East-West

Starring:Oleg Menchikov, Catherine Deneuve
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Like The Thief (1997), which was also nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, Regis Wargnier's East-West is a turbulent romance set against the political backdrop of post-World War II Russia. But instead of a man, a woman, and a child, the story revolves around a man, a woman, a child--and another man.

Shortly after the war, Alexei (Oleg Menshikov), his wife, Marie (Sandrine Bonnaire), and their son travel to Russia from France to make a new life for themselves. But they quickly find that the situation in Alexei's homeland isn't quite as advertised and that they can't leave. Sacha (Sergie Bodrov Jr.) is a young athlete who lives in the same overcrowded apartment complex. Like Marie, he wants to escape, while Alexei decides to make the best out of an awful situation. Inevitably, Marie and Alexei grow apart as Sacha and Marie grow close, but one of these characters is harboring a secret that won't be revealed until the end. The film does double time as a thriller in that, at any time, any of these characters could be imprisoned or killed--including French actress Gabrielle (Catherine Deneuve, star of Wargnier's Oscar winning Indochine). She befriends Marie during a tour of Russia and offers to help her and Sacha make their getaway.

Amazon.com essential video

East of Eden is an acknowledged classic, and the starring debut of James Dean lifts it to legendary status. John Steinbeck's novel gave director Elia Kazan a perfect Cain-and-Abel showcase for Dean's iconic screen persona, casting the brooding star as Cal, the younger of two brothers vying for the love of their Bible-thumping father (Raymond Massey) in Monterey, California, at the dawn of World War I. Massey is a lettuce farmer, striving for market domination with an ill-fated refrigeration scheme. Having discovered that his presumed-dead mother (Oscar ^® winner Jo Van Fleet) is a brothel owner in nearby Salinas, Cal convinces her to finance an investment that will restore his father's lost fortune, but neither money nor the tenderness of his brother's fiancée (Julie Harris) can assuage Cal's anguished need for paternal acceptance that comes nearly too late. Kazan's oblique camera angles and Dean's tortured emoting may seem extreme by latter-day standards, but their theatrics make East of Eden a timeless tale of family secrets and hard-won affection. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Based on John Steinbeck's novel and directed by Elia Kazan, East of Eden is the first of three major films that make up James Dean's movie legacy. The 24-year-old idol-to-be plays Cal, a wayward Salinas Valley youth who vies for the affection of his hardened father (Raymond Massey) with his favored brother Aron (Richard Davalos). Playing off the haunting sensitivity of Julie Harris, Dean's performance earned one of the film's four Academy Award nominations.* Among the movie's stellar performances, Jo Van Fleet won the Oscar as Best Supporting Actress.

Customer Reviews:

Dean on Display.......2007-06-22

Excellent film, but lost much of book's richness. For example, there is no Chinese-American character. Dean exhibits some fine acting.

Classic American Cinema.......2007-05-23

James Dean has become a legend, both because of his amazing talent and the fact that he died so young. One has to wonder how he would have developed if he had lived longer. He, Montgomery Clift and Marlon Brando all appeared at the same time, with the same soul searing magic. Clift died young too. Would Dean have self destructed like Marlon Brando or matured to handsome but sensible old-age like Paul Newman and Robert Redford? Of course we don't know, but fortunately we have these records of the few films he made, to enjoy.

Elia Kazan made this movie from a book by Steinbeck, who was inspired by the write of the book of Genesis. Pretty good stuff! Add the wonderful actors, (besides Dean,) Julie Harris, Raymond Massey and Jo Van Fleet...and how can you miss?

The story is deep and universal with fundamental human problems. Who can't relate to wanting to be loved? to be considered good? to having one's gifts honored? We see the "good" man, Adam, who has ideals and standards, who wants to make a contribution for the next generation, who sincerely tries to do what he believes is right, but who has no idea that his very "goodness" is crushing the life of his son, Cal, just as he crushed the life of his former wife. We see the former wife, by all standards a "bad" woman, a madame, who is profiteering off of the weaknesses of others and yet we come to like her. As the Julie Harris character says, she really doesn't know what's good and what's bad anymore.

There's an interesting sub-plot in which a formerly considered "good" neighbor, a German shoemaker, is now considered to be "bad" because we're now at war with Germany.

At the time this film appeared, our country was just about ready to wake up from the myth of "we're good and everyone else is bad." We had fought and defeated the bad guys in another world war and had grown fat and complacent in our new prosperity. We were on the brink of the 60's in which all hell broke loose and a whole new generation of young people would rise up and re-write the rules of morality. Dean, in this film, portends the new revolution in consciousness, which is why, in my opinion, he captured the hearts and souls of so many people. He embodied the spirit that was ready to burst out...that of the guy who dared to break the rules, to discover for himself what was right..(.but boy, it sure wasn't easy.) Dean's talent, good looks and charm dressed this new rebellious spirit in a very attractive package; we wouldn't have fallen so hard for a mere thug. (A decade later we had John Lennon.)

Kazan wasn't afraid of feeling or telling his version of what's right and wrong. He gives us a fully formed, deeply felt and emotionally satisfying film that should please every sentient being on the planet. It was a perfect film for that time, and, come to think of it, a pretty good film for now!

Moviemaking at its best.......2007-05-07

I can still remember the night I saw this movie. I was in my teens, and came out of the theater with my hands in my pockets and a bit hunched, just lika James Dean in the movie! The acting in this movie is top-notch, by even the actors and actresses in bit roles. Unforgettable movie, well adapted from a masterpiece novel.

Great film, terrible dvd commentary.......2007-02-24

The film and the special features are great, but the commentary is offensively biased against James Dean. Anyone who likes this film is going to first recognize the genius of James Dean, so why the reluctance to acknowledge the incredible display of acting. This film would not be the classic that it is without Dean's presence. Dean, (along with Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift) elevated the craft of acting on film to an art form. The commentator on the dvd consistently avoids praising Dean, and whenever he can he gives all the credit to the director for a scene's effectiveness. Don't get me wrong, Kazan was a great director, but Dean was the genius. How many young actors displayed such a range of emotions prior to this. The worst part of the commentary is when it is said that this is by far Dean's best performance. The commentator apparently wants Kazan to have the credit for turning a juvenile delinquent into a star, who's luster subsequently faded under the eye of less talented directors. This is completely false. Dean's next film, Rebel Without a Cause, is directed by Nicholas Ray, an even better director than Kazan, and once again Dean is terrific. Dean's last film Giant features some of his best work, although the movie has too many scenes with the terribly boring Rock Hudson, and director George Stevens was apparently not sympathetic to Dean's improvisational spirit.

Jo Van Fleet: Academy Award Winner.......2007-02-18

I know I'm going to be a minority, but I really appreciated Jo Van Fleet's performance above all. I liked the high standard biblical preaching father, the confused unloved competing youth in James Dean, the very confident rival brother, and his personality plus girlfriend, but to me Jo Van Fleet stole the show. I can't help it!
Her exquisite dominance character portrayal, of the far distant and serious mother, gave me reason to relish. I happen to like strong women in movies, I don't know why. She begins as a total mystery, a dark woman walking alone by herself, making huge sums of money deposits in the town bank. She gets followed by a stranger who turns out to be her lost son of days gone by. They reunite, by his intrusion, and they get to know each other and she finds he has a dilemma. That get to know each other scene in her small "office" makes me a big believer in top notch acting that can leave one breathless, without technical effects. It is a well filmed scene that leaves two pros to do what they do best-act!
Her trail of actions like lighting the cigarette, reaching for the ink pen, slightly fisting herself on the forehead, and dozing off alone late at night in her office chair, make her one of the most noteable cinematic female characters since Judith Anderson's Mrs. Danvers from Alfred Hitchcock's REBECCA. Timeless piece of work that will live on forever in movie history.
By the way, I read one comment that Jo Van Fleet's appearance was actually minimal, but then Margaret Hamilton supposedly had only 12 full minutes of on screen time as the Wicked Witch Of The West. Quality, not quantity. . .

Average customer rating:

Robert and Clara Schumann -- in German -- but excellent!
Clara Schumann bei mehr als
Mid-19th century Europe, the life and times of Schumann the composer
A Historical Romance In Music
Excellent

Spring Symphony
Starring: André Heller , Sonja Tuchmann , Margit Geissler , Herbert Grönemeyer , and Anja-Christine Preussler
Director: Peter Schamoni
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

Chopin: Desire For Love
Impromptu
Immortal Beloved
Tchaikovsky
The Life of Verdi

ASIN: B00000JN28
Release Date: 1999-08-31

Description

A motion picture of passions, "Spring Symphony" is a story of love, hate and artistic ambitions. Nastassja Kinski and Herbert Gronemeyer star as Clara Wieck and Robert Schumann, star-crossed classical musicians of the nineteenth century trying to overcome the stifling objections of Wieck's father. All three of them share the same passion for music, but the battle the two men fight for Clara's affections is at the same time a fight between different artistic styles and different lifestyles, a war between the generations. When Schumann finally wins his Clara, "Spring Symphony" is the expression of his love and passion for her.

Customer Reviews:

Robert and Clara Schumann -- in German -- but excellent! .......2007-04-05

The first thing to keep in mind with this movie about Robert and Clara Schumann is that it's entirely in GERMAN although English sub-titles are available. I actually preferred it that way and there is no English dubbing available although, as stated, English sub-titles can be turned on or off via the DVD machine. You might recall Herbert Grönemeyer as Leutnant Werner, the 'Kriegsberichter' or war correspondent on the German submarine, in the excellently done movie "Das Boot" some years ago.

As Robert Schumann, he does an excellent portrayal as does Nastassja Kinski as Clara Wieck-Schumann. Equally engrossing throughout the film is Clara's, shall we say, ultra no nonsense and rather dour and humorless father, Friedrich Wieck, played by Rolf Hoppe. The court scene where Friedrich tries to legally prevent the marriage of his daughter Clara to Robert Schumann and his perceived 'reasons' for same are particularly engrossing.

In this one, Schumann's right hand finger problem is attributed to the 'mechanical device' he concocted to strengthen his fingers yet stories still abound about the alleged 'real' cause of same but these kind of things [read: conjectures] happen with most world known personalities indeed to the point of utter speculation as to, in another well known personality, Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved" where, in my opinion, pure speculation is all too often passed off as alleged historical fact for the sake of the plot more so than any verifiable historical reality! Or proof of the cinematic contention.

The music is excellent and the note fingerings very good and believable. A few of Clara's zoom-in hands on the keys were done by a double although Grönemeyer himself plays the piano so he was able to quickly adapt to the requisite Schumann music note fingerings. So, if you want to keep up your German [or use the sub-title English] while enjoying a decently realistic portrayal of Robert and Clara Schumann, this movie is a good bet! The supporting cast is equally good and the movie moves along nicely. Note too, if only for the sake of curiosity, some of the suggested 'cures' for the finger problem and you'll be rather gratified at today's medical advances!

Doc Tony

Clara Schumann bei mehr als.......2007-02-16

Leck mich am Arsch! Clara Schumann bei mehr als 120 Millionen Menschen mit Deutsch als Muttersprache in 8 Ländern, überrascht es kaum, dass die tatsächliche Sprachverwendung variiert. Wie Englisch, ist Deutsch eine plurizentrische Sprache mit 3 nationalen Zentren der Sprachverwendung: Deutschland, Österreich und die Schweiz. Die sprachliche Schumann Situation in der Schweiz unterscheidet sich deutlich von der Situation in Deutschland und Österreich. 'Switzertütsch', die durchgängig verwendete Umgangssprache, wird auch von Deutschen und Österreichern kaum bzw. nicht verstanden. Das Verhältnis zwischen Switzertütsch und Hochdeutsch ist eines der Zweisprachigkeit. Aus diesem Grund bezieht Brahms sich der folgende Überblick nicht auf die Situation der Schweiz.

Mid-19th century Europe, the life and times of Schumann the composer.......2007-02-14

Frühlingssinfonie, is a mellow, lush in senses movie, with a Schumann
soundtrack, following the composer's footsteps at crucial moments in
his career.

The movie perhaps downplays Schumann's importance, by assigning him
to a secondary role, compared to the protagonist Clara Wieck, played
by Nastassja Kinski, aged 24 at the time, back in 1983 when his
picture was made.

This is a European, obviously state-funded production, of the
highest professional quality, as it was often the case back then, when
movie houses, television, technical professionals in the movie
industry had immense experience, skills, and education due to the
sponsorship they had from the governments, before the collapse of the
Cold War.

A questionable aspect of the movie, is the need to intertwine an
ephemeral part of the composer's life, which is his personal, sensual
relationship, (played by the actor Herbert Gronemeyer), with the
performer of his pieces, Clara.

The stronger aspects of this movie, is the excellence in its
representation of 19th century Europe, (horse and carriage,
panoramic views of the countryside, palaces, city neighborhoods in
Germany, Austria, for example, the way people dressed, carried
themselves, their outlook on life, the pressure of high density
cities to the inhabitants from early on, the privileges of the upper
classes in having time to learn to enjoy, and attend concertos, etc.

The charm of Kinski, which is mostly improvised as far as I can
tell, and not mechanical or rehearsed, obviously has something to say for
the promotion and acclaim this work received at the time. All
dialogue is in German. Rolf Hoppe, playing Wieck's father, does
a tremendous job, lending enormous credibility to the movie.

A Historical Romance In Music.......2004-10-01

Peter Schamoni's 1983 German film "Spring Symphony" is an intimate, accurate portrayal of the relationship between two composers- Robert Schumann and Clara. It is a wonderful film, with fine acting by the leads Herbert Gronemeyer and Natassia Kinksi, who had been a model and would enjoy further success after this movie. The time is early 19th century (1830-1850)during the Romantic Era craze in classical music. Beethoven opened the gates to the new wave of music, which would be followed by Chopin and Franz Liszt, all mentioned in this film. Robert Schumann is portrayed here as a struggling artist, an idealist who lives from hand to mouth, more along the lines of Mozart. He gets romantically involved with the more wealthier and polished Clara Wieck whose father opposes their love. Even like this, Robert and Clara, who had become lovers through working together as composers, continue to defiantly engage in their relationship. Clara's father is brought to trial but in the end Clara and Robert are married. The film is accurate, and not highly dramatized or romanticized far from the truth. Filmed in Germany, Austria and France, the film follows the career of Schumann quite truthfully - i.e: the fact he was injured and his fingers were paralized and even as such played the piano quite well, his publication of a music magazine under the pen names of Eusebius and Florestan. Eusebius is his practical, balanced side while Florestan is passionate and free-spirited. A beautiful film. Natassia Kinksi plays a fine Clara, strong, independent, refined, romantic, soulful. The costumes and attention to detail are precise, captivating us and hooking us into a new world of historical romance.

My favorite scenes are those romantic moments between Clara and Robert, the opening scene with Paganini playing a violin concerto with lightning speed, all the chamber music scenes and recitals Clara has and the finale in which finally, Clara and Robert have married and decide to open their own concert hall..Robert says "I hope this institution is big enough for two instruments" and I think he was referring to their marriage. The music is heaven. Conductor Wolgfang Sawallisch leads his orchestra in brilliant music by both Robert Schumann and Clara.

Excellent.......2002-06-11

The writer and director of this film is Peter Schamoni, not Alfred Hirschmeier as reported in another customer review, and he took most of the dialogue from the correspondence and other documentation of Robert,Clara and Friedrich Wieck. Anyone with knowledge of Schumann's correspondence, his love of poetry and dramatic narrative and the world of 19th century German romanticism will recognize the accuracy and faithfulness of the dialogue used throughout this wonderful film.

The look and sound of the pianofortes used is another example of the care lavished on presenting Robert and Clara's world as accurately as possible.

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:

Superficial, But Worth A Watch!
Good points and bad points but worth seeing
Excellent look at transformation of the Japanese Army between WWI and WWII
Interesting but superficial.

Horror in the East
Starring: Edward Herrmann , and Samuel West
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs as Low as $9.49 | The Big DVD Sale | Stores | DVD | Video

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

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

War of the Century - When Hitler Fought Stalin
The Nazis - A Warning from History
The Battle of the Atlantic
D-Day to Berlin
The Waffen SS: Hitler's Elite Fighting Force

ASIN: B00097DY5M
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Description

While many histories of World War Two have recounted the grim atrocities performed by Japanese soldiers on civilians and POWs, few have attempted to explain how and why such barbarity could have occurred. What led to the assault on Nanking? How could one in four Allied POWs die in captivity? Meticulously researched, using Japanese and British consultants, Horror in the East examines the political and economic factors, as well as the mindset of those involved. Rarely seen archive footage and interviews with former Japanese soldiers, kamakazis, Allied POWs, and victims of the notorious cruelty reveal the complex truth behind the horror.

Customer Reviews:

Superficial, But Worth A Watch!.......2006-12-04

A better treatment of this subject matter is needed. During the Second World War, when the Pacific Theatre is mentioned, we are usually given a very simplistic viewpoint of the Japanese soldier during the war. What is needed is a much more in-depth view of the Japanese soldier; not as obedient automatons, but why the Japanese military behaved in the manner in which it did during the Second World War. The brutality of the Japanese soldier, which the video clearly shows was absent during World War One, in regards to Germans POW's during the First World War, and more importantly, the Russian prisoners during the Russo-Japan War, [which is not mentioned in the DVD] should be addressed in a more detailed study when comparing Japan's change in behavior during the subsequent years leading up to, and during World War II.

Moreover, when dealing with a subject matter of such importance, 100 minutes of documentary footage is way too little to devote to this all too important subject matter. There just isn't enough time to devote to all the major topics this type of documentary demands. Trying to tackle this subject in such a short time span means too much is left out. For example, the 'Rape of Nanking' is only given superficial treatment. Plus, there is little mention of Japan's use of chemical and biological agents used in China. However, the bonus program of Burma is a welcome addition to the DVD. I recommend the DVD, as a supplement to the war, however, the definitive DVD has yet to be made. [Stars: 3.5]

Good points and bad points but worth seeing.......2006-06-29

Usual British treatment of WWII in Asia and the Pacific is typically extremely myopic and narrow in scope in that the War in Europe was obviously their primary focus during the war and remains so in historical retrospectives. When the Asia-Pacific Theatre is dealt with I find that most time is spent portraying the Japanese, to a man, as ultimately unknowable, opaque, and rapacious automatons whose high degree of self-sacrifice on the battlefield and their frequent abuse of Allied POWs is stated but simply taken as a given but Japanese conduct - nasty though it often was - is never really explained. While this episode had other flaws admittedly it did at least try and give background to the behavior of the Imperial Japanese Army in particular from 1941-45. Ultimately though, the theme of the episode has mostly to do with Japan's treatment of POWs from the opening scenes while other aspects that colored the actions of the Japanese military during the War and before (as far back as the Meiji Restoration of 1868 when the Imperial government and armed forces were established) are glossed over. Japanese domestic politics, the effect of that politics on Japan's decision to invade China first with the Manchurian Incident of 1931 and later with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident of 1937, as well as a more thorough examination of the motives Japanese Imperialism in general from the 19th century to 1945 are largely alighted. To have really done the huge multifaceted and thoroughly fascinating subject of Japan's role in WWII justice the producers ought to have thought of doing a multi-disk episode - unfortunately I fear this is all we get on Japan and probably not much more on the Pacific Theatre as a whole. Again though, such cursory treatment of half of WWII is largely a function of any British documentary which neccesarily will have a Brits twist on past events as well as a typical Brits idea of what events are of greater importance. Doubtless, however, more could have been done on the topic.

Now for the good points. Though the episode limits much of its focus to Japanese wartime atrocities rather than other topics noted above it does depart from ill-informed assumptions made by British documentarians about Japanese wartime behavior in past productions. The episode notes that the Japanese treatment of German POWs during WWI was quite good (though no mention is made of Russian prisoners during the Russo-Japanese War who also were treated well but this a small matter - at least they made a point that needs making more often) and was at odds with the kind of treatment given Western and Asian POWs after the 1930s. The standard explanations are given for this change in attitude toward prisoners (Emperor worship, resentment of predatory Western Imperialist powers, the shame of surrender - notwithstanding the fact that these factors existed in Japan its armed forces during the same time that Japan entertained its earlier benevolent treatment of war prisoners) but at least they indicate that there was indeed a change.
I also appreciated the widespread use of Japanese veterans and historians who actually give voice to the Japanese side rather than hearing their Allied opponents give their second-hand opinions of the Japanese side. The interviews of Asian victims of Japanese atrocities was a nice addition as well and one that is all too often missing from most documentaries though no mention was made of Unit 731 or Japanese bio-warfare experiments in China. Nevertheless, the prisoner issue, while certainly deserving of coverage, was just one part of Imperial Japanese military history in the first half of the twentieth century. While this episodes excels in a few narrow areas it is not nearly comprehensive enough. World at War had several episodes on Japan which I beleived filled out the topic much better and gave it the attention and scope which it is due.
I actually found the bonus documentaries on Burma and Indian troops during WWII to be very good however. In these cases though, the producers were examining the war as it related to people and places of the British Empire and in so doing were coming at the subject from a much more informed and nuanced vantage point.

Excellent look at transformation of the Japanese Army between WWI and WWII.......2005-09-03

"Horror in the East" is a 2-part BBC documentary attempting to explain why the Japanese Army turned from being a westernized, "civilized", military which treated its prisoners well during WWI into the brutal military which fought against the allies in WWII. It is not intended as an account of the Pacific War or a detailed documentation of the numerous atrocities committed by the Japanese. In terms of achieving its aims, it is admirably successful. During the First World War, the Japanese Army followed an Imperial decree that captured prisoners were to be treated with respect. Subsequently, with Japan's withdrawal from the League of Nations and its turning its back on the West, it developed a highly militaristic culture which emphasized brutal, inhuman discipline among its vastly expanded army. Wanton abuse of subordinates was encouraged among the ranks. The humanistic aspects of the Code of Bushido were deliberately downplayed or removed from the military code of ethics. Its most violently belligerent parts were promoted instead. This together with its adoption of a racist policy similar to that of its Nazi allies made for its total conversion from the civilized army the allies had known and fought alongside during WWI to the barbarous army they encountered during WWII. It is an excellent 98 minute documentary which comes with 2 other hour-length documentaries, one on The Indian Army and its contribution to the war and the other, on the War in Burma, also known as the Forgotten War.

Interesting but superficial........2005-09-01

Unlike their excellent production "Nazis: A Warning From History", the BBC's "Horror in the East" is little more than a gloss on the motivations behind Japan's reasons for conquest and cruelty. The rape of Nanking is covered superficially as are the other invasions by Japan. Mention is made of Japan's use of "weapons of mass destruction" but this is never explained or developed (Japan used chemical and biological agents in China); and there is no mention of Japan's infamous "medical" experiments on Chinese prisoners. Also included early in the film is a cheap shot equating the unprovoked, peacetime bombing by Japan of Chinese cities with Allied attacks on Japanese cities after the war had begun. One very significant point the series does develop well and which is often completely missed or ignored by others is the importance of the then belief that their emperor was god on earth and how that served to influence the war. People often miss that Allied victory in Japan came about because we defeated their god. Had the emperor not yielded and maintained the call for the defense of the islands to the death, the end would have been very much more costly in lives on both sides. While I believe the DVD is worth watching (especially the bonus programme on the British fight in Burma), do not let this be the only or even primary part of your study of the Japan in W.W.II.

Mystique: Asian Beauties Exposed - East Meets West

Average customer rating:

Nice on your eyes
Self-contradictory
Want to see some SIZZLING Thai chicks?

Mystique: Asian Beauties Exposed - East Meets West
Starring: Mystique
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Ultra Vixens - Asians II
Mystique's Hottest Buns and Best Legs
Peach Obsession: Felicia
Peach Ultra Vixens: Asians
Welcome to Peach Island (Interactive Feature)

ASIN: B000E1OI9E
Release Date: 2006-03-07

Product Description

Mysterious, exotic, alluring, and simply gorgeous. Women of the East have always been amazingly beautiful, but only recently has the rest of the world woken up to recognize these perfect gems of the Pacific Rim. In this brand new Mystique Magazine show, you'll enjoy getting to know the world's most stunning women from virtually every region of Asia. If you like your Asian women hot, exotic, and sexy, then you?re in for a treat. Asian Beauties: completely nude, and totally exposed!

System Requirements:

Running Time 52 Mins.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Nice on your eyes.......2007-06-06

I really liked this DVD. It's a given that not every girl there kept my attention - tastes differ (that's why there is the "next" button on a remote). But several of them was a pleasure to watch. Do not expect any hard action. But if you like this kind of soft eye-candy I would definitely recommend it. Kay Sivilay, Angelica Pamintuan, Sunisa Kim - Asian beauties at their best... I would like to see more of them.

Self-contradictory.......2006-06-29

The DVD is supposed to celebrate the beauty of Asian women. What do we got? A lot of bleach jobs and breast implants on Asian women who want to fit Caucasian standards of beauty. What a crock!

Want to see some SIZZLING Thai chicks?.......2006-05-25

OK, so if you guys have read my reviews, you can tell by now that I have a thing for Asian hotties. In "East Meets West" you get a collection of girls from all over Asia, and some of them are pretty cute. But, if you want to see a movie shot right on the beaches of Thailand, get my new favorite DVD: "Wild Girls Thailand". A couple of American guys handpicked the chicks and the location is awesome.

AC/DC - No Bull (Live Plaza De Toros De Las Ventas, Madrid) [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

AC/DC ROCKS!!!!
You must buy this if you like real rock n roll
Lobotomy
AC/DC = Real Rock n' Roll!!
Angus Is 44 And STILL Looks Like He Is In The 10 th Grade!(No Bull!!)

AC/DC - No Bull (Live Plaza De Toros De Las Ventas, Madrid) [Region 2]
Starring: Angus Young , Malcolm Young , Brian Johnson (XIV) , Cliff Williams , and Phil Rudd
Director: David Mallet
Manufacturer: East/West Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

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

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

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

Stiff Upper Lip Live
AC/DC - Live at Donington
AC/DC - Family Jewels
AC/DC - Let There Be Rock
Music in Review: Bon Scott Years

ASIN: B00004ZCV3
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Customer Reviews:

AC/DC ROCKS!!!!.......2007-03-26

I had seen AC/DC way back in 1978 in Denver, at Red rocks with Blue Oyster Cult. WOW, at that time I did not really know who AC/DC was. I watched Angus RUN all over the stage back and forth all through the show. The roadies carried him through the audience, all the while playing Bad Boy Boogie Solo. HOLY CRAP, Bon Scott was unbelieveable. That was when I found out AC/DC ROCKS. After Bons' passing I lost track of the group. When they aquired Brian, I paid no attention,thinking its not the same. Then I heard "Hard as a Rock." WOW, again I started paying more attention. I started collecting Concerts of AC/DC I found "No Bull", purchased it. Again WOW. The DVD was destroyed by carelessness on my part. I happened to see it on amazon, and picked it up again. THIS time I'll take better care of it. One of their better shows I think.

You must buy this if you like real rock n roll.......2006-08-11

oh my god whre to start, ok the crowd, the spaniards are a crzy bunch and it is awe inspiring to watch 200000+ people jump in unison, the venue is the perfect venue, the songs are perfect, phil is back. what more could you want.
ps. this dvd is 10x better than live at donnington, donnington has no atmosphere beacuse the dumb editor decided to cut out almost all crowd noice, resulting in no atmosphere!

Lobotomy.......2006-08-10

The editor of this video deemed it necessary to switch camera angles every 2-4 seconds throughout the entire video. It seems like he wants to lobotomize the viewer. Unwatchable! Nice concert otherwise, but Brian's voice is shot unfortunately. Sounded much better in the 'Live at Donington' video.

AC/DC = Real Rock n' Roll!!.......2005-12-01

These guys are rock in it's purest form! No stupid dance routines, no costume changes inbetween songs, No Ballads..HELL YEAH! The fellas preform all the hits and after all these years they can still outdue all these new rock bands! If you're a fan you gotta have this. If you're not..this will convert you to AC/DCism for sure!!! Check it out!!

Angus Is 44 And STILL Looks Like He Is In The 10 th Grade!(No Bull!!).......2005-06-23

This album is a live version of a concert by AC/DC. Brian Johnson replaced Bon Scott as the lead singer after Bon "aspirated on his vomitus" and thereby gained Cult Celebrity Status in Death which he could not quite accomplish in Life. His replacement Brian is under 6 feet tall so when he is onstage he doesn't make Malcolm and Angus Young look like underfed runts.This concert features songs old and new from the band but after 30 years one DOES grow weary of seeing Angus Young dressed like a 14 year old schoolboy when in reality he is a middle aged man.I give this DVD 5 stars because I do like the sets onstage.

Average customer rating:

Dark imagination
Interesting story of repression of gays in China
An excellent film
Where's the palace?
Hauntingly Beautiful

East Palace, West Palace
Starring: Zhao Wei , Jun Hu , and Si Han
Director: Yuan Zhang
Manufacturer: Strand Releasing
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Gay & Lesbian | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

Lan Yu
Fleeing By Night
Formula 17
Doubt
The Map of Sex and Love

ASIN: B00019GI9C
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Description

EAST PALACE, WEST PALACE, the very first gay film to be made in China, explores the erotic obsessions between a policeman and his captive. During an interrogation, a handsome policeman questions a young writer, thrusting them into a sexual power play.

Customer Reviews:

Dark imagination.......2005-07-21

"East Palace,West Palace" is a quite sordid insight into the fascination of beats but the romantic longings that flow over this movie are quite compelling.Quite a gripping drama with lots of poetic licence.This all contributes to the art of seduction that the plot follows from beginning to end.A lovely film out of China and hopefully more will follow.Perhaps a bit dark in many places that a lot of gay asian films now seem to take up to disguise the explicitness of many scenes or at least leaves it to the audiences imagination.One for beat lovers for sure.....

Interesting story of repression of gays in China.......2003-12-19

"Dong gong xi gong (East Palace West Palace)" (1996; also released under the title "Behind the Forbidden City" in 1998) is a rather unique story about the overnight detention of a young gay Chinese man, A Lan, who was caught having sex with a man in a park near the Forbidden Palace in Beijing. Although homosexuality was not actually illegal during the time in which the film is set, gays in that country were routinely harrassed by the police, who could detain and arrest them for "hooliganism". The film unreels as A Lan tells his captor, a young park policeman named Xiao Shi, about his life, including his gradual realization that he was gay, and his experiences and yearnings. He reveals that he is married, which makes him a bit of an outcast among his other gay friends who gather at the park. His childhood recollections somewhat explain why he has a particular fascination to big, male authority figures who treat him badly, including his police captor. The policeman, who consistently called A Lan "disgusting" and worthy of shame, is also fighting his own fascination with the boy's story, and his growing attraction to him as well.

From what I have read in a couple of other reviews, the film has considerable political relevance in that it was the first Chinese film to criticize the government's hypocritical treatment of homosexuals. The film's director was reportedly arrested in 1997, and it is only because of friends' actions that the film was smuggled out of the country, where it was featured at the Cannes film festival. Obviously, I can't comment or judge based on political or cultural relevance, but the story itself is intriguing, the cinematography and direction excellent, and I was especially intrigued with Si Han, the young actor who played A Lan, who probably had constant, dramatic dialogue during 60 of the film's 94 minutes...

An excellent film.......2003-03-21

Beautifully made and mesmerizing film. Very sensuous, satisfying and somewhat poetic. Two leading actors are superb. In many ways, the film is a masterpiece.

Where's the palace?.......2000-08-28

Zhang Yuan's relationship with the Chinese authorities, never especially cordial, reached an all-time low with East Palace West Palace. The problem was the subject matter - homosexuality in Bejing. (The title refers to a meeting place for gays - public toilets in spitting distance of The Forbidden Palace.) When the film was selected for Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Festival, the director had his passport confiscated. No official reasons were given for this sanction, but in the West it was presumed that the had broken an unwritten law - homosexuality is still considered taboo in Chinese cinema. Inevitably, the controversy raised the film's profile.

"I was astonished to find out that the Beijing homosexuals knew the parks where the best-looking police were," Zhang commented when asked to explain what inspired the film. "They like the uniforms: there's an incredibly direct connection between sex and power." The story concerns a young gay writer (Si Han) who has the temerity to confront a heterosexual cop (Hu Jun). At first, the cop, who arrests him, is disgusted by his antics, but when the couple spend an evening in each other's presence, the policeman becomes fascinated with his provocative young prisoner who goads him to behave ever more brutally. However much he tries to suppress it, the cop seems attracted to the writer.

East Palace West Palace was made on a tight budget of around $260,000 (with support from The Hubert Bals Fund). Critics in Cannes and elsewhere were as impressed with Zhang's formal mastery as with his willingness to tackle uncompromising material. The consensus was that the film, which has also been produced as a play, showed a technical virtuosity which some of his earlier work had lacked. They also noted how the director successfully coaxed subtle but intense performances from his two leads.

Zhang Yuan is already well-known to Rotterdam audiences (his 1995 effort Erzi (Sons) won a Tiger Award). East Palace, West Palace is likely to confirm his reputation as one of the most innovative and iconoclastic young directors working in Chinese cinema.

I believe this movie is still banned in China, but the word must have spreaded around underground. If you are gay and anywhere related to Beijing, you must have heard of the "East Palace" and "West Palace", two famous gay cruising public WC near TianAnMen in Beijing. This movie borrowed the popular name, but is not about the life in the WC. It is about the obsessing and confusing between a gay and a policeman. It is the first gay movie out of mainland China, and is well received worldwide. The movie will be released in America late part of the year.

Hauntingly Beautiful.......2000-08-26

Si Han performs brilliantly as A-Lan, a young gay writer who falls madly in love with Shi, a macho police officer (played by Hu Jun) who has arrested and proceeds to interrogate him intensively. A key idea to understanding this film is that there is no such thing as love, real compassionate devotionate unconditional love, without at least some element(s) or component(s) of suffering and genuine sacrifice involved. Si Han's powerful acting renders A-Lan's ardent passion, suffering and compassion into vivid cinematic actualization, translated very well to VHS with excellent subtitling.

There is mystery, subtlety, subtext, metaphor and allusion in this movie which only heighten the audience's interest. What, for example, is A-Lan referring to exactly when he speaks of his being "married?" We are captivated by this mesmerizing captive as he gradually unveils his story, and his soul, to the cop, his captor, his tormentor, possibly even his executioner, yet at the same time his deeply beloved.

In the hands of a lesser director this film of intense homosexual love might've failed on any number of levels, but Zhang Yuan has crafted a jewel, a delicate labor of love. This film reminds the reviewer of the sort of humanistic psychology practiced by Carl Rogers, also the varieties of healing breakthroughs achieved by Gong Shu, art therapist and acclaimed student of psychodrama's cofounder Zerka Moreno. "East Palace, West Palace" is so imbrued with hope, dynamism, care, sensitivity and metanoia for and towards its characters that one gets the heartfelt impression these actors (and actresses) all of them are Yuan's own beloved children. With a gentle but firm, parental hand he directs and guides his exceptional cast to incredible fruition in their compelling portrayals, interpersonal as well as intrapersonal explorations, and core revelations.

There is something for everyone here. There is fantastic and poignant humor; one will come away never thinking of "bus" in quite the same light ever again. There is sex; lots of it, gobs of it, sometimes even extremely violent sex, though rendered all-the-more powerfully precisely because the overarching essence of it is left to that ocean of sensuality and polymorphous eroticism itself, the theatre of the human mind. And there are moments in this movie where your eyes will well with tears, and you will welcome them.

Product Description

2 great Diana documentaries one produced before her death is definitive and complete presenting diana as a princess of the people. The other with the benefit of previously unseeen footage provides a moving account of her remarkable life.

Customer Reviews:

A Must for Diana Lovers!.......2006-07-04

These are two wonderful documentaries including footage I've seen nowhere else that faithfully present Diana as she was and should be remembered! Just wonderful movies of her royal family, the Mother Teresa visit, and so much more. Diana a princess of the people; a mother, a wife, and an amazing woman. She remains an inspiration to my 3 daughters, who love this DVD!

Average customer rating:

The Hobbit

Manufacturer: East West Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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

The Hobbit

Product Features:

All Regions DVD

ASIN: B000HY3MK4

Product Description

Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit" (a prelude to "Lord of the Rings") where a homebody demi-human in Middle Earth gets talked into joining a quest with a group of dwarves to recover their treasure from a dragon. Bilbo Baggins the Hobbit was just minding his own business, when his occasional visitor Gandalf the Wizard drops in one night. One by one, a whole group of dwarves drop in, and before he knows it, Bilbo has joined their quest to reclaim their kingdom, taken from them by an evil dragon named Smaug. The only problem is that Gandalf has told the dwarves that Bilbo is an expert burglar, but he isn't.

Average customer rating:

Phil is God.. aint no diffrent..
WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?
Good S*it
Great video on it's own.
Pantera - 3 Vulgar Videos From Hell

3 Vulgar Videos From Hell
Starring: Pantera
Manufacturer: East/West Records
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

DimeVision, Vol.1: That's the Fun I Have
Slayer - Reign In Blood: Still Reigning
Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society - Boozed Broozed & Broken-Boned
Rebel Meets Rebel
Far Beyond Driven

ASIN: B00000K3V3
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Customer Reviews:

Phil is God.. aint no diffrent.........2005-08-31

The Best DVD I OWN!!! oh yeh.. it is a great DVD for metal fans to have.. and even if u dont like pantera.. it is hilarious..The music videos are great.. the ones that r on it are...
Cowboys From Hell, Cemetary Gates, Psycho Holiday, Walk, Mouth For War, This Love, 5 Minutes Alone, I'm Broken, Planet Caravan, and Drag The Waters..
All great videos.. My fave video is.. probably 5 Minutes Alone.. cuz u get 2 see Phil whoop a crash dummy's ass before it.. OH YEH! lolz..

WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?.......2005-06-22

First off let me tell you that Pantera even after long gone now, still kicks major ass, and this DVD proves it. The 3 VHS home videos in one, WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR? Well ok, you could ask for a little chapter division so you can skip to wherever part of the videos youd like to see but hey, if this is the only way to appreciate this tremendous band in their heyday, f** it! just enjoy it , man. But if you are the kind of mofo who likes to bug about every little detail then f*** off @sshole! Pantera rules! and Dimebag lives on! The best behind the scenes look Ive seen in a long time, every time I check this DVD out I cant help but feel overjoyed and sad at the same time. Overjoyed for all the hillarious footage and sad for the death of one of power metal's best guitarists. R.I.P. DIMEBAG. Gone but not forgotten.

Good S*it.......2005-03-03

I dont know who that guy mastershake is at the bottom of the review screen is but this video is kick {ASS}. Also mastershake the next time you think slayer sucks[i read his reviews] why dont you take your winy-a** over to their house and see what they think

Great video on it's own........2005-02-27

I can definately see why some people gave this dvd a low rating. If you've got any of the original pantera videos it's a waste of money.

However, I must admit that I enjoyed this an aweful lot. The live performances were awesome. My favorite is definately "domination" on the monsters of rock festival in moscow. It's so damn energetic, just makes me want to jump up and break stuff. ^_^. In addition, I really love all of the backstage stuff. These guys are hilarious and the clip with Yngwie Malmsteen in the first video is too funny... "I don't want no donuts!" ooooh man, I still get a good kick out of that.

Anyway, to sum it up, this dvd is worth it as long as you don't have any of the other pantera videos. I don't mind not being able to skip to scenes, it does bring back the older days of metal where you would always watch the bands tour videos on VHS. These guys have some balls and I'd say deserve some respect for being so nuts and wonderful.

Pantera - 3 Vulgar Videos From Hell .......2005-01-22

Great DVD! If you're a fan of the powerhouse known as Pantera, pick this one up, pop it in, and "watch it go." Basically, it contains about 50% footage of them throwin' down live and the remainder of it is candit shots of them on the road - partyin' and blowin' stuff up. It jams. This DVD is special to me since I grew up in the DFW area and went to their shows as a teenager and I my early teens. I will never forget the 94 show at Fair Park when we tore that venue to pieces. It's especially important now due to the death of Dime. Nobody played metal that kind of passion. RIP bro.

I live in Colorado now but this DVD takes me back to my roots of growing up in North Texas - both good times and bad. The only thing that would have made this a 5 out of 5 would be if they left out that clip of this dude getting a zip (...). Thank God for fast forward. All in all, this DVD jams.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Lady Snowblood - Love Song of Vengeance

Aaahh!!! Real Monsters - All About Ickis : Video

Alex & Emma [P&S] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: Lethal Target

Notiert in Stadt und Land