Reviews (52)

Another visit to the PRIEST
Re-visiting PRIEST, a film by Antonia Bird that is genteel, soulful, yet probing and made in 1995, makes us realize how much of a wake-up call it was to the internal troubles wasting the Catholic Church so blasted in the media on a daily basis in 2003. This extraordinary film looks at the issues from the inside of the Church, issues such as incest, adultery, celibacy, homosexuality, privacy of the confessional, misguided allegiance to the parish in favor of the doctrine of the priesthood vows, etc. Much of the sensitivity of the message of the film (that despite vows and dictums, priests are human beings whose occassional 'weaknesses' can make them even more effective as tenders of the flock) is due to superb performances by a cast of committed actors. Tom Wilkinson shines as a priest who (against the vow of celibacy)lives with his lover, the tender and beautiful Cathy Tyson, dedicating his role for the common man, a priest who cares more about social injustice than about ancient rules of catholic order. Linus Roache, as a creed-challenged young priest who copes with being gay as well as his inability to share confessional secrets about the incest of his parishoner Lisa (Christine Tremarco), and her trustingly uninformed mother (Lesly Sharp). Robert Carlyle is Roache's 'lover' and is introduced to us in this film before he subsequently became the established actor he is today. The affair between Roache and Carlyle is as sensual and touching as any gay affair on film. The growing relationship between Wilkinson and Roache is humorous and tender and triumphant. Antonia Bird directs with a taut eye on character and atmosphere and makes her story dark and light and quiet and probing. This is a fine film that just grows better with each watching. The only moment of laxity comes at the very end when the heartstrings are pulled below pitch with the wholly unnecessary music background of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' muddying up an otherwise honestly moving film.

Priest is movie that moves the soul
This film touches the human soul. It looks at the priest hood in its human form. Linus Roache plays Father Greg Pilkington. Father Greg is going through hard times he knows he is supposed to be a priest, however his sexual urgings for men is strong. He starts a relationship with Grahm, and although he knows he is breaking his vow of celibacy he cannot stop. Sharing his home and church is father Matthew an older worldlier priest played by Tom Wilkinson, who becomes a great friend. However father Matthew is also having an affair with the live in house keeper Maria. Father Greg's problems are not just refined to his sexual orientation and relationship with Grahm. In confession he learns a horrible story by a young girl. His only choices are to stay quiet or tell and break the sanctity of confession. Staying quiet will mean the young girl continues to suffer. Through all his trials and tribulations, I grew to love Father Greg and care about the cast of characters. So if you sick of movies all about killing and death, this is a movie about life and the battle it is to live it and what it means to be human.

Asks good questions
I enjoyed Priest and felt it asked quality questions and addressed heavy issues. The strongest question is if our expectations of those in the service of the church are realistic. I thought the script was good and the acting was solid. This is not a feel good movie but it is a movie that inspires thought and it will draw you in and impact your emotions. It offers no easy answers and hits several issues hard. If you have a collection of Gay films than this would be a good addition for a well rounded selection. This was a good investment of time and money.

I've never liked religions, but I adore human emotions.
Christian, not Christian; gay, not gay; does it matter? We are all prisoners of our own, chained by our individual view points of this world and of this life. Want to think or just bored, want to be touched or just to be aroused, take your time watch the film. Life is no more.

Priest - an overlooked glance at truth
Linus Roache gives a commendable, even accomplished, performance as the "Priest" torn asunder by his need for faith and his need to fulfill his fleshly desires. The film moves at an even pace and is done tastefully. The movie poignantly shows both the burdens of faith and the burdens of the flesh. When the title character, in a pivotal scene, refuses to administer the eucharist to one of his "partners", the paradox becomes conundrum. Even though the motivation behind this action appears immediate, I fully suggest watching this scene alone three or four times; only then will Linus Roaches' perfomance show the true nuance of subtle understanding which the actor seems to bring to the character. This movie is worth owning for several reasons, not the least of which is its underlying tenet of truth. But, issues such as religion, faith, spirituality are fluent concepts that everyone comes to their personal terms with through thIer own personal experiences. This film encourages the audience to be challenged by the content and subject matter without truly passing harsh judgements. (The characters may judge themselves and each others' actions, but the tone of the film is more ambiguous.) Go on, challenge yourself; and do it more than once. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When was the last time you saw a new movie set during the 1840s? The era is the first oddball thing about Ravenous, though by no means the last. Thisprovocatively weird movie is essentially a vampire film crossed with theDonner party, that unfortunate band of hungry pioneers who got stuck in the wilderness with only themselves to eat. The setting here is Fort Spencer, a dismalcollection of shacks huddled in the snows of the Sierra Nevada mountains.Mid-winter, a nearly dead Scotsman (Robert Carlyle, from The Full Monty)staggers into camp with a story of desperate cannibalism. The skeleton crew (so to speak) manning the fort sets out to investigate, when... ah, but the twists and turns of this dark yarn should remain shocking. Be assured,however, that the cannibalism has just begun; this movie has cannibalism likeTitanic had an iceberg. Director Antonia Bird (Mad Love, Priest) blends some humor into thisscenario, especially in the final reels, but otherwise this is a fairlyserious gore picture; a confused Twentieth Century Fox tried to market it asa black comedy, and the movie flopped anyway. It deserves a better fate--atthe very least, it's not quite like anything else out there. The music, abrilliant collaboration between Michael Nyman (The Piano) and Blur's DamonAlbarn, is an offbeat blend of period twang and modern drone. Carlyle and GuyPearce (of L.A. Confidential) are fascinating in the lead roles--their sunkenfaces would look at home in Civil War photographs--and the eccentricsupporting cast, including Jeremy Davies and David Arquette, adds flavor to the dish. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (151)

This movie was a surprising........'treat'.
This is a very difficult movie to review. How do I explain a movie about cannibalism? Which is exactly what this movie centers on. When this film came out, 20th Century Fox advertised this like it was a dark comedy. While it does have it's share or quirky moments, it's not a comedy. This is a gore picture, plain and simple. Oh and did I mention the cannabalism?

Guy Pierce plays a misunderstood 'war-hero'. During the Spanish-American war (this film is set in 1840), while on the battlefield, he took over the Spanish command post of the area he was fighting in. What he didn't mention to everyone, was that he did it out of cowardice. During the battle, he played dead on the battlefield and was buried with his dead companions in a large trailer full of bodies. He then spent the next few days drinking his commanding officers blood running down from his half-blown off head. After drinking this blood, he then escapes and takes over the command post.

After being awarded a medal for his actions, he is sent to Fort Spencer. You see, his general (John Spencer) knows what really happened and wants him nowhere near his troops. So, he is sent to the middle of nowhere in the snowy mountains of Nevada (or so they say in the film). Fort Spencer is being watched over by 7 people. Each has their own characteristics and are actually quite interesting.

One night they are paid a visit by a wandering stranger (Robert Carlyle) who is on the verge of death. He then tells them all a story about cannabalism. It seems that the party he was with, got caught in the storm and seeked shelter in a cave. One of the males then preceeded to eat everyone. He mentions there might be survivors. Some of the people of Fort Spencer then plan to travel to the cave to look for these survivors. And that's where the story really begins to kick in.

I won't give away the details, but it has a couple nice twists to it and you get great performances from Guy Pearce and Robert Carlyle. After you see Carlyle in this, you will never look at him the same again. The supporting actors are also quite good. David Arquette, however, makes me want to hit him every time I see him act. But contrary to the advertisment campaign, he is not in the film that much.

If you have a weak stomach, I would recommend not watching this movie. While it isn't a horror movie, per se, it's definately got many grusome images. It's really a movie that doesn't fit into and ONE genre. It has some quirky comedy. It definately can creep you out at time. It's very gory. But, the main core of the movie is centered around cannabalism and some old Indian myth of a 'Wendigo'. Apparently a Wendigo is a person who has ate the flesh of man and then gets a undeniable hunger for it. He has to kill and eat man to quench his thirst. The thirst will never go away and for every human you eat, you consume their spirit. In essence you grow very strong, heal much faster and feel better than you ever have. It's quite interesting & disturbing at the same time.

I don't feel this film was given a fair shot at the box office. The advertising was way off and gave you the wrong idea. Then again, how do you advertise a movie that is centered around man eating the flesh of another man? This is a VERY original movie, and that is rare in these days of Hollywood cookie-cutter type movies. I would definately give it a rent. It's not for everyone, though.

The DVD comes with 3 commentary tracks, deleted scenes, tv spots, photo galleries, and costume & set designs. Not a bad batch of supplements considering this isn't even a 'special edition'.

Guess who's going to be dinner...
Part western and part horror tale, this engrossing movie is at its best when the characters' intentions are shrouded in doubt and uncertainty. For the first half of the film at least, we know that Captain John Boyd (Guy Pearce) has experienced a life-changing event during the bloody slaughter of battle, eating the flesh of the dead in order to survive the carnage that rages around him. His 'reward' for survival is banishment to a remote military camp, a staging post for settlers travelling west, following the promise of the brave new territories opening up in the California of the 1840's. Life in this run-down camp is routine and boring, until a bedraggled stranger arrives with a terrible tale to tell. Wild-eyed and half-crazed, Colqhoun (Robert Carlyle) explains he was part of a group of settlers that ended up in a nightmare of desperation, slaughter and cannibalism. Everyone is aghast at his story and a search party is hastily gathered to hunt the culprits behind this inhuman act. But appetites have merely been wheted by this orgy of carnivorous murder and the unsuspecting soldiers cannot know that they are the main course. Only Boyd, who has tasted this meal before, has a sense of what terrors await.

Director Antonia Bird does eke out some genuinely horrifying moments out of the story, building tension out of the setting and character rather than cheap thrills, as she shrewdly taps into universal dreads and fears. The story also plays with the idea that cannibalism somehow provides strength beyond mere fat and protein, capturing the spirit and essence of the hapless victim, giving the eater almost superhuman power in process.

By setting the tale in the Old West,writer Ted Griffin - who scripted Best Laid Plans - gives his story a sense of distance and curiosity value. Elements of it seem like the kind of tale we have read about from history, while it also manages to avoid taking itself to seriously. Well acted by Guy Pearce, the ever-excellent Robert Carlyle and an impressive supporting cast, Ravenous manages to be dark, disturbing, stylized and over-the-top, all at once. It might not make vegeterians out of it's audience, but it will surely make them think befoe tucking into that post-cinema kebab.

refer to "painfully boring" review
The reviewer of this film, who calls it "painfully boring" simply typifies many american viewers. his review in its simplicity should be taken with the proverbial grain of salt.

...if you're the type who has a short attention span; the reviewer is correct. all others will enjoy this rather off-beat horror/action and dark comedy.

Not For Every, uh, Taste
There is some polarized debate as to both the quality and the genre of this movie. The movie is good and enjoyable but its not THAT good. A star studded cast and fairly low production value support a one joke black-comedy. Used to be that cult classics became such over time as they garnered a small but loyal fanbase to thier particular oddity. The makers of Ravenous are trying to make a cult classic right out of the gate. As if Cult Classic is its own legimate film category. (which it isn't) That this is a black comedy and not serious drama is so overtly stated and repetively reinforced, it is hard to understand why some reviewers take this movie so seriously. From the very beginning, the simplist act of sustenance is treated as an act of barbarity and brutality. Even the breaking of a walnut is handled in this way. The walnut isnt just cracked open, it is smashed to little bits. From beginning to end the movie pours on the cannibal and food jokes. If this is serious drama, someone forgot to tell the scriptwriter, the director and all of the actors.

Stupid Scary
Labeled by some reviewers as a dark comedy and a cannibal gore-fest... I choose neither. Sure, there was plenty of fake blood going on, but nothing over the top as far as the "gore" factor goes. I mean, it's not like you see characters chomping down on arms and legs or scooping out brains and feasting on them... you simply see the men sitting down to some Dinty Moore stew and you are led to believe there's human meat in there. Outside of a few foul words, this movie is borderline PG rating. I like Guy Pearce as Capt John Boyd, despite his choosing roles of the not-so-smart (i.e. Memento, Time Machine, Count Of Monte Cristo). Guy has yet to find his breakout character. Robert Carlyle soon becomes annoying as Colonel Ives. How Ives can survive a gunshot blast to the upper chest and still walk around like nothing's happened is... I guess Hollywood at its best trying to convince you of a story taking place involving starving pioneers expanding westward in the mid 1800's in a cold desolate fort in the Sierra Nevadas. David Arquette is mentioned in the trailer and is given 3rd billing (in name), but he too picks the role of idiot. He has only a few lines and is killed without much ado. Jeffrey Jones (from Beetlejuice and Ferris Bueller fame) is above average as Col. Hart and I really believe his character is capable of the wrong-doings of cannibalism. This DVD comes with minimal extras (trailer, commentary, deleted scenes) and most major stores all ready have this one on the bargain rack. Some nice scenery, some odd music in the background for much of the film, a few good lines from Carlyle earn this film a lofty two stars. People reviewing this film saying it's awesome and a soon-to-be cult classic... be serious... this was pure cinematic drudgery to get through. You've been warned. Replay value = None. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Morse at his best, part two
The Inspector Morse series is one of the greatest in detective drama. While Colin Dexter's books are marvels of intricate (and occasionally bizarre) plot twists, the movies focus more on the characters involved...and in this movie (and "Who Killed Harry Field") especially so. The mystery is good, but the kinship between Morse and chief suspect Michael Steppings is best thing about this particular episode. It's one of those great films where the bad guys and good guys seem to have reversed roles, and the whole mystery hinges on one small slip...#2 on the list of the five greatest Morses! ... Read more

Amazon.com

An unsolved murder case is reopened after a suspect is released from jail, but when he and two of his associates are found dead, detectives Inspector Morse and Sergeant Lewis face one of their most difficult investigations, and Morse's involvement may be more personal than he is willing to admit.

The final case for British television's best-loved detective is suffused with melancholy. Years of stress and far too much beer have taken their toll, and Morse is a sick man. Popping pills, wincing with pain, and drinking in spite of doctor's orders, Morse keeps going because he is obsessed with bringing criminals to justice. It's impossible to imagine him in retirement, but his vocation has ruined his health and now threatens his life.

The complex relationship between Morse and his partner has always been at the heart of the show's success, and at the beginning of "The Remorseful Day," that relationship is even more strained than usual.Lewis is furious when Morse takes over his investigation into the multiple murders, and the ailing Morse is more irritable than ever. But in spite of all their differences the two men complement one another and they are soon working together again. When this final episode moves into its final act Kevin Whately's performance as the faithful, underappreciated Lewis is deeply moving, providing a fitting coda to their enduring partnership.

The accompanying documentary includes behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with many of the distinguished actors who have appeared in the show over the years, and comments from Morse's creator, Colin Dexter. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A REMORSEFUL ADAPTATION
There's been a murder here, but it's not the one you think. The adaptation of Colin Dexter's "The Remorseful Day" has left a stinking corpse of what was a masterful story, an exquisite exposition of the "Parsifal" like heart of Endeavour Morse. The culprits? Rebecca Eaton and her doltish cadre of American PBS writers who have distinguished themselves in missing the entire point of the book.
Mind you, if you have not read the book, you'll enjoy this video. All the great elements are there: John Thaw essays Morse brilliantly, Kevin Whately turns in a terrific performance as Lewis, although he is compelled to deliver a totally ridiculous and melodramatic "Morse is dead!" proclamation. He acquits himself and moves on. All the supporting players, the family intrigues, the score, the filmwork - all executed brilliantly. So, you'd have little reason to suspect something is awry.

But there is and it is as great a disservice to a book as I can ever remember. Now, that argument can be made about a lot of transfers from book to film, but in this case, and with this series, which has been so faithful to Dexter's works, it is just incomprehensible. I can only conclude that it is due to the American fascination with smoothing out any sense of nuance in order to champion the easily digestible. I should tell you where the crime lies, but that's not fair to anyone who really would enjoy what actually happened in the story. Suffice it to say that much of the story turns on the Parsifal legend, and how in fact the pure of heart are vindicated with vision of the grail, whatever form that grail may take. So, Endeavour Morse is vindicated in a coda that lingers with you long, long after you put the book down. Throughout the film, there are efforts made to quote not only Wagner's theme for "Parsifal", but Han Knappertsbusch's direction of it in the 1962 score. Why? Well, Morse makes reference to it in discussion with Lewis, and it fits with the T.S Elliott quote that includes the title of the story, plus Knappertsbusch was himself the most Morse like of conductors in every way imaginable, and in 1962 was well aware that he was dying. So with all of the main clues in tact, why on earth Eaton and her merry band of nitwits elected to miss the point is not only unimaginable but unforgiveable.

Certainly, enjoy this DVD for what it is. I assure you that if you read the book, you will want, as I want, to grab the murderous crutch and shove it where PBS don't broadcast. The most heinous murder in Oxford was committed in Boston. Shame on Eaton. Perhaps one day Dexter will insist on a reshoot, although Thaw is not well, and Whately may have no interest in any further casting as Lewis. Somehow, the record, as it is in the book, needs to be set straight.

Morse's End Predates John Thaw's by Only a Few Years
Sad to see that the great actor, John Thaw has passed away from esophageal cancer.

This episode is on par with all of the other great episodes of this outstanding series. Thaw's portrayal of an intellectual, world-weary British detective who confronts often complex and involved cases of murder and other crimes.

Now episode to this point really brought home to me how much I loved Inspector Morse. I was actually quite angry to see the great Inspector face such health problems (an understatement), but in light of John Thaw's actual illness, I guess it is to be expected.

My only regret is that there are not 100 more episodes hidden away somewhere. Inspector Morse and John Thaw will be sorely missed.

Relish the Well-done Remorseful Day
This is probably one of the best (if not *the* best) Inspector Morse television episode. I admit to alot of that bias *not* going toward it for being the final installment of the series, but more for it being such a WELL-DONE final installment of the series.

The obligatory murder plot/premise has to do with the re-opening of a case involving the death of a middle-aged temptress/nurse named Yvonne Harrison. Lewis and Morse tackle the case, with the latter acting particularly strange concerning many aspects of the matter. There are a plethora of suspects, one of whom is Morse's own doctor, which conveniently leads to scenes showing how the great Chief Inspector's health is deteriorating rapidly. The Harrison case, while definitely being worked-through carefully, isn't the real focus of the story.

Morse's plight is the prime meaning behind "The Remorseful Day". Never before has the character been rendered so human, and so pathetic. His lady-friend (appearing in recent TV adaptations) has apparently left him, and so Morse is utterly alone. There are poignant scenes between he and Lewis, of him making final preparations, and of him sitting alone in his home listening to profoundly sad classical music. John Thaw as Morse gives a veritable tour-de-force, in the most subtle and gracious way possible, of the great detective in his declining days.

Special note should be given to all involved in the television adaptation, for they have, in my opinion, surpassed the novel. Colin Dexter's book was fine, but it dealt more heavily with the actual murder case, and the illness of Morse was left for small parts, usually at the end of each day. Here, with the version made for the small screen, we have the situation of Morse's closing life brought to the forefront. It is done well, and an experience to watch.

The last scene is terribly moving. I always make it a point to realize that when I sit down to watch a movie or television show, NOT to get too emotional, because there are only actors upon the screen - nothing is real. I thought I would be able to hold forth with said beliefs while watching "The Remorseful Day". But the very last scene, involving just Lewis and Morse, brought tears to my eyes. The swelling music and the starkness of the scene was a wonderful way to end the series.

The impression left is one not easily forgotten.

Please Endeavour to Read this Review!
As a final good-bye to a wonderful series, I was disappointed in "The Remorseful Day." It is a sad and touching film where Chief Inspector Morse bids a fond farewell; however, the film is somewhat disjointed. Morse, more ill than ever -- due to his lack of caring for his health -- exits via a simple myocardial infarction! Couldn't it have been more dramatic or move moving than this?!!! One scene, however, prior to the last touching scene in the mortuary is excellent. It is the night before Morse's death (unbeknownst to him, of course) where he is sitting on his sofa. The look on his face is pathetic and tells the viewer everything. It is without doubt (to me) one of the best scenes in the film -- almost like the blind girl discovering that Chaplin was her benefactor in "City Lights." It is done without words -- only facial expressions.

Alas, our hero has to die and he exits rather pitifully telling Strange to "thank Lewis." I wanted something much more dramatic and much more moving; I suspect Mr. Dexter really does want to retire. The last scene -- when Lewis views Morse's body on a slab and leans over to kiss him -- is very moving and will bring a tear to the eyes of every Morse fan. Although he may have had a rich and rewarding life in his own way with his work, music, poetry and knowledge, I wanted him to go out differently, to have had a woman who really loved him, to have had something in life so very meaningful.... We will miss a very good fictional character and the actors who portrayed the detectives so well. However, thanks to the magic of the movies, we can enjoy the Inspector for years to come!

Goodbye old friend
The loss of "Chief Inspector Morse" hit me just as hard in this, Thaw's, last appearance as this fictional character as the real loss of Jeremy Bret ending the greatest rendition of Sherlock Holmes since the death of Basil Rathbone. Even watching the videos of all the other "cases" is bittersweet as the memory of Lewis kissing Morses' head goodbye in the closing scene now overshadows them all. The true sign of an actors actor making a written character live so vividly. A must see for any Morse fan- just be sure to have the hanky handy and see all the other Morses- first. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This was a very funny Morse!
It was very fuuny and sad. Poor Morse he had to learn the hard way . And I love the music and where the flimed it! ... Read more

Description

Chris O'Donnell (BATMAN FOREVER, THE BACHELOR) and the seductive Drew Barrymore (CHARLIE'S ANGELS, BOYS ON THE SIDE) fall hard in MAD LOVE -- the wild and sexy story of two passionate young people who take to the road for the incredible adventure of their lives! Straitlaced Matt (O'DONNELL) is immediately captivated by Casey (BARRYMORE), the beautiful and unpredictably rebellious new girl in town who refuses to play by the rules! But when they're faced with permanent separation, they decide to leave everything behind and run away together ... and run head-on into the kind of passion, fun, and excitement you won't soon forget! ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Mental illness doesn't have an ugly face
Drew Barrymore's performance as an overprotected, free spirit tortured by mental illness is very real. As her character unfolded, I completely recognized myself prior to my bipolar diagnosis. I watched the beautiful, young Casey (Barrymore) teeter between mania and depression. I watched her hurt the people who loved her most. I watched her ruin her life. It was difficult for me to watch this movie, but I highly recommend it to anyone affected by bipolar disorder, whether yourself or someone you love.

SEE THIS MOVIE
Mad Love is a great movie. Chris O'Donnell and Drew Barrymore make it come alive. It's a sad movie -if you're senstive enough to care- so have tissues handy! Maybe adults will thik it's corny, but as a teen, I think it's perfect. Way better than any Romeo & Juliet plot!

not clinical depression
I think Drew is portraying a person with schizophrenic tendencies with the over sensitivity to sounds and pasting the eyes on the walls... I think it is a good depiction of the seriousness of these illnesses, it is not that she is playing a person filled with passion and rebellion, but someone who is trying to run from the fear of this illness...

10/10. 15TH APRIL 2004.
Anyone who hasn't seen it yet, buy it. It is a romantic sad journey. Matt[o donell]meets casey[barrymore] at the school he goes, and soon after their first meeting, they get into a relationship that causes a journey to mexico. Matt never realised when he met her that she had a illness. They hit the road for a desperate attempt to stat together, due to their parents not wanting them to be together. The only thing is, it does get a bit dissapointing towards the end.

GOOD MOViE! =)
hey, who ever is reading this you need to watch this movie!!this is one of my favorite movies now,i was even crying and its the best movie with drew barrymore (in my opinon)

Its about this guy who falls in love with this new girl from chicago and then they spend lots of time together but then he finds out she needs clinical help for her mood swings,she even tried commiting suicide before.they run away from home and make a plan to go to mexico but then it didnt work out so they came home to try and help her get better.. trust me u need to watch this to know all the details!! its a great movie - mad love <3 ... Read more

Reviews (1)

At last -- Inspector Morse's first novel comes to video!
Inspector Morse is cerebral, almost an armchair decetcive in the Sherlock Holmes tradition. This video is based on the first Morse novel, but came about halfway through the series' run on ITV. John Thaw is notable in his performance because he almost underplays the role of Morse, and Kevin Whatley as Sergeant Lewis makes a good Watson, trying to understand Morse's thought process, and providing a lens through which us viewers of merely average intellect can comprehend how Morse's mind works. This will never appeal to a general audience, but it's very enjoyable to those at whom it's targeted. ... Read more

Amazon.com

John Thaw brought one of Britain's best-loved TV detectives to life in this telefilm that started the long-running Inspector Morseseries, based on the novels by Colin Dexter. The brilliant, somewhat elitist police inspector who loves crosswords, classical music, and more than the occasional pint of ale clumsily romances a woman (Gemma Jones) from his choir. When he finds her hanged in her apartment on the eve of their big recital, he suspects murder and muscles his way in on the investigation. All the assigned investigators are convinced it's suicide except for the eager Sergeant Lewis (Kevin Whately), and Morse and Lewis reluctantly team up to sort out a mystery tangled in blackmail, adultery, peeping neighbors (former Doctor Who Patrick Troughton), and mistaken identities.

With his snooty temperament and lone-wolf lifestyle, the white-haired,Oxford educated bachelor is a wonderful mismatch with the younger Lewis, a married man with a family and a rather less classical background. There's a quiet undercurrent of affection and respect that builds with each continuing Inspector Morse mystery, as well as an air of melancholia and loneliness beautifully developed in the script by future Oscar&reg;-winning writer-director Anthony Minghella (The English Patient). Morse's initial theories may be washouts (a series hallmark), but his relentless sleuthing, eye for clues, and mind for puzzles dredges up the answer in the end, even as he loses the girl.

The DVD also features the 50-minute documentary The Mystery of Morse, a kind of character study built around a tour of Morse series shooting locations. It features interviews with the stars, the producer, the composer, and author Colin Dexter. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very good title to own, great story
If you've ever watched an Inspector Morse story this, the first one, is as good as any of them. For those who haven't seen Morse on PBS or A&E this is a good start because the story has all that a police story needs and does it well. It is English which will turn just a few people off but do try it, so much better than most of the stuff on television.

A Different Kettle of Fish...
THE DEAD OF JERICO was the first Inspector Morse tale broadcast in the U.S. on 'Mystery Theatre', the series developed by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (PBS). For those with an intellectual bent, this series was "heady" stuff. Morse is the hard drinking, Wagnerian loving, Jaguar driving, crossword-puzzle working, police officer created by the Oxford writer and acrostics maestro Sir Colin Dexter. Played by the wonderful actor John Thaw, Morse is known only by his last name. His first--Endeavor, for the famous Nelson ship--remains a secret to most. Morse code buried in the theme music by Phelong Barrington spells out M-O-R-S-E.

In THE DEAD OF JERICO, Morse acquires his trusty sidekick, the loveable Lewis played by Kevin Whately, whom, by way of introduction he informs, "I'm a different kettle of fish." An intellectual loner, Morse has a less than sucessful way with women, and in THE DEAD OF JERICO his bad luck is evident. His love interest a woman named Anne, played by Gemma Jones (the mother in SENSE AND SENSIBILITY and THE WINSLOW BOY, which she also co-produced). Anne is a piano teacher and member of the the Oxford Community Choir along with Morse.

Anne lives in a newly refurbished town house in Jerico, a gentrified neighborhood in the city of Oxford. After choir practice, Morse walks her home, and occasionally they have a drink in the local pub or she makes him a cup of tea at her place. One day, Anne fails to appear for a scheduled choir performance. When Morse goes to check on her after the concert, he discovers the police have found her dead. Who killed her and why? Or, did she die by her own hand? At the beginning, Morse is viewed as an intruder by the officer assigned to the case due to his involvement with the deceased, but soon Morse is placed in charge of the investigation.

This is not a run-of-the-mill mystery. THE DEAD OF JERICO is a wonderful adaptation of one of Colin Dexter's fine books. Anthony Minghella directed this tale, and then went on to direct THE ENGLISH PATIENT, for which he won an Oscar. Kevin Whately (Sergeant Lewis) also had a role in THE ENGLISH PATIENT--as one of the two sappers who defused bombs left by the Nazis.

The DVD version of THE DEAD OF JERICO is outstanding. The cinematograpy is excellent, the color is clear and bright. The film is filled with footage showing the City of Oxford and the University, and if you're an Anglophile you will love this film for these shots alone. Inspector Morse's red Jaguar never looked better--in between repair jobs. I love the Morse series and recommend this DVD for your collection. You will watch it more than once. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Time Capsule Morse
If there was any program that got the closest to reflecting correctly life in Britain during the 80s and 90s, it was Inspector Morse.

While "Masonic Mysteries" and "Last Seen Wearing" are probably the best of the mysteries, "Cherubim and Seraphim" is the one that captures the British 80s/90s Zeitgeist best. The direction of this program is as good as any well-done British thriller.

It was end of an era. Now you'll understand Peter Hitchens.

A Mystery Which Hits [Morse] Close to Home
"Cherubim & Seraphim", the second Inspector Morse episode to be directed by Danny Boyle (the other was "Masonic Mysteries"; an episode which literally hits Morse close to home!), who's the well-renowned director behind such feature-films as Trainspotting and The Beach, and features his trademark directorial style, deviates from the norm in terms of the way in which the plot unfolds: unlike other Morse episodes, instead of being a conventional - or not-so, in some cases - whodunit, all along the audience knows who the guilty party is, à la Columbo. The culprit in this case is the procurer of ecstasy-like drugs, played by Jason Isaacs [The Patriot], in yet another evil role. The script centers around the fact three youths have died by suicidal means and, as we find out, had all been partaking, days anterior to their deaths, in the aforementioned drug. The youths' walls were adorned posters in their rooms containing computer-generated patterns which represent the "Chaos Theory" (e.g. if a butterfly is beating its wings somewhere, there will be a hurricane somewhere else, and these two seemingly unrelated events are in fact interrelate), which Sgt. Lewis is more that happy to explain to Morse; and they were all in the same type of eclectic dance music. It's one of the more personal Inspector Morse episodes, as one of the deceased youths happens to be Morse's step-niece; it also shows how out of touch Morse is with contemporary youth culture (drugs/sex/music) and children in general. For instance, when Morse stops by the school to interview his step-niece's best friend who was the last person to see her alive, he unwittingly stumbles in to her euphemistically-titled "Personal & Social Development" class just when the teacher is asking a student if he knows what the contraceptive device she's holding in her hand is. He's taken aback by the mere fact that they're having a teacher-student discussion, no less a class, about sex in school. In this episode, Morse reveals some of his past secrets to Lewis, whom he addresses, in a rarely captured televised moment, by his first name ("Robbie"). Three of the revelations include how his parents frequently fought and their subsequent brake-up, one of his low points as a morose 15-year-old, and the roots of the acrimonious relationship he continues to have with his step-mother. Definitely one of the best Morse films for catching a glimpse into his upbringing. Even the dance-oriented music in this episode, which incorporates classical music into its medley, is really well done. Overall it's another superlative self-contained film featuring Chief Inspector Morse. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Fair episode, poorly designed DVD
As others have pointed out, Sgt. Lewis does not appear in this, the penultimate Morse. Apparently, it was because of a contract dispute between the studio/producers and actor Kevin Whately. Despite his absence, and Morse being bound to a hospital bed for most of the program, it's a decent and entertaining episode.

My real complaint is with the quality of the DVD. As with others in this series, the makers of this disk have done a poor job packaging Morse. It's almost comical that this is the only disk in the series for which they've included a photo of Lewis, yet it's the only episode he's not in! I gave up on buying these Region 1 disks long ago. Instead, I bought the complete series from the UK (an elegant package of the whole set is available through Amazon.co.uk) and picked up a multi-regional DVD player on which to watch them. The series and the player together cost about the same as the series would cost if you bought all of the U.S. editions.

A few comments on this episode
As others have pointed out, no lewis in this particular episode. But that's ok really, if you like the rest of the series. If you are a fan of the series, you are aware that the 33 total episodes are either loosely based on or slightly related to Colin Dexter's handful of novels, and are not meant to replace or represent fundamentally his work in anyway. Besides, in the book Lewis is an unimportant character, so his absence is no gaping a hole. At the time Kevin Whatley was working on other television programs and films. John Thaw was as well (Kavannagh QC) but you really really really can't have Morse without Morse. So, disregarding the absence of Lewis and the plot changes, this is still a great episode. Not the best, but its still better than watching Murder She Wrote or Diagnosis Murder.

Morse the Time Traveler
As junior XXX pointed out in his/her review, this episode features no Sergeant Lewis. He's nowhere to be found for whatever reason. But even in the novel, the character of Lewis is less than integral to the plot.

While you (we) can only guess at the film adaptation's dumping of Lewis, I found this a most enjoyable episode of Inspector Morse, as we flashback to the year 1859, complete with haunting period music. It's an interesting combination of Morse and "period piece." It not only foreshadows "what's to come" in "The Remorseful Day", it virtually sets up the "last Morse."

Lastly, I have not read all of the Dexter novels, but of the few I have read, this film adaptation strays farthest from the original novel. It ain't just Sergeant Lewis missing. There are other fundamental plot and character changes. Once you get over the substantial changes, you may find, like me, that this is one of the more enjoyable episodes of Morse.

the weakest Morse of all....where Lewis?
instead of sergeant lewis helping an ill Morse solve a case that is 140 years old, there is a new copper name kershaw. i forgot the name of the actor who played kershaw yet i don't care because he is so bloody awful. once kershaw enters the picture, THE WENCH IS DEAD goes downhill. as always, john thaw is fine as morse. hey, sgt lewis is in the novel. he is mentioned once in the tv movie but nowhere to be seen. perhaps kevin whately (as lewis) was too busy making another popular UK tv series "Peak Practice" where he plays a doctor. thankfully whately and john thaw reunite for the final Morse film THE REMORSEFUL DAY. see it instead and forget THE WENCH IS DEAD.

Wierdly wonderfull.
A wonderfull piece of work.His last ? Do not panic, do not fret,he's just gone down "The Trout" for a quick half. In England,we've already seen the next concocksion of murder,dry hummour,pubs and the ever present American tourists !!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not one of the better films....
THE SETTLING OF THE SUN is not one of the better Morse films. The acting is stagy and overdone. The camera shots are bizarre and awkward. The hotch-potch use of elements from other more successful filmed versions of Colin Dexter's books, such as "Last Seen Wearing", "Last Bus to Woodstock" and "The Dead of Jericho" is insulting to the knowing fan.

I am not sure this film is based on a book. I don't remember reading a book with this title, nor did I find the plot familiar. (I thought I had read all of Colin Dexter's 'Morse' books.) If it is based on a book, the plot is certainly far inferior to those found other tales.

The tortured and unbelievable plot is overlaid with repetitious use of "Morse-isms" which are supposed to "wow" American audiences such as: Morse thinking over a pint in a friendly tavern; Morse driving his little red jaguar all over Oxford; Morse playing music and drinking at home; Morse unwilling to look at a body (three times with the same body). Morse's interest in the female "lead" is far from enthusiastic. It's almost as if he is going through the motions. Also, it's a bit hard to believe that this ditsy overwrought female has the least bit of attractiveness for Morse.

Don't get me wrong. I love the little "English" touches a much as the next Anglophile. I just hate being taken for a sucker. However,if you are devoted Morse fan you will probably want to buy it. Just can't get enough of the late John Thaw.

Possiby the Darkest of All the Inspector Morse Films
The undertones in "Setting of the Sun" deal with war and the moral repercussions thereof. Its direction is, along with "Service of All the Dead," among the most bleak and atmospheric of the Morse films. Another commonality which this film shares with the aforementioned film is its convoluted-yet-plausible plot, consisting of a rather intricate conspiracy theory. It may take a couple viewings for you to comprehend, it certainly did for me. Inspector Morse is asked to present a prize for a crossword competition at a summer school in Londsdale college for a group of overseas students. A murder conducted in a gruesome manner takes place while Morse is dining with the group. It turns out his presence was not incidental; he was meant to be a witness. Jane Robson's, Morse's love interest and the person who invited him to present the prize, feelings for Morse are not mutual in this episode. The uncertain long-term implications of war are beautifully presented at the end with the innocent view of Morse's love interest's daughter, when asked about her grandfather, whose suffering during the war was the impetus behind the conspiracy. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

An excellent introduction to the Inspector Morse series.
An Amazon.com reviewer of July 10th has written a superb review of this episode of the extensive series of Morse mysteries and I won't go over ground that he or she has ably covered. For those viewers who are convinced by his/her review to begin watching the Morse mysteries with The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn, I would like to add that the mystery begins with the opening credits.

We are introduced to the deaf Nicholas Quinn, an examiner at a Board based in Oxford, England. He is standing by himself reading the lips of the various people talking with one another at a wine party. We see the obvious concern on his face that something is desperately wrong, but, like him, we can't hear what many of the guests are saying. He does not need to hear; his facility reading lips is evident. He tells another reviewer that the examinations conducted by the Board are compromised and he walks out of the party in distress.

In the next scene, still while the credits are playing, we watch a fire drill at the Examining Board. We don't see Nicholas Quinn leave the building even though we are told that everyone is accounted for. If you watch this scene a second time carefully, many of the clues to unlock the mystery are contained in this first few minutes of the program.

My guess is that most people who view this mystery like solving complicated puzzles and will enjoy watching each clue that Morse uncovers right to the last scene.

John Thaw, unfortunately now dead, was a superb English actor and he found an ideal character to play in the crusty Chief Inspector Morse. Kevin Whately is almost equally as good as his long suffering sidekick, Sergeant Lewis. Viewers who like this early installment will have a chance to watch Morse and Lewis in action many more times in this outstanding and long running series.

exquisite!
This has grown to be my favourite Inspector Morse of the entire Morse series! The more I watch this the more enchanted I become with it uncovering little pieces each time. Exquisite indeed!

The murder is set in the arcane world of examiantion boards which were affiliated to some of England's major universities as arbiters of the academic development of students at ages 16 and 18. This obscure branch of academia is nonetheless an ivory tower existance disguising basic human failings of jealousy, greed etc.

When a relatively new examiner is found dead at home the detectives seem to be looking beyond the workplace but in the course of the investigation the examination board becomes the centre of attention.

Essential Morse has three main interests, his love of opera, his appreciation of real ale (microbrews in American parlance), and his fascination of crosswords. It is in the last of these that we find the core to this story. As always the story is composed like a crossword such that the clues must be solved before completing the case. Here, however, the crossword assumes a much greater role. One of the other examiners, and as such a suspect, turns out to be an intellectual hero of Morse, Daedalus, who sets a particu;arly challenging crossword which gives Morse great pleasure. The two men share similar interests and it becomes apparent that they have a similar view of the world. They become competitors in trying to resolve the case but only until Daedalus (played superbly by Michael Gough) is also murdered although he leaves some difficult clues behind.

Another dimension to this story is the love interest of examiner Monica. Again there is a crossword perspective. Morse is intrigued by the physical and intellectual beauty of this woman, but as usual he cannot solve the clues to understanding her. He is torn between his feelings for her as a person and the growing suspicion that she is somehow involved in the murders. Ultimately this conflict is only resolved when it is too late.

The plot twists and turns and has several blind allies but it is compulsive viweing and by the device of Daedelus we get to see a mirror image of Morse the man. Kevin Whately puts in another superb performance as the long suffering Lewis who we perceive as the apprentice of the master but also the master's concience.

An excellent vintage and quite excellent indeed.

The DVD version is a little disappointing in that it delivers a full-screen format with a cleaner sound. Moreover Barrington Phelong's incidental music does not benefit from the transfer. It would certainly benefit from a remastering. The other additional features are minimal but did make me replay the Jeremy Brett version of Arthur Conan Doyle's "Sign of Four" shortly afterwards to find John Thaw in fine form. I am sure that Inspector Morse fans would appreciate the show even more if it was available in the widescreen format but I am afraid that that is unlikely.

Still, this remains an exceptional introduction to the Morse series and an absolute must have for one's fledling DVD collection.

Vintage Morse...
THE SILENT WORLD OF NICOLAS QUINN is about a man who works for a syndicate in Oxford England. The business of the syndicate is testing students in underdeveloped countries for the purpose of awarding degrees--one presumes from Oxford University as the syndicate members are all affilitated with various colleges of the university. At a reception for a dignitary from a Middle Eastern country, a hearing impaired professor named Nicholas Quinn reads the lips of two speakers and uncovers an awful truth--cheating is abroad. It seems some or all of the syndicate members are involved in a scam to "sell" test results by providing the answers to the questions beforehand. Quinn shares his concerns with a fellow member of the syndicate and is overheard, or his lips are read, or his confidant betrays him --the end result is murder. (Sherry, crossword puzzles, acrosstics, and ticket stubs for Marlon Brando's "Last Tango.." become important clues.)

The film is vintage Morse. The shots of Oxford are fabulous --some of the best. This episode was part of the set of stories used to introduced Morse to the American viewing public. John Thaw, who plays Inspector Morse, was born in 1942 and sadly died this past year. Colin Dextor ended the life of his character Inspector Morse about the same time--perhaps knowing the actor had cancer. The series always resonated with sadness and loss, but now the loss is real. Phelong Barrington's wonderful music beating out the no longer used Morse code adds to the angst.

The series was able to snare the best BBC actors and this episode is no exception. Mystery fans will recogize Kevin Whately as Lewis. Barbara Flynn, who played a private investigator in another Mystery presentation, plays a female don. Frederick Torres, who has been suspected of murder more than once and who fans of the "Jewel in the Crown" will know, also plays a don. Clive Swift, known to those who watch "Keeping up Appearances" as Richard Bucket (Bouquet) plays the head of the syndicate.

The DVD is a recording of the tape and is thus not top notch. This is the A&E version and A&E does not always do the best job. However, if you are a Morse fan, this is one of the best of the series, and unlike some of the later episodes was based on a book by Colin Dexter with the same title--so the plot is ingenious.

Exquisite!
This has grown to be my favourite Inspector Morse of the entire Morse series! The more I watch this the more enchanted I become with it uncovering little pieces each time. Exquisite indeed!

The murder is set in the arcane world of examiantion boards which were affiliated to some of England's major universities as arbiters of the academic development of students at ages 16 and 18. This obscure branch of academia is nonetheless an ivory tower existance disguising basic human failings of jealousy, greed etc.

When a relatively new examiner is found dead at home the detectives seem to be looking beyond the workplace but in the course of the investigation the examination board becomes the centre of attention.

Essential Morse has three main interests, his love of opera, his appreciation of real ale (microbrews in American parlance), and his fascination of crosswords. It is in the last of these that we find the core to this story. As always the story is composed like a crossword such that the clues must be solved before completing the case. Here, however, the crossword assumes a much greater role. One of the other examiners, and as such a suspect, turns out to be an intellectual hero of Morse, Daedalus, who sets a particu;arly challenging crossword which gives Morse great pleasure. The two men share similar interests and it becomes apparent that they have a similar view of the world. They become competitors in trying to resolve the case but only until Daedalus (played superbly by Michael Gough) is also murdered although he leaves some difficult clues behind.

Another dimension to this story is the love interest of examiner Monica. Again there is a crossword perspective. Morse is intrigued by the physical and intellectual beauty of this woman, but as usual he cannot solve the clues to understanding her. He is torn between his feelings for her as a person and the growing suspicion that she is somehow involved in the murders. Ultimately this conflict is only resolved when it is too late.

The plot twists and turns and has several blind allies but it is compulsive viweing and by the device of Daedelus we get to see a mirror image of Morse the man. Kevin Whately puts in another superb performance as the long suffering Lewis who we perceive as the apprentice of the master but also the master's concience.

An excellent vintage and quite excellent indeed. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Morse in misery
This is certainly a highly unusual entry in the series, given the fact that Morse is the chief suspect in a murder investigation. Morse is subjected to all sorts of trials and tribulations--- some of which are designed to create a trail of evidence framing Morse for more than one crime. One of the more amusing aspects of the mystery involves Morse's helplessness when confronted with computer technology and its bearing on the case. However, Sgt. Lewis, who never doubts Morse's innocence, comes to the rescue by utilizing his computer skills to help rescue Morse from his predicament. The role of Inspector Bottomley, who is assigned to investigate Morse, offers some amusement value as well. Bottomley, who belongs to a Masonic lodge, ends up looking rather foolish; moreover, he also seems to have been genuinely chagrined when Morse's innocence is finally established. In any event, this mystery represents an interesting and entertaining role reversal for Morse.

When Life Imitates Art...
First thing to do is to ignore the "Part 1" above in the item title; you're getting the full-length (100 mins, approx.) episode of "Masonic Mysteries." In terms of the world of Inspector Morse, this is probably the Inspector Morse episode even people who wouldn't otherwise care for the series can enjoy (immensely, in most cases), as it's considerably different to any of the other 32 films in the series. Morse is "the hunted, instead of the hunter" for once, as he is being constantly framed (literally & figuratively) by someone whom he put away years ago and is trying to get his own back. The trials Morse is put through parallel the trials by fire & water in the Mozart opera, "The Magic Flute," which he is in rehearsals for at the beginning with his lady friend (played by Kevin Whately's real-life wife), who is subsequently found dead, before a dumbfounded Morse, knife-in-hand and covered in her blood. It's not based on a Colin Dexter novel and was written by Julian Mitchell, who has written/adapted more Morse screenplays than any other. Morse's close relationship with Lewis is manifested in this episode more than possibly any other. A great deal of humor is to be found in "Masonic Mysteries" (at the Masons' expense), especially from the brief exchanges between Chief Inspector Bottomley, who, working with Lewis, is put in charge of the case. Morse is uncharacteristically upbeat throughout most of the duration of the film, particularly especially given the circumstances he is put in. John Thaw regards this as among his three favorite Morse films (and cites its differing from the others as a factor in that), along with "The Dead of Jericho" ("for sentimental reasons") and "Promised Land". This is the first of two Morse films to be directed by Danny Boyle, the director of such cult hits as "Trainspotting" and "Shallow Grave". The incomparable Ian McDiarmid (who played "The Emperor" in the Star Wars films) stars as the evil-genius nemesis. The Inspector Morse series is widely regarded as the peak in televisual entertainment, and this is a prime example. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Driven to the Wrong Conclusion
Like a lot of the Inspector Morse films, a big clue to cracking the case is contained in the title. Including Morse and Lewis, there is a third person who plays an equally significant part in the investigations in this film: DS Maitland, an expert on crimes against women, of which this case is. She just happens to be one, too. This is perhaps the most straightforward storyline, with only a few twists and turns, one of which crops up at the very end, turning the investigation upside down, and also causing everything to fall into place and make sense. Morse is adamant he has his man from the very start and his contempt for the individual, not only an arrogant car salesman but a blackmailer and convicted wifebeater to boot, blinds his judgment. There are many red herrings in this case and the general rule in writing a "whodunit" - i.e. make the last person the viewer would expect to have done it, do it - is employed cunningly. Overall, this is another shining example of the classy series, brilliantly written by Academy Award Winner Anthony Minghella and directed by Sandy Johnson. It is not difficult to see why this is one of the Morse films Colin Dexter selected as his favorites. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

As usual, John Thaw played His role as Morse brilliantly.
The story line is believeable,the acting is great, the city is beautiful. What more can I say? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

perversion in high places
This story covers a multitude of sins, as it deals with sexual abuse of children, corporate greed, blackmail, and homosexuality among other things. The plot involves an intersection of issues related to possible environmental hazards, corporate efforts to suppress information regarding those hazards, and the attempts of those who have been victimized by sexual abuse to take revenge against the perpetrator. All these issues surface only after Morse investigates the death of a professor, a death which
ironically is attributed to natural causes (a heart attack). Morse once more demonstrates the "thinking man" approach to detection, reaching conclusions based upon analysis of clues (childhood photographs) which might be overlooked by less sagacious investigators. The performances are first rate, and the manner in which the story unfolds maintains interest throughout. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Best of the Bunch
The very best Morse ever. The riddle: why do you hide a body so carefully that no one can ever find it, and then leave the victim's bookbag carelessly along the side of the road?

Wonderful !!!
I am lucky in that I used to live in Oxford, so when I watch Morse I know exactly where He is but the filming of this took place mostly in Whytham Woods, a place very near to where I lived but only visited once. I also am aquainted with the real people the main roles were based on. I got so sucked into the plot that I half belived it was the real people I know that were the villians!! For me this film is a " must see" but then all morse films in my view are "to die for"! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Typical excellence - and one extra feature
A painter dies mysteriously, and various interests including his father, his erstwhile model and a mysterious rich man all seem to have something to do with it. Typically excellent fare from the Morse team, with the great John Thaw (a national resource, and his death