Reviews (36)

Hayley in her element
Hayley Mills stars in the Disney thriller THE MOON-SPINNERS, a sinister and menacing story set against the dramatic backdrop of the island of Crete.

Nicky Ferris (Hayley Mills) and her aunt (Joan Greenwood) are travelling through Europe. Her aunt is a music historian from the BBC and is recording folk songs from the remote villages.

They travel into Crete, staying at the Moon-Spinners Inn, run by a kindly lady (Irene Papas) and her young son. However, some shady dealings are being done, with the owner's brother (Eli Wallach) heavily into astrology and smuggling.

Nicky finds herself thrown into a world of espionage and theft, and finds the love of her life.

Also featuring Pola Negri in a rare film appearance, THE MOON-SPINNERS is one of Hayley Mill's best Disney films.

EXCELLENT MOVIE
I first read the novel "Moon Spinners" by Mary Stewart and enjoyed the book thoroughly. When I saw that there was a movie based on the novel I was a little skeptical, but Disney usually does a great job so I decided to give it a try. If you like Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, you will definitely enjoy this movie. Hayley Mills is wonderful as usual and the movie contains great suspense and mystery with just a touch of romance. I liked it so much, that I purchased the movie so that I could watch whenever I wished.

Now I want to go to Crete and have an adventure!!!!
The Moon-Spinners has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. Hayley Mills is the all-american girl....err...except for the fact that she's English (it makes no sense, but it is completely true). She gives a genuine performance and most girls can relate to her. I will not deny that this movie is completely cheesy, but it is all in the best way. This movie has everything; adventure, romance, drama, mystery, and is set in the beautiful isle of Crete. The love story is unique and original and will make you smile all over. This movie was acclaimed for being Hayley Mill's first onscreen kiss and I have to admit that it's a good one. I love how this movie embodies the essence of crete, with the beautiful beaches and little villages. I recommend this movie to people of all ages.

I love this movie, but...
I will not buy the DVD until I can get it in a W-I-D-E-S-C-R-E-E-N Edition!!! What good is beautiful Crete if it's panned, scanned,sliced, diced, and squashed? I want the whole picture, not 2/3rds!

Great movie! Full of exitment and adventure!
I think this is a wonderful movie that can be seen again and again! The acting is very good and there are some exiting moments to add suspense.
Hayley Mills and Peter McEnerny are both exellent in their roles and the acting of Irene Papas and Eli Wallach was also very good. You should get this movie and watch it with your children, it will be a great experience! ... Read more

Reviews (45)

One of the great war films of the 1960's
The Guns of Navarone is an excellent WWII adventure based on the novel by Alistair MacLean. It tells the story of Captain Keith Mallory and a team of expert saboteours who must destroy two radar controlled guns on the Mediterranean island of Navarone. If they do not succeed in their mission, 2,000 Allied troops on the island of Kheros will be killed unless they can be picked up before a German invasion. This movie is full of adventure as the team climbs a 400 foot cliff, battles German patrols all over the island, disputes among themselves, and so much more. This movie never slows down from beginning to end as the team tries to make their way into the small island fortress containing the guns. Boosted by an excellent Dimitri Tiomkin score similar to his score for The Alamo, this is a great movie with plenty of action and an excellent cast.

Gregory Peck stars as Captain Keith Mallory, who must lead the team on their mission. He is his usual good self in the role. David Niven and Anthony Quinn are both excellent as Corporal Miller, the logical explosives expert, and Colonel Andrea Stavros, a Greek guerilla fighter who has a past with Mallory. The rest of the team includes Anthony Quayle as Major Franklin, Stanley Baker as Brown, the expert with machines and knives, James Darren as Papadimos, the ruthless killer, and Irene Pappas and Gia Scala as two underground fighters on the island. James Robertson Justice and Robert Harris also make brief, but very effective, appearances early in the movie. The special edition DVD includes production notes, widescreen presentation, theatrical trailers, a documentary, commentary, and several featurettes. This is an excellent WWII adventure with great action and a perfect cast. If you like the movie, check out the novel by Alistair MacLean. Don't miss The Guns of Navarone!

Great Guns...
The Guns Of Navarone is a classic WW II adventure story. Based on the novel by Alistair MacLean, the story follows the adventures of a group of Allied commandos on a mission to destroy a pair of Nazi cannons emplaced into the side of a cliff, on the Greek island of Navarone. The long and winding tale would be the first of MacLean's many novels to reach the screen, and remains one of the better adaptations of his works.

After an air strike fails to destroy the guns, it is decided that an undercover attempt to destroy them will proceed. The team is headed by Major Mallory (Gregory Peck) a renowned mountaineer. The rest of the group includes, Colonel Andrea Stavros (Anthony Quinn), explosives expert Corporal Miller (David Niven), Major Franklin (Anthony Quale), Pvt. Pappadimos (James Darin) and Pvt. "Butcher" Brown (Stanley Baker). The first leg of their journey is by sea into dangerous waters patrolled by the Germans. The group barely manages to get ashore on Navarone, before their boat is broken on the island's rocky shore. Their next step is to scale a sheer cliff, at night and in a driving rain. Somehow, they make it to the top, but not without casualties, as Franklin suffers a broken leg on the climb. From there, the group treks through the mountains with the wounded man, pursued by the Germans. They make contact with two members of the local resistance, Maria (Irene Papas) and Anna (Gia Scala), and proceed to the town of Mandrakos where they are captured. Escaping from the Germans, and now dressed in German uniforms, the group arrives in the town of Navarone, and prepares for their ultimate challenge, the destruction of the guns. It's no easy task, and the group is badly shaken by internal problems. With new resolve, they forge on taking the story to its explosive climax.

For screen adventure in classic tradition, don't miss this one. For the time, this was the height of action and adventure filmmaking. Now, over 40 years old, you may not believe that this film won an Oscar for best special effects. The transfer to DVD of the restored print is excellent for a film of this age. Extras include an informative documentary as well as some behind the scenes featurettes shot during the making of the film. They add to the enjoyment and appreciation of this war epic. Director J. Lee Thompson's commentary track, is sporadic and delivered in a halting speaking style, which may be a bit slow for some. Bear in mind that Mr. Thompson was probably about 85 years old at the time, recalling events that happened 40 years before.

Gregory Peck leads the way!
This was one of the first war movies I ever saw & even after watching modern masterpieces like Saving Private Ryan this is still one of my very favorites. This classic WW2 flick has it all: suspense, awesome & believable characters, great action (of course!), humor, & even romance. The three main stars are Gregory Peck, David Niven, & Anthony Quinn. Peck is perfectly cast as the leader of the group of commandos, & I've always thought he was great playing officers in war films (Pork Chop Hill, MacArthur, Twelve O'Clock High, etc.). Niven is both fun & annoying as the uptight Brit who constantly challenges Peck's authority. Quinn is a real treat as a deadly Greek who holds a grudge against Peck for a past "incident". This movie has many unforgettable scenes: Quinn taking on an advancing German column of troops with his sniper rifle, the confrontation with the traitor, & the incredible climax. I agree with other reviewers that they don't make 'em like this anymore! Whether you love war movies or are new to the genre, this is a definite must!

Amazing Barrage & Fast-Paced Stories Within A Story
I remember first seeing The Guns of Navarone when I when I was about 10 years old. I was totally enraptured from word-go. It is still one of my favourite films. The action is non-stop. We learn about all of the key players; finding out that, even though they are on the same side, they have deeper conflicts between/amongst themselves - more so than with the common enemy. Eventually, they are forced to drop their differences and unite to destroy one of the most threatening weapons against the Allied Forces: The Guns of Navarone. High-tech (for that era) guns invented by the Germans. Not only do you find conflicts within this team of saboteurs, you find friendships that form among them as well. Even though this film isn't true to the book, by Alistair MacLean, it is still excellent none-the-less. I find it rather difficult to give details of an almost 3-hour epic, without giving away too much information; I want the viewers to be caught up with this stories-within-a-story, as I was. The elements of surprise are truly stunning. I also experienced that my watching The Guns of Navarone several times, I see and/or hear new things that I missed before. The details are subtle as well as obvious. An all-star cast of Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn, Stanley Baker, Anthony Quayle, James Darren, Irene Papas, Gia Scala, James Robertson Justice, and Richard Harris. The music by Dimitri Tiomkin is wonderful. It's well worth having. This VHS tape is not only wide-screen, but it also has a series of short documentaries of restoration, the film itself, and theatrical trailer. I highly recommend this.

Intriguing war movie
Action filled war movie, great story, great cast. Concerns a commando team small enough to allow growth of character for most of the members, but large enough to have a few killed off, adding to the intrigue. Plenty of unexpected turns to maintain the interest, even though the viewer assumes from the beginning that the "objective" will be attained. Unexpected romance ads spice to the dish. The "effects", great for 1961, are still sufficient to carry the story.

Great performances by Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn. James Darren of music and surfer movie fame does an especially good job in an action role. ... Read more

Reviews (93)

great opportunities for interfaith understanding.
One of the finest movies on Islam ever made. It is a movie made for those looking for an objective portrayal of the worlds fastest growing faith, Islam. The movie should help dispel and refute the lies and fraud that the popular news media portrays on Islam.... It is truly a great movie. Being a Moslem by birth, I am happy to see a very historical, true and accurate picture of the struggles of Islam and the development of this religion. This is a movie I enjoyed watching and I think that anyone would enjoy watching regardless of his or her religious preference. I found myself having a much greater understanding of my own heritage and a very deep respect for Christianity and Jewish faiths after watching this movie. The fact that Islam, Christianity and Judaism were good friends of one another during the time of our prophet is greatly overlooked by all the three religions. I think that it is a pity that the three religions that share so much in common, worship the same God, spent so much time fighting one another. I highly recommend it for anyone and all ages. I am very surprised this movie was not a box office smash. Again, it is one of the best I have ever seen...it answers a lot of questions and presents some great opportunities for interfaith understanding.

The Greatest Movie on Islam & Prophet Muhammad made to date!
Asslaamu Alaikum! This is Arabic for what Muslims believe are 'elemental,eternal & Universal' greetings of Peace & Blessings to all Mankind...that's includes anyone including YOU on the Net Muslim or non-Muslim alike! The MESSAGE...is One and Only (to date) BEST Classic Religious epic ever made!!It beautifully captures the 're-birth' of Islam in 7th Century Arabia and the character of the Blessed & Last Prophet of God,'Muhammad' (arabic meaning 'The Praised One'. And here is the main reason of its Uniqueness from All Other Films ever Made!! It brilliantly portrays the HERO of this Historical Film without even showing a glimpse of the Hero...ie Prophet Muhammad...Why? & How? You Ask??...WATCH IT & See for Yourself!..Why the underlying Message of this Film is as beautiful & controversial as it was over 1,400 years as it is is today approaching the second Millenium!! Love, Peace & Brotherhood! Brother Nadim...(14/12/98) (1419 AH Islamic Calendar)

An Eye Opener
Having recently embraced Islam, I am happy to say this movie was my eye opener and a turning point for any doubts or confusions I had before I took my final step toward Islam. Once I watched it, I knew I was doing the right thing. It is brilliantly made, especially considering how old the movie actually is, and every time I watch it the tears flow more. I am glad the movie is back in circulation and know that it will help anybody who wants to learn more about Islam. I pray more people will take steps toward studying Islam and erasing any misconceptions they have. This movie will certainly help. It is accurate and reliable history and I recommend it as a teaching reference for anybody who wants to present Islam as well. It's even better when you watch it the second time round. I only wish they'd make it in more languages.

I really wonder!!
After watching this movie I really wonder as to why it was banned across the Arab world. Such a pity really!. In an age where people have horrible misconceptions of Islam this film would do a great deal in atleast putting a doubt in people's mind that Islam is nothing like the religion it is potrayed by the Western media.
I really hope & pray that someone comes along & tries to revive the movie by re-releasing it.
I as a muslim found myself trying to gulp my emotions while watching it. I feel this movie will serve as a starting point to people becoming interested in Islam & trying to learn more about it.

Underrated Cinema Epic
The Message is a compelling and riveting cinema epic. I have to say that I am certainly moved everytime I watch this movie. It tries to be a factual and informative movie while not trangressing the limits set by Islam such as not seeing the person of Muhammad and some companions. This epic is certainly moving, it captures the essence of Islam and preaches the Oneness of God, and that Muhammad is His Messenger. It chronicles the life of Muhammad S.A.W. from when he received the first Divine Message up till his end. It examines the tribulations and greatness of prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) and tries to keep as though the viewer is there among them. Truly a captivating experience. I recommend it highly for Muslims to deepen their knowledge of Islamic history and also especially for non-muslims so that they may know and understand the message of Islam, what not with the bad protrayal of Islam by the media nowadays. This remains my favourite movie of all time. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

A celebration of the human spirit, even if you are not Greek
Since I am leaving today for a trip to Greece I figured I should watch "Zorba the Greek" since this 1964 film is considered the quintessential "Greek" film. I have to admit my first reaction was to be glad I was not going to Crete, because the way the locals treated the beautiful widow (Irene Papas) and Madame Hortense (Lila Kedrova), the old prostitute, were outright horrific. But this is why people like us and young Basil (Alan Bates) need to meet up with somebody with a zest for life like Alexis Zorba (Anthony Quinn).

Basil is an Englishman of Greek extraction who goes to Crete to check out a mine he has inherited. Zorba attaches himself to Basil, ostensibly as a cook but clearly as a guide to the joys and tragedies of life. In terms of Quinn's performance the only thing you can really say is that before there was Robert Begnigni there was Zorba the Greek when it comes to Mediterranean men who provided inspirational madness. As Zorba tells Basil: "Dammit, boss, I like you too much not to say it. You've got everything except one thing. Madness! A man needs a little madness, or else...he never dares cut the rope and be free." +

When they arrive on Crete it becomes clear the mine is not going to pan out for anybody. They move in with Madame Hortense, who is wooed by Zorba, who insists Basil go after the beautiful local widow. After these tragedies all that is left is Zorba's plan for bringing trees down from the top of the mountain, an endeavor obviously equally doomed to failure. This is why in the end there is only one thing a man can do, and it is in this cathartic conclusion that any and all sins of this film are absolved.

"Zorba the Greek" is written and directed by Michael Cacoyannis, based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. The film won three Academy Awards: Lila Kedrova for Best Supporting Actress, Best Art/Set Direction, and Best Cinematography. Quinn did not win the Oscar for what is clearly his most memorable role in a long and distinguished film career, but that is usually the case with actors and their greatest roles. Marlon Brando did not win for Stanley Kowalski and Quinn did not win for Alexis Zorba. What is a man to do in the face of such a fate but dance?

¿Will you teach me to dance?¿ .... plz
Basil, a young English writer of Greek ancestry, meets an older, free-spirited Greek peasant named Zorba on the island of Crete. While Zorba pursues a relationship with Madame Hortense, an aging French courtesan, the inhibited Basil summons up the courage to court a young widow. When Hortense comes down with pneumonia, the impoverished locals descend upon her like vultures, as she lies dying in Zorba's arms. Later, Basil inherits a mine, and he and Zorba plan to reopen it and use their earnings to help alleviate some of the area's poverty.

Winning seven Academy Awards, this classic black and white film also starred Irene Pappas and Lila Kedrova and was based upon the Nikos Kazantzakis novel.

Must see movie.... Excellent cinematographie!

Full Screen Idiocy
Why on earth are they releasing the DVD for this great film in Full Screen. Haven't people gotten used to wide screen yet? I don't want to see 65% of a film when the director meant me to see 100%. The company releasing this needs to have its head examined.

Foxy scam!!!!!
The note is for the studio who, not only doesn't show any respect for intellectual & artistic property, but, as well, is selling only half of this movie, since the original format is 2.35:1. The full screen being an added option is understandable; not proposing the original screen ratio is inexcusable, whatever the price.

From A Greek About A Greek
Definatly a great movie to watch, but it really portrays the backward Greece of several decades ago. The movie portrays Greeks in a somewhat harsh and distorted way, sometimes painting a very bad picture.

After reading many of the reviews it seems as if people still think the Greeks are wearing togas, worshipping the Gods and spending all day studying philosophy. This isn't the case, it hasn't been for over fifteen hundred years and if that is what you are expecting, then find out more about modern Greeks before watching this movie or you will be very surprised. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Superbly-paced political thriller...
Costa Gavras presents the ruthlessness of THE STATE determined to defend itself against enemies...perceived or actual...foreign or domestic. The 1966 coup d'etat of George Pappadapolos and the Greek Colonels is the context of this film which was, perhaps, overly-regarded because of its topicality when released in 1969. The murder of The Deputy...well-played by Yves Montand...now conveys a more universal impact of menace. The Montand character is literally run over. Citizens of any bastion of democracy might reflect on the reality that a "mighty" State can (and often does) run over whatever opposes its designs. The superb pacing, and occasionaly jarring musical score of this film turn a film viewed as a manifesto against fascism into a political "thriller". But viewers might recall the words of the Investigating Magistrate...played with understatement by Jean-Louis Trintignant...when he indicts the military clique responsible for assassination and conspiracy to obstruct justice: You are charged with criminal collusion and abuse of power! (Two days later he finds himself arrested as an ememy of the state under martial law) If "Z" means that the "spirit" of freedom lives; so unfortunately does the spirit that would crush it. Thus, in this political thriller, Costa Gavras has produced a fable that restates the price freedom seems inevitably to exact...

Sharp, Fast Paced Thriller
Watching Z reminds the viewer of a train wreck. Facts, acting, storyline, plot, and intrigue are all thrown together into one strange conglomerate of film. Miraculously, when the dust settles, this wreck of a movie is one of the best political thrillers ever made.

Z chronicles the turmoil of Greek politics in the 1960's. The Cold War was at its peak, with Vietnam on Europe's mind. The communists and other assorted leftists were becoming increasingly powerful, leading to an energetic response by the military and police. The event that Z spotlights is the assassination of a leftist political dynamo, played very well by Yves Montand. The tension on the street, the simmering violence and official misconduct are all portrayed in Z. The feel and aura of a dangerously fractured Mediterranean nation are explosive and will not be ignored.

The movie reveals itself to the viewer at a rapid pace. The best role in this movie belongs to Jean-Louis Trintignant, who portrays the Examining Manistrate. It's his job to finalize the report concerning the assassination, which the Greek military police deem an "accident". The Magistrate does not except this conclusion, especially after consulting with the doctors who have examined the body. His investigation proceeds at a whip lash pace, as he ignores threats and favors thrown his way in order to assure his collusion. The trail of evidence quickly begins to trail upward, to the top of the Greek government. For that ride, we meet many dynamic characters and are treated to some real exciting police work. It doesn't exactly keep you guessing, the guilty parties are fairly obvious, but Z is a taut political thriller that delivers.

My one qualm with Z is the lack of a total picture concerning the situation. Z focuses on the crimes of the right while ignoring any responsibility on the part of the left. Glossed over is the Soviet supported communist uprising that occurred soon after World War II ended, a very brutal civil conflict that has polarized the nation ever since. Z could have been a bit more powerful if it showed that no side on the political spectrum had clean hands, that the solutions to the nations problems were a lot less cut and dry.

Metaphor for American intervention in other countries
I first saw this film in 1970 when I was a college student. In 2004, it retains its relevance to me as an Amercian. A few years after this film was released, the CIA intervened in Chile when they assisted in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Communist president. Sometime before that the U.S. government had enabled the Shah of Iran to come to power in that country. In the 1980s, the U.S. supported insurgents against another democratically-elected Communist in Central America. Now the U.S. has militarily overthrown the leader of Iraq, is maintaining an occupation force in that nation, and is seeking to establish a new government there. So this movie -- which was about a 1962 military coup in Greece -- has significant meaning for Americans. This is not a particularly well-made film technically. There are several scenes where cameras and the boom are visible. The script is not very compelling, either. The actors are European veterans and the emotional power is great, leading to an unforgettable conclusion that violates the sensibilities of people that love freedom and democracy. These are the reasons, in my opinion, that this film won an Academy Award and resonated with the American intelligentsia. "Z" is not pleasant viewing but is an antidote to airheadedness in a time when most Americans are more concerned with liposuction, botox injections and push-up bras than national intervention in other nations.

Let's set the record straight.
The "experts" commenting here advise avoiding the English "DUBBED" version.

The ENGLISH VERSION was filmed in parallel with the french version (The use of french was necessitated to have it distributed in Europe as the original Greek would have limited draw.) The incident took place here in Thessaloniki Greece, where I live).

All the performers were fluent in English and you can recognize their voices.

It was not "Dubbed" (watch their lips "expert").

Now those of you who know where the original English language version can be found, speak up.

It is an excellent film and deserves to be experienced. (Read the book.)

Z--he still lives!
The 1969 Oscar winner for best foreign film is based on the 1963 assassination of Greek communist politician and doctor Gregorio Lambrekis. The opening sequence of first the agriculture minister equating mildew with communism and the Greek chief of police advocating the indoctrination of the population to become healthy elements of society loyal to God and the crown instead of isms like socialism, anarchism, imperialism, or communism describes the stranglehold the right has in Greece.

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament is denied a hall for its meeting due to the hall owner threatened by right-wing elements so the peace people have no choice but to hold at the Employee Union Hall, with loudspeakers outside for the benefit of the crowd outside. The leader of the movement (Yves Montand) decides to carry on with the speech despite learning of a threat on his life. He finishes his speech and is crossing the square to demand the police quell the seething rioters when he is struck in the head from someone in the back of a lorry. He is operated on but dies. His death not only makes him a martyr among his supporters, but causes a coverup to ensue. A determined photojournalist and the inquest judge assigned to the case soon realize the extent of the conspiracy, a conspiracy that goes up to the top.

The journalist's relentless digging leads to identifying members of CROC, the Christian Royalist Organization against Communism, a secret society the cops use to keep order at parades. The leader of CROC says, "Abroad, some say make love, not war! We say, 'Make war on corruption and liberalism, and on indiscriminate liberty!'" Well, the liberty that was banned when the junta took over included pop music, intellectual books, and the letter "Z", which was the ancient Greek symbol for "he is alive."Basically, they are the counterdemonstrators, the agent provocateurs who beat up the peaceful disarmament people.

The dispassionate inquest judge is simply doing his job, wanting just the facts, but with each piece of evidence or testimony that comes, he realizes that an incident involving two drunks becomes a death due to a blow by a club, and then assassination. He is under pressure from the attorney general, who feels that a prolonged inquest gives the peace movement fuel for subversive action.

Criticized for being talky, Z is actually an effective, suspenseful political drama that is a snapshot of the times. The assassination of the senator mirrors that of JFK. Witnesses intimidated, killed, and guilty participants having doctored stories from their paymasters. One witness though, bravely tells his testimony from his hospital bed even though he has been beaten. A leading communist is chased down the streets by a car.

The Cold War paranoia and hysteria of anti-communism is presented here, taken to the extreme of equating disarmament with communism. And groups like CROC are still alive today. The CIA-sponsored KOPASSUS was behind the 1998 riots in Indonesia.

Contrast these speeches, first from the senator: "Why do our ideas provoke such violence? Why don't they like peace?... The other [groups] are nationalists used by the government and don't upset our Judas allies who betray us. We lack hospitals and doctors, [while] half the budget goes to military expenditures. ... A stockpile of A-bombs is equal to a ton of dynamite per person on Earth. They want to prevent us from reading the obvious conclusion based on the simple truths, but we will speak out. We serve the people and the people need the truth." As Greece was the father of democracy, one can only think, "Has Greece come to this?"

Director Costa-Gavras's searing indictment of the CIA-sponsored Greek military junta under the colonels from 1967 to 1973 is the prototype of political assassination thrillers, something that may have served as a model for Oliver Stone's JFK. Indeed, the opening disclaimer states that "any similarities to actual persons or events is deliberate." The bottom line is that the CIA, the extreme right, and the military-industrial complex is also blameworthy.

One of the more radical peace members says of his ailing leader "the brain's dead, but the heart's still beating. I won't quit," invoking the spirit of any movement fighting for peace and justice. ... Read more

Reviews (156)

Did Not Want To Stop It
The movie "Odyssey" was very good. I did not want to stop it. Odysseus had a son on the same day that he was called to war. Before he left he told Penelope( his wife)that she should remarry when his son had grown a beard. He went and fought in the Trojan war for ten years and then he told the god Poisedon that he had won the war without the gods. So Poseidon curses him to roam the seas until he realizes that humans are nothing without gods. He then goes to the Island of the Cyclops but does not know that the Cyclops is there. He goes into a cave and he eats goat cheese which was common for the time. He also drinks wine and gets the Cyclops drunk. He stabs him in his one eye. Odysseus goes on to fight a witch but ends up taking her to bed. He stays with the witch for five years. He then goes to the underworld and finds the old prophet who tells him how to get to Ithaca his home. He sets out on the journey again when his ship is attacked by a three headed monster. Before he can catch his breath he is attacked by a tidal pool monster who eats the ship. Odysseus catches a branch but later falls and floats to and island with Calypso and her virgin nymphs. He stays there for two years and then goes to sea again. He sees Poisedon and tells him that he understands. Poisedon then lets him go to his home and kill all of the men who were staying there. He is soon reunited with his wife and they live happily ever after.

The Odyssey
The Odyssey

This movie was really good. It is the best movie I have seen in school. Some of my favorite characters are Athene (Isabella Rossellini), Odysseus (Armand Assante), Calypso (Vanessa Williams). The movie started off with Odysseus being called to fight in the Trojan War. It had good effects of how they hide in the horse. Odysseus ran into a lot of mythological creatures. Some of them helped him and some tried to make his trip back to Ithaca really hard. I liked the way Vanessa Williams played Calypso. She is a really good actress. I also liked the effects of Poseidon (Miles Anderson) it was really good how they had his face on the wave since he is the god of the sea. The best part to me is when Odysseus gets home and shoots the arrows through the twelve axes. I also like when Odysseus and his son fight the men who want to marry Penelope. It is really good when he hits everyone with an arrow and he hits one man going out he door to escape and the arrow goes out of the man and hits the woman I think who is suppose to take care of OdysseusÕs son. This movie was really and I hope to watch it again in school some other time.

4 gold stars
This movie was based on the epic poem by Homer. The Odyssey was a great movie. I loved the way the war was fought . The Wooden Horse was amazing. I wouldn't thought of that in a million years.The mountains in greece is rockyand the and the land was, too.They ate flat bread and the palace was open with all the animals inside it.They grew olives and made oils from it. Then Odysseus thinks that he was so clever that he could live with out the gods. So when Poseidon hears it, he cursed him so he couldn't see his home land for many years. While he is trying to get home, he meets some interesting people and islands like the Cyclopes and he out smarts it. Next he lands on another island of aeolos ,the wind god, and he tries to help him, but one of his men opens the bag and let all the wind out. Lands on the island of Circe and stays with her for five years, while he thinks it is five days. Then he goes to the underworld to find a blind prophet, sees his mother,and leaves. Meets the two creatures, one is a five headed hydra and the other is a gigantic mouth underwater. That's how the rest of his crew dies. Then lands on another island and there he meets Calypso. Stays two years ,when he leaves he sees Poseidon and he "broke" him, then he can sail homewards.

Now he lands on another island and the king of that island helps him by getting him a boat. Sails home,and sees his son, goes home, fix the contest. And the rest is history. That's is what I like the most about the story.

Wow
I think The Odyssey by Homer is a pretty good movie. The cast members look like they lived in that time period. Some of the people that played in the movie are (Armand Assante) Odysseus, (Greta Sacchi) Penelope, (Isabella Rosselini) Athene, and many more. Also the clothes they wore were authentic. Like the tunic, all the dresses, and the armor. The casting by the actors made you think that you were watching the real thing. My favorite character in the movie is Michael Pollard who played Aeolus the god of wind. During the movie they started new adventures as soon as the finished one. The movie is pretty good but is slow in some parts. After a slow part it picked back up into an action scene. It is also more historical than entertainment. They had to press the wine, sacrifice goats, heard goats, fish, make weapons, and several other things. So in conclusion I give The Odyssey four stars

A Very Interesting Movie
Hi my name is Kymberly Nicholas and I think "The Odyssey"was a very interesting movie, Especially when Odysseus went on his long interesting journey. And on his journey he came to the 3 headed creature that ate three of his men. And the witch that turned one of his men into a pig. And if you are into things that has to deal with the ocean this is just the movie for you it has some very good and nice pictures for you in it. And the food they ate was things like goatchesse,goatmeat,and goat milk. They traded the gods for a goat because the land that they lived on was very rocky and water was everywhere and they couldn't grow alot of crops. And everyday they would have something like a party when all them sit around and drink wine and watch the pretty girls dance. The type of clothes they wore, they wore these kilts and the queen had to wear something that covered half of her face. And Odysseus had been gone for 15 years and he told his wife if he wasn't back by time his son was a man that she should remarry and that what she was going to do and the man that she was going to marry had to shoot a arrow through six of these little holes things and the only one that could do it was her husband. And Athena helped him to descise hiself and after he shot the arrow he came back to his old self. and the saddest part of the movie was when his mother killed herself. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

An Epic Masterpiece!!
"Lion of the Desert" tells the story of a school-teacher turned guerrilla fighter, trying to put a stop to Italian invasion and colonization of his country, Libya. This movie is excellently filmed, and the scenery and action are spell-binding. Most critics in America disliked this movie simply because it's about Libya, and an important episode of its history. But if you view this movie with an open mind, you'll see that not only is it well made, but it's also inspirational. The characters and conflicts portrayed are real, and I find the movie a fine tribute to the courage and tenacity of the Libyan patriots who fought and died against Fascist Italy, long-before Mussolini's forays into Abyssinia, Civil War Spain, and the Second World War. These people were fighting for their freedom and independence, and their heroic example should inspire all of us.

This Movie is good. 4.5/5
This movie though not popular is one of the good movie I've seen. It's all about a man (Mukhtar). who tries to save his homeland from colonization for twenty years.

Anthony Quinn is incredible as Mukhtar. but I also praise Oliver Reed for potraying as Graziani the "Governer of Libya" sent by Mussolini to quell this rebellion. But there was a draw back of the film. It was a bit one sided, showing the Arabs as hero (righttfully so) while the Italians (as in soldiers etc) as ruthless and barbaric. While colonialization of other lands is wrong. I feel this film was a bit too slandorous against the Italians. But remember Mussolinni was the founder of the oppressive system of Facism.

Pros: Exellent History of Libya Between the 2 World Wars

Battle scenes are awesome Amazing actors (Oliver Reed, Anthony Quinn, Rod Steiger etc)

Cons: One Sided,too biased against the Italians

Poor sound Quality, music audio tracks takes over the action (I have a surround systems)

But the movie was good

A hidden gem in the repetoire of great war films.
Given that not all war movies issued in DVD format by MGM and Fox are truly good, it is a shame that a masterpiece such as
"Lion of the Desert" is released in the more obscure Anchor Bay label. Aside from picture and sound quality that is rather good for such an old film, the story, the characters and the battle scenes exceed one's expectations. Anthony Quinn plays a wise teacher who moonlights as a rebellion leader in Italian-occupied Libya. Oliver Reed plays an Italian general who was sent to Libya by "Il Duce" Mussolini, played with humourous gusto by Rod Steiger, in 1929 to crush the rebellion. This film emphasizes that it was this general, named Rodolfo Graziani, who was the first to employ tanks in the desert, and one sees alot of light tanks being used against Bedouin horsemen. Aside from regular Italian army officers, there are fascist Black Shirt officers who, like Hitler's S.S. officers, just love being cruel and sadastic. If you like watching desert warfare, you will find this film to be more than satisfying and learn, like the arrogant Italians did, not to underestimate the resourceful Omar Mukhtar and his people's rebellion against colonization.

essential viewing - a masterpiece with riveting performances
''Destined to remain a dubious footnote in books of movie trivia'' ?? Reviewer Jeff Shannon, who I would bet would not warrant a footnote in any directory of influential film critics (thank God for that!) sounds like he would do well as a Bush policy advisor. This movie is amazing, with riveting performances from the entire caste. It is not only extremely well made with very convincing battlefield scenes and clinically dispassionate portrayals of brutality, and with a simple but telling script, it is also an all too rare look at the world from a different but necessary perspective. Omar Mukhtar was a real person, not a Hollywood hero. He was and remains an Arab nationalist hero. It is almost eerie how the film, even after more than 12 years, mirrors the logic of what is going on in Palestine and Iraq today. The more people see a film like this and are touched by it, the better they would understand the nuances of nationalism, spirituality, culture and geopolitics.

Splendid Historical Epic
When one thinks of the name Moustapha Akkad, if one thinks of it at all, the thought most likely concerns the "Halloween" franchise. After all, Akkad financed the first film and eventually took over the rest of the series. Every time you witness a new entry in the "Halloween" canon, Akkad is probably the one to blame. But few people know that Moustapha Akkad also directed epic films about Arab history in the late 1970s and early 1980s, or that these films are extraordinarily laudable cinematic pieces well worth watching today. Arab history certainly wouldn't rank high on anyone's list nowadays with the explosion in Islamic fundamentalism and the terrorist attacks of September 2001 still in the forefront of our minds. That's too bad because this picture starring Anthony Quinn, Rod Steiger, and Oliver Reed is not only immensely watchable, it also presents a different viewpoint on the relationship between the West and the Arabic world. Most importantly, this movie shows that Moustapha Akkad hasn't always sat around collecting checks from his "Halloween" projects.

"Lion of the Desert" opens in the year 1922 right after Benito Mussolini took control of the Italian government. As many historians know, Il Duce quickly decided one way to bolster his fascist dictatorship was to present it as a renewed Roman Empire. One of his first priorities as a conquering Augustus was to renew efforts to pacify the Bedouin tribes in the Italian colony of Libya. After ascertaining that the leader of the Bedouin resistance is a man named Omar Mukhtar, Mussolini handpicks one of his most ruthless and capable generals, Rodolfo Graziani, as the new governor of the colony. Graziani's mission is to go to Libya and smash these pesky desert nomads in any way he sees fit. The Italian presence in Libya dates back some twenty years, and Il Duce isn't about to lose the territory on his watch. His general soon sails to Libya with a few novel ideas on how to defeat the Arab resistance, and he won't let anyone stand in his way. Graziani is such a ruthless tyrant that even Omar Mukhtar recognizes his name when told the general is now the new governor. Mukhtar isn't about to just let Graziani roll over his people, while the general intends to teach Mukhtar a lesson he and his people will never forget.

This movie overflows with magnificently choreographed battle sequences involving thousands of extras. Moreover, Akkad and his crew took great pains to reproduce the Italian military equipment down to the smallest details. It must have killed some of the craftsmen on the movie to watch months of painstaking labor go up in a two second explosion, something that happens on a frequent basis during the film as the Bedouins routinely destroy endless numbers of armored cars and tanks. According to the makers of "Lion of the Desert," Graziani was the first military commander to use tanks in the desert, and the movie portrays this historic battle in expansive detail. It is difficult to say which battle sequence is the best, although I would definitely lean towards the artillery barrage in the valley when Italian field cannons open up on entrenched Bedouins in the caves on the side of a mountain. The sound and fury of this encounter looks great on DVD, with the explosions of the shells literally booming out of my sound system.

The performances really make this film a winner. Rod Steiger plays Benito Mussolini with all of the swagger you would expect from an actor portraying the pompous fascist dictator. Oliver Reed works wonders as the cold-hearted Graziani. The best performance in the film is definitely Anthony Quinn's turn as Omar Mukhtar. Not only does he look like the actual historical figure, as seen by photographic comparisons made in one of the extras on the DVD, he strikes just the right balance of compassion and controlled ferocity. The meeting between Mukhtar and Graziani towards the end of the film fills the screen with drama, along with several statements made by Mukhtar that would apply to any conquered peoples on the face of the earth. The 162 minute runtime insures that most of the characters receive appropriate development.

Arguably, the most emotional and tense scenes in "Lion of the Desert" occur when Graziani institutes his plan to put the Bedouin population in concentration camps in order to force Mukhtar and his freedom fighters to surrender. The film ingeniously stages scenes of the concentration camps and then, without missing a beat, tacks on real film footage from the Italian occupation showing an aerial view of the prisons. Unlike Hitler with the Jews, the Italians did not gas Bedouins in these camps, but thousands of Bedouins did die from poor conditions. Moreover, Graziani ordered the fields burned and the execution by both bullet and noose of innocent civilians to avenge Italian battle casualties. For a PG rated movie, the atrocities and battle deaths are extremely bloody.

The DVD looks great, with a widescreen picture transfer and a slew of extras. The making of documentary outlines a score of interesting facts about the production of the film, such as the need to build an entire city in the desert to house and feed the thousands of people used during the production. According to the trailer and a few references in the making of documentary, the film originally bore the title "Omar Mukhtar." I think the title they went with was a smart choice, however, because it makes you think about who qualifies as the real lion of the desert. Is it Graziani or is it Mukhtar? Well, it is both men as they test each other's mettle through years of combat. If you like historical epics, be sure and watch this one soon. ... Read more

Description

In CHRIST STOPPED AT EBOLI, director Francesco Rosi’s stunning adaptation of Carlo Levi’s novel, Gian Maria Volonte (FISTFUL OF DOLLARS; FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE) stars as Levi, one of many intellectuals exiled by the Fascist government during World War II.Banished to Gagliano, an ancient mountain village in southern Italy, Volonte discovers the stark beauty of the landscape as well as the resilience of the peasants, who have lived there for generations.The legendary Irene Papas (ERENDIRA; Z; CAPTAIN CORELLI’S MANDOLIN) costars as the earthy Giulia, a housekeeper who teaches the sophisticated writer about the dignity of people who live close to the land.Francesco Rosi (THREE BROTHERS; SALVATORE GIULIANO) offers an authentic but moving story against a historical backdrop, stunningly photographed in rich detail. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An emotionally distant version of Euripides's "Trojan Women"
"The Trojan War" was written by the Greek tragic dramatist Euripides as a plea for peace after the Athenians had slaughtered the populace of the island of Melos for refusing to aid Athens in the war against Sparta, and as preparations were being made for the ruinous expedition against Syracuse. Consequently there is a strong rhetorical dimension to the play, which prophesies that a Greek force would sail across the sea after violating victims and meet with disaster. However, there the play also has a strong literary consideration in that the four Trojan Women all appear in the final chapter of the "Iliad," mourning over the corpse of Hector, retrieved by his father Priam from the camp of the Acheans. Following the episodic structure of Greek tragedy, we begin with the lamentations of Hecuba (Katharine Hepburn), queen of the fallen city, then have the wild prophecies of her crazed daughter Cassandra (Geneviève Bujold), and then have to watch Astyanax, the son of Hector and Andromache (Vanessa Redgrave), be ripped away from her mother's arms so he can be thrown from the walls of Troy. When the beautiful Helen (Irene Papas) is brought out, Hecuba tries to convince Menelaus (Patrick Magee) to kill his unfaithful wife. The tragedy ends with the women of Troy being taken to the ships of their captives.

This 1971 film was directed by Michael Cacoyannis, who is best known for directing "Zorba the Greek," but who also did an excellent version of another Euripides play "Electra" in 1962 with Irene Papas in the title role. Cacoyannis tries for something a bit more naturalistic than that previous effort, but the end result this time around creates an unfortunate distance between the characters and the audience that puts these performances in a weird sort of limbo. This is rather surprising because we are talking some formidable talent with these four actresses (who represent four different countries of origin). I first saw this film in high school, when I had absolutely no understanding of the forms and conventions of classical Greek tragedy, and I found I have less appreciation for the film today. Understand that I am a Katharine Hepburn fan of the first order and teach Greek tragedies at any and all opportunities, but I am just not inspired by this film. Hepburn's performance is overly animated, Bujold's is mannered affectation, Redgrave's is understated at the expense of the situation, and only Papas manages to bring some fire to her role that rings true.

"The Trojan Women" reflects the cynicism of Euripides at its most strident. In this play the Greeks do more than enslave the women of fallen Troy: they have already slain a young girl as a sacrifice to the ghost of Achilles and they take a little boy and kill him. Even the herald of the Greeks, Talthybius (Brian Blessed), cannot stomach the policies of his people. The play also reminds us that Helen was a most unpopular figure amongst the ancient Greeks, and there is no satisfaction in her saving her life. Your ability to enjoy this play, whether we are talking about watching the film or simply reading the text, is going to be based on how much you know about Homer's epic poem "The Iliad" and the entire story of the Trojan War. Final Note: Edith Hamilton, author of a classic book on mythology that I use in my Classical Greek and Roman Mythology course, did the English translation for the film. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Needs viewing thrice
It is true the more knowledge of the play by Sophocles and of Greek plays in general the more you can appreciate this rendition. However the interesting thing about this presentation is you can start from ground zero and come away with everything the tragedy is about. Even though the story is well know I will not go through it incase this is your first time.

There is an introduction to bring you up to date from Oedipus through his descendents and history to today where you meet Antigone and her sister Ismene. Their decisions partially ordained and those of the new king Creon decide the outcome. You may find yourself quoting this play as you would Shakespeare's plays.

The reason for watching it multiple times is the first time around you may be busy reading the subtitles of which some flash and are gone. The second time around you may keep an eye on the acting. The third you will get used to the Greek and even if you do not speak it you will find much filled in that was not sub titled. By now you will be hooked and have to watch it periodically.

Wow!!
Irene Pappas was the greatest!! I loved this Antigone. I imagine that everyone who would order this knows the story, so no need to go into it. The passion and range of Ms. Pappas is incredible. This is an extremely high quality presentation. Every lover of Greek theater should have this!

Irene Pappas performs Sophocles's "Antigone" in Greek
This 1961 version of Sophocle's tragic drama "Antigone" will not work as an introduction to Greek tragedy. The play is performed in Greek (with subtitles), so I would never recommend it as the first exposure any one has to the performance of an ancient play; there is a 1972 version with Genevieve Bujold that would better serve. However, this particular version does offer Irene Pappas, long considered one of the greatest of Greek actresses, in one of the greatest roles in the nation's history (the only thing better would be to see her perform "Medea"--or maybe Clytemnestra in the "Orestia"). Of course, when "Antigone" was first performed women were not allowed to be actresses; in fact, the only women allowed in the theater of Dionysus in Athens were prostitutes. Pappas is a shade too old for the role, but there is a sense in which performing these plays is more akin to opera than conventional theater. Besides, she plays up Antigone's stubborn streak in a way that gives entirely new shadings to much of the play.

Following the ending of "Oedipus the King," Oedipus was exiled from Thebes, blind and a beggar. We also learn from "Oedipus at Colonus" that his sons, Eteocles and Polyneices engaged in a civil war for the throne of Thebes. The two brothers kill each other and Creon (Manos Katrakis), brother of Jocasta, becomes king. He orders that Eteocles, who nobly defended his city, shall receive an honorable burial, but that Polyneices, for leading the Argive invaders, shall be left unburied. This leads Antigone (Pappas), sister to both of the slain brothers, to have to choose between obeying the rule of the state, the dictates of familial binds, and the will of the gods.

It is too easy to see the issues of this play, first performed in the 5th century B.C., as being reflected in a host of more contemporary concerns, where the conscience of the individual conflicts with the dictates of the state. The conflict in "Antigone" is not so clear cut: Creon has the right to punish a traitor and to expect loyal citizens to obey. Ismene (Maro Kodou), Antigone's sister, chooses to obey, but Antigone takes a different path. The fact that the "burial" of her brother consists of the token gesture of throwing dirt upon his face, only serves to underscore the ambiguity of the situation Sophocles is developing. Even though the playwright strips Creon of his son, Haemon (Nikos Kazis) and wife, Eurydice (Ilia Livykou) by the end of the drama, it is not a fatal verdict rendered against the king's judgment, but rather the playing out of the tragedy to its grim conclusion.

The more you know about the conventions of the Greek theater, the more you will enjoy this filmed performances. The cast manages to maintain the formalities of the ancient drama while infusing the performances with more modern, naturalistic techniques of acting. Pappas is at the center of the performance just as her character is at the heart of the play. I have seen her in a few roles where she has performed in English, but they only hinted at the legendary passions she displays in this film. This is the one for which you will remember Irene Pappas as an actress. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Cacoyanis one of the giants directors in any age
Irene Papas as Elektra gives probably her finest perfomance ever. Cacoyanis made an exceptional translating process with this drama from Euripides.
The fundamental atmosphere of the female chorus and all the haunting drama hidden about the revenge to make justice is told
brilliantly.
Cacoyanis shows us why he was blessed by the Gods .
Acquire this superb masterpiece.

those who live greatly ......
must greatly suffer - something along that line - but that quote belongs to the Sophocles version - this one's a little more method - although slightly too emotional [but then - there goes ther movie and the performances!] Always bearing in mind that these great works were written as rituals - not as .... entertainment. [This version is slightly too close to the kitchen sink - smatters of that great Juliette Greco vehicle "The Crack in the Mirror"].

BUT for what this version is worth IRENE PAPAS is spectacular as the misbegotten daughter seeking revenge - choreography of the chorus is superb as is the bleak, bleak cinematography.

Perfect and no doubt authentically researched costume design.

Powerful drama
Interesting that this 1962 film's director, Michael Cacoyannis, also directed Zorba the Greek and that the latter film also starred Irene Papas who plays the title character in Electra. It easily demonstrates Cacoyannis' artistry as a director, for in this film, he does a masterful job of interpreting the Euripides drama.

Filmed naturalistically in Greek settings, Electra does not disappoint. The great hero and king Agamemmnon is brutally murdered near the beginning of the story by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. Electra and her brother Orestes, children of the royal couple, are both thrown out of their palatial home--Orestes is exiled, and Electra forced to marry a commoner and live in a hovel.

The term "Electra Complex" refers to a daughter's unnatural love for her father and while this is not overtly portrayed here, the hints are certainly in place. Even when her mother tells Electra of the king's infidelities the daughter defends him, citing the queen's own as proof of the latter's treachery.

Electra and Orestes take revenge on the couple who have killed their father--not without great remorse.

Cacoyannis' skill is demonstrated in his choice to film this work in black and white, accentuating the starkness of the tale, which contains numerous stretches of silence, an effective Greek chorus of village women (all clothed similarly in black), and an equally effective score by the great Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis who also composed the music for Zorba the Greek. The story is pure drama--the emotional elements are laid bare in the stripped to the bone dialogue that wastes no words.

The cinematography as well emphasizes the basic elements of earth and sky; black and white has seldom been used as well in a drama as it is here. Earth is the land of man where we live and die; sky is the land of the gods to whom we appeal for everything we want that we don't have. And whether or not we get what we want--who can say?

Highly recommended.

LOVE+PASSION+GREEKS=REAL MOVIE
Greek director Michael Cacoyannis brings Euripedes' classic tragedy to the screen with great liberties. Taking off from the murder of Agamemnon, this version of the tragedy sticks to the basic story of Elektra marrying and the ensuing double murder. Yet, Cacoyannis has stripped away much of the original dialogue in favor of stark cinematography and silent stretches. Irene Papas is outstanding as the doomed heroine. Pure Cinematography...excellent film

The Greeks knew their psychology!
This screen version of ELEKTRA shows how ancient Greek culture knew instinctively so much about human psychology long before Freud came along to carry on the good work. It is a deeply moving and cathartic experience that touches upon dark recesses in the human psyche, and too, confronts our philosophic "certainties". Above all, it teaches us that most valuable lesson; that guilt cannot be imagined - the deed has to be performed and then, and only then, does guilt or justification enter into your consciousness. Elektra and Orestes feel totally justified in killing their mother, but, when she gives her side to the story, doubts begin to ebb in, and once the deed is done, nothing can absolve the guilt and shame that descend on their shoulders. A powerful, potent film, superbly made, acted and assembled, and one of the very few, in a long lifetime of movie watching, that I have given my top star rating to! Am delighted that it is at long last available, because it is unjustly neglected and forgotten. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (104)

Cage was not believable
I was disappointed in this movie overall. Cage did not work as an italian. The scenes of him playing the mandolin showed him "acting." The characters were not developed in the movie. You know nothing about them and are expected to be moved by their love for each other? The best part of the movie is the breathtaking beauty of the island. The characters and the story were flat.

Read the book... miss the flick!
The movie, while rich in cinematography with a beautiful score, disppoints endlessly. The characters are thrown at you, with no introduction. The acting is pathetic at times, with Penelope Cruz yet to master speaking english, Nicolas Cage lacking the charm of the book's character, and Mandras (Bale) taking on a role that is so different from the book the story is completely changed, and only for the worse. The movie begins half way through the original story, and differs so dramatically, one can only be disappointed. Read the book, you will LOVE it, skip the movie... 100% let down!

One of the years best film
I had the privelidge to watch the entire film at AMC theatre in Amherst NY. It was a special screening of the film before it will be release.

The film is primarily a love story, set in a Greece island during World War 2.

The story is a bit complicated but it carried a message. Live your life to the fullest. Even during the worst of times.

Well done John Madden, Nicolas Cage, Penelope Cruze and the rest of the cast for making this marvolous film

Crow'd Pleasing Entertainment
I can guarantee that there's always someone reading the novel Captain Corelli's Mandolin. I'd also bet that everyone who's read it would not believe they could make it into a film. I also thought that, but wasn't dissapointed in the least bit. Set on the island of Cephalonia, Mandolan tells the love story between Pelagia (Penny Cruz) and Captain Antonio Corelli (Cage), set against the unfolding story of WW2. It changes elements of the book (as it had to), but for the good and is shot intelligently, sympathetically and beautifully, with some marvellous performances - John Hurt being a notable. OK, so it doesn't tell the book word for word and it distorts some of the original history, but it looks wonderful, is engaging and very emotional. Go see, even if you do think, 'They'll never make it as well as the book.'

I doubt it will be an Oscar winner, but it is definately one of the best film's I've seen this summer (which is not saying much actually).

Early release in France
I saw this film in Paris since it opened there June 20th and I loved it. I have been urged to read the book, which I have yet to do, but my aunt who has read the book and saw the movie with me said it followed the book closely until the end which they were forced to cut short. Pelagia's father is so wise and I think all the main actors were very good. My aunt said she couldn't see Nicolas Cage as Captain Corelli after reading the book, but she was very pleased with his performance. I really did like this film, so go and see it! lol ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Jewish reviewer
This was a really interesting movie on Jacob, one of the patriochs of the Jewish nation - Abraham being the first Jew.

I think it captured the atmosphere very well of the times, and its great to see such good actors in such a prominent movie.I have bought some of the other DVDs in the series (just the ones from the Torah) and am looking forward to watching them.

the man who prevailed
This film is an earnest telling of chapters 25 through 33 of Genesis, and starts when Esau sells his birthright to his twin brother Jacob for a bowl of pottage (red lentil stew), and then gets maneuvered out of his father's blessing by his mother Rebekah. She knows Esau doesn't listen to God's voice, and his two Canaanite wives are a wearisome thing in her life, so Jacob is sent off to her brother (who has daughters), some 400 miles away, where Jacob falls in love with the attractive Rachel...and once there, "everything he touches, flourishes". It is a narrative of great faith and perserverance, and the relationship between Jacob and Rachel is touching and sweet.

Most of the story follows biblical lines, with a few additions; one of them is inexplicable to me, because it is the only part of the film that could be upsetting to children; it shows Jacob on his journey, fleeing a man he thinks is Esau seeking retribution (it is actually Esau's brother-in-law), when his donkey has a fatal fall from a hillside. It is odd that they would embelish the story with such an unpleasant event, because otherwise the sheep, goats and camels are wonderful, and would be enjoyable viewing for children.
The story ends as Jacob, his wives and children (the sons who would become the twelve tribes of Israel), servants and flocks arrive at Shehem. The story is continued in another film of this series, "Joseph", which is superior to this film, and highly recommended.

The cast:

Matthew Modine is fine as Jacob, Lara Flynn Boyle an excellent, lovely Rachel, and the ever beautiful Irene Papas is a marvelous Rebekah. Sean Bean (Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) is very good as Esau, and Giancarlo Giannini is Rebekah's devious brother Laban.
The score by Marco Frisina adds to the atmosphere, and the cinematography by Ennio Guarneri, though often darkened with a lot of shadows, is nice when using the sub-saharan landscape around Quarzazate, Morocco, where this was filmed; it well depicts how one would imagine the primitive life of ancient nomadic shepherds could be.
Total running time is 94 minutes.

Inspiring Entertainment for the Whole Family
"Jacob" is not one of the better productions from the excellent Turner Bible Collection.Nonetheless, it is inspiring entertainment, solidly based on the Biblical account of Jacob.There are portions of the narrative that are brilliantly captured, while other aspects of the story are poorly handled.I would still highly recommend the movie as quality entertainment for the entire family.

pretty ordinary!
This is a fairly ordinary film about the life of Jacob. Set in Morocco, It has very stark desert scenery as a backdrop, pehaps a reflection on the barren period of Jacob's life as a luckless, penniless 'slave' to the greedy and cunning Laban. I did NOT like the actress who played Rachael. I would have expected a shepherdess of that period to be portrayed as a strong resourceful woman, with perhaps an air of Oriental mystique i.e. just her eyes showing at that first meeting at the well. She looks 'wimpy', like, just stepped out of her air-conditioned tent? Considering the casting of the later Lube Productions in this series, they mis-cast in this one! Laban, however, as the villain of the story, is acted well. As the cunning and conniving Uncle he holds the plot together. His ultimatum to the two daughters to 'swap' places is a convicing scenario of how it might have actually happened. Ok, it's not the best film in the world, but if you like Biblical dramas, it would be worth getting.

Great Video
Great casting, acting, directing, scenery, etc. I was recommended this by a girl from Reno, NV.I'm so glad she did.In the past, when I used to read the Bible passage about Jacob, aka Israel, and Esau, aka Edom, arguing about their birthright over a bowl of lentil stew, I always had difficulty picturing it in my mind.The movie easily cleared this up for me by doing an excellent job of taking me back in time and re-enacting this scene.Regarding the actors and actresses, their personalities and appearances seemed perfect for the parts, especially Jacob played by Matthew Modine and beautiful Rachel played by Lara Flynn Boyle.Whether or not the cast and crew were made up of Bible believers, I think the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had His hand in helping with this movie. ... Read more

Description

Yerma (Sanchez-Gijon) longs for a child but is unable to conceive.After an old, wise, woman (Papas) assures her that the reason she cannot become pregnant may be due more to her husband (Diego) than herself, Yerma regards her unfeeling spouse with growing hatred.Her increasing obsession causes her to be tempted to seduce Victor, a shepherd from the village, but her moral values repress her feelings.Desperation drives her to the brink of insanity, reaching a breathtaking climax in this brilliant drama by the great Spanish poet and dramatist Federico Garcia Lorca. END ... Read more

Description

Effortlessly gliding from graceful travelogue to playful star-driven caprice to trenchant cautionary fable, A TALKING PICTURE is "a majestic and profound work by one of the greatest of all living filmmakers" (Chicago Tribune).Writer-director Manoel de Oliveira (I'M GOING HOME, VOYAGE TO THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD) has created a valedictory cinematic masterpiece that balances timeless beauty with audacious theatricality in order to explore the fanciful myths and grim ironies that define Western Civilization at a millennial crossroads.In july of 2001, eight-year-old Maria Joana embarks on an ocean cruise from her native Portugal to Bombay, India accompanied by her mother, history professor Rosa Maria (Leonor Silveira).But as three mysterious and glamorous women, each played by a world-renowned film legend, board first at Marseilles (Catherine Deneuve - UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG), Naples (Bernardo Bertolucci muse Stefania Sandrelli) and Athens (Irene Papas - THE TROJAN WOMEN, ANTIGONE), their picturesque journey begins to grow in tension and complexity.When ship captain John Walesa (John Malkovich - BEING JOHN MALKOVICH) hosts a unique summit between these three international graces, the table is literally set to transform A TALKING PICTURE from a genial melancholic history lesson into an incendiary contemporary news flash.Deftly, lovingly and confidently crafting a film of subtle rhythms, deep conviction and shocking contrasts, 96 year old Manoel de Oliveira "appears unstoppable" (Boston Globe) and conclusively demonstrates he is "a master of the medium" (The New York Times)."With rare eloquence," A TALKING PICTURE "speaks to our hearts and minds about modern quandaries and eternal truths." (Chicago Tribune) ... Read more

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A Feast for the Eye and the Mind