph - King of Dreams
The Prince of Egypt
Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible: Daniel and the Lion's Den
Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible: David and Goliath
Greatest Heroes and Legends of the Bible: The Story of Moses

ASIN: B00004WI56
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Presentation of the Gospel for Young Children.......2007-05-18

Good movie........2007-05-13

The best claymation yet!.......2007-05-04

More Than the Perfect Kids' Film.......2007-05-01

More than a kids movie........2007-04-02

Average customer rating:

A good plot ruined...
James and Sarah's Story
Incredible
CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD
5 questions you might be asking

Children of a Lesser God [Region 2]
Starring: William Hurt , Marlee Matlin , Piper Laurie , Philip Bosco , and Allison Gompf
Director: Randa Haines
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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