Reviews (8)

Great portrait
This is the first movie I see where Castro is portrayed as what he truly is, a tyrant. It happens that I know someone who knows Castro first hand; his descriptions of Castro's outbursts matches the movie's portray of his dealing with ministers. The movie also describes quite accurately some important moments of the "revolution", the so called "el cordon de la Habana", "la zafra del 70" and other Castro monumental economic failures. All based on his direct top-down command style, absolute ignorance of agriculture practices, economics and his refusal to acknowledge human nature. Coffee trees do not grow in plain fields even if commanded by Castro, they are not cuban citizens and therefore, they are inmune to Castro's wrath.

I was also quite impressed by the portray of Che Guevara, an inept doctor who ruined the Cuban economy and did not hesitate in sending thousands of people to firing squads without trial. This movie is probably the first that dares to portray him as what he was. Somehow Che has been elevated to some kind of hero by people who did not know him or lived under his rule. It has become almost a sacriley to say anything that may "offend" his memmory. Fortually for the rest of the world, the commander who lead his capture was a Cuban, he knew what happened when Castro was captured in 1956, after attacking an Army garrision, sentenced to 12 years in prison and then released after two. He did not hesitate in ordering Che's killing. We have a say in spanish "muerto el perro se acaba la rabia" ("dead the dog, no rabies").

The movie closes with a couple of Castro statements that I clearly remember and that reflect his absolutist nature..."if one day I am told that 100% of the population does not support the revolution, I would keep going..."

Thanks to the producers, actors and director.
Kudos for your courage to stand up for the truth.

Been There, Done That
Then that happened, then that happened, then that happened.... Anyone with a passable knowledge of Castro and the Cuban Revolution will realize that "Fidel" is little more than a dramatic chronicle of the most familiar episodes of Castro's life. The film is nearly a cliché. Add that the film is a three hours plus long and the acting is mediocre at best, the resulting sense of chore viewers experience is predictable.

Yet with all the time the movie allots itself (and sentences the viewer to), time, in places, is oddly prioritized. The Cuban missile crisis was a blip in history apparently.

Oh, there's more. There is the dissonance in film's perspective about Castro himself. The film doesn't suggest that Castro is a multifaceted, complicated character. Rather, the film takes a sudden and unpredictable shift in its point of view. Actually, the shift resembles a conversion. Castro goes from a visionary and precocious revolutionary leader to--presto!--the failed tyrant we know from the news and White House press briefings. I'm sure the conversion saved the film from the charge of pro-Castro ... that is all too familiar when anything the least bit laudatory about Castro or post-revolutionary Cuba is depicted. But, then, that's how propaganda works here.

awesome
This movie from start to end is very good, except some parts went to fast. I felt like that I was there in the movie. For the most part, it had actual events and the storyline is almost accurate. The actor for che guevara should have been more of hero then what he protrays in the movie. I would watch it again many times over.

The 26th of July Movement
This English language film does well in bringing Fidel Castro to life as a personality and showing his role in the Cuban revolution. It has a great deal of excitement and drama, especially during the revolutionary period of the 50's, including a fair amount of military life and action.

The filmmakers try to give a balanced view of Castro--illustrating his passion for the welfare of Cuban people but also showing how power in some ways went to his head. As Celia Sanchez tells him (around 1980 I believe), "Listen to what I have to say--don't interrupt me--you're losing touch with the people."

"Fidel" is historically accurate from what I know and all the major characters in the Cuban revolution are depicted here including Sanchez, Raul Castro, Ernesto (Che) Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos.

I think the filmmakers took on too much, however, in attempting to cover Fidel's life from 1949 to present. Many events are given too little exposure. Yet this film is much too long at about 3 hours and 20 minues. A better film might have focused on the revolution up through 1959 and ended with the march into Santiago--about two-thirds of what this one covers--leaving the rest for another day.

All in all, "Fidel" is well done. For people in the U.S. it gives a good account of a major, and fairly recent, historical event (the Cuban Revolution) occuring just south of our border--an event of which most U.S. people have little knowledge.

Castro Bias
I also saw this film @ the Toronto Film Fest. While it gave a different (Castro) Point of view, that was refreshing, but it was clearly biased, especially after having recently been to Cuba. Things aren't great... and it's not completely the fault of the US... Fidel Castro is a Capitalistic Opportunist. Communist? Socialist? Maybe 40 years ago... Now, he's living the POSH life and hated in Havana. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This energetic, sardonic, and richly funny adaptation of Daniel Defoe's classic novel is completely unlike what you might expect from genteel Masterpiece Theatre. The heroine, Moll Flanders (Alex Kingston), after being born in prison, wends her way through the top and bottom of 18th-century English society, has five husbands (including a roguish highwayman who becomes the love of her life), many lovers (male and female), travels to America and back again, and in general discovers all that is cruel and sweet in life. Kingston tears into her role with gleeful amorality and delicious charm, often turning to the camera with a seductive smile to ask, "What would you do?" This British miniseries is brilliantly written, skillfully directed, and superbly acted all around (with particularly delightful performances by Diana Rigg and Daniel Craig)--in short, among the best of its kind; both a cunning examination of social morés and a hugely entertaining story. Not to be missed. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Hello Again!
Hi. I know I've already reviewed, but that was my first very own, public displayed review and I didn't like the way I explained this movie. I really agree with that review where it says, "As the story progresses, you get to see what's going on inside Moll's head." That review was very detailed and the author was probably a top student in writing when he/she was in school. Now... ...I first saw this movie on television in 1996 on PBS.WNED. And most people that know me, all know that I love these kind of movies where they take place back in the 1700's and 1800's. I started to watch this luckily just after Pat Russell finishes his very discriptive (and kind of story spoiling) introduction. I thought that Alex Kingston was very good as Britain's most wanted woman. The other cast acted well too. Moll is a woman who is born in Newgate Prison: a place for the people who don't have any sense to what they're doing. Moll starts out as a poor, stressfull servant girl to shy to stand up for her problems. To a thief in London (in which turns into a gay sort of affair with a female friend!!). Her story involves many different feelings. Moll can make you shed a tear or two (as when her FEMALE FRIEND is hanged). She can make you laugh your head off (like when her 5th husband, Mr John Bland, dies from shock and she takes away the money she lays upon his eyes). She can also make you suspensed (she doesn't hand you a clue about what she is about to do with Mary Edwards, that child that lives on St. Jude's street). Andrew Davies writes a splendid adapation of Daniel Defoe's book. It's close to the book and is very faithful to it. I think it will be a classic in time, like GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) and A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (1940 something). I hope it will be a classic. This is my favorite adapation of this tale and my favorite movie of all time!

Moll Flanders
I first saw this Masterpiece Theater production on PBS and I fell in love with it instantly. Alex Kingston shines brightly as Moll Flanders, a woman determined to make her way in life as a gentlewoman. She will do this by marrying the richest of men, but then she meets someone different, who makes her believe she doesn't have to have money to make her way. A great supporting cast follows Kingston (who happens to be my favourite "movie star") as well. Excellent acting, cinematography and costume design add to the fabulous results of making the 18the century come alive again. *Note: There are two musical scores for this movie. One by Mark Springer, the other by Jim Parker (which won an award). This one has the score by Jim Parker.*

Unexpectedly and thoroughly satisfying . . .
I stumbled on this movie by accident and after just a few minutes was riveted. What a gem! Moll as played by Alex Kingston is just fabulous. Nothing I've seen her in since allows her to showcase her talent so fully. The story has many robust twists and turns, the characters are ribald and more alive than most real people I know, and Alex is the glue that superbly holds it all together. Don't miss this one!

Not a good version
I watched the miniseries when it came on PBS and I was excited when it came on DVD but have been disappointed. Several scenes have been omitted from the DVD version including Roland's first romantic overture to Moll in a beautiful circlular garden, and when she finds herself spiraling into wickedness she prays to God for help and then turns to the camera and says "do you think He helped me, has He ever helped you?" They're small omissions but I considered them important and with no subtitles of any kind, I can't recommend this edition and regret buying it myself instead of seeking out the PBS version.

It's hard to remain calm when you watch this
*David Noble bangs his head into Moll Flander's head at the scene when she almost murders the child. He rams into her wheh she looks into the mirror and violently jerks her head back* I'M STARING RIGHT AT YOU!!!!! AND I'LL BREAK YOUR HEAD!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

David Attwood's fresh and thrilling BBC adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles grabs the viewer by the throat from its opening scene. The plot of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous story should be familiar: Sherlock Holmes (Richard Roxburgh) and Dr. Watson (Ian Hart) take on the case of Sir Henry Baskerville (Matt Day), hoping to protect him from the terrifying fate that has befallen his family for generations. But if you think you know how the story ends, think again.

While Jeremy Brett remains the definitive Holmes on screen, Roxburgh is also outstanding, as are Hart as an unusually passionate Watson and Richard E. Grant as the neighbor Stapleton. Trivia note: Roxburgh continued his take on the Holmes legend in 2003's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Hello Again!
Hi. I know I've already reviewed, but that was my first very own, public displayed review and I didn't like the way I explained this movie. I really agree with that review where it says, "As the story progresses, you get to see what's going on inside Moll's head." That review was very detailed and the author was probably a top student in writing when he/she was in school. Now... ...I first saw this movie on television in 1996 on PBS.WNED. And most people that know me, all know that I love these kind of movies where they take place back in the 1700's and 1800's. I started to watch this luckily just after Pat Russell finishes his very discriptive (and kind of story spoiling) introduction. I thought that Alex Kingston was very good as Britain's most wanted woman. The other cast acted well too. Moll is a woman who is born in Newgate Prison: a place for the people who don't have any sense to what they're doing. Moll starts out as a poor, stressfull servant girl to shy to stand up for her problems. To a thief in London (in which turns into a gay sort of affair with a female friend!!). Her story involves many different feelings. Moll can make you shed a tear or two (as when her FEMALE FRIEND is hanged). She can make you laugh your head off (like when her 5th husband, Mr John Bland, dies from shock and she takes away the money she lays upon his eyes). She can also make you suspensed (she doesn't hand you a clue about what she is about to do with Mary Edwards, that child that lives on St. Jude's street). Andrew Davies writes a splendid adapation of Daniel Defoe's book. It's close to the book and is very faithful to it. I think it will be a classic in time, like GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) and A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (1940 something). I hope it will be a classic. This is my favorite adapation of this tale and my favorite movie of all time!

Moll Flanders
I first saw this Masterpiece Theater production on PBS and I fell in love with it instantly. Alex Kingston shines brightly as Moll Flanders, a woman determined to make her way in life as a gentlewoman. She will do this by marrying the richest of men, but then she meets someone different, who makes her believe she doesn't have to have money to make her way. A great supporting cast follows Kingston (who happens to be my favourite "movie star") as well. Excellent acting, cinematography and costume design add to the fabulous results of making the 18the century come alive again. *Note: There are two musical scores for this movie. One by Mark Springer, the other by Jim Parker (which won an award). This one has the score by Jim Parker.*

Unexpectedly and thoroughly satisfying . . .
I stumbled on this movie by accident and after just a few minutes was riveted. What a gem! Moll as played by Alex Kingston is just fabulous. Nothing I've seen her in since allows her to showcase her talent so fully. The story has many robust twists and turns, the characters are ribald and more alive than most real people I know, and Alex is the glue that superbly holds it all together. Don't miss this one!

Not a good version
I watched the miniseries when it came on PBS and I was excited when it came on DVD but have been disappointed. Several scenes have been omitted from the DVD version including Roland's first romantic overture to Moll in a beautiful circlular garden, and when she finds herself spiraling into wickedness she prays to God for help and then turns to the camera and says "do you think He helped me, has He ever helped you?" They're small omissions but I considered them important and with no subtitles of any kind, I can't recommend this edition and regret buying it myself instead of seeking out the PBS version.

It's hard to remain calm when you watch this
*David Noble bangs his head into Moll Flander's head at the scene when she almost murders the child. He rams into her wheh she looks into the mirror and violently jerks her head back* I'M STARING RIGHT AT YOU!!!!! AND I'LL BREAK YOUR HEAD!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Album Description

Asian only NTSC / All Code DVD. A 1998 HBO film, BBC-produced chronicle of the former Yugoslavian conflict as seen through the eyes of two friends turned snipers, fighting on opposing sides of the war. No amount of TV or cinema familiarity with the subject can dent the emotional power of this searing drama. This film is only available on VHS domestically. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Hello Again!
Hi. I know I've already reviewed, but that was my first very own, public displayed review and I didn't like the way I explained this movie. I really agree with that review where it says, "As the story progresses, you get to see what's going on inside Moll's head." That review was very detailed and the author was probably a top student in writing when he/she was in school. Now... ...I first saw this movie on television in 1996 on PBS.WNED. And most people that know me, all know that I love these kind of movies where they take place back in the 1700's and 1800's. I started to watch this luckily just after Pat Russell finishes his very discriptive (and kind of story spoiling) introduction. I thought that Alex Kingston was very good as Britain's most wanted woman. The other cast acted well too. Moll is a woman who is born in Newgate Prison: a place for the people who don't have any sense to what they're doing. Moll starts out as a poor, stressfull servant girl to shy to stand up for her problems. To a thief in London (in which turns into a gay sort of affair with a female friend!!). Her story involves many different feelings. Moll can make you shed a tear or two (as when her FEMALE FRIEND is hanged). She can make you laugh your head off (like when her 5th husband, Mr John Bland, dies from shock and she takes away the money she lays upon his eyes). She can also make you suspensed (she doesn't hand you a clue about what she is about to do with Mary Edwards, that child that lives on St. Jude's street). Andrew Davies writes a splendid adapation of Daniel Defoe's book. It's close to the book and is very faithful to it. I think it will be a classic in time, like GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) and A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (1940 something). I hope it will be a classic. This is my favorite adapation of this tale and my favorite movie of all time!

Moll Flanders
I first saw this Masterpiece Theater production on PBS and I fell in love with it instantly. Alex Kingston shines brightly as Moll Flanders, a woman determined to make her way in life as a gentlewoman. She will do this by marrying the richest of men, but then she meets someone different, who makes her believe she doesn't have to have money to make her way. A great supporting cast follows Kingston (who happens to be my favourite "movie star") as well. Excellent acting, cinematography and costume design add to the fabulous results of making the 18the century come alive again. *Note: There are two musical scores for this movie. One by Mark Springer, the other by Jim Parker (which won an award). This one has the score by Jim Parker.*

Unexpectedly and thoroughly satisfying . . .
I stumbled on this movie by accident and after just a few minutes was riveted. What a gem! Moll as played by Alex Kingston is just fabulous. Nothing I've seen her in since allows her to showcase her talent so fully. The story has many robust twists and turns, the characters are ribald and more alive than most real people I know, and Alex is the glue that superbly holds it all together. Don't miss this one!

Not a good version
I watched the miniseries when it came on PBS and I was excited when it came on DVD but have been disappointed. Several scenes have been omitted from the DVD version including Roland's first romantic overture to Moll in a beautiful circlular garden, and when she finds herself spiraling into wickedness she prays to God for help and then turns to the camera and says "do you think He helped me, has He ever helped you?" They're small omissions but I considered them important and with no subtitles of any kind, I can't recommend this edition and regret buying it myself instead of seeking out the PBS version.

It's hard to remain calm when you watch this
*David Noble bangs his head into Moll Flander's head at the scene when she almost murders the child. He rams into her wheh she looks into the mirror and violently jerks her head back* I'M STARING RIGHT AT YOU!!!!! AND I'LL BREAK YOUR HEAD!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more