Life of a G

Starring:Life of a G
Studio: Irie Productions
Product Type: DVD

The Godfather, Part II (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

The Hardening of the Idealist
Wonderful sequel to the Godfather
Great sequel
A Good Follow up
Quality

The Godfather, Part II (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Al Pacino , Robert Duvall , Diane Keaton , Robert De Niro , and John Cazale
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Godfather (Widescreen Edition)
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ASIN: B0007Y08MY
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Amazon.com essential video

Francis Ford Coppola took some of the deep background from the life of Mafia chief Vito Corleone--the patriarch of Mario Puzo's bestselling novel The Godfather--and built around it a stunning sequel to his Oscar-winning, 1972 hit film. Robert De Niro plays Vito as a young Sicilian immigrant in turn-of-the-century New York City's Little Italy. Coppola weaves in and out of the story of Vito's transformation into a powerful crime figure, contrasting that evolution against efforts by son Michael Corleone to spread the family's business into pre-Castro Cuba. As memorable as the first film is, The Godfather II is an amazingly intricate, symmetrical tragedy that touches upon several chapters of 20th-century history and makes a strong case that our destinies are written long before we're born. This was De Niro's first introduction to a lot of filmgoers, and he makes an enormous impression. But even with him and a number of truly brilliant actors (including maestro Lee Strasberg), this is ultimately Pacino's film and a masterful performance. --Tom Keogh

Description

This brilliant companion piece to the original film continues the saga of two generations of successive power within the Corleone family. Coppola tells two stories in Part II: the roots and rise of a young Don Vito, played with uncanny ability by Robert De Niro, and the ascension of Michael (Pacino) as the new Don.

Customer Reviews:

The Hardening of the Idealist.......2007-04-01

Most critics and the Motion Picture Academy agree. Godfather 2 is a worthy sequel to the blockbuster movie, The Godfather.

If you think that the Godfather saga is only about Organized Crime, you are wrong. It is about Family dynamics in a Sicillian family who's business just happens to be Organized Crime.

Michael is the quintessential Idealist. Whereas his father was a pragmatist bound in honor, and his brothers were respectivly a loose cannon and a milquetoast, Michaels idealism turned out to be his downfall. Whereas a pragmatist can be flexible, an idealist always insists that he is right all the time, and he runs his life in such a manner. When your life involves the Underworld, all your ideals will morph you into a pillar of granite. This is what Godfather 2 is all about.

In it we see two stories running paralell tracks. The first story is of Don Vito choosing to be a strongarm to protect his Family, his friends and his honor. Then we see Michael trying to do the same thing, but his ideals get in the way and he chooses to abandon them. He drive his friends and family away from himself by his sheer heartlessness and ruthlessness. In the end of Godfather 2, he has no honor, for he kills everyone in his way. Even his own brother, Fredo! We see in the end him sitting alone on a bench with an icy stare. But after all, he believes that all his actions were not only neccesary, but RIGHT!!! Michael tells Tom Hagen: "I dont feel that I have to kill everybody! Only my enemies." Yet to Michael, in the end, all those who do not agree with him are enemies!

To see Michael deal with his sins and attempt to buy his redemption, you must purchase Godfather 3 from Amazon.com!

Wonderful sequel to the Godfather.......2007-03-30

This is as fantastic a movie as the first part. The Metamorphosis of Michael Corleone which started in the first part reaches its completion in this sequel. He is so besotted with power that he does not want any one opposing him be it his wife, brother, or anyone. This movie shows us how life can change a "War-hero" to a power-drunk godfather.

Great sequel.......2007-03-12

Even better than the original - because it probes deeper into the personalities, especially of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) and his obsession with family and loyalty and snubbing out his enemies. He is quiet, educated, and coldly calculating. The movie traces his dealings in the 1950s-60s, set mainly in Nevada. Interspersed with these developments is the story of the rise of his father Don Vito Corleone in Little Italy in NYC in the 1920s, with Robert De Niro doing a brilliant job in that role. Both stories are excellently told. Despite my never quite understanding America's obsession with the mafia and its ilk, it's not hard to conclude that this is a major movie achievement.

A Good Follow up.......2007-03-10

a good movie that explains the first one a little more

Quality .......2007-02-26

I'd read that Godfather II was a worthy sequel, so I was desperately hoping that this would be true - and, oh, how it was! Although the movie was only filmed two years after the Godfather, about 7 years have gone by in the timeline of the story. The Corleone family, under the guidance of their new leader Michael, have moved to Las Vegas to make money from gambling. At the same time, the film also steps back into the past to show how Vito Corleone, Michael's deceased father and former Don, came to America and made his fortune.

As with the first film, the performances are incredible. The standout actors are Al Pacino as Michael and Robert De Niro as the young Vito Corleone. Both radiate power and dynamism the entire time they are on screen. De Niro looks regal (as befits the older man played by Marlon Brando in the first movie) whilst Pacino smoulders, somehow looking much more mature than the Michael from the first film, with his eyes practically burning holes in the TV screen. Some of the most moving shots were when Michael's face faded into Vito's, seeming to represent how the two characters were inextricably linked through time.

To watch the continuing transformation to Michael's character is both heartbreaking and fascinating. At the start of the film we see how the Corleone family are falling apart - Connie has become wild and cold-hearted to punish Michael for her husband's murder, Fredo is as hopeless (although well-meaning) as ever and Kay has pretty much stopped hoping Michael will ever turn into the 'good' man she hoped he would. Michael is also about to make some important business decisions, which cause tension and rivalry with other businessmen who don't want him to succeed. This all creates a power keg of anger, violence and emotion that explodes across the next few hours with shattering consequences. I thought it was a masterstroke to intertwine the present day happenings with the old story of Vito growing up. The history of the family explains and enlightens so much.

There are too many great performances by secondary characters to mention. Robert Duvall is sensational in his reprisal of the role of Tom Hagen. Diane Keaton completely nails the part of Kay - even when she reveals something completely shocking to Michael it is believable and her gaunt face seems to show all that has gone before.

The ending is completely satisfying, if indescribably tragic. I was torn between hating Michael (particularly after he ordered a murder in the last minutes of the film that completely shocked me and showed how he has changed irredeemably) and yet I wanted to sob for him and for the loss of what his life might have been. The final few minutes bring the stories of Michael and Vito together and leave you feeling like you've been punched in the stomach.

Overall, the Godfather II is just as iconic as the Godfather. It's great to watch a sequel that continues the story so well and is faithful to the characters. I have never seen a pair of films that so hauntingly and movingly trace the destruction of one man's soul and conscience.

Average customer rating:

Freedom Isn't Free
Excellent.
For Thinking Americans - and you can be one!
As Good As I Expected
Fabulous movie

The U.S. vs. John Lennon
Starring: John Lennon , Geraldo Rivera , Bobby Seale , George Harrison , and Gore Vidal
Director: David Leaf , and John Scheinfeld
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The U.S. vs. John Lennon
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Babel

ASIN: B000LP5CX4
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Amazon.com

In retrospect, it seems absurd that the United States government felt so threatened by the presence of John Lennon that they tried to have him deported. But that's what happened, as chronicled in directors David Leaf and John Scheinfeld's The U.S. vs. John Lennon. The film starts slowly, with a familiar look at the former Beatle's troubled childhood, his outspokenness as one of the Fabs ("We're more popular now than Jesus Christ," etc.), and his eventual hookup with Yoko Ono, paralleled by the growth of political protest in '60s America, particularly against the Vietnam War. John and Yoko went on to stage their own peaceful demonstrations, like the Canadian "bed-ins," but these were largely harmless media stunts. It was when the Lennons moved to New York in the early '70s and took a more active role in the anti-war movement, making friends with radicals like Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, and Black Panther Party founder Bobby Seale, that the government got interested--and paranoid--and men like President Richard Nixon, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, and right-wing Sen. Strom Thurmond began actively looking for ways to silence him (it was Thurmond who came up with the deportation idea). That's also when the film picks up. An array of talking heads weighs in, ranging from Ono and others sympathetic to Lennon's plight (Walter Cronkite, Sen. George McGovern, even Geraldo Rivera) to those on the other side, including Watergate conspirator G. Gordon Liddy. Though The U.S. vs. John Lennon is hardly impartial, it's safe to say that although Lennon was more an idealist than an activist, he was an influential celebrity whom Nixon viewed as a potential nuisance in an election year. And even once Nixon had won the '72 presidential race, the Immigration and Naturalization Service refused to drop its case. Why? "Anybody who sings about love, and harmony, and life, is dangerous to somebody who sings about death," says author Gore Vidal. "Lennon... was a born enemy of the U.S. He was everything they hated." For music fans, Lennon's solo recordings provide the soundtrack. The DVD also contains considerable additional documentary footage. --Sam Graham

Description

The compelling and provocative story of John Lennon's evolution from beloved Beatle to outspoken artist and activist to iconic inspiration for peace, and how, in the midst of one of the most tumultuous times in American history, Lennon stood his ground, refused to be silenced and courageously won his battle with the U.S. Government.

Customer Reviews:

Freedom Isn't Free.......2007-07-04

Today it seems almost quaint that John Lennon was considered subversive durng the late 60's and early 70's. However, as this documentary reveals, post-Beatles Lennon was finding his voice and using his influence to shape the minds of the American youth. Whether collaborating with Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, and Bobby Seales, using his fame to help free John Sinclair, or writing songs and posting billboards to end the Vietnam War; he was being increasingly feared by Herbert Hoover, Richard Nixon, and many others. It's a bit of a grey area as to whether freedom of speech should be guaranteed to a foreigner who hasn't had to fight for it.

One of things that I liked about the film is that Yoko Ono is portrayed in a good light. So many times, she has been portrayed as some evil manipulator who clouded John Lennon's mind and caused the breakup of the Beatles. Here she is as shown as a woman who clearly loved and was in awe of John Lennon. He in turn was happiest when spending time with her and their son Sean In NYC. It's tragic that he was killed at age 40 in 1980, when his life and message were one of love and peace.

Excellent........2007-06-27

I rate this DVD one of the best DVd's on the 'other side' of John Lennon. I thought I knew all about John Lennon but was amazed to find that he was greater than I thought. The special features is a must. I've got my monies worth on the purchase of this dvd.

For Thinking Americans - and you can be one!.......2007-06-11

Every American should view this film and Dixie Chicks: Shut Up & Sing before choosing our next president. Truth prevailed in their cases but will it continue if our "majority" doesn't start making better leadership/power choices.

As Good As I Expected.......2007-06-08

Being a John Lennon fan, The U.S. vs. John Lennon was everything I expected. The movie not only showed John's musical powers, but also his social powers.

Fabulous movie.......2007-06-02

This movie is a must for all people who remember John Lennon. It is also for the younger generation who may not know about John Lennon. You'll see the evolution of a man from a rock musician to a peace activist. It is stunning, informative and entertaining all at once. The extras are as interesting as the movie itself. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about the peace movement and be entertained in the mean time.

Average customer rating:

A Fantastic Movie.
Get the popcorn and enjoy.
About Twin Towers
One Great Action Movie
Great movie--Lousy DVD transfer

The Long Kiss Goodnight
Starring: Geena Davis , Samuel L. Jackson , Yvonne Zima , Craig Bierko , and Tom Amandes
Director: Renny Harlin
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
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ASIN: 0780618548
Release Date: 1997-04-30

Amazon.com essential video

Geena Davis and her former husband, director Renny Harlin, attempted to pick up the pieces after the debacle of their box-office disaster, Cutthroat Island. What they came up with was this repulsive ode to American film noir, based on a script by Shane Black (Lethal Weapon) about an amnesiac schoolteacher (Davis) who searches for her true identity and finds she is actually a secret agent immersed in a deadly plot to topple the government. Mechanistic in its violence, obnoxious in its attitude, the film makes Davis, a once-promising actress, nothing more than a special effect. She tosses one to sadists in the audience by allowing her character to be beaten, punched unconscious, and tortured. The DVD release has optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, plus Dolby surround sound, theatrical trailer, cast information, optional French-language soundtrack and optional Spanish subtitles. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

A Fantastic Movie........2007-06-16

This film is really one of the best action films Ive ever seen. It is truly fun to watch, even if you watch it over and over again. I was most surprised by Geena Davis. Her performance is actually very good as an action star. Her action and her acting were both done extremely well. Then theres Samuel L. Jackson. God, hes cool in this film. He has so many lines that are largely funny and not corny. Him and Geena have a good chemistry on screen that really makes the movie work. The action is pretty much non stop. Those action scenes are shot very nicely and they look awesome. This movie most certainly isnt meant to be taken seriously and is meant to have fun watching. It succeeds in doing so. Its a great little action film that will keep you entertained even if you watch it a dozen of times.

Get the popcorn and enjoy........2007-06-12

I heard that this movie tanked at the US box office and i'm not sure why because its far better than many of the "blockbusters".
I lived in Singapore and it just ran and ran there in a couple of theaters.

Renny Harlin was married to Gena Davis at the time and it all seemed a bit incestuous and it followed the record breaking disaster that was "Cutthroat Island" so I guess nobody in the "biz" wanted to go near it.

This however is a good movie. It flows well the actions scenes are great and Samuel Jackson is wonderful. I'd never heard of him but Craig Bierko makes a great villain and I cant see why he hasnt done more. Yes there are plot holes but no more than the average Tarantino movie.

I would rather sit through a rerun of of this than have to watch Spiderman 3 ever again.

About Twin Towers.......2007-04-22

I saw this movie and it held my attention from the beginning, as well. But, I was very surprised about the statement made about blowing up the Twin Towers and blaming it on the Muslims.
Does anyone remember that? It was near the middle of the movie. Interesting, because the movie was made during the mid-90's and the Towers were actually blown up and it was blamed on Muslims.

One Great Action Movie.......2007-02-11

This movie is over the top, smartly written, and perfectly made. It is Renny Harlin's masterpiece, and my favorite Samuel Jackson movie. The screenplay by Shane Black is complex and full of smart, funny dialog. The pairing of Davis and Jackson is very enjoyable, and the action scenes are some of the best ever in action movie history. Unrealistic? Yes. One of those movies you can watch over and over and never get sick of it? To me, yes. Harlin is a brilliant director when given the decent material he needs to work with; This is one of his most shining moments. Great ensemble cast, cinematography, and sounds really great loud. Love the scene w/Jackson on Larry King. That is some funny stuff. A must for every action movie fan.

Great movie--Lousy DVD transfer.......2007-01-18

I really like this movie. Geena Davis has never been cuter, and Samuel L. Jackson has never been seedier. I really enjoyed this movie in the theater and later on tape.

Then I bought the DVD. And it stinks. It is the worst DVD transfer I've ever seen. Every chapter transition pixellates during the transition. It hurts my eyes to watch it. I finally took the DVD out after 15 or 20 minutes. I've never seen a DVD do this, except for poorly-burned copies of old, scratched-up DVDs. The only redeeming factor is that I only paid $3 for it from another retailer when purchased at the same time as SOAP.

I've never seen a DVD do this. Stay away from this cheaply-made DVD.

Average customer rating:

Prefer the Judy Garland one
Evergreen...
Barbara is amazing
A star is born
When Streisand Sings Rock, It's Also Great.

A Star Is Born
Starring: Barbra Streisand , Kris Kristofferson , Gary Busey , Oliver Clark , and Venetta Fields
Director: Frank Pierson
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B000AYEL1A
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Amazon.com essential video

This film actually began with the idea of remaking A Star Is Born with the then-hot couple James Taylor and Carly Simon. Eventually, it evolved into this vanity production for Barbra Streisand, with Kris Kristofferson as the designated stud muffin. The story remains the same: A superstar on the decline meets a young singer on the way up. They marry as their career trajectories intersect, and his eventual demise is meant as a sacrifice to further boost her career by ridding her of the burden of him. Kristofferson's rock & roll numbers are decidedly lousy--Hollywood's idea of rock music--and Streisand looks good and always sounds fine (she won an Oscar for cowriting the song "Evergreen"). But you can feel her heavy hand guiding every shot; she seems to serve as puppet master for director Frank Pierson, framing every image of herself for maximum glow. The ultimate date flick (if the guy can sit still through it). --Marshall Fine

Description

The fire of Barbra Streisand. The magnetism of Kris Kristofferson. The reckless world of big-time rock 'n' roll. All three bring a new passion and timeliness to A Star Is Born, one of the screen's classic love stories (previously filmed in 1937 and 1954) and winner of five Golden GlobeO Awards, including Best Picture, Actress and Actor (Musical/Comedy). Paul Williams, Kenny Loggins, Leon Russell and others worked with Streisand on one of the most popular song scores ever, topped by the Streisand/Williams Evergreen winning the Academy AwardO and Golden GlobeO Award as 1976's Best Original Song. Their teamwork resulted in a box-office triumph as well as "a considerable achievement" (Clive Hirschhorn, The Hollywood Musical).

DVD Features:
Additional Scenes:Additional Scenes/Alternate Takes
Audio Commentary:Commentary by Barbra Streisand
Other:Wardrobe Tests
Theatrical Trailer:A Star Is Born Trailer Gallery

Customer Reviews:

Prefer the Judy Garland one.......2007-06-30

I am a great fan of Barbara Streisand but I prefer the Judy Garland version.

Evergreen..........2007-05-30

Barbra Streisand plays a singer who is discovered by a superstar, performed by Kris Kristofferson, whose career is going down the tubes because of his alcohol and drug dependency, combined with a reckless personality.

They soon initiate a relationship and fall madly in love with one another. They get married but he continues to diminish his stature while she gains in popularity. While his songs and music are decreasing in popularity and quality, her voice is capturing the hearts of fans everywhere, and the melodies she produces start to win awards.

Both performances are superb and the magnetism of both stars makes this movie a rather interesting story to watch. Evergreen shall forever enchant audiences, and owning a DVD where it is performed by Barbra Streisand and then hummed by her is simply... magnificent. Don't miss it!

Barbara is amazing.......2007-05-12

The films in itself isn't the best, but her singing simply draws you into the story in such a way that in the end, I cried! snif. Yep, it was gooooooooood.

Go babara!

A star is born.......2007-05-12

I saw this movie the first time it came out in 197? I loved it then and have waited along time for it to come out in DVD it is just as good as I remeber LOVE IT !!! LOVE IT !!! if you have never seen it and you are a romantic it is well worth the money and then some .........

When Streisand Sings Rock, It's Also Great........2007-05-12

We normally are familiar with Barbra Streisand singing ballads. But, when she does rock 'n' roll, she delivers it with another effect, which is also terrific. Personally, I don't think this one is my favorite movie by Streiand, but, it is a remake of a classic ... so, I should have it in my collection. Streisand fans should obtain this DVD because it features some deleted scenes and Streisand's commentary.

Average customer rating:

Great Movie
Kelly's Heroes
I still love this movie
Simply a great film...
Very subtle, but hilarious

Kelly's Heroes
Starring: Clint Eastwood , Telly Savalas , Don Rickles , Carroll O'Connor , and Donald Sutherland
Director: Brian G. Hutton
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00004RF9L
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Amazon.com

This tongue-in-cheek 1970 variation on The Dirty Dozen looks less fresh than it did in the year of its release, but it still has some enjoyable moments. Clint Eastwood stars along with Donald Sutherland, Harry Dean Stanton, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Carroll O'Connor, and Gavin MacLeod in the story of American soldiers who try to steal gold behind enemy lines in World War II. Sutherland's hippie G.I. doesn't have the sardonic and timely appeal he did during the Vietnam War, but the film's irreverence and several of the performances are worth a visit. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie.......2007-06-12

Outstanding - - Clint Eastwood & many stars make this an enjoyable movie.

Kelly's Heroes.......2007-05-06

Clint Eastwood has always been a favorite of mine and his protrayal
of the enterprising fighting soldier is standard of his image as
top quality movie star. The product is good with great color and
sound.

Thanks

I still love this movie.......2007-04-04

I first saw this movie when I was a kid and was just a WWII buff. I can honestly say, though, that since then I will make a point to watch it whenever I see it. While it is not high art by any stretch, it is an eminently watchable movie that is well paced and has iconic characters you'll remember well after you see the movie (who could forget Oddball). In fact, I'm going to go watch it right now...

Simply a great film..........2007-03-20

One of my all time favourites, Kelly Heroes somehow manages to find comic relief, humor and irony in the otherwise dismal environment of war.

Under the mask of wartime confusion, the guys pull of the 'perfect caper.' You just have to wonder just how often such a real event must have taken place.

The action in this movie flows very well and the performances by Sutherland, Savalas and Rickles are superb. I must have watched this film 25 times by now and never tire from or get bored with it.

Highly recommended - but not for under 12yo.

RW -||-

Very subtle, but hilarious.......2007-03-16

The hordes of reviewers that have written earlier on this movie have covered the plot, and how funny this movie is, and how "1970s" it is. I want to add a bit about the subtle points in this movie that are really good. Telly Savalas does an excellent job as the lungs-of-brass Sergeant who goes along for one reason only, and that is to keep all the men under him alive. How he does this and the efforts he goes through are all kept in the movie, and that could not have been easy to do. Carroll O'Connor's General is another lungs-of-brass type, but his focus is to get close enough to the real action to share in the glory. He, however, is so completely clueless as to be, well...believable! Sutherland's Oddball is everybody's favorite. What is really funny though is how everyone in theater (combat theater) knows him. Then there is the whole subject of the marching band and how it gets involved. Yes, the story in the movie is pretty superficial, but the subtleties in this movie are what really make it go, and make it one of the most satisfying Eastwood movies ever made.

Average customer rating:

Visually arresting from start to finish...great performances...
Touching and sad movie
Love it!!
Very good film.
I've watched it three times now.

Empire of the Sun
Starring: Hiro Arai , Christian Bale , J.G. Ballard , Ray Charleson , and Peter Copley
Director: Steven Spielberg
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Empire of the Sun

ASIN: B00003CX9U
Release Date: 2001-11-06

Amazon.com essential video

Roundly dismissed as one of Steven Spielberg's least successful efforts, this very underrated film poignantly follows the World War II adventures of young Jim (a brilliant Christian Bale), caught in the throes of the fall of China. What if you once had everything and lost it all in an afternoon? What if you were only 12? Bale's transformation, from pampered British ruling-class child to an imprisoned, desperate, nearly feral boy, is nothing short of stunning. Also stunning are exceptional sets, cinematography, and music (the last courtesy of John Williams) that enhance author J.G. Ballard's and screenwriter Tom Stoppard's depiction of another, less familiar casualty of war.

In a time when competitors were releasing "comedic," derivative coming-of-age films, Empire of the Sun stands out as an epic in the classic David Lean sense--despite confusion or perceived competition with the equally excellent The Last Emperor (also released in 1987, and also a coming-of-age in a similar setting). It is also a remarkable testament to, yes, the human spirit. And despite its disappointing box-office returns, Empire of the Sun helped to further establish Spielberg as more than a commercial director and set the standard, tone, and look for future efforts Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. --N.F. Mendoza

Description

Steven Spielberg's epic about a youngster's harrowing and remarkable experiences in World War II-era China after the Japanese invasion. Best Picture,Director/ National Board of Review.

Customer Reviews:

Visually arresting from start to finish...great performances..........2007-06-08

EMPIRE OF THE SUN is a gem of movie-making. Visually arresting from start to finish, given a sumptuous musical score by John Williams and some of the finest cinematography ever seen, it is hard to understand why the film is not as highly acclaimed as it ought to be...nor is it fitting that it was nominated for six Academy Awards but received none.

It's a sweeping epic but depends on capturing your interest by giving the main burden to the young Christian Bale who certainly has one of the great child roles of a lifetime as Jim--and becomes the character so completely that his final reunion with his parents brings tears to the eyes. By that time, the viewer has been through so much with him, watching as he grows from spoiled rich kid to a wily boy who must fend for himself among the wolf-pack of prisoners interred by the Japanese.

Basically, it's the real life story of one boy's survival during the outbreak of World War II when he is separated from his British parents during the evacuation of Shanghai. It is a spectacularly staged evacuation scene that is topped throughout by other scenes of visual splendor and poignant moments that stay in the memory long after the film is over. The boy's fascination with the beauty of planes and the horrors of war are well documented--as is his strange fascination with the Japanese and his doomed friendship with a Japanese boy.

The film falls squarely on the shoulders of Christian Bale, so much so that the supporting players are never fully fleshed characters. However, all of them within a limited range--including John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson and Nigel Havers--do magnificent jobs. Steven Spielberg's direction cannot be faulted. He has given us a closeup glimpse of war and its effect on people that can only be rivaled by his later masterwork, SCHINDLER'S LIST.

Technically, the film is a brilliant achievement in all of its World War II details. And Christian Bale certainly deserved an Oscar for what has to be one of the strongest performances ever given by a child actor, with never a false step, every nuance just perfect.

Touching and sad movie.......2007-05-24

This movie reflects on war and its effects on a little boy. It is very entertaining yet very sad. I definitely recommend this movie to everyone who would like to know some of war's ugly sides. A great buy!

Love it!!.......2007-05-14

I have been looking for this film all over, and when I found out that Amazon had it I was really excited. I love this classic film and now I have the chance to watch it when ever I want. Thank you sooooo much.

Very good film........2007-05-13

People of all ages can enjoy this film about coming of age in a time of war. It has beautiful imagery and uses its soundtrack very effectively. Beautiful work from a younger Spielberg.

I've watched it three times now........2007-05-13

The acting and the directing transform this story into an unforgetable movie. Stephan Spielberg's scenes are great!

Reds (Special 25th Aniversary Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Russian Revolution With American Movie Stars
At the risk of sounding crass and superficial,
Fantastic movie
Excellent Package Overall
Entertaining and Passionate Epic Film

Reds (Special 25th Aniversary Collector's Edition)
Starring: Kerry Armstrong , R.G. Armstrong , Roger Baldwin , Ramon Bieri , and Phil Brown
Manufacturer: Paramount
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ASIN: B000GG4Y32
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Amazon.com essential video

Warren Beatty's lengthy 1981 drama about American Communist John Reed and his relationships with both the Russian Revolution and a writer named Louise Bryant (Diane Keaton) is a compelling piece of little-known history told in a uniquely personal way. Beatty plays Reed as he did the title gangster in Bugsy and Senator in Bulworth, as a visionary likely to die before anyone fully recognizes the progressiveness of the vision, including those who are supposed to be on the same page. Jack Nicholson has an interesting part as fellow intellectual Eugene O'Neill, and the late author Jerzy Kosinski--himself a refugee from then-Soviet-controlled Poland--makes a strong impression as Reed's problematic Russian liaison. --Tom Keogh

Amazon.com

In some ways, Warren Beatty's 195-minute film about the radical movement at the beginning of the 20th century is the last Hollywood studio epic. A peerless reporter, John Reed, mixes with the intellectuals of the time who see socialism as the answer to end what would become the First World War. As with epics, we go on a journey--from Portland to New York to Europe and finally Russia--just in time to witness the revolution that would make Reed famous upon publishing "Ten Days That Shook the World." But Reed had more ambition, and Beatty's ambition is splendidly captured on the screen, matched by a tremendous cast and stunning visuals (shot by Oscar-winner Vittorio Storaro). Reds doesn't have the action or vistas as a David Lean epic, but travels on the road less taken--here, seeing the birth of communism. Beatty and Trevor Griffiths lace their talky script of ideas with plenty of humor and fashion a poignant love story. Reed's infatuation with the rebel without a cause, Louise Bryant (Diane Keaton), turns into a love triangle with playwright Eugene O'Neill (Jack Nicholson at his most sublime). As Brooks becomes more complex and stalwart, the love story becomes something more. Keaton is perfect in following the arc of Brooks, just another spot-on casting decision by Beatty. Also impressive is Oscar winner Maureen Stapleton as feisty activist Emma Goldman and author Jerzy Kolinsky (Being There) as a Russian diplomat. The boldest stroke is hearing from real "witnesses" talking about the times. They are funny, poetic, deft, provide musical accompaniment and, most importantly, expertly set up scenes. The uninitiated will learn about this time in remarkable fashion; the cineaste can marvel in the ground Beatty covers, never better then a montage ending first half as Reed and Brooks are literally swept up in the revolution.

Beatty states at the top of the DVD extras he's not a big fan of talking about a movie (and did no publicity for the film upon its release in 1981). So there is no commentary track, just an expertly produced 90-minute retrospective with interviews from most of the major players, minus Keaton. We find out why Beatty's best performances are the ones he doesn't direct, while Nicholson provides the reason why Beatty had to star. Beatty talks about the process to interview the witnesses, and when we see bits of unused footage, it whets the appetite for more. Certainly, an hour of witness outtakes would have been something special, and would allow Beatty not to speak about his masterpiece. --Doug Thomas

Description

Reds is the story of the love affair of John Reed and Louise Bryant in a war-torn world and how the Russian Revolution shook their lives.

Customer Reviews:

Russian Revolution With American Movie Stars.......2007-07-05

Hollywood's been waiting a long time for this one. The Cold War pretty much made the Revolution a taboo subject. By the time Beatty got around to it, the proletariat had disappeared to be replaced by American college kids with trust funds and drugs arrests. Still, it is good to see this extraordinary historic event dramatized so well and performed so memorably, even if it stars Beatty playing a whiny, post-Watergate-type journalist who believed in the truth. The Bolsheviks had to put him wise on a few things. Jack Nicholson plays Eugene O'Neil, the great cynical playwright, whose marvelous performance put young Diane Keaton's silly Woody Allen impersonation in a new light. Overall, it is unique in its mainstream use of interviews to extend (pad?) the narrative. I found these interviews a real high light, especially the extended use of Henry Miller who is a hoot. Beatty never really fulfilled his promise after this stunning film. Like Costner, his seems to have had one masterpiece in him and then he shrank back to size.

At the risk of sounding crass and superficial,.......2007-07-05

this film (and many of his other films) shows that Warren Beatty is far more than just a "pretty face". My hat's off to "WB".

Fantastic movie.......2007-06-18

A wonderful film that I just never got around to before. Everything about it was well done. Warren Beatty should have won best actor Oscar as well as the one for director that he was awarded. Enjoyed it a lot more than Doctor Zhivago.

Excellent Package Overall.......2007-06-10

I'm not sure why it took so long for this title to come out on DVD - Paramount has been criticized for their slow release of titles - but it's a great package. On top of the film - which looks great - you get some great extras that provide a fascinating look at the history of this movie. The one thing that bothers me is the absence of the original movie trailer. It's a bit ridiculous when a DVD hits the market, sometimes a few months after it was in the theaters, and includes the trailer. We were watching that trailer on TV not that long ago! It's much more interesting for classic movies to include the trailer when it's released on DVD to give us a complete historical package. This DVD doesn't include the original trailer, but includes the trailer made for this DVD release - an advertisement for this product that most buyers probably haven't seen until they purchased it!

Entertaining and Passionate Epic Film.......2007-05-20

As a disclaimer I must tell you that I am a big fan of the film epic, especially from the director, David Lean, who directed Dr. Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia. In Reds, there are long treks across the frozen tundra and men on horseback attacking trains that pay homage to Lean.

There are spectacular scenes and attention to detail that make the film a visual treat. The cinematography earns the Oscar it got in 1982 and looks wonderful on DVD. It really doesn't look over 25 years old partly because it probably got cleaned up for the DVD, but also because of the expert lighting and cinematography. I can't imagine what it looks like in the HD version.

There are some who say that Beatty glorifies communism. I would disagree. Beatty instead glorifies the act of revolution and idealism whether it is the free love movement or the revolution against war and for the liberation of workers. There is excitement of political organizing and passion of actually overturning oppression. This is why many would feel the first part of Reds is better than the second. The second part shows the consequences of the revolution whether it is hurting a lover or finding that the revolt only replaced tyranny with tyranny.

I really appreciate the inter-cutting of interviews with witnesses to that time in history. These men and women knew the main characters in the film and share their opinions and remembrances with great charm.

At 195 minutes, the film is rather long -- too long. The film would have benefited from tighter editing and little less indulgence. With that being said, this film earns a solid B and is worth a watch.

Average customer rating:

If you have an obtuse sense of humor, you'll love it!!
NC-17 Was the Death of Orgazmo
Better than expected
Hilarious!!!!
Jesus and I love you Joe

Orgazmo (Unrated Special Edition)
Starring: Joseph Arsenault , Juli Ashton , Dian Bachar , David Dunn (III) , and Michael Dean Jacobs
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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South Park - Bigger, Longer & Uncut
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ASIN: B0006HBZEW
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Amazon.com

South Park cocreator Trey Parker goes straight for the gross-out humor in this live-action farce set in the adult-movie industry. Parker stars as an innocent Mormon kid who gets sucked into the world of pornographic filmmaking and becomes an international sensation as the porno superhero Orgazmo, all the while hiding his secret life from his milk-fed fiancée. It's practically a one-man show for Parker, who directs, writes, stars, and even performs the self-penned theme song as frontman for his rock band, and perhaps he should have spread the responsibilities a little. As an actor he's surprisingly appealing--his dazed grin and bleached white surfer-dude hair give him an engaging air of innocence (he can also be seen, just as innocently endearing, in the sports farce BASEketball). Paired with longtime crony Dian Bachar, the diminutive actor who plays his superhero sidekick Chodo Boy, they bring a Hardy Boys naiveté to the rude world of mobbed-up producers and jaded adult film stars. But the film is only fitfully funny, with vulgar jokes that are often more disgusting than humorous and clumsy comic timing sabotaging promising scenes. Only rarely does it reach the heights of his hilarious cutout cartoon series, but when he delivers he does so with the carefully cultivated tasteless excess his fans have come to know and love. Matt Stone costars as a clueless photographer and adult film star; Ron Jeremy appears as a gross gangster henchman. --Sean Axmaker

Album Description

Asian only All Code / NTSC DVD. Directed by Trey Parker (creator of South Park)'. Joe Young is a young Mormon actor who preaches the word of God in L.A. and can't get anything from it. One day he stumbles onto the set of a porno movie being shot by well known porn director Maxxx Orbison (Ron Jeremy). Maxxx chooses Joe for the title part in his new movie Captain Orgazmo. Joe soon befriends short and skinny Ben Chapleski (his sidekick in the film), who invented a ray-gun which emits a light beam that causes the most intense orgasm in whoever it hits (called Orgasmorator). Unexpectedly movie Captain Orgazmo becomes a cult hit, and Joe's girlfriend Lisa accidentally sees the movie in the video store - and the problems begin. Includes, Interactive menu, Scene Access & Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. This film is only available on VHS domestically.

Customer Reviews:

If you have an obtuse sense of humor, you'll love it!!.......2007-05-23

I had the pleasure of seeing this movie when it came out on the movie channels back in my college years. I was in disbelief of what I was seeing and even more suprised there had been no "buzz" about the film.

Ten years later I still love this movie!! I beleive this is the most underrated and "under the radar" comedy that I have had witness to. "Baseketball" is second-rate to this movie for those that are fans - but still a great movie. South Park fans rejoice! This is the South Park creators at their finest!! May the easily offended be warned!!!!! This movie is NOT for you!

(if you relate, i assimilate to: adam sandler movies, borat, wildboyz, jackass, southpark, the office, tommy boy, chris rock, chappelle, etc.)

NC-17 Was the Death of Orgazmo.......2007-05-07

Orgazmo was a rough little gem that came out awhile back. Since it concerns the porn industry, and it was written and directed by the one of the men responsible for South Park, it got slapped with an NC-17 rating. If you don't believe that there is bias in the movie ratings, check this movie out.

It's the story of a young Mormon played by writer-director Trey Parker, who during one of the stops on his route to enlist more Mormons, catches the eye of a pornographic movie director. Enthralled by Elder Young's (Parker, whose character name is one of the many ironic hints this movie provides) acting abilities, hires him to play the lead in his new adult superhero video, Orgazmo.

Obviously, Elder Young wants no part of this, but when he gets offered the money, which he needs to afford his wedding, and is given the stipulation that he will not be performing any of the sexual acts himself (they'll use a different actor for the intimate moments), he reluctantly agrees.

What unfolds is a series of events that spoofs all movie devices, demonizing the porn industry for causing great pain within the community. Elder Young, along with his on-screen sidekick, Choder Boy (Dian Bachar -- a hilarious and underused character actor), become in real life the superheroes they play in the movies. Armed with their martial arts (which all Mormons and half-pint science whizes seem to know) and Elder Young's Notorious Orgazmo Ray, the two "superheroes" -- Orgazmo and Choder Boy -- set out to destroy the porn studio that they are employed by.

Here's the kicker, though. You'd think that this movie would be really, really dirty. And it is, for its part. There are f-bombs in it, but not nearly as many as in South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut (which had an R rating), no actual simulated sex (though, for its part, had a few simulated orgasims by men hit by the Orgazmo Ray), and the only nudity is men's butts, seen quickly as an in-joke, where a naked man always stands in front of the camera, blocking the porn sex. There's also a tiny bit of goofy, non-believable violence, but nothing worse than an average episode of Might Morphin Power Rangers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

You'll have to watch the movie to understand why it never deserved an NC-17 rating. And, once you know that, you'll probably be upset by the fact that you never got the chance to see this movie outside of video or late night Cinemax airings. It's not the greatest movie ever made, nor is it even Trey Parker's best movie, but it is definetly worth the watch, if, for nothing else, to see real life porn star Ron Jeremy play one of the bad guys who gets his head crushed in one of the movie's very badly choreographed fight sequences.

Better than expected.......2007-01-09

I picked up this DVD just because I am a fan of Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Did not expect much, but this ended up becoming one of my favorite movies. The humor is brilliant at moments, and lowest common denominator at other times. It's not perfect, but I highly recomend it as a great piece of mind candy.

Hilarious!!!!.......2006-12-28

This movie very funny and most of all, hilarious!!! Besure that you see the NC-17 version and also watch the extras of this one. The out-takes are also hilarious. I loved this movie from start to finish. It takes the most unlikely guy (Joe) and turns him into a porn star. Joe starts out as as a Mormon and turns into a porn super hero "Orgasmo". Orgasmo the 3rd most popular mainstream movie and Joe has never acted or for that fact, performed porn in his whole life. The whole time he has in his mind that he is earning money to marry his fiance that is back home in Utah. Joe tells her that he is now acting but can not tell her that it is in a porn movie. I won't give away too much in giving a summary of the movie. See the movie and laugh until your head hurts with this one.

Jesus and I love you Joe.......2006-10-15

From the guys who brought you South Park, Baseketball and Team America comes 'Orgasmo'. But Im sure you already knew that, cause if you weren't fans of those guys you probably wouldn't be looking into this movie. If you are not fans of Trey Parker and Matt Stone, go back now cause you definitely won't like this then. Even fans of theirs thought they had gone too far with this movie. But I think it is their best, always hillarious and occasionally disturbing! (DVDA - that is just wrong!!!) haha
You have probably read the plot summary and thought it sounds stupid and you are probably right. It is pretty silly, but when has any of their work been anything but???
There are a few lines in this movie that you will remember forever and will recite repeatedly out on the piss with all your mates. It also features Ron Jeremy in a cameo role.
This is a very funny poke fun at the porn industry, a movie Trey Parker has wanted to make for a long time. There are two versions on here, the theatrical version and an un-rated, although there is not much difference between two.
The recorded quality is a little less than good but it is choc full of extra features on two discs so as far as value for money goes, it is worth it.

Average customer rating:

Great Movie
Quirky classic
Seemingly Dysfunctional but with Delightful Developments
From Yael, a French reader
Wacky but great movie

Bagdad Cafe
Starring: Marianne Sägebrecht , CCH Pounder , Jack Palance , Christine Kaufmann , and Monica Calhoun
Director: Percy Adlon
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005BKZJ
Release Date: 2001-07-24

Amazon.com

Actress Marianne Sägebrecht reunites with her Sugarbaby director, Percy Adlon, in this story of a German woman abandoned by her husband in the Mojave desert and taken into a kooky community at a remote café. C.C.H. Pounder (Dr. Angela Hicks on television's ER) gives an atypically unhinged performance as the café owner, and Jack Palance is wonderful as an artist who wants to capture on canvas the beauty he perceives in the rotund Sägebrecht. Adlon's warm but slightly unreal colors give the film a hint of fantasy and time standing still for a life-changing adventure. --Tom Keogh

Description

German writer-director Percy Adlon makes a "remarkable" (Boxoffice) American debut with his "charming" (Vogue) Bagdad Cafe starring Cch Pounder (Face/Off) and Jack Palance(City Slickers). Injecting his bold and unique style into a sweet story about the common threads that connect disparate people, Adlon succeeds in creating a cinematic jewel that is both "hilarious and touching" (Los Angeles Times). Drawn to a pair of lights in the barren American desert sky, a mysterious German woman, Jasmin, stumbles upon a dilapidated motel/diner in the middle of nowhere. Her unusual appearance and demeanor are at first suspicious to Brenda, the exasperated owner who has difficulty making ends meet. But when an unlikely magic sparks between the two women, this lonely desert outpost is transformed into a thrivingand popularoasis.

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie.......2007-06-14

This movie came in excellent condition and it was a strange movie. It was a gift for my Mom. She loved it. Thanks for helping make her Mother's Day great.

Quirky classic.......2007-05-03

Right from the start you know this something special. Odd camera angles and a couple in a U.S desert speaking German. The man leaves the woman and she walks until she finds a cafe run by a black lady at which she can stay. Thats basically the plot up to the opening credits - I've given absolutely nothing away.

How the film develops from there and the way the characters are interwoven is wonderful. All the actors and actresses give amazing performances including an ageing Jack Palance whose Mr Cox is a real oddball.

The film certainly wasn't a huge commercial success, but commercial success has nothing to with quality. Its difficult to make comparisons with other films because this is a one of a kind, but it has something for everybody. It shouldn't work - but it does!

Seemingly Dysfunctional but with Delightful Developments.......2007-04-07

What starts off as an odd and disturbing story line, with severely dysfunctional relationships, turns into a delightful surprise. The way Bagdad Cafe unfolds, may throw a lot of viewers off the tracks, but eventually delivers a golden promise, with beautifully woven tapestries and cameos of each bizarre character in the story. Jack Palance's role is one of his rare good-guy performances, which displays such strong human affection and tenderness, that it may stand as one of the finest among many in his long career. Thoughtful and provocative, this movie requires an initial bit of patience, but will leave you feeling terrific about the way things finally evolve. A cult classic, a must-see!

From Yael, a French reader.......2007-03-08

It's my favourite film, so I know what I was buying when I ordered it. It's about Love, welfare, sharing, desert, wonderful images, space, loneliness, problem of imigration, problems between men and women, passion, Art.
All is Art in this film, every image could be a painting. The lights and colors are amazing.
If you like the desert and if you love USA as I do, this film is a "must" for you.
Yael

Wacky but great movie.......2007-01-10

From beginning to end, I enjoyed this movie. The quirky characters and their interaction had me smiling and Jack Palance is marvelous. I bought several copies to send as gifts and one for myself.

All Quiet on the Western Front (Universal Cinema Classics)

Average customer rating:

The brutal poetry of war
Apparently Horace never served active duty
The Horrors of War
A powerful reminder
Nice anti-war message but awfully creaky

All Quiet on the Western Front (Universal Cinema Classics)
Starring: Louis Wolheim , Lew Ayres , John Wray , Arnold Lucy , and Ben Alexander
Director: Lewis Milestone
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000KGGJ0Y
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Amazon.com essential video

If a classic movie can be measured by the number of indelible images it burns into the collective imagination, then All Quiet on the Western Front's status is undisputed. Since its release in 1930 (and Oscar win for best picture), this film's saga of German boys avidly signing up for World War I battle--and then learning the truth of war--has been acclaimed for its intensity, artistry, and grown-up approach. Director Lewis Milestone's technical expertise is already stunning in the great opening sequence, as a professor exhorts his students to volunteer for the glory of the Fatherland while troops march past the windows. Erich Maria Remarque's novel is faithfully followed, but Milestone's superbly composed frames make it physical: the first battle scene, with the camera prowling the trenches as they fill with death and chaos, was surely the Saving Private Ryan of its day. The cast is strong, with little-known Lew Ayres finding stardom in the lead (Ayres became a pacifist and conscientious objector during World War II; although he served in battle as a medic, the stance harmed his career). This DVD has no extras beyond a vintage re-release trailer and Robert Osborne's useful introduction, but the main draw is the excellent picture and sound quality of the print--the movie looks better than it has in years. Those indelible images are now clear enough to cut glass: Ayres' lonely look back at the disappearing troop truck; the blinded soldier who runs into enemy fire at night; the fine pair of boots wasted on a boy with an amputated leg; and the final, devastating seconds, arguably the defining cinematic image of war in the 20th century. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

The brutal poetry of war.......2007-06-10

Ah, the 1930's. The first full decade of sound for pictures. The advent of Technicolor. The full-flowering of Hollywood, bringing escapist entertainment to a world gripped by the Great Depression.

Many great movies were made in the 1930's. "The Adventures of Robin Hood", "Gone With the Wind", "Snow White", "The Wizard of Oz" were all great films from the late 1930's, which many people have refered to as the best time for cinema.

But the early 1930's, though often overlooked by modern audiences, contains such wonderful films as "M", "Frankenstein", "Dracula" and "All Quiet on the Western Front".

This film won the Oscar for Best Picture of 1930. It's well-deserved. The movie plot follows basically the same plot as the novel; centering around a group of young German soldiers going on the grand adventure of war. Whipped into a patriotic frenzy, they enlist, head to the front, and start dropping like flies.

The movie beautifully encapsulates the horror of war. The acting (particularly from Lew Ayres in the staring role), writing and directing are all top-notch. Put the film in color, and it could almost be a movie from this era, rather than one that's almost 80 years old.

The DVD version of this movie is... well, nothing to write home about. Not too many extras, though the comments from Robert Osborne are welcome. No chapter selection for some odd reason, but otherwise... it's ok.

Modern audiences don't really know too much about World War One. It's a largely forgotten war in our national conciousness. As I write this, we're 89 years out from the start of the war. Further, according to Wikipedia's "Surviving Veterans of World War One", there's only 28 veterans left world-wide. Twenty-eight. That's it. One less than when I looked last week, and almost certainly several more than we'll have by next year. Only three of the veterans left are from the USA.

If for no other reason than expanding your knowledge about this horrible, meaningless, stupid war, I strongly recommend this movie.

As a side note: if Universal still owns the rights to the novel, they need to be pressured to make a new version of this film in time for the 100th anniversary of the start of the war. Get the young teeny-bopper/teen-idol actors of our era (the Zac Effrons of the world), and let modern audiences see the beauty of youth twisted by war.

It's a lesson no one should ever forget.

Apparently Horace never served active duty.......2007-05-23

This picture serves to illustrate the madness in Horace's statement
that it is sweet and proper to die for one's country. Lew Ayres' perform-
ance was magnificent--especially the marching scene depicting his love and
respect for Kat, via facial expression and body language alone These few
seconds would have been worth the price of admission in 1930.
Those German boys weren't much different from the good, decent German-
American boys I grew up with.

The Horrors of War.......2007-05-08

All Quiet on the Western Front is an excellent adaptation of the Erich Maria Remarque novel about the horrors of war. It follows several German students from the classroom into the trenches as they die one by one. The story features many random stories depicting one boy, Paul Malvern's (Lew Ayres) experiences similarly to the way the book was organized. There are many powerful scenes, like boys going mad in the trenches, the sickening experience of the boys' first battle, and Paul killing a man up close.

Because this film was made at the beginning of the "golden age of Hollywood," viewers might expect it to be highly sentimental and preachy. Although its anti-war message is blatant, it is surprisingly underplayed and straight-forward.

The first few times I tried to watch this film I was put off almost immediately. The sound quality suffers because the film was made so early in the talkie era. The opening scene where the teacher preaches to the students about the glories of war is a bit long. However, after that scene, I soon found myself glued to the screen. Give the film a proper chance before condemning it.

A powerful reminder.......2007-05-07

Such a cinematagraphically sophisticated portrayal of the Great War's horrors and heroes.

Nice anti-war message but awfully creaky.......2007-03-30

Based on Erich Maria Remarque's famous pacifist novel, All Quiet on the Western Front explores the horror of WWI through the eyes of a young German soldier.

Ideas of glory fuelled by patriotism are quickly drowned in the mud-filled trenches of the battlefield. Young lives are squandered cheaply for a few centimeters of ground.

WWI was fought with traditional tactics - the mass charge, trenches - but combined with more efficient killings machines - machine guns, field artillery - led to horrific loss of life among the soldiers.

The Germans learnt from these mistakes in WWII and employed the tactics of the Blitzkreig "lightening war" where speed of movement was paramount.

Back to the film itself. It's really easy to tell this is a child of the early sound era - there is lots of overacting and it is very visual in its telling. Modern audiences will find it very heavy-going though.

Still it has an ageless anti-war message. An important part of film history but very much an antique now.

DVD:

DVD

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