The Pawnbroker

Starring:Rod Steiger, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Brock Peters, Jaime SÃ¡nchez, Thelma Oliver, Marketa Kimbrell, Baruch Lumet, Juano Hernandez, Linda Geiser, Nancy R. Pollock, Raymond St. Jacques, John McCurry, Ed Morehouse, Eusebia Cosme, Warren Finnerty, Morgan Freeman, Marianne Kanter, Marc Alexander, Charles Dierkop, Hilda Haynes
Director: Sidney Lumet
Studio: Republic Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Based on a novel by Edward Lewis Wallant, this gritty story follows Sol (Rod Steiger in a breakout performance), a lonely camp survivor who has dealt with the destruction of his family by suppressing all emotion and cleaving to the philosophy that nothing matters except money. (His bedridden and dying friend Mendel describes him, to his face, as "the walking dead.") Sol cannot accept the friendship of his assistant, Ortiz (Jaime Sanchez), or of an equally lonely widow (Geraldine Fitzgerald). As the 25th anniversary of his wife's murder approaches, he starts to fall apart, and it becomes clear that what he really wants is to die. The film was considered shocking when first released, both because of its rawness and because of brief nudity. Time has made some of the dramatic touches seem melodramatic--especially the corny "blood on my hands!" final scene. But Steiger's performance is still remarkable, and, even after MTV, the sudden-flashback editing is a forceful technique. A high point of Sidney Lumet's career. Black and white, with lots of atmospheric trumpets by Quincy Jones. --Richard Farr

Customer Reviews:

The Pawnbroker.......2007-07-02

One of the few films to deal head-on with the psychological havoc wreaked on survivors of the Nazi extermination camps, Lumet's "Pawnbroker" is a bleak, hard-hitting story about imprisonment, both literal and metaphorical. Steiger, in a virtuoso performance, portrays a man so scarred by his witnessing of atrocities that he's become a paragon of emotional cruelty, quietly stewing in his hate and pain. Lumet wrings tension from Sol's jarring, sudden flashbacks as well as the urban setting, drawing sharp parallels between New York City's ghetto milieu and the wartime camps. With a somber jazz score by Quincy Jones, "Pawnbroker" is a gritty tale of unlucky survival.

An unsentimental look at survivor's guilt.......2007-04-10

`The Pawnbroker' was directed in 1965 by: Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men,1957; Serpico, 1973; Dog Day Afternoon, 1974)
The film deals with a Holocaust survivor suffering survivor's guilt after his wife and children died in the camps. He is now experiencing flash-backs to his experiences in the camps. He is clearly a man at war with himself and seeks to isolate himself from the world and people believing only in absolutes. Several people who appear to be lonely and desperate come into the store simply seeking company or help only to be turned away by his now cold indifference. Essentially this is a wonderful character study of man who has given up on life believing the world to be cruel and inhumane. I found the film well worth watching because it avoids a lot the sentimentality that can be seen in films of this nature.

Cinematography on `The Pawnbroker' was by Boris Kaufman the younger brother of Dziga Vertov (Man With A Movie Camera,1929) He had shot perhaps the finest of all poetic realist films, `L'Atalante' (1934, Jean Vigo) as well as `Zero For Conduct' (1933. Jean Vigo). In 1942 he moved to America where he made a name for himself by working with Elia Kazan on `On The Waterfront'(1954)and `Baby Doll' (1956) winning an Oscar for the former. His cinematography had a high contrast monochromatic element to it that can be clearly seen in `The Pawnbroker'. It has the same grittiness that can also be seen in the films of John Cassavettes. Music was composed by Quincy Jones which gives it a sixties Harlem flavour. The film stars the underrated Rod Steiger (On The Waterfront, 1954; In The Heat Of The Night, 1967; Fist Full Of Dynamite, 1972) in the lead role.

Haunted by the past.......2007-03-24

Rod Steiger is superb in his first major role giving an inspired performance as tormented Jewish Holocaust survivor Sol Nazerman in "The Pawnbroker". Brilliantly directed by the accomplished Sidney Lumet this black and white masterpiece was filmed in realistic fashion on the teaming garbage strewn streets of New York City.

Steiger, a Harlem based pawnbroker and native German has seen the utter destruction of his family and been subjected to dehumanization via concentration camp internment, leaving him a soulless shell of a human being. Muddling through life devoid of emotion he scorns humankind particularly the customers who frequent his shop. He is unable to respond to enthusiasm for life and concern for him displayed by his eager young assistant Ortiz played passionately by Jaime Sanchez nor lonely widow Marilyn Birchfield played by Geraldine Fitzgerald.

Excruciated by flashbacks from the past has Steiger reeling through his daily existence. With his soul extirpated by the past he is again subjected to violence at the hands of slumlord Rodriguez played by Brock Peters and some sketchy acquaintances of Ortiz.

In the riveting final scenes only too late does he realize the importance of interpersonal relationship that he's shunned for so long.

When acrors took pride in their craft........2007-03-09

Emotionally overpowering. Steiger at his best. There was something about these actors who served in WW II. Sol's four minute bit on what its like to be "one of you people" (a Jew) is one of the most compelling bits of acting in the history of cinema. Such compression! Not a superfluous word of dialogue in the entire bit. As close to perfection as possible. It does'nt get any better than this. Brock Peters and Jaime Sanchez (The Wild Bunch) are also superb. An absolute must. The only two performances that can touch Steiger in this one is Steiger himself in "The Heat of the Night", George C. Scott in "The Hospital" and Richard Burton in "Look Back In Anger." Like most things, older is better when it comes to great movies and actors.

Informative drama..........2007-02-16

This drama gives a perspective on how a Jewish person might be negatively affected by experiences they had during the holocaust...
The movie tries to provide some story background for the instability and dsyfunction in his behavior and outlook etc...
I think the movie did a good job 'introducing the elements' of the apathy and changes he goes through, although the sequence being not necessarily totally convincing to me personally... an overall admirable attempt none the less...

Average customer rating:

If only the german edition was still in print
Leprechaun is fear and loathing in Las Vegas
Leprechaun 3 (Three and a Half Stars)
No!!!! Look away
A Spine Tingling tale of TERROR

Leprechaun 3
Starring: Warwick Davis , John Gatins , Lee Armstrong (II) , John DeMita , and Michael Callan
Director: Brian Trenchard-Smith
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Leprechaun 2
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Leprechaun
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ASIN: B000055WFT
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Customer Reviews:

If only the german edition was still in print.......2006-02-19

This dvd edition is ok but the german version by BMG is widescreen and has Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound but as far as I can see that edition is available nowhere

Leprechaun is fear and loathing in Las Vegas.......2005-10-31

Leprechaun 3 is by far the best in the series next to part 2 and features some good makeup effects and a neat setting,the city of Las Vegas. Leprechaun somehow got into Las Vegas after a homeless man brings him into a pawn shop and is looking for a coin that is lost after a pawn shop owner is trying to keep it and then a college student is having trouble with his car and a stripper who works at a hotel plans to let him stay in the hotel and when he makes a wish to become a good gambler and win and ends up being the hotel's luckiest person to stay there and then Leprechaun plans to kill him after he finds out he has his gold coin. Leprechaun 3 is the best of the series next part 2.

The best scene is when Leprechaun is a magician and gets a chainsaw and cuts open a snotty magician and blood shots everywhere.

Leprechaun 3 (Three and a Half Stars).......2005-07-26

This review refers to the edition found in Trimark's "Leprechaun: Pot of Gore Collection" boxed set.

THE WHO'S WHO: Starring Warwick Davis, John Gatins, Lee Armstrong, Marcelo Tubert, John DeMita, Caroline Williams, Michael Callan. Score Composed By Dennis Michael Tenney. Directed By Brian Trenchard-Smith. (R) For Violence, Very Mild Gore, Profanity, Nudity and Sexual Content; 94m.; 1995.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE?: They say the third time's the charm and this film tries its hardest to prove that theory correct. Our nasty little Leprechaun friend (Warwick Davis) has wound up in Las Vegas with his ever present pot of gold at his side. But when one of the shillings finds its way into the hands of college-bound Scott (John Gatins), the Leprechaun's infamous killing instincts surface once more. A new twist to the story this time dictates that the bearer of a Leprechaun's gold shilling will receive one wish. This comes into play often and, more often than not, backfires on the unsuspecting wish recipients. Director Brian Trenchard-Smith (best known prior to this for "Night of the Demons 2") brings a bit more humor and warmth to the series, infusing the slight story with charming characters and less bloodshed. Instead of being a drawback to the story, the minimal gore actually makes this film more enjoyable (Did I just say that? Who said that?) The personable cast also leaves their own unique impression on the viewer. John Gatins is a bright, more capable leading man than Charlie Heath could ever have dreamed of being but Lee Armstrong (as Tammy Larson) loses something in the translation of her character, making long-time Leprechaun fans ache for the better days of Shevonne Durkin and Jennifer Aniston. Armstrong may fill out a costume nicely, but her dry delivery alternates between being too gruff and too squeaky which doesn't fit well with the general feeling of the film. John DeMita (as The Great Fazio) is funny in his own way but the best support comes from Caroline Williams who turns in a marvelous performance as aging casino croupier Loretta. Michael Callan (as Mitch) is another first-rate supporting cast member who does his best to play off the stereotypical trappings of his casino owner role. The silly subplot between Tony (Roger Hewlett) and Arthur (Tom Dugan) trying to get money from Mitch could have easily been a distraction, but instead provides the film more opportunities for comic banter. As usual, Warwick Davis owns the film with his performance as the title monstrosity. The best moments come when the Leprechaun does his imitations. He first crosses paths with an Elvis impersonator (Terry Lee Crisp) and then he shows up on a television set as a lawyer, a preacher and a fortune teller. As an added bonus, the witticisms written for Davis are ten times better than the ones he had to work with in "Leprechaun 2". Behind the camera, Gabe Bartalos' wonderful make-up effects for the Leprechaun still have the power to startle, even though we've seen the creation twice before. Unfortunately, Dennis Michael Tenney's new score is only of marginal interest and doesn't properly measure up when compared to the previous two backdrops. Overall, there are far worse ways to kill an hour and a half than watching this film. You'll smile more often than you'll scream, but the point of a good movie is to be entertaining in whatever form it takes. By playing the audience for laughs instead of chills, this film succeeds in being an agreeable continuation of a minor masterpiece.

THEY SAY THEY'RE SPECIAL BUT...: The 1.33:1 full screen presentation for this film is relatively clear and free of grain. Considering the low budget status of the production, one wouldn't normally expect such clarity, especially for a film with as many grey and muted tones as this one. I'm always surprised by how rich and full Trimark's ultra stereo process sounds and this disc is no exception. Most of the sound effects are just as crisp as the visuals while all of the dialogue is well separated and even. There is also a Spanish language audio track for this movie as well as English, French and Spanish subtitles. Subtitles are lemon yellow and are fairly easy to read. The front cover for this DVD finds the devilish Leprechaun hovering in a stormy sky above Las Vegas. Lying on the road leading to the city is the Leprechaun's green hat. The back cover has all of the now traditional elements for this series including photographs, information about the film and the twenty-four chapter stops that divide this ninety-five minute movie. For the first time in the franchise, the DVD itself has been silver-topped. The title of the film has been imprinted on the top of the disc, along with a few extra tidbits of information. Once again, the exact same booklet from the previous two DVDs ("Trimark DVD: The Ultimate in Home Entertainment") can be found opposite the disc. Special features for this disc are limited to the original trailer (1:04) which is a regrettable bare bones affair that will probably steer just as many viewers away from this film as it will attract.

THE YOLK'S ON YOU: It's not much of a hidden feature, but it'll have to do. On the main menu for this disc, highlight the Trimark symbol in the lower right hand corner. You'll have access to trailers for the films "Leprechaun" (2:01), "Leprechaun 2" (1:16), "Leprechaun 4: In Space" (1:35) and "Leprechaun in the Hood" (which proclaims itself to be "Leprechaun 5") (1:56).

THE LEWD AND NUDE ALERT: Tammy Larson (Lee Armstrong) does a small striptease for Mitch (Michael Callan) while under the power of Mitch's wish but she comes to her senses just before she reveals anything. On the plus side, she does look extraordinarily hot in her black bra. After Tammy leaves, the lucky libidinous viewer is treated to another striptease. This time it's from a woman (Heidi Staley) on Mitch's television who winds up baring her luscious boobs. She also shows a hint of her black thong when she exits the television and begins to seduce Mitch.

THE GORE REPORT: There's a tiny amount of gore when a pawn shop clerk has part of his ear and his left big toe bitten off by the Leprechaun. Another small occurence finds Scott (John Gatins) receiving a nasty bite on his left arm. One woman explodes but there's very little in the way of actual gore. There is some nice blood during the "saw the man in half" sequence, but that's as gory as this entry gets.

SAY AGAIN: "So who do you work with, I mean, magician wise?" - Scott (John Gatins). "Right now, I'm assisting The Great Fazio." - Tammy Larson (Lee Armstrong). "What's a Fazio?" - Scott (John Gatins). "Well, Scott, a Fazio is a mediocre magician who couldn't pull a rabbit out of a pet store." - Tammy Larson (Lee Armstrong).

THE FINAL SAY: Yes, I recommend buying this DVD. If you've gone the way of the boxed set, "Leprechaun 3" is certainly a welcome addition. If you're buying it separately, this film still has a wealth of entertainment to offer. By changing the style of the movie in their subtle comedic fashion, the filmmakers have crafted a gratifying experience that fans of the series will definitely want to own in their private collections.

PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM: "Hooskow" Performed By the Assassins. "My Luck's Gonna Change" Performed By Jeff Robert, Andy Milukoff and Michael Kelly.

No!!!! Look away.......2005-03-29

No don't even look at this. If you are thinking about buying this i wish you the best of "luck" while you go on an adventure that will change your life 4ever.Leprechaun is pretty well ok movie, it trys to scare you. The rest of the movies are just pieces of crap. It goes from Crap 2 The biggest piece of crap you will ever witness in your life.

C'mon a Leprechaun in space. Now, if that isn't stupid i don't know what is, and how he gets there still amazes me. How does he get in the space shuttle? A space Marine pisses on his leg, which from that piss travels into the marine and later pops out of his crotch during intercourse. Wow!!! i'll just leave it at that . WOW!!!!!

A Spine Tingling tale of TERROR.......2004-11-17

Being reminded of the good ol' Lep from Stanley Runk's review of Leprechaun 1- I would like to submit my review of my personal favorite Leprechaun movie- Leprechaun 3- (or Davis takes Vegas whichever you choose)!

This is a truly chilling tale of terror, from the Elvis impersonators, to the main character turning into - guess what- a good ole Irish Leprechaun! One thing you've got to say about the Leprechaun series is that they're FUN and very creative in their stories. The Leprechaun has been in the Hood, Vegas, Space, and who knows where they'lll put him next. When did Freddy or Jason see that much action? Didn't think so. I hope they make at least 10 more.

Average customer rating:

Great story, real people and very moving tale
Super sleeper!!! What a feel good flick!
Slow and weak dialogue
Jersey Tale is excellent

A Jersey Tale
Starring: Mike Benitez , Jimmy Palumbo , Marjan Neshat , Mikey Romano , and David Margulies
Director: Michael Tolajian
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0002I84D0
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Product Description

Ray Ray Morales financial woes disappear when he starts working for the neighborhood loan shark. Set up to oversee cash flow at the pawnshop, Ray Ray soon finds himself caught between the shop owner and his dangerous crime boss-both of whom have strong lessons to teach about the importance of community and the meaning of responsibility.

System Requirements:

Running Time 90 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Great story, real people and very moving tale.......2006-10-18

"A Bronx Tale" is typical of the great things that are available for viewers that go beyond heavily promoted films to find the little gems available somewhere under the surface. This movie, made on a budget consisting of two shoestrings and a piece of jerkey, has everything a good film should have -- an interesting story, real flesh and blood characters, a superb script, and a wonderful ending.

It's the story of a 19-year-old Puerto Rican in Jersey that needs extra money to fulfill his dream of buying a turntable-broadcast set so he can start his own deejay business. A shoe salesman by day, he takes a part time job with the local Puerto Rican mob boss, a loan shark/drug dealer/pimp to make extra money.

Our hero soon rakes in a few bucks helping steal cars and in similar endeavors. The boss is so pleased with his progress he puts our hero to work watching payroll at a pawn shop owned by an Armenian 70-year-old that just happens to have a $25,000 debt with Mr. Big.

There, our hero begins to see more of life, the pitfalls in his job, and the harm being done in his way of life. These come to a head when the Armenian can't pay his debt and things look bleak.

A few twists later, our hero saves the day and makes good in the end, where a big laugh awaits even the least attentive viewer.

This little film got virtually no notice when it came out in 2004; it is making rounds on digital cable. This movie is a gem in the dungheap of DVD releases. It should be far more well known than it is and the filmmakers should get their due respect for they know what it takes to make a movie where you identify with the characters and want them to make it.

Rent or buy this movie today for a memorable and enduring film experience that is very realistic while also being highly entertaining, emotionally moving, and funny. "A Jersey Tale" is one of the most satisfying films I've seen in months.

Super sleeper!!! What a feel good flick!.......2006-07-06

After missing the first 15 minutes of this film last night on satellite, my wife and I were both drawn into it and loved it. So much so that I just ordered the DVD from Amazon.

Sardina is just perfect as a young, latino salesman who has ambition but also a conscience. The other actors are perfectly cast as well, with Margulies offering a superb performance.

The final few scenes really tie it all together (so I won't devuldge the outcome). Needless to say, you'll feel really good after seeing this flick!

Slow and weak dialogue.......2004-12-13

I found this movie to be slow and plodding. The acting, with the exception of the main character was weak and tired. I expected much better, as I enjoy these types of real life movies.

Jersey Tale is excellent.......2004-10-04

I loved this movie. It has a real authetic feel and the dialogue is riveting. The characters come across as sincere and genuine. I was on the edge of my seat for the You never know where the movie is going to go next. I highly recommend it.

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