Description

He goes by the name of Jason Bourne. Shot and left for dead, he is rescued from the sea not knowing who he really is... nor why he is so good at killing with cold-blooded proficiency. Attempting to overcome both the killers who continue to hunt him and the obstacle of his own amnesia, Bourne is determined to uncover his own mysterious past. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Bourne is a lot nicer than in the book.
This is an intriguing movie and it will hold your attention from beginning to end. The plot is well conceived and there are no holes to drive trucks through. They could not have picked better actors for the characters. They may not match the descriptions in the book; but this is not a book.

The Bourne in the movie is much nicer. You have to make allowances for the transformation to the screen. However he does a lot more borrowing instead of stealing and is not as vicious with people on his travels.

Unlike the movie [Three Days of the Condor ASIN: 6300216748 (see my review September 25, 2000)], They did not let director distort the story for his own agenda. Basic story is someone wakes up with amnesia and naturally must find out who he is and why someone wants to kill him? As with all the amnesia stories he could be good, bad, or (I'm not going to say ugly) the person he is seeking.

BOURNE to be re-make..........
I've seen this tv-miniseries version of Robert Ludlum's bestselling novel many times, that I can actually say the lines and the dialogue in most scenes. However, that doesnt stop me from buying the new dvd version -- one plus, is having a new cover with Richard Chamberlain and Jaclyn Smith. The first one that came out is just plain white cover and the second version is just an artwork. So, this cover version for one is worth collecting.

This version came out in 1988 and became a big hit worldwide in rental video and in some countries, it was released theatrically. Richard Chamberlain and Jaclyn Smith, I must say, did an excellent job in this movie. Jaclyn Smith was a revelation in this movie. Well, she and Richard Chamberlain are well known-as the King and Queen of the Miniseries genre, but this is Jaclyn's first foray to the action/thriller mold and she's very good at it. There's no high-popping special effects nor high-tech flying action scenes, but this movie delivers what an espionage thriller should be. It will hold you from start to finish. It's a non-stop gripping action thriller and the photography and the musical score are absolutely fantastic.

A big thumbs up and worth watching again and again!

Mostly true to Ludlum's novel
I saw the original movie when it aired on TV, and thought it was excellent - a great combination of suspense, intrigue, and romance. Richard Chamberlain and Jaclyn Smith (the King and Queen of the TV miniseries at that time) were both excellent in the starring roles and had great chemistry together. Inspired by the movie, I purchased the book and found the movie to be fairly true to the original. To the reviewer in New Jersey, I can only respond, have you read the book? In my opinion, at least, Richard Chamberlain was much more believable in the role of Jason Bourne than Matt Damon could ever be. From what I've seen so far, the new movie will probably pale in comparison to the original.

Bourne to Review....again!!!
After watching the dvd version of Matt Damon's version of "The Bourne Identity," I can't help myself but watch again(!) the tv miniseries version. The new version is the typical action movie of the current trend to suit the taste of today's movie lovers and I can't disagree with the new audience liking it(I enjoyed it!)and it's hard not to make a comparison but the main reason why this miniseries version is, I believe--and I know most fans will agree-- is the two stars, Richard Chamberlain and Jaclyn Smith. Both stars had a chemistry that Matt Damon and Franka Potente lack. Don't get me wrong, both Damon and Potente are good but the XXX factor doesn't click at all.

Anyway, it's great having both in my collection and maybe years from now, I'll do another review and make a comparison --just in case things changes......

Great Passion
When the new one came out with Matt Dameon I was excited to see it, but was sorely disappointed. There was just emptiness, the story was changed and chopped with the loss of any of the great passion of the TV Miniseries.
The miniseries doesn't have all the special effects, but it has passion from people that are believeable and not contrived as in the Dameon movie. Their characters are real and you understand what they are feeling, from love to frustration, from fear to grief, and from confusion to loyalty. Since the Movie changed the story, none of these aspects where even attempted to be shown, just a love affair with no substance. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Augustus is equal parts history lesson and soap opera, and thoroughly engaging at all levels. Peter O'Toole plays Octavius/Augustus, heir to his doomed uncle Julius Caesar's command of the far-flung Roman empire. Surviving an assassination attempt and struck by news of the death of his old friend and ally, Agrippa (Ken Duken), in the same day, Octavius waxes nostalgic about his youthful exploits in Caesar's army (Benjamin Sadler plays the young Augustus in flashbacks) and his unprepared immersion in the deadly politics of the Mark Antony (Massimo Ghini) era. More immediate are Octavius' problems trying to stave off conspiracies by his wife Livia (Charlotte Rampling) to set up the emperor's stepson, Tiberius (Michele Bevilacqua), as heir, and talk his dutiful daughter Julia (Vittoria Belvedere) into a marriage she doesn't want. Roger Young (Jesus) directs this highly watchable costume drama, and O'Toole's golden presence makes the ancient intrigues tragically human. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Classic
This is a classic series. I never get tired of watching. My kids love them. Hours of entertainment I never tire of watching.

Redd Foxx is the GREATEST!!!
One thing I could always be sure of no matter what was happening in my life or what I might have been going through, "Sanford and Son" was a sure bet to snap me out of it and make me laugh so hard no matter how many times I had ever seen any particular episode. Foxx was a comic genius with delivery and timing that was unequaled.

Being somewhat of a "Sanford and Son purist", I have to say that I prefer the first three years of the show to the others. It wasn't that Redd Foxx was any less funny in later years, but sometimes the plotlines left something to be desired. Having said that, I would rather watch ANY episode of "Sanford and Son" from any season than much of what passes for comedy today.

What some people may not know is that when you get these DVD's you will get to see the complete, uncut, thirty minute episodes. On television reruns, there is always at least 5-7 minutes cut out of any episode. So if you think you have seen all of "Sanford and Son" you will be pleasantly surprised to see even more hilarious footage that you may never have seen before.

Get these-you won't be disappointed.

Totally Awesome shows to watch over & over again.
Awesome show. Redd Foxx is hilarious to watch over & over again.
Well worth it to have in your own collection.

Favorite show of all time
A definite classic masterpiece that should be in everyone's collection especially since it's not on TV

Go Ahead, you know you want to...
I was watching Sanford and Son on cable the other day, and was surprised to find that they had actually edited the episode that they were showing to remove what are now considered "Politically Incorrect" words or statements. The thought police run amok. If like me, you don't like the thought of someone trying to rewrite or erase a part of history, no matter how distasteful they may now consider it to be, then do yourself a favor and get these dvd's. I bought them separately and paid almost twenty five dollars more that this package deal costs, so it is indeed a bargain. I can't wait for the next season to be released. Get them before someone decides to edit these as well!!! ... Read more

Description

Ronny Yu (The Bride of Chucky, The Phantom Lover, Warriors Of Virtue) directs this highly operatic fable based on a well-known martial arts novel with LESLIE CHEUNG (Temptress Moon, Farewell, My Concubine) and BRIGITTE LIN (Dragon Inn, Deadful Melody) as doomed lovers caught in the crossfire of warring clans.With beautiful cinematography by PETER PAU (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and over-the-top action sequences, THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR is one of the best swordplay fantasy film ever made. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

DVD Version is a MUST for Fans of This Film!
"The Bride With White Hair" is the film that turned me on to Hong Kong cinema. If you are one of those Hong Kong aficionados who has enjoyed this movie on VHS, I highly recommend the DVD version because of its subtitles. Now---while I admittedly enjoy the awkwardly translated English subtitles in Hong Kong films, this is one film that I love enough that I've always wanted to see the grammar, spelling and sentence structure cleaned up! That is the wonderful surprise I found when I saw this flick on DVD! In addition, if you want to turn friends on to this film, and they're the crowd who just doesn't enjoy a flick with subtitles, then this DVD has an English dubbed version that is fairly good (especially compared to badly English dubbed jobs of great Hong Kong films like "A Better Tomorrow"). For those unfamiliar with this film, "Bride With White Hair" is one of those rare fantasy features that actually makes my eyes a bit misty. What initially strikes me about the movie is the way the story is set up; we see Leslie Cheung (who starred in "Farewell My Concubine"), having sat hunched in desolate state of guard over a healing plant for many years, wondering if "a woman" knows that he regards her as holding great importance, even greater than that of the emperor. A great and tragic story is then told as a recollection, beginning from his childhood when he firsts encounters the mystical girl who saves him from a pack of wolves by charming them with her song. They are drawn together again as adults (Bridgette Lin is both gorgeous and fantastic as The Bride!). The complexities come as both characters are torn by devotion to their clans, barters they have made with others, and by their vow of love to each other. This is beautiful and well told story, visually astounding, and the surreal nature of the film works. I highly recommend you treat yourself to this DVD!

Phenomenal Movie!
This movie completely took my breath away! I am rarely impressed by anything, but this film really moved me. Both the tragic plot and the fighting scenes had me completely engaged in the story and the characters from beginning to end. Both Leslie Cheung and Bridgitte Lin gave amazing performances. The climactic scene of ultimate betrayal at the end -- the slap, the sword, the look, the hair -- managed to do what Steel Magnolias, Terms of Endearment and even Titanic couldn't accomplish: make me CRY! (I was sobbing like an infant at that point...) This is a movie for everyone because it has so many elements to it: good cinemetography, a touch of folklore, romance, tragedy, action, swordfighting , etc. It's become one of my favorite movies of all time. The sequel is just as amazing, and ties up the story very well. There was no better way to end such a beautiful yet tragic love story.

Funky
What a weird film. Who thought of this? A girl raised in the mountains by wolves, possessing magical hair?

What a bloody freak show.

there goes the bride....
iv'e heard a bit about this movie, but to be honest after watching bride, i was slightly disapointed, the story is dull and so is the pacing of the film. and i thought battle royale 2 was slow.
but the fight scenes were top notch. the lead actor leslie chung
gave a great performance. unfortunetly he passed away almost a year ago. (a sucide jump from a hotel balcony in hong kong)
i have yet to see the sequel but i doubt it'll surpass this one as most sequels fail to succeed their predescessors.
anyway yun has gone on to bigger if not better things like freddy vs jason, although sluggish on plotbut more entertaining than bride. IMHO

Mindy's Review
as a big Brigitte Lin Chin Hsia i would say this is one of the good movies she stars in out of her 100's movie she stars in...... well this movie is so romantic.... the forbidding love eh...... hahaha and ever since their childhood (wolf girl) well yeah this movie is great.....the kungfu in this movie is so and so a litte but, not that much compare to Dragon Inn......

++if your looking for a more like crouching tiger h.d movie then naww this is not the type for you..... you should check out Dragon Inn then.....

++if you don't like this part (1) then you souldn't get part 2 cause, part 2 just Su&^K ai ya but, worth siting through till the end......

++this movie is GREAT two TUMBS UP! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A hilariously campy piece of garbage
This is such an atrociously awful movie that it's a joy to watch. You have to be aware of the real life events that were ongoing during the making of "The Klansman." Burton and Taylor were busting up and Burton was awash in vodka. He arrived in Oroville, California and promptly proposed to an 18 year Denny's waitress. His costar, Lee Marvin, was also drinking a bottle a day. Neither was sober for a single syllable of this terrible movie and their struggles to appear sober make for some hilarious moments.

Burton, as usual, dreadfully overacts and his attempts at a Southern accent are pitiful, to say the least. Marvin's acting is much better, but when he has to speak inane lines from a miserable script, he can't fare much better. The highlights has to be the scene in the bus station when Burton karate chops poor Cameron Mitchell nearly to death. The movie was so cheaply edited that you can clearly hear director Terrence Young yelling, "Cut, Cam! Get up! Cut!" They don't even bother to edit out the director's instructions. You will be laughing yourself into a choking fit during this lengthy bus station melee,

This is a great movie to watch with a couple of beers. If you appreciate a terrible script, crude sets and two major stars who were drunk out of their minds while filming, you'll love this one.

Truly disappointing!
Firstly, poor sound. Secondly, the film has been cut, heavily.
Let us hope that Paramount release it on DVD soon, as it is their film. In the meantime, if anyone wants to see this film then just buy the Paramount VHS tape- it's very good quality for picture & sound & it is UNCUT! Do not waste your money or time on this poor attempt at a DVD release!!!

"THE KLANSMAN" WAS A DISASTER
In the Spring of 1974 Director Terance Young and company came to Oroville, California to film the Klansman. The locals were excited to have a big studio film made in the small town. However, when it opened at the State Theatre in Oroville, there was widespread horror.

The film included a castration, an attempted rape and two rapes, plus a whole lot of racial comments and some god-awful acting. You would have thought that Richard Burton would have done well with his acting, but he was one of the worse. He was drunk and chasing an under-age girl for most of the shooting schedule and could not seem to handle the southern accent. (This may have been the incident that destroyed his and Liz Taylor's marriage.)

Lee Marvin, Cameron Mitchell, Lola Falana and a few others did well in their acting but the script shot them down. It was full of racial stereotypes that probably set back racial relations for the next 100 years. (This was OJ Simpson's first film.)

I was there in 1974 and saw a lot of the shooting of the movie. It's only redeeming value to me is the fact that it showed a lot of areas of Table Mountain, Cherokee, Oroville and Sugarloaf Mountain (75 miles north of Sacramento in Northern California).
The scenery is beautiful but the movie is awful.

There are many scenes that are unintentially funny because of the bad acting plus a hilarious scene where Richard Burton "slaps" Cameron Mitchell into a blood pulp. A Classic!

All in all a minor film but worth seeing if you want a laugh or two. Warning, the rape scene with Lola Falana is not for the faint of heart! Plus the castration scene makes ME grit my teeth!

Sad waste of two powerhouse talents
Richard Burton was one of the all-time great thespians and it's a travesty that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences never honored him with an Oscar for any of his numerous nominations. Lee Marvin was a dynamic actor in his own right as well. Why they are wasting their time in this ugly, worthless (...) movie is anybody's guess.
Many films that incorporate a racist theme merit importance when they depict the horror and any subsequent violence that such bigotry and hatred derives. This film does nothing but present a shallow glimpse into the racial tensions stemming from the South (a common and unfortunate stereotype).
One interesting note: OJ Simpson made his film debut here as a radical "Black Panther"-type militant who murders white folks whenever he has a chance. (...)

Campy in the extreme!
This is such an atrociously awful movie that it's a joy to watch. You have to be aware of the real life events that were ongoing during the making of "The Klansman." Burton and Taylor were busting up and Burton was awash in vodka. He arrived in Oroville, California and promptly proposed to an 18 year Denny's waitress. His costar, Lee Marvin, was also drinking a bottle a day. Neither was sober for a single syllable of this terrible movie and their struggles to appear sober make for some hilarious moments.

Burton, as usual, dreadfully overacts and his attempts at a Southern accent are pitiful, to say the least. Marvin's acting is much better, but when he has to speak inane lines from a miserable script, he can't fare much better.

This is a great movie to watch with a couple of beers. If you appreciate a terrible script, crude sets and two major stars who were drunk out of their minds while filming, you'll love this one. ... Read more

Description

Gene Wilder and Donald Sutherland star as two sets of twins mixed up at birth -- one raised as an aristocrat, and the other as a peasant. They meet 30 years later on the eve of the French Revolution, where their mistaken identities create mass confusion. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Gene Wilder at his very best!
If you enjoy Gene Wilder in the Mel Brooks films, then this movie is right up your alley. It is truly one of the funniest ever made.

The story involves two sets of twins - with one brother in each set switched at birth. One set is raised as aristocrats; the other as peasant revolutionaries. The time - 1779. (When you see the movie, you'll know how funny that line just was!)

Donald Sutherland and Gene Wilder are hilarious as the mismatched brothers, with the peasant-raised set rather normal if a bit cowardly, and the aristos just this side of psychotic. (Ok, maybe they are on the other side...).

Throw in a misunderstood Louis XVI betrayed by everybody and his brother, a Marie Antoinette who could give Messalina a run for her money and, of course, the sinister minister, D'Escargot, and you have the most outrageously funny Gene Wilder movie ever.

Should be..." later that night 1789"
Without a doubt one of the funnier movies ever made. A nobleman is on his way to Paris in the mid 1700 with his pregnant wife...she cant make it the city before the birth and has twin sons in an inn along side the road...in the next room is a peasant woman who also has twin sons at the same time.

The doctor cant remember which twins go with which parent so he gives each parents one from each set...hence Gene Wilder and Donald Southerland grow up as twin brothers as peasants in Paris and as the infamous De CiCi brothers the "scrounge of Corsica".."thats scourge you ignorant peasant".

The movie is a parade of hilarious scenes, mistaken identies and set ups..."I thought it was a coustume ball" as the French Revolution is told in that will have you never looking at history again...

"I didnt know you wanted to do the monk and the choir boy, you told me you wanted to do the shepardess and the farmer, how many outfits do you think I can pack?

Cant wait for it to be on DVD...I think the out takes from this would have to be a riot.

Always funnier each time you watch
I have loved this movie from the first time I saw it and repeated viewings over the years have not diminished it at all. In fact, it seems funnier every time I watch it. The DVD presentation is good and the commentary soundtrack by Wilder, Sutherland and Yorkin is worth hearing for any fan of the film. As funny as anything produced by Monty Python, Mel Brooks or Mystery Science Theater, the comedy is dense and unending. Every opportunity for humor is used to great extent, visually, verbally, and physically. The supporting cast is strong (Billie Whitelaw, Hugh Griffith and more greats) and there are many LOL (laugh out loud) scenes. Thank goodness you can watch this DVD, so it's always "still 1789"!

One of the funniest movies I have seen!!!
I saw this movie about five years ago, and I still love it. I have seen it millions and millions of times, and it is still as funny as the first. If you are in for a good laugh, this is your movie!!! The only thing that I have against it is the tiny bit of nudity.

P.S. I like your shoes!!! (Watch the movie to get the joke)

Well.....
I love this movie. I think that it is hysterical. I do not own it, but I have rented the DVD. The DVD falls very short. Almost no special features, except for a commentary track. Also, the film itself was injured. The aspect ratio used for the DVD is a matted format, while the film itself was shot in anamorphic. There is an anamorphic version shown on AMC, but why this was not used for the DVD escapes me. I still love this movie though, and I hope plans are made to correct this problem. ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Mewtwo's Back For More!
Ash, Misty, and Brock try, but fail, to catch up with a bus to get pass Mt. Kana, a very dangerous mountain to climb. Luna, a pokemon researcher, invites them to stay at a cabin until the next bus comes. During the night, another pokemon researcher comes (sorry, I forgot his name) with a teen that goes by the name Domino. Team Rocket comes later and steals Pikachu (again) and makes their get-away in their improved balloon. They go flying up Mt. Kana and go out of control due to another storm. Ash and co. climb up the mountain to retrive Pikachu. On the way up, the rope that was hanging on to everyone crash into Team Rocket's balloon and go sailing up and into Mt. Kana. Domino later reviels her true identity as Agent 009. Meanwhile, there is a island on top of Mt. Kana and on that island is Mewtwo and the clones. Mewtwo is VERY different compared to the first movie. Unlike its usual distroy all the humans personality, it wants to be left alone with the clones on the island and live is peace. Domino spots Mewtwo on the island and informs Giovanni were Mewtwo is. Giovanni wants to capture Mewtwo again and try to take over the world again! The balloon later crashes onto the island. The pikachu clone wants to go and live were it wants, not stuck on the island, so it leads some clones and pikachu and meowth across the lake. Giovanni tries to capture the clones but is later stopped by Mewtwo. Giovanni blackmails Mewtwo by saying that if it fights his machines, he will kill the clones. Mewtwo, not wanting the clones hurt, gives itself up by walking into a force feild so it can't get away. Giovanni, wanting Mewtwo to work for him again, makes the machines hurt Mewtwo. He said that he will stop the pain if Mewtwo obays him. Mewtwo said it much rather be dead than work for him. So Mewtwo is stuck in the force feild. Ash and co. are later locked up by Team Rocket (not Jessie and James) with the clones. They later get out and run into Mewtwo in the machine. They try to get Mewtwo out, but can't stop the machines. Mewtwo then overruns the mashine with its physic powers, but at the same time hurts itself even more. The machine explodes and Mewtwo is so weak from the machine that it can barly stand up. The water on the island can heal pokemon that are hurt, and Ash and co. decide to take Mewtwo to the water, but are stop by Giovanni. Misty and Brock holds off Team Rocket while Ash takes Mewtwo to the water. (the pokemon researchers are testing the water to make sure it's not comtaminated) Ash makes it to the water but the researchers say if Mewtwo gets into the water, the water will be comtaminated. Ash, who cares more about Mewtwo than the water, throws Mewtwo into the water anyways. Giovanni comes and demands to know were Mewtwo is and tries to distroy the spring. Mewtwo flies out of the water that healed it and gets all ticked off and uses its powers to defend the water and move it to a different spot. It moved the water and erases Giovanni's memory and thanks Ash and co. for their help. Happy ending! Yay! This was an awsome movie! If you are a pokemon fan you MUST GET THIS MOVIE! It's better than any other pokemon movie.

Kore wa koko ni ari
Ah, Myuutsuu sama ^_^ It's good to see him back in action again, for alot of people were dying to know what happened to him after the First Movie. I have seen the Japanese dub to this, and I know not to expect the same for the American version but hey I am excited about this as any hard core Mewtwo fan is ^_^

Basically the plot goes that Mewtwo is spotted by Team Rocket living on an island that seems to produce a type a magical relivitalizing water. Of course Ash and Co. stumble across a lady studying the water and thus get caught up with Mewtwo (again.) But Mewtwo has long since changed his ways, and discusses the beauty of the world with his devoted clones, to which you may remember, of Pikachu and Meowth.

Of course Giovanni wants his bought and paid for all powerful clone back, and sets about sending a whole air armarda after Mewtwo and his clones. What happens to them all, hey ya gonna hafta buy it ^_^ But when in Pokemon is there not a happy ending? ^_~

Myuutsuu no Aijo

Where is Mew?
After I was watching the movie I was like where's Mew. I really don't like Mewtwo but I thought if Mewtwo was going to make a second apperence Mew was too. Mew fans will be dissapionted. But over all I liked the movie a lot. So if your a pokemon fan go ahead and buy it. I gave it four stars cause Mew wasn't in it.

I Like Mewtwo and Giovanni.
Giovanni is searching Mewtwo and Ash is protected Mewtwo from getting Giovanni back where Mewtwo belongs.

Direct to video excellence
Mewtwo Returns is a very good movie that surprised me more than I expected. The idea is that Mewtwo is basically living his life with the clones in peace. Meanwhile Ash and the gang (who don't remember the origional encounter with MEwtwo) accidently stumble upon his lair after Team Rocket captures Pikachu again. Meanwhile Teamrocket leader Giovanni has discovered Mewtwo lair and wants to capture him once again. Mewtwo is currently in a Moral dilema because on the one hand he wants to battle Giovanni, but he also has grown to care about the clones. Eventually with the help of Ash he battles Giovanni and begins to understand himself.

MEwtwo Returns is another reason why the Pokemon Movies should not be overlooked. In fact I believe that it should of been in theaters instead of the third movie. However it went direct to video and was overlooked. So it should definetly be looked into. It is definetly a good watch. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent Sequel To The 1981 Hit Comedy.
Arthur 2 On The Rocks is an underrated sequel to the original. To me...I thought that this one was in fact better then the original, because it had a very good screenplay and great sense of humor...not just the drinking jokes from the original, but much more situatiuon comedy, which the original lacked. Plus, this one has a much more complex and smooth plot, that wasn't as confusing as it worked with the original.

On the Rocks...Rocks
On The Rocks is a delightful experience. Young millionaire playboy learns that there is more to life than money. A hilarious sequel to Arther, Number 2 is even better. Much more down to earth comedy, with a sober twist. Thanks Dudley, you've done it again!

not so great as the first one, but still a good movie
This movie , altough is not a masterpiece like the first Arthur, is still a good entertainment. The carachters are so charming that you can enjoy a sequel, even a pollitically correct like this one(arthur trying to quit drinking). There's also a new theme song by christopher cross.Watch it and judge yourserlf.

They should outlaw test-bombing
This movie was a total bomb; it was a failure in all cinematic categories. All the major players from the first movie save one (Jill Eikenberry who played Susan) return to star in this one, but whatever they did wasn't enough to save the picture. Sometimes, the best things you do are the things you don't do; this film is a prime example of that situation.

A mistake
This was a movie that should not have been made. Arthur's behavior in the first flick was amusing. Here it becomes increasingly tiresome, and you begin to question his wife's sanity at putting up with it. The cast tries (Liza looks great), and it's lushly produced, but they should have better left alone. Gielgud is wasted, although he does get the film's best line. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Stylish Courtroom Thriller Has Precision and Poise
When a deaf-mute homeless man is accused of murdering a federal worker in Washington DC, the public defender assigned to the case assumes he is guilty--until she begins to receive tips about the case from the most unlikely of sources: a member of the jury seated for the trial. Any one even remotely conversant with the law will find the story so full of loopholes that it is more than a little ridiculous, but it scarcely matters: the cast carries it off in fine style, playing the script with exceptional precision and poise and generating plenty of suspense along the way. Cher is particularly noteworth as the public defender assigned to the case. Cher? Playing a Washington D.C. attorney? It's hardly typecasting, but once more Cher demonstrates the depth of her talent: not only is she extremely effective, she is completely believable. The same might be said for both Liam Neeson, who plays the deaf-mute on trial, and Dennis Quaid, who plays the smarmy juror who begins to put two and two together; SUSPECT is clearly Cher's picture, but her co-stars are every bit as good as she.

Although it has its share of courtroom pyrotechnics and suspenseful moments, SUSPECT is a surprisingly low-key and all the more successful for it. When all is said and done we like the characters as people, believe in them, and are glad we met them. While it will never compete with the likes of Hitchcock, SUSPECT is a good, solid, and very unpretentious courtroom thriller excuted with a great deal of style. Those whose tastes run in that direction will be very pleased indeed. Recommended.

One of Cher's best!
I actually prefer this film to Witches of eastwick and Moonstruck! Great thriller that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. Cher plays a defense attorney for a deaf/mute & homeless Liam Neeson. Dennis Quaid is on the jury and together, he & Cher must unfold the mystery and prove her client innocent. The ending is extremely suspenseful and will leave you in disbelief. This was during Cher's peak as an actress.

Great twists! Great performances!
Dennis Quaid delivers! As does Cher and Liam! NICE plot, great premise. The viewer gets very invested in the outcome. No gore, but some nice tense moments. Nice chemistry between Cher and Quaid--a surprise there. You will enjoy it.

Above the law
In SUSPECT, Cher plays Kathleen Riley, a defense attourney for the public. When a brutal murder is commited against a Justice Department file clerk, and a homeless man who is deaf and cannot speak is accused of the crime, and Kathleen gets the case. Dennis Quaid plays dairy farm lobbyist Eddie, who is a juror who helps Kathleen with finding evidence. This part of the movie is a little hard to swallow, but the performances make up for it. It's terribly unlikely a juror would become romantically involved with a defense lawyer as well. However the movie was fine otherwise, and one of the last scenes where an unknown assailant chases Kathleen down the hallways of the court house, is quite suspenseful and thrilling. Cher is very believable in this part. Overall, a great flick to rent, very suspenseful and has a surprise twist at the end.

Cher for the defense
This one will hopefully be restocked soon for Cher die-hards who'll find this suspenseful who-dun-it a worthy view. As Washington, D.C. public defender Kathleen Riley, Cher gets appointed by the court to defend a homeless deaf-mute (Lian Neeson, in one of his first substantial roles) accused in the brutal murder of a Justice Department file clerk. Setting out with a presumed guilt for her client, Ms. Riley comes to believe in her client's innocence and sets out to prove it. On the trial jury is dairy farm lobbyist Dennis Quaid who takes a judically improper and unethical active role in proving the defendant's innocence after he develops the hots for the defense counsel. Of course, the likelihood of a juror getting it on with the defense lawyer during trial is ludicrous and, in real life, would probably get both charged criminally and the lawyer disbarred. But the credible acting of the leads helps us to overlook that unlikely scenario and focus instead on who really done it. Anyone with any background knowledge of law, procedure and ethics might wonder about some of the judicial rulings handed down by the trial judge, but they figure significantly in the who and why of who really done it. Cher, by the time she made the film, was firmly established as a leading lady, and she demonstrates here that she can carry the responsibility. "Suspect," despite its unlikely premise, is nonetheless a compelling view, and the solution (and, yes, the defendant is innocent) is a stunner! ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Great and ultra gory sequel
Return of the Living Dead 3 is a large departure from the other two films in the series. Where as those two films combined dark humor and zombie horror, director Brian Yuzna (Bride of Re-Animator) goes all out with some of the goriest zombie action to see release in this country. When a young girl (Melinda Clarke) is killed in a motorcycle accident, her boyfriend uses the experimental facility where his father works which re-animates corpses to bring her back to life. However, when she comes back, she's got a hunger she's never had before, and it's like the old saying goes; a girl's gotta eat. The acting is surprisingly solid, with Clarke being almost perfect as the zombified girl who still loves her boyfriend. The gore is extremely realistic and there is loads of it, so be warned; gorehounds will find plenty to love here. All in all, this is one low budget horror film that is definitely worth checking out.

Great sequel!
This is the second sequel to the 1985 cult horror spoof "Return of the Living Dead", part II was ok but seemed like a rehash of the original but this one is totally original.

It's about a couple of young adults who are lovers, the boy's girlfriend gets hurt in a motorcycle accident and dies, the boy has a father who works in the military with a experimental corporation that brings the dead back to life. The Boy decides to take his girlfriend to a lab using an experimental gas to bring her back to life but it works, unfortunately she is a kinky Zombie that eats brains and turns people into brain-munching ghoul.

Very entertaining and extremely gory sequel with great make-up effects, a very sexy undead girl, and original story that makes this a must see for fans of Zombie flicks. Watch this movie in the unrated uncut version with extra gore, not for the squeamish!

Also recommended: Resident Evil, Ghosts of Mars, Return of the Living Dead, Day of the Dead, Dead Alive, From Dusk Till Dawn, Re-Animator, Aliens, Lucio Fulci's Zombie, Evil Dead, Evil Dead II, Phantasm, Bride of Re-Animator, Scanners, Let Sleeping Corpses Lie, City of the Living Dead, Nightmare City, Hellraiser, Toxic Avenger, Bad Taste, An American Werewolf in London, Idle Hands, Total Recall and The Beyond.

"It's not Romero"
Im almost sad to say I didnt like this one, probably because it wasnt directed by George. Yuzna was great with the Re-Animator and such but this movie was, I think the word is "New." Im a 70's 80's zombie films kinda guy. I think MAJOR Producers should stop after Resident Evil: 2 comes out. Excluding the Independent films. This movie had some pretty good scenes with that dudes head and spine getting ripped out, and the intro was pretty good with the experiments and the zombie revolting and killing the doctors, but it still wasnt Romero.

Really Disappointing!
This film is a complete departure from the 1st two "Return"
movies. Whereas the first two movies in the series are fun
spoofs of the genre, this film attempts to compete with
the Romero films as a legitimate addition to the dead
series. It fails in that respect miserably. Don't waste
your time or money on Return of Dead 3.

Return of the Living Dead 3
The third part of Return of the Living Dead is one of the best to me.
In this movie a teenage couple gets in a motorcycle accident and the boy's girlfriend dies.So he goes to where his father works and uses the 2-4-5 trixon to bring her back but it goes wrong she starts having cravings for things she does not eat and she starts eating people's brains.But the only thing keeping her from eating him is their love. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Language not present
Contrary to what is indicated, the film does not contain a French track.

Attention, ce film ne contient pas la piste française indiquée dans le détail de l'édition.

"I Know The Feeling. If It Ain't Nailed Down It's Mine."
Awesome movie but not much for bonus features unless you consider subtitles bonus material. Plot: Late WWII. Murphys' ship sunk by German U-boat. Survivors brutally shot up in the water. The rest of movie either goes into Murphys' personality or deals with the U-boat trying to kill Murphy or vice-versa. This is the only movie (Except "The Empire Strikes Back" and "The Omega Man") that I am madly in love with that has an ending that I normally don't like. Has some one-liners including my favourite, "I Know The Feeling. If It Ain't Nailed Down It's Mine." If you like fictional movies that have a WWII storyline this is for you. Cheers.

Murphy's War
An enjoyable film that keeps your attention. A survivor of a ship (Peter O'Toole) and a wounded comrade, (torpedoed by a German submarine), make it to a nearby island, where they are nursed back to health. In the meantime the commander of the submarine realizes that the two British made it to shore.
O'Toole after seeing his comrades gunned down in the water declares all out war against the submarine once he is fit again.
Helmut Griem of "The McKenzie Break," (another fine war film),

unfortunately has a small part as the sub's commander. I don't see any parallel between this film and, "The African Queen," other than both film's showed quite a bit of water :), and I have seen each of the film's several times. It's a different war film; and that's always refreshing... If your looking for hard to find war film's check out "Men In War" with Robert Ryan and Aldo Ray (A well done anti-war action film). Hopefully "The Naked and the Dead" with Cliff Robertson, and Aldo Ray will also be put to DVD soon.

Ahab and the whale
Only in this case it's a German submarine. Peter O'Toole stars as a survivor of a ship sunk by a U-Boat. The rest of the crew is massacred in the water. After this, O'Toole goes off of the deep end in his desire to destroy the sub. This is a retelling of "Moby Dick," with the sub as the whale and O'Toole as Captain
Ahab. Alas, revenge is sometimes not so sweet. The ending is both ironic and memorable.

Adventure in revenge.....
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, not only because of the intense portrayal by Peter O'Toole as Murphy, but also because of the interesting story line. If one has to make an example of single minded pursuit of an objective, this movie is one of the best. It is an uncluttered adventure in revenge for a British seaman, one of two survivors of a ship sent to the bottom by a German U-boat, who's crew was cold-bloodedly massacred while in the water. Good aerial photography, coupled with a good supporting cast and one period song. Near the end of the movie, the philosophical and moral questions thrown by an exasperated Louis (played by Phillipe Noiret) to an unlistening Murphy says more about why it was entitled "Murphy's War." ... Read more

Amazon.com

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid writer William Goldman and star Robert Redford re-teamed for this jaunty, lightly satiric caper comedy from 1972. Redford plays a master thief with his eye on a rare diamond. He assembles a gang of quirky fellow pros (fine character performances by Paul Sand and Ron Leibman, plus George Segal in one of his definitive, neurotic-exasperated roles from the '70s), only to find that stealing the gem is a very elusive and complicated goal. The film, set in Manhattan, was made right around the time that reports of New York City police corruption were reaching critical mass. Goldman's script and Peter Yates's direction take a broad swipe at law-enforcement culture, making it easy to be on the side of Redford's slick antihero. The Hot Rock works best as a series of set-pieces, memorable star turns (Zero Mostel is on board), and edgy exchanges between Segal and Redford. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The only good Dortmunder movie
Of the several film versions of Donald E. Westlake's "Dortmunder" novels, this is easily the best. Not perfect, but it has very good acting and the story stays fairly close to the original book.

Timless Heist Pic for all ages
Okay, I rate movies by what they are aiming to do; THE HOT ROCK aims to entertain, make you smile, and infuse a sense of camaraderie while rooting for crooks. With that in mind, I would think that only Cyclops OD'd on Visine would rate this less than all the stars on a clear summer night

I've watched this film app. eight times, even showed it to my urban HS basketball team I coach a few years ago, and they loved it.

Without revealing any plot lines, this classic rhymer remains with me to this day: Afghanistan banastand. The most famous password since the Marx Bros fiddled around with "swordfish."

Just go get this and then wonder how you never seen or heard of it before.

Can't go wrong, all ages, timeless
Okay, I rate movies by what they are aiming to do; THE HOT ROCK aims to entertain, make you smile, and lend a sense of camaraderie while rooting for crooks. With that in mind, only Cyclops on Visine couldn't rate this anything other than a clear summer night sky.

I've watched this film app. eight times, even showed it to my urban HS basketball team I coach a few years ago, and they loved it.

Without revealing any plot lines, this classic rhymer remains with me to this day: Afghanistan banastand. The most famous password since the Marx Bros fiddled around with "swordfish."

Just go get this and then wonder how you never seen it before.

A Classic Favorite!!
The Hot Rock is a favorite movie of mine that brings back warm memories of my childhood. I loved this movie especially the scene when Dortmunder confronts Murch about not knowing how to fly the helicopter and Murch starts flipping switches, gets it started and takes off. My brothers and I used Murch's line "flip this here, hit this one, this one and this one, then double it over, hit your battery, then your starter and come on baby, come baby--Ha-ha-ha!" all the time when growing up and building cars. It is a classic film set in NYC that all will enjoy and one that goes down as my all time favorite.

My mother (A big Robert Redford fan) would always let me know when it was coming on TV so I could watch it again and again. She said I reminded here of Murch as I could fix or drive anything mechanical and get any engine to start. She recently brought me the DVD for my 40th birthday and I watch it at least once a month.

Redford and his enjoyable cast are funny and very entertaining. It's a great heist film and one that makes you want them to get away with the jewel.

Other great scenes in the film I liked: When "Chicken" pretended to throw Greenberg down the elevator shaft and Abe gets busted for lying about the stone, and when Redford coolly strolls into the back on his last attempt at the diamond. There is also some great close up shots of the World Trade Center while it was under construction. You can actually see thru the building on a fly by.

In a day when many movies are packed with violence and harsh language, this film will bring all whom watch it back to a time when great films were made that could stand on their own without brutality and curse words every other line.

This movie is a classic and I would recommend it to all viewers. I would also love to see (and be involved in any way possible) a remake of this film set here in New Orleans!!!

this came first
I watched this movie with my dad, and within about fifteen seconds, I said, "wow, this feels just like Ocean's Eleven." and he said, "really? I was going to say Out of Sight," not realizing that both were directed by the same guy. So if you want to see what was almost certainly one of SS's inspirations, check this out. It's a riot. It would be hard to go wrong with William Goldman writing and Robert Redford starring, but then you add in Zero Mostel and it's just out-of-control funny. An excellent heist flick. ... Read more

Reviews (153)

James Bond secret agent 007, licenced to kill
Dr. No was the first movie to launch the legacy that would span out into 20 more official movies and 2 unofficial ones. Sean connery brought a suave, witty and violently exciting role to 007.

The movie begins with a British agent in Jamacia called Stranways and his secretary being murdered. Then back in London we are introduced to James Bond. James Bond is called to office, and we are introduced to his boss "M" and the flirting secretary Miss Moneypenny. Bond is told that Cape Canaveral is worried because their rockets are being toppled and they think the destructive energy waves are coming from Jamacia where Strangways was investigating the mysterious Dr. No before he was killed. Bond is sent to Jamacia, where is identity is quickly noticed by a photographer and a phony chauffeur who tries to kill him. Bond then meets up with CIA agent Felix Leiter and a local fisherman called Quarrel who are also investigating Dr. No and his island Crab Key. Bond's life is also on stake when a spider is released into his room. Bond discovers the Professor Dent is behind the spider attack and kills him, since he does not talk. Bond and Quarrel travel to Crab Key to hunt down Dr. No. Bond awakes on the island to find the alluring girl called Honey Ryder, who tells them that she collects shells on the island. Suspecting visitors, Dr. No's men fire on the beach to try to find Bond. Bond, Honey and Quarrel travel deeper into the island where Quarrel is killed and Bond and Honey are taken captive. They are taken to Dr. No's laboratory, where they finally meet him over dinner. Dr. No explains to Bond that he is a member of the greatest criminal organization called SPECTRE. His job has been to jam all radio signals to USA rockets in order to destroy each one. Dr. no leaves Bond in a cell to jam the upcoming rocket. Bond escapes and battles Dr. No in the nuclear laboratory, with Bond drowning Dr. No. The rocket is not harmed, and the entire islands lab explodes while Bond and Honey escape in a nearby boat., where they are picked up by Felix Leiter and the CIA.

Dr. No was the movie that set the standard for all other 007 movies with the exotic locales, beautiful girls, dominating villians and the exciting, adventerous missions of agent James Bond 007!

"My name is Bond. James Bond." -James Bond 007
This is it ladies and gentlemen!! The very first film in 1962 that started the most popular series in the world! It's got villians with globally-fantatsic schemes, sexy girls, gadgets galore and the most famous spy of all- James Bond. Sean connery get this movie off to a great start with a high-stakes card game with the alluring Sylvia Trench. Then we are introduced to M, Miss Moneypenny and Q. The villian is Dr. No, who plans on destroying USA rockets from is base on Crab Key. The girl is Honey Ryder. She has set the standard for all girls to follow with her unforgettable walk in that bikini from the water! The James Bond theme is played by the John Barry Orchestra and the director is Terence Young. A top-notch spy thriller that CAN NOT be missed by anyone!

Two Great Entrances = A Great Start To A Great Series
From the opening strains of The James Bond Theme over the first gunbarrel opening, Dr. No propels the audience into the world of James Bond. The trio of Dr. No, From Russia With Love and Goldfinger got the series started with a bang and created a standard that has never quite been matched, even by great later entries like On Her Majesty's Secret Service, The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only. Director Terence Young's tough, violent tone in Dr. No does Ian Fleming's books proud and it's unfortunate that that tone wasn't maintained throughout the series. The locations, editing and casting are top notch. The only way the film really fails is in the casting of the wooden Jack Lord as Felix Leiter. In the books Leiter was a tall, blone, skinny gregarious Texan. Lord, in contrast, looks like he wandered off the set of Hawaii-Five-0 onto this film. Luckily, Leiter isn't that important to the film, so any negative effect is minimal.

However, Dr. No owes its success chiefly to two moments -- two of the greatest entrances in screen history. One is Honey Ryder's (Ursula Andress) entrance on the beach on Dr. No's Crab Key. Andress immediately became an object of desire for millions of red blooded males with her tanned sensuous body and skimpy bikini (in the book Dr. No, Ryder was naked). After 42 years and god knows how many sexy women, Andress' Ryder is still the standard. And unlike so many of the later Bond heroines, Andress' Ryder is a tough, intelligent woman who can take care of herself. When Bond promises he won't take the shells she sells to support herself, Andress answers, "I promise you you won't, either." Later, when she tells of killing her rapist with a black widow spider, even Bond recoils in mild shock. Andress' entrance opens the concluding act of the film and creates one of the more memorable Bond heroines of all time.

The moment that defines the film and is probably one of the greatest moments in screen history is, of course, Sean Connery's entrance as James Bond. Legend has it that Ian Fleming was horrified when he met Sean Connery, but quickly changed his tune when he saw his entrance as James Bond onscreen. Connery says the famous line "Bond, James Bond" with such confidence and sex appeal, he instantly burns his mark into the series (which turned out to be a double edged sword when he tried to work outside the series). Next to Orson Welles' entrance in The Third Man, Connery's entrance in Dr. No is probably the best. Every time the clip is shown at the Academy Awards or other such award show, it still draws applause from the audience. It isn't a stretch to call it a landmark in film history.

terence young's bond
it is terence young, more than sean connery, more than ian fleming and more than broccoli who created the movie bond.
it is all here.
while this first movie is a little rough and has a somewhat bland villan, we enjoy the roughness of it, which was part of youngs inimitable style.
the first shot of bond smoking at the poker table is a classic and who knew what it was going to unleash.
the second memorable scene involves a long legged girl in a white dress shirt and a golf club. bond's entry into this scene is again, classic and ultra stylish.
too, bond is ruthless here, shooting an unarmed victim. he would not be this cold blooded again until license to kill.
andress looks like a perfectly formed candy bar and any red blooded male would love to unwrap her.
another mention is the sets, which are fantastic and again, very stylish.
one cant help but using that word; style, again and again because thats what sets the young bonds apart from all the rest of them.
young's bound abounds in style!

Underneath The Mango Tree
The start of the epic life that is James Bond. Sean Connery enters as the suave MI6 agent with a licence to kill number 007.
With the traditional enemies of the West and their devious ways set in his sights.

Of course one cannot avoid the fact that James will have a large female fan base and the first and most famous of all "Bond Girls" the bikini clad, knife welding Ursula Andress. Special effects of the times were spectacular but today a little unbelievable.

The DVD is absolutly full of information and worth it's price. A slightly light weight movie that has it's place in history as the first. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"That damned elusive Pimpernel" finds a dashing embodiment in Leslie Howard, who has the steel to be an action hero and the wit to hide behind his alter ego: a British fop. Based on Baroness Orczy's novel, the story focuses on the efforts of this British dandy to aid members of the French aristocracy in escaping the guillotines of the French revolution. He also romances Merle Oberon, a beauty forgotten by recent generations, and engages in a wonderfully wicked duel of wits with the humorless enforcer for the French Republicans (Raymond Massey). If somewhat short on swashbuckling, it's long on the kind of costume drama that Hollywood seems to have forgotten how to do. Remade in 1982 for television, in an equally engaging version starring Anthony Andrews. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (31)

SINK ME! ONE OF MY FAVORITE FILMS
My mother, who was a lover of great old movies, introduced me to this film years ago. At first I thought it dull and dry, being too much accustomed to the new special effects that were beginning to dominate film.

The more I watched it the more I came to understand that this film is one of the true classics ever made and features some of the greatest actors and actresses to ever grace the silver screen. It is now easily one of my very favorite movies.

Leslie Howard (Gone With The Wind) stars as Sir Percy Blakeney, a super hero of the French Revolution, who masquerades as a man who should be afraid of his own shadow. I wouldn't be surprised to find that the Zorro stories were spawned in part by exposure to The Scarlet Pimpernel. Merle Oberon (Wuthering Heights), one of the great leading ladies of Hollywood, stars as Lady Marguerite Blakeney, a woman who holds a terrible secret about her past and wonders why her husband is a dandy. Rounding out the cast is Raymond Massey (East of Eden) who stars as the sinister Citizen Chauvelin.

A movie's greatness is shown in whether its remakes offer something new and revolutionary or copy it verbatim. The remake of this movie that aired in the late seventies/early eighties, was a complete copy of this 1934 classic. Don't waste any time on it and relish the classic performance by Howard, Oberon and Massey.

The Movie vs. the Book
I would have liked this movie had I not read the book first. But once you read the book, you realize that this movie is a VERY poor adaption. The book is a lot more exciting and fun. And Leslie Howard was really miscast as Sir Percy Blakeney. He's too.....I guess depressing is the word. The point is that he doesn't do the character any justice. If you want "The Scarlet Pimpernel"....Read the Book.

a very good film
This film has most everyting adventure romance, but also an underlying sadness as its during the French Revolution. Merl Oberon is beautiful does a great acting job and also Leslie Howard plays the Scarlet PImpernel so very very well. Hes very talented in all his films this I think is one of his best.

A Decent Old Movie Gets Shortsheeted.
I had a tattered old copy of this movie on video for years that had finally begun to degrade due to the number of passes it had endured through the VCR. When I brought this DVD home I had such high anticipation to see the classic on a digital format, but was sorely disappointed to find out that Madacy Entertainment had shortened the movie by removing scenes from it. Now, why they had done this is unknown, but it was a great disappointment to both me and my wife.
I constantly wonder why the scenes aren't there (being in video post production myself), and often question whether the DVD has an error in it's encoding and is skipping the scenes, or if Madacy for some reason took the scenes out due to time constraints.
In spite of this flaw, the movie is still a classic.

A Story for Our Times
Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon, I think, are in their most romantic roles ever.

This movie is based on the legendary story of the Scarlet Pimpernel, risen in a time of rampant Leftism (revolutionary France, set on social and political implosion) and burgeoise England (eventually saved only by the rise of Rev. Wesley).

My wife is one for early romantic movies, but I am the one who thinks the most romantic and tear-jerking scene (don't psychoanalyze me here -- I think I just love the play of raw courage vs. naivite) I have ever seen is in this movie. Holding Oberon by the shoulders in his palms, Howard stares her straight in the eyes, "What price did you pay?!!" he declares. This is the crux of their relationship.

The political savior, Howard, is in a much more subtle plot -- saving men, women, and children one at a time from the reach of hard-Leftists set on destroying stability in Europe militantly and in blood in order to rebuild the society under their own ideal.

Perhaps many people won't get it, but this movie is well worth the watching no matter by whom, a lesson for those who can think, and real entertainment for those who will not. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

The show must go on in spite of co-dependancy and lunacy
Albert Finney is the actor character--a consummate Shakespearean actor who has perhaps played the role of King Lear one or two too many times, and is now in the midst of a mental meltdown prior to this latest curtain going up.

Tom Courtenay is the actor's dresser--a consummate professional who now faces the tackle of piecing back the shards and fragments of his creation--the actor who must go play Lear.

The only thing you need to know are the two main actors: Finney and Courtenay. Both were nominated against each other in the same category of lead actor in the Oscar race. Both were worthy of winning, and perhaps that is precisely why they both lost. They are both powerfully over the top in different ways--Finney being out of control and constantly in a state of dramatizing his backstage life like he is in front of an audience, and Courtenay as his rather prissy, fretting, "keep it together" devoted caretaker of his on-screen partner. The relationship between the two is intensely professional, very confrontational, and very personal. If those all sound contradictory, yes. For these actors to pull this off on so many different levels is amazing to watch. Their vocal battles are superb and highly entertaining. The only reason I can figure out why they lost their nominations are because the roles were both at the same level of campy, showstopping pompousity. They equally shared the screen; it is impossible to figure out who is the true singular leading man in this pair. The film's tightly matched duo makes you ponder the eternal question of who is the true artist--the performer, or the one who prepares the performer to be who he is?

See this excellent piece of cinema; it is truly a feast of great acting. Oh, yeah, director Peter Yates was fabulous in how he didn't bore you with cinema school trickery, and just let the actors steal the show. Yates also was recognized with a nomination for this picture. It is sad this film went home empty handed that year at the Oscar ceremony, but it would be even sadder if you didn't give this little gem a chance. SEE IT!

Probably worked better on stage
Some plays translate well to film, and others don't. Glengarry Glen Ross is an example of one that translates beautifully. The Dresser is certainly an interesting film; Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay deliver strong performances, (although they both are over the top) and one does feel the atmosphere of World War II England, but this story simply works better on stage.

Brilliant drama about drama
I have always loved the theater and actors. The Dresser pays great homage to the noble art of the thespian but also captures the isolating nature of their work.

Finney and Courtenay are both brilliant as the waning star and the has-been confidant. Their relationship is one of the most poignant ever written. Courtenay's character is a passionate study of both desperation and unflagging loyalty.

This one is truly a keeper for anyone who loves theater, actors and just good drama.

Brilliant
Others have said what a splendid film this is. I will add that it is also a rare thing: a movie that is smart and not a bit didactic.

Like much good art, The Dresser tells us more about human nature than the whole vapid enterprise of psychiatry. Imagine how dull these characters -- all of humanity -- would be after drugging and doping by shrinks.

Will there be anymore Shakespeares after Prozac? Does psychiatry even allow for as much noncomformity and artistic freedom as does communism? No more moral conflicts, no more tragedy. Just serene banality. The antithesis of this film. The antithesis of life.

If you are a devotee of what Thomas Szasz has called "The Therapeutic State," you almost certainly with neither understand nor like the film.

[...]

If you like Shakespeare and the English, You'll Love This
England, 1940, during the blitz: all the young actors are in uniform, hospital, or dead. Albert Finney, playing an aging Shakespearean, carries on as best he can, leading his troupe of women, and men too old or damaged to fight. Actually, he doesn't lead, but rather is daily cajoled into carrying on by his dresser (played by Tom Courtenay). Courtenay is wonderful as the fussy, loyal, oh-so-English man behind the man, maintaining a desperate hold on his good humour even as his life is coming apart in shreds as Finney disintegrates.

It is easy to see that Finney was classically trained, and that his booming stage voice must have rung through many a theater. The snatches of Shakespeare that we do see are great fun, as is the byplay between the old man who can do them in his sleep and even the most humble members of the crew, who by now know all the cues. But mainly this is the story of two men, one an artist who is used to taking what he needs from those around him, and the other who gives his life over to that man, and to some idea of carrying on the great work. This is not a happy film, but it is a great one. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Bitter-sweet story
There was a time when I longed to see another Zhang Yimou film. His greatest films, "Raise the Red Lantern," "Shanghai Triad," "Ju-dou," and "Red Sorghum" are--without a doubt--some of the richest cinematic experiences--and I'll stress the word "experiences" that I've EVER had.

But something happened to Zhang Yimou, and his artistry--as perhaps one of the greatest directors of all time--waned. Was it perhaps because he lost his muse, Gong Li, star of "Shanghai Triad" and "Raise the Red Lantern"? Many professional reviewers speculate that Gong Li's departure is the cause for Yimou's artistic slump, but regardless of the cause, Yimou seems to be on the rise again with this film "Happy Times."

Zhao (Bensahn Zhao), an unemployed, middle-aged lonely factory worker longs for a wife. After being jilted 18 times, he decides to marry an unpleasant, domineering divorcee. While friends scoff at photographs of Zhao's large new fiancee, Zhao defends her rubenesque proportions by stating that the other 18 women left him because they were skinny, and as this fiancee is far from skinny, Zhao believes she will stay put and marry him.

Zhao, in order to impress the divorcee, brags that as the manager of the "Happy Times" hotel, he is fairly well-to-do. Problems develop when the divorcee contends that they need 50,000 yen in order to get married in style, and this is when Zhao starts to involve his friends in his relationship. Acting on the advice of his best friend (who also has no money), Zhao refurbishes an abandoned bus as a romantic retreat for lovers with the idea that the lovers will pay for their privacy.

The divorcee, who really is a most unpleasant character, decides that the non-existent "Happy Times" hotel would be the perfect place to dump her unwanted blind step-daughter, Ying, and before Zhao realizes it, he is responsible for the neglected, frail blind teenage girl. Zhao's faulty logic, accompanied by his unrelenting desire to please and placate his nasty fiancee lead to further fabrications and eventually to disaster.

The title of the DVD, "Happy Times," is ironic--just as the "Happy Times" hotel does not exist