Reviews (41)

Sirens Can Come Calling to Anyone
I viewed this movie the first time in the theatre and loved it completely. Any woman, or man for that matter, who grew up in a sort of repressed world can understand the obvious fasination that this couple might experience when they come to Australia and become guests of this notorious artist and his family.

From the first momentous scene, when the couple encounters the Rasputinesque man with the missing limb, the film hints at the terrifying prospects of life beneath the lush beauty of earth's surroundings. Beware, behind all beauty lies death---but ah! the pleasure in living!!!!The elegant subtlety of Sirens lies within its ability to unmask and shyly peek at the longing we have of freely given love and the fasination of discovering the beauty of our genders. Even as the threat of death and decay peers through the trees, we crave the acknowledgement of our sensual needs and fears; we, sometimes cautiously, bend to the impossible curiousity that nags us in viewing our sexual opposites, and yes, in acknowledging our own sex.

My only critism of the VHS/DVD, is that one misses the humor and in large the major comment of what the movie seeks to share. The newspaper articles originally shown on the large screen, are unreadable on the small screen. The VHS/DVD viewers suffer from this loss because the impact of the film in the juxtaposition of these humorous and tragic observations shown through the medium of local news. They whisper to us of the uncertainty of ife, the quickness of death, the need to seize upon the gift of love and life.

The visual impact of the film is sensual and lovely; the actors are equally so. For once, Hugh Grant's bumbling bumbles aren't so irritating and the elegant Tara Fitzgerald lures you gently into her search of discovery for the sacred place where love and lust can happily survive. The cast is outstanding.

If they release a better version of the DVD in the future, I hope that the viewing of the headlines can be remedied. It makes all the difference in the perception of the film.

A little deeper into Sirens > a different interpretation
Spoiler alert: You might not want to read the following if you haven't seen the movie yet.

Most of the reviews of Sirens at Amazon focus on Elle, the nudity in the movie, and themes surrounding the Church's stance against freedom of expression. A few reviewers have touched intelligently on some of the biblical, Atlantean, and Homeric symbolism that suffuses the movie.

Only one reviewer, who happened not to like the film, touched on what I consider to be one of the most telling elements of the story: that Tara Fitzgerald's character Estella cheats on her husband, Hugh Grant. The reviewer thinks this is a problem, and it is, because Estella is a clergyman's wife. This should require some explaining, as Estella changes a great deal in a short amount of time during the film.

The cover of the movie shows Hugh Grant and Elle McPherson in poses suggesting a light-hearted romantic comedy. The movie is actually completely about Tara Fitzgerald's character's journey. What are the clues? The movie starts with Estella both flirting with and rebuffing a sailor on an ocean liner. Hugh Grant is not in the scene at all.

The movie follows Estella much more closely than any of the other characters and at key moments we even see hallucinations as Estella sees them: when she imagines herself naked in church and most importantly, when she "dreams" that the sirens are baptizing her (with water that turns to blood, no less, at which point she "wants to wake up") toward the end of the movie. The offensive painting for which Estella and her husband travel to Sam Neill's house shows a woman crucified in Christ's place, signalling that the female lead, not the male, is the protagonist.

But is the movie about Estella's sexual awakening? Not really.

It is not until after she awakens from the dream described above that the viewer learns the ship on which Estella sailed was the Titanic (look above her head when she and Hugh Grant are on the train leaving Australia--it is the same ship shown throughout the film). What could this mean? Estella is drowning in the wreck of the Titanic. As she is dying she experiences the events in the movie, a mix of Ulysses' sailors drawn to their watery graves by the beautiful sirens, a magical trip to the island of Atlantis (Australia), and religious rumblings of the moral tension between fidelity and self-expression. The "mission" to convince Sam Neill not to exhibit his blasphemous painting represents Estella's fight to stay alive. When she and her husband accept that they will not change Sam Neill's resolve (including the fact that he has painted Estella), Estella is giving up her grip on life. Look at the expression of relief and release on her face in the movie's very last scene before fading to the sirens on the rocks.

With a seemingly slapped on ending in which Estella and husband leave some of their sexual repression behind them, voila: you have a movie that viewers enjoy but is quite a bit deeper, as well.

Check it out, it's beautiful and brilliant!

Sirens
I am not overly fond of arty movies like Sirens so I admit a bit of bias that probably colors my reaction to it. The real theme of the movie, unless I completely missed the point, is the spiritual damage, if not emotional damage, that sexual repression exerts on the individual (and society, if one takes the logic a step further).

Set in the 1930's, a catholic priest is sent to compel a famous artist from displaying an erotic painting that mixes religious with erotic themes that the church finds offensive. This repressed priest and his wife find themselves in the midst of an almost bacchanalian atmosphere, as the artist's models cavort around in a carefree, playful, sexually liberated manner. The real focus the movie really becomes the priest's wife, who starts to find herself drawn into experiences around her and frees herself of her own repressions.

The drawback to the movie is it's just not that entertaining and has no real plot. I enjoyed the imagery and the acting was top notch. But on the whole, I found it somewhat boring.

a work of art
Although I'd love to bore the readers with my thoughtful analysis of this incredible film, I will restrain myself, because the previous reviews (especially those concerning mythologies) are quite thorough and nicely stated.

What I *would* like to point out are the easter eggs throughout the film. Any art buff will have a wonderful experience as classic works of art are recreated "live" during the movie. The movie is worth watching just to see how many you can catch.

But the deeper plot of the movie is art in itself. I highly recommend.

Never Tire of Watching
"Sirens" was about a woman, a preacher's wife, who appears to be intimidated by the sexual frankness of an artist and the models. But she is sexually sealed in the presence of her husband and the people she is staying with. The artist is proud of his work despite what others think.
Tara Fitzgerald is splendid in her performance as a timid preacher's wife. She immerses herself in the roles that she has portrayed relating to what the individual is feeling. The expression shows. She stood out mostly in the movie. ... Read more

Description

A prequel to "Jane Eyre." An Englishman in nineteenth-century Jamaica falls into a tortured marriage with a native Creole. When the woman begins to go mad, her husband takes her back to his gothic estate in England, where he locks her in the attic. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The Wide Sargasso Sea: A Rich and Thrilling Seachange
When "The Wide Sargasso Sea" was first released in New York, it had received excellent reviews, an R rating and very little attention. I just happened to see a small advertisement in the New York Times one day. It was the title alone that intrigued me. From the moment the film began with that sensual and evocative soundtrack, I sensed we were in for something truly different and original.

"The Wide Sargasso Sea" is a brilliant collaboration of a gifted director, John Duigan, a strong, well paced screenplay and actors who are sublimely suited to their roles. Set in 19th century Jamaica,the screenplay transforms a fairly literal story by Jean Rhys into a rich and thrilling drama, which is driven as much by the individual conflicts and misunderstandings as it is by the cultural. "The Wide Sargasso Sea" is one of the few films that successfully combines the erotic with the lyrical;that depicts the complexity of human passion without becoming either literal or pedestrian.

With its lush, exotic setting,it is easy to become enmeshed in the endlessly subtle and colorful aspects of this film from the psychological to the sociological, individual difference to social conventions. But the story of Antoinette and Edward is the story of the delicate and precarious balance between love and knowledge, intimacy and trust, choice and destiny. So that once seeing "The Wide Sargasso Sea", you will have to see it again.

Years later I bought the VHS and found that "The Wide Sargasso Sea" is one of those superb films that stands the test of time. If only, the producers had recorded the soundtrack with music by Stuart Copeland and some wonderfully original, electronic interpretations of classical string quartets. Why didn't they?

Pretty, but vapid.
Wide Sargasso Sea (John Duigan, 1993)

John Duigan, who aggressively makes indie films, got the most notoriety of his career out of his adaptation of Jean Rhys' prequel to Jane Eyre. It's a very pretty thing, to be sure, but really-how much can you expect of any film made after the mid-eighties that plays up the casting of Michael York?

Let's face it, the main reason to watch Wide Sargasso Sea is that Antioniette (Karina Lombard, whose biggest role since has been in Kull the Conqueror) and Amelie (Rowena King, most recently seen in Proof of Life), who are battling for the affections of Antoinette's husband Edward (Nathaniel Parker, whose days are occupied making the Inspector Lynley mysteries presently), spend a whole lot of their screen time unclothed. (One wishes the same could be said of Naomi Watts, who has a small part here, but one can't have everything.) The story itself is about as riveting as... well, let's put it this way. It's a prequel to Jane Eyre. They share a certain leisure of plot.

Once Michael York's scenery-chewing is out of the way (he plays Antoinette's father, and is only seen in the scenes where she's young), the film settles down into a nice, quiet lull for the rest of its length. The scenery is beautiful, the bodies are beautiful, it's like Winged Migration with nudity and an attempt at a storyline. ** ½

wide sargasso sea
this movie made me finally understand the whole story of Jane Eyre, I understand and look at the people much better ,and understand the women called insane,as drivin that way by lonliness,I look at the master of the house with different eyes. it opens many questions Jane eyre leaves open for thought.

about the movie wide sargasso sea......
What I can basically say is that the actress when young saw her house was burned down by the nigerians and her mother(if I am not wrong) turns mad. I am not going to elaborate the story(no longer interesting) furthur for customer to find out for themselves. There are three erotic scene inside which I can say is normal as there is no so called explict sexual scenes inside. The NC-17 is more or less for show. One scene is the toucbing of ass scene between the actor and actress, the other is just only the facial expression of the actress during the first scene and the last, of course, is the sex scene which some called it as explicit to get the NC-17 rating. The story of this DVD is good and the scenes are very normal like a bright blue sky. ***A recommended purchase for those interested in this genre of movie on DVD***

Gonna Make You Sweat
Few films get as steamy as this one and still manage to convey any kind of story; kudos to Nathaniel Parker and Karina Lombard, who flawlessly pull off a difficult period piece.

What makes this film work is the progression of events; madness as depicted by tangleweed, temperature, voodoo/black magic, lust, etc. makes for a tantalizing feature, but none of it would work if the acting wasn't up to par.

Having read "Jane Eyre" a long time ago, I always thought it would be a great idea to create a story based on Rochester's psychotic wife, and how she got that way.

Steamy, superb drama for those of you who like a little subversion in your lives... ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Love without Bounds
Really a superb, charming, and deep coming of age movie. When I first saw the dvd box, I had no interest at all to see this. I thought the cover was sort of tacky and my first impression of the film was that of a corny teen comedy. Needless to say, I saw this on tv and was really amazed how good this movie was. Probably the most impressive aspect of "Flirting" was the grace of the script and how well all the young actors and actresses performed. Noah Taylor and Thandie Newton were just outstanding and really believable. I really enjoyed Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts also in their supporting roles. It was really great to see all these big names in roles before they made it big. Much respect to director and writer John Duigan. Cameron Crowe has stated that Noah Taylor is one of his favorate actors and you can definately see that he has to be a fan of Duigan's too. I was more amazed to learn that "Flirting" was a sequel and even more amazed when I watched the previous film, "The Year My Voice Broke."

Superior coming of age from down under
Don't let the title fool you. Although this is one of the sweetest movies you'll ever see, it is no beach blanket bingo for bimbos. This is an Aussie story of teen love set in 1965, heroic as only teens can play it. It is fun to watch, authentic and original at the same time, a coming of age flick in the English boarding school tradition of "Dead Poet's Society" (1989) and "A Separate Peace" (the novel, not the so-so movie). Noah Taylor stars as Danny Embling, an outsider who reads Sartre and Camus while satirizing the school's empty traditions. Across the lake is the girl's school where Thandiwe Adjewa (Thandie Newton), daughter of the Ugandan ambassador, is learning to meld with the Aussie pale faces, including a gifted pre-Hollywood Nicole Kidman.

Thandie Newton and Noah Taylor, as beautifully directed by John Duigan, are the reasons this film is so good. She has a fearless integrity about her that overcomes the prejudices of her school mates. He is wise and brave at a hundred and twenty pounds. She too is ultra sophisticated. She even met Sartre. This is a story about the love between two outsiders who, with their strength of character win over not only their classmates, but the audience as well. Imagine teenagers as witty and poised as say Eartha Kitt and Gore Vidal, and you get a hint of how it's played.

Nicole Kidman as the snobby Nicola Radcliffe (the name says it all) manages a subtle supporting role with a diamond-in-the-rough kind of charm and just the right touch of on-screen growth. The scene where she shares her stash of vodka (or perhaps a clear fruit liquor) with Thandiwe Adjewa is beautifully turned by Director John Duigan. Also excellent is the hotel scene where the adults are revealed as intrusive in the extreme. I like Danny Embling's line as he deadpans to a re-robing Thandiwe, "They're all funny, aren't they?" Yes, those adults are a little peculiar.

This is not unflawed, however. The ending, despite the rousing music, seemed a bland washout, leaving us with a sense of disappointment. And I thought the first love scene with the two "touching" was a little unreal. I mean he might have kissed her! There's a limit to how great a coming of age, boarding school movie can be, especially when the adults have only scarecrow parts. Nonetheless "Flirting" is a confectioner's delight, and one of the best coming of age movies I've ever seen.

I love Flirting
I love this movie. It's a charming, delightful and wonderful little known gem. Thandie Newton is beautiful, Noah Taylor is endearing. A great script. One of the most romantic little films I've ever seen. Lets not forget Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts are also in this film.

Flirting
I love this movie. I've watched it repeatedly and have enjoyed it each time.

Great cast and director
I haven't seen John Duigan's preceding film ("The Year My Voice Broke") but Noah Taylor was obviously fascinating in "Flirting" as a dreamy misfit in a Nazi-like boarding school. Honestly I could hardly relate this British guy to the roles he later landed in such Hollywood movies as "Almost Famous", "Lara Croft Tomb Raider", "Vanilla Sky"... What an amazing evolution for a versatile actor.

The same fine performance that made this film deserve 5 stars was delivered by Thandie Newton who would also become a celebrity a few years later, starring with Tom Cruise in two blockbuster hits, "Interview With a Vampire" and "Mission Impossible II" (although her best film to me must be Bernardo Bertolucci's "Besieged"). Add an exceptionally talented Nicole Kidman who was actually 24 years old when she accepted this role of a teen, and you got a perfect cast to turn a not-so-sensational-coming-of-age love story into a nearly perfect romantic comedy. Oh yes, it should also be noted that Taylor, Newton and Kidman were not the only ones to work their way to stardom since this film was released in 1991. Among the girls of Cirensester school, have you noticed a Janet Odgers? That role was played by a young and pretty Naomi Watts. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Paranoid
This was one of the worst movies I've ever seen Jessica Alba in. Even her acting was poor. But then, I can't blame the girl. They didn't give her any good stuff to work with. She's a good actress, but sometimes, even that can't change the fact it was a crappy movie.

It's very predictible and boring too. I don't need much to be entertained, but really, this is really bad. The story itself wasn't all that bad. Actually, it could've turned out to be a good movie, but it didn't. That's a shame.

If you're an Alba fan, you could go and watch this movie, (she can't help it; she's always beautiful) but I don't recommend it. Buy Dark Angel season one and season 2 instead.

Disappointing "thriller"
The DVD box promised me a disturbing psychosexual thriller. Instead, the actual film (which was released direct-to-video in the US) consists of marginally creepy British characters boring Jessica Alba to tears in a secluded English mansion. Alba turns in an indifferent, awkward perfomance and I can't blame her. In fact I felt sorry for the poor girl. If I had trouble staying interested in a film like this for less than 2 hours, I can imagine how tedious it must have been to work on this wreck. It's a dull, pointless yawner.

Okay movie
The movie itself is okay. It's perhaps too predictable. Not particularly memorable, although Jessica Alba fans will probably like it.
Mastering of the DVD was very poor. It's fullscreen only, black levels, color, and contrast are terrible. It is closer to VHS quality than DVD quality.

Could've been better
I only got this movie because Jessica Alba was on it, just because sh is in it doesnt mean that i like it. The movie was horrible to be honest, the story is good, but the movie is boring. Maybe if they only changed the location and raise the suspense a little, then it would have been a great success.

One of The Worst Movies Ever
I'm sorry, this movie is one of the worst movie I've seen in a while. I am a big Jessica Alba fan, but that doesn't mean I'll like this movie ... I must say I'm not surprise Jessica did it, It was one of those things she started with. But hopefully Jessica won't be caught died doing another... movie like this. ... Read more

Reviews (60)

"I don't like ribbons and I got me a hangover."
"Lawn Dogs" from Australian director John Duigan is a really remarkable film. It's the story of 10-year-old Devon (Mischa Barton) who lives with her parents Morton and Clare Stockard (Christopher McDonald & Kathleen Quinlan). The Stockards live in the ostentatious gated community, Camelot Estates--and as the name implies, every house looks like a faux mansion. There's a gruff security guard dedicated to keeping the snobs in and the riff raff out. But someone has to keep those immaculate lawns impeccably green, and that's where Trent (Sam Rockwell) comes in.

Trent lives near the Camelot Estates in a tatty old trailer, and Devon, who embarks on a cookie sale, finds her way to Trent's trailer. Trent is the living embodiment of everything her parents abhor and turn away from in horror. Devon intuitively senses that Trent's existence challenges her parents' shallow values, and one of the things she tells him is "people say you're trash." This is the beginning of an odd friendship between Devon and Trent.

There is such much going on in this film. On one level, there's a precocious child who seeks out the forbidden company of the hired help. But on another level, there's a perverse fairy story--Devon, a frail child--mutters fragments of fairy stories to herself for entertainment. She discovers a remarkably free world beyond the boundaries of her artificial kingdom.

Mischa Barton plays Devon with amazing skill. It would be easy for her character to develop into brattiness, but instead Devon seems almost a changeling child--how could such an elf-like spirit belong to the pedestrian, hypocritical Stoddards? It's no wonder Devon strains to break free from the false conventions the Stoddards attempt to control her with.

The film also deals with class divisions. The well-to-do (and they are mostly snottily unpleasant) live in the pristine Camelot Estates, but from necessity, they employ Trent to complete the manual work. While wealthy yobos harass and ridicule Trent, it's clear that on some level, these lay-abouts are also a little fearful of Sam's raw energy and potent virility. Hostility seems rooted in the theory that Trent is out to ruin the lifestyle of Camelot Estates, and that he may even appeal to the women within this perfect, gated community. Devon is drawn to Sam, and while their relationship seems inexplicable at first, it seems that they do have something in common. Devon remains a unique individual in spite of all her parents' attempts to make her conform by offering little pep talks ("a popular girl is never bored or boring"). Devon responds by playing Amputee Checkers with her dolls. I am not one normally to be intrigued with the characters of children in films, but with Devon, I make an exception. At what age does individualism become apparent? Is Devon's rebellion just the beginning or the end of a new phase in her life? We imagine that a gated community is built to keep out undesirable elements, but what happens if an individual (Devon in this case) longs to get out? I have read many negative professional reviews about this film, but it's a great favourite with me. If you enjoy this film, then I also recommend "You Can Count On Me."--displacedhuman.

Film Is Great but Photo on Box Misleads
The photo on the box indicates that this is a movie about a man and a woman, probably sexual or romantic in orientation. The woman (Kathleen Quinlan in a minor role) is actually the mother of the movie's female lead, a ten year old girl, played by Mischa Barton as Devon. Her family is rich but obnoxious as is her whole gated subdivision. She desperately needs a friend and makes one with Trent (Sam Rockwell), who is one of the guys who cuts the grass in her subdivision. He lives in a trailer on the wrong side of the tracks. Trent and Devon's developing friendship is the arc of the film. That friendship takes unexpected turns, some magical realistic in nature. Devon's ability to make personal sacrifices in order to protect her one and only friend increasingly come into play as the film advances too. Excellent film.

Mischa the Magician
This is an obscure independent film, yet it has over sixty (!) reviews here at Amazon. I think that alone says something about it. I've read all the reviews below (since I'd already seen the film), and almost all of them are overwhelmingly positive. And for good reason, too. I like a mindless effects-driven movie as much as the next person, but, like a professional film reviewer, I've seen so many movies that I'm hard to surprise. Lawn Dogs mesmerized me, and less than 1% of films can do that. The production design reminds me of a David Lynch film. Rockwell is an actor's actor, and Barton's performance is remarkable for someone her age. She was cast as the child she physically was at the time, but most of the dialog is as if she's a 35 year-old in a child's body...which is completely unrealistic of course, but the dialog is good nonetheless, and Barton pulls it off magnificently. Lawn Dogs is far from perfect, but it's a must-see for all intelligent film lovers because it does what so few films can do to a jaded viewer: it transports you into a different world. If you don't own a large screen, sit close. Turn on the DVD player, turn out the lights and get sucked in.

Sam Rockwell steals the show..
I absolutly loved this movie. An unlikely friendship is at the center of this wonderful movie that quite frankly had a surprisingly magical ending. In an upper class neighborhood in the state of Kentucky, a young man (Rockwell) who landscapes for the snobby residents befriends a 10 year old girl (Mischa Barton). She is the daughter of one of the most well known couples (Christopher McDonald & Kathleen Quinlan) in the neighborhood. The unlikely friendship becomes quite the upset once it's discovered. Everyone thinks that Sam Rockwell's character is trash. He lives in a rundown trailer down a gravel road thats near their upper class estates. No one understands the friendship that Trent and Devon have. Devon likes Trent because he's different and they have a little something in common. LAWN DOGS is funny, touching, and just a very satisfying movie. If you've just watched this movie I would like to request that you read Roger Ebert's review on LAWN DOGS, the highly respected critic totally missed the point of the movie, he gave it one and a half stars. Note that he asks 'why this?' & 'why that?', thats the whole point ..WHY?. The film allows you to draw your own conclusions. LAWN DOGS is a very underrated film.

TRULY MEMORABLE!
I rented this movie a few years ago just out of curiosity, without any big expectations, and I was blown away by how touching and bold it was. Lawn Dogs is one of those rare movies that you think about days, weeks, months after viewing it. Of course I immediately bought the DVD and still watch it frequently. It's that good! Sam Rockwell gives an amazing performance. 5 stars! ... Read more

Description

When his conservative mom arrives to visit, a gay man attempts to keep his boyfriend and his London lifestyle in the closet with hilarious results! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The title character of Molly, played by Elisabeth Shue (Oscar nominee for Leaving Las Vegas), suffers from one of those afflictions that are only found in Hollywood movies: she's sort of mentally challenged, sort of autistic--but only enough to give her a childlike appreciation of rhythmic water fountains and The Wizard of Oz. An operation that somehow activates brain cells brings Molly to a more sophisticated level of intelligence, much to the astonishment and joy of her brother Buck (Aaron Eckhart, playing a much more sympathetic character than he did in In the Company of Men). Then, when her brain cell progress becomes threatened for some unclear reason, Molly and Buck are faced with her mental reversal. Aside from being scientifically dubious and somewhat insulting to mentally challenged people and their families, the developing sibling relationship has an emotional pull. Eckhart brings a quiet dignity to his role, lending a bit of realism with his understated performance. Shue, though saddled with an impossible character, has moments of naked emotion that almost make Molly believable. Thomas Jane (Deep Blue Sea), as a medical assistant with a never-explained "learning disability," does all he can with his equally inconsistent part but fares less well. Molly wants to be a combination of Forrest Gump and Flowers for Algernon, movies about discovering the meaning of life through an appreciation of simple things, but falls short. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Molly, wierd stuff
I love Elizabeth Shue and I think her acting has become very strong in the past decade so I am amazed that she chose a script that transforms a 25+ year old mentally retarded woman with physical disabilities to a very well read and very coordinated woman with a photographic memory. It's not that the fanciful plot isn't a good story it's just so poorly told that it makes the transformation seem the overnight result of an experimental procedure that gives a false represnetation of the 'treatment' of people mental disorders. I like many aspects of the movie and it has some moments that are endearing. Overall, in the end, I didn't like the movie based on it's haphazard beginnings and many unexplained plot set ups. Someitmes the characters don't seem to belon in the movie at all- as if they are passing through. Watch for yourself, see what you think. It is worth watching, once. Maybe more.

Two Stars for Unintentional Comedy...
What a pathetic movie. The filmmaker didn't know whether it was a comedy, a drama, or a heartwarming romatic dramedy about incest between a mentally challenged woman and her poorly groomed brother.

First of all, as the title character, Molly, Elisabeth Shue is almost painful to watch. So painful, in fact, that she pulls off the comedic performance of the decade by yanking every tired stereotype about mentally disabled people out of her "Please Nominate Me for an Oscar" bag. Yikes.

Second, how insipid and ridiculous can you get? Molly loves organizing her shoes. She loves the Wizard of Oz. She teaches the jaded "sane" world how to love life again by standing in a fountain and taking off her clothes in public.

I'm in disbelief that there are actually earnest accolades for this movie floating around Amazon.com. THIS MOVIE IS GARBAGE, PEOPLE!!! Molly is a wonderful failure insofar as E. Shue gives the funniest, most painful, performance of her lifetime. But, "heartwarming"????? Please....

richly detailed, engaging portrait of autistic experience
This romantic comedy-drama about a cure for autism builds on the premise that the audience has digested the intro-to-autism that was Rainman, and is ready to move beyond that stylish snapshot to a more interior view of the frustrations and hopes of an autistic hero. Molly is considerably less introverted at times than most autistics, making her a more sympathetic character but causing some families of autistics to object that the movie is very unrealistic. Keep in mind that there are still many competing theories of why autistics fail to interact socially - are they genuinely indifferent to other people, or just socially learning-disabled? Those who think the latter is the case will find this story plausible and moving - others have been exasperated with what they see as a dishonest picture of the nature of autism.

Autism Awareness
There are very few movies dealing with extremely painful issues. It seems these issues are at times hidden in doctor's offices and schools and unless you have a relative or friend with this disorder it might remain a mystery to you.

Since recent studies are suggesting that as many as 1 in 150 children age 10 or younger may be affected by autism or a related disorder, this film is relevant and brings awareness to the disorder.

Some say it is a result of giving babies their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot and doctors claim it is primarily a genetic disorder. Many parents say the shot caused their child to throw tantrums, lose language skills and tune out. The theory is that some autism stems from a severe immune reaction to the vaccine.

There are many treatments which can make a difference in the life of an autistic person. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, medication and special diets are of benefit.

I first found out about autism while working for a family in the Seattle, WA area and I was amazed at the sheer patience the parents exhibited. If you think your life is at all difficult, spend one day with an autistic child. It takes a great amount of patience, love and commitment.

Not only is life difficult for the caretakers, daily life is also difficult for autistic people. "Molly" shows both sides of the story.

Elisabeth Shue plays Molly and completely captures the extremely short attention spans, indifference to those around her, tantrums and screaming, obsessive interests, preoccupations with various objects, love for identical routines, acute hearing and love of saying "no" to every question.

Her 32-year-old brother Buck (Aaron Eckhart) suddenly becomes responsible for her when the home she is staying in closes. She turns his world upside down and when he loses his job, he finds other work he can do at home so they can survive.

When they discover a way Molly may be significantly helped, she undergoes a brain operation. There is a constant threat that the person who has emerged from Molly's body will again sink into the depths of autism. She starts to make everyone aware of what an autistic person goes through and can express herself in an intelligent manner. In fact people with autism can be extremely intelligent. They are really just locked inside a body
which will not let them interact with others in a way society expects.

Molly has moments which are so delightfully funny because in any other situation besides a movie, they would probably be embarrassing to a person caring for the person. Molly has a child-like joy and one of the best moments in the movie is when she runs through a water fountain with pure joy and fascination. She can be rather mischievous at times. There are also some rather surreal moments you just have to accept for what they are.

She even considers marriage and reaches a level of independence which was impossible before the operation.

Throughout the movie, they promote an awareness that we are all valuable human beings no matter what our disorders and that love and patience is sorely needed in our society. Instead of accepting societies tendency to hide individuals with mental conditions, they encourage us to learn more about mental illness and to treat these individuals with the respect all human beings deserve.

This is a beautiful story of how a brother takes on the responsibility of looking after his sister and goes beyond the call of duty to make her life peaceful and comforting.

Get out the tissues! Throughout the movie, the beauty of the innocence of a child can at times be a bit overwhelming. Especially if you know someone who has this condition.

You will cry, laugh and cry some more. I found this to be a roller coaster of emotions and while the ending is not what you expect, it is a mingling of beauty and sadness.

Absolutely Amazing!
Molly is a great movie. The more times I watch it, the better it gets. This is a movie which deals with a disabled person (Shue), and ,as a disabled survivor myself (traumatic brain injury from an auto accident), I can fully attest to the fact that so many of the points dealt with in this movie are 100% accurate. I know this only a movie, but I always get so emotional watching this video (and I hardly ever get emotional otherwise). So, to sum up, this is a fabulous movie that needs to be viewed, if at all possible! ... Read more

Description

This passionate, uplifting celebration of the human spirit received outstanding acclaim from critics coast-to-coast! Jason Patric (SPEED 2: CRUISE CONTROL, SLEEPERS) is August King, a young man whose life is changed forever when he risks everything to help a beautiful woman (Thandie Newton -- THE TRUTH ABOUT CHARLIE, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II) on a courageous -- and very dangerous -- search for a new life. Desperate yet determined, the two set out on a harrowing journey toward freedom ... and find in each other the strength to overcome incredible odds! Also featuring Sam Waterson (LAW AND ORDER) and Larry Drake (L.A. LAW), THE JOURNEY OF THE AUGUST KING is inspiring entertainment you don't want to miss! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Less than 1 star
This movie is VERY BAD, INDEED!
Is totally predictable and disgusting!
Sorry for her because she is a good actress.

move over Halle Berry
after recently seeing "The Truth About Charlie", I was captivated by a great actress-Thandie Newton. Iwent online to find more of her films and after reading reviews purchased this film. I watched it 5 times the first week. what a phenomenal film about humanity and redemption. jason patric is out standing as a farmer driven by his conscience to help a runaway slave girl. larry drake is so real as the evil slave master, but it's thandie newton who steals the movie becoming so believable as the desperate slave girl. she's an incredible actress, far superior to any out there. i've never seen such chemistry between inter-racial couples in film as mr. patric and miss newton. the reviewerwriting this is of white descent and consider myself very impartial.giving credit to great actresses such as hepburn,fonda,streep,hayward etc. i've never seen an actress get more into character than Thandie Newton.Move over Halle Berry and every actress in film, Thandie Newton holds her own and is a true talent. see her in "Flirting"' "Truth About Charly", "M.I.-2" and see a great talent who is much under-rated.

A powerful movie
The Journey of August King is one of the best movies I've ever seen in my life. August King finally has the deed to his land and home and while he is traveling back to his home he comes across a runaway slave. The goodness in August allows him to help her. He sacrifices everything for this slave and he never asked for anything in return. The scenery in the movie is overwhelming. It's beauty is at times undescribable. There's not much dialogue in this movie but when you reach the end you're like wow, that was a great movie. I've watched this movie many times and I am still awed by it. If your looking for a truly heartwarming story this is the one. I highly recommend this movie.

excellent movie
A moving portrayal of the conflicts surrounding slavery. It was refreshing to see the spectrum of human attitudes and emotions concerning this especially among the mountain people (black and white) of NC. The characters were warm and believable and the story flowed along well.

NC Mountain Movie
I loved this movie! It is appropriate for all ages to watch with the exception of one quick scene.Of course the subject matter and depth would pass over a young child's head! It is a quiet quality movie about the growth of a man's character or maybe the revealing of the strength of character that was already there! There are few characters in the movie so you can quickly form an emotional bond with or against each one! And the movie takes place in the beautiful NC mountains during another time in history!And the music is great too! I don't want to tell you about the movie just watch it and see if you don't think it's wonderful too! ... Read more

Description

A brash young American comes to London to star in a major new production-and becomes the central character in a mystery fueled by intrigue and passion.Interactive Menus, Filmographies, Production Credits, Scene Access ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Romantic thriller with good acting and unexpected twists.
Even if you are not a fan of Jon Bon Jovi this film is very good. It centers around an American movie star, played by Bon Jovi who wants to get artistic recognition by starring in a London play. Thandie Newton plays the playwrights mistress and Anna Galiena his unhappy wife. The playwright is played by Lambert Wilson as Felix Web. The desperate playwrite asks the American star, Robin Grange to seduce his wife so she can leave the marriage with her self-esteem intact. The plot thickens from there with a surprise ending. Well worth taking a look at the slick European film.

Pleasantly Surprised
I have seen Jon Bon Jovi in a few movies before and he has always impressed. However this movie is at the start of his acting career and he is "The leading man".

So it was lucky that he had a smart script, excellent support actors and talent to burn.

The story revolves around an american actor who is to star in a play in London and his relationship with the writer, his mistress and his wife.

Take it seriously, its a good movie.

interesting...not much more to say
okay, i've read most of the other reviews for this movie and had high expectations for it. i mainly wanted to see it for jon bon jovi, maybe because he is really HOT. anyway, i was a little disappointed, but it was an overall job well done. i'm just going to state the fact that i'm only a teenager, which explains why i found a couple of scenes awkward. to make it short and simple, i would recommend that you only watch this movie before you turn out the lights to make it more interesting. in my opinion of course, you may have your own

BEST JOVI MOVIE EVER!!!!
if you are looking at this movie for the same reason i did (bon jovi) then you are looking at the right movie!
i've seen pretty much EVERY movie he's ever been in and this by far is the best. some of the other reviews said the same thing,that if you think bon jovi is the greatest you won't be disappointed!
here are a couple of reasons why this movie should be at the top of your bon jovi list:
*scenes with his shirt off
*he is the leading man
*seduces the leading ladies
*twisted ending
if you need more reasons than those you'll just have to check it out for yourself.

regrettable
the mystery of why anyone would cast jovi
in the lead cannot be answered by watching
this movie. just being a celeb doesn't give
you the acting chops necessary to hold up your
end in the company of established performers.
the faltering screenplay didn't help matters
either. altogether regrettable ... Read more

Description

The only thing left to break was his heart. Danny and Freya are allies and confidants until the relentless tides of adolescence change them both forever. The hidden sins of a small town's older generation are re-enacted as Danny struggles toward manhood hopelessly in love with his now mesmerizing best friend. She has fallen for a troubled older boy, Trevor, and the three whirl together confused, excited and enthralled by their own budding sexuality. With humor, superb performances and great sympathy, this award-winning film from Australia warmly chronicles the bittersweet aches and the harsh consequences of leaving childhood behind. Noah Taylor ... Read more

Reviews (27)

ROMERO
Esta película fue filmada por el director Australiano John Lawless Duigan. Él nació en Inglaterra en 1949 pero se mudó a Australia en 1961 para vivir junto a su padre australiano. A él le gusta mucho dirigir películas sobre los jóvenes y sus confusiones durante esa etapa de vida. También le gusta dirigir películas sobre diferentes culturas y la política de algunos países. Él ha filmado varias películas pero algunas que son bien conocidas son "Sirens" en 1994, "Flirting" en 1991, "The Year My Voice Broke" en 1987 y "Trespassers" en 1976. Sus últimas dos películas son "Paranoid" en 2000 y "Molly" en 1999. No solamente es director de películas sino también es escritor, productor y actor de filmografía. John Duigan es más conocido en otros países que en los Estados Unidos porque ha sido el director de una sola película estadounidense "Romero" en 1989 pero como quiera ha sido reconocido como un buen director de filmografía. La película "Romero" está basada en la vida real del arzobispo Oscar Romero de El Salvador quien sufrió una transformación de carácter cuando se dio cuenta de la opresión social de la mayoría de las personas viviendo en su país. La opresión que estaba ocurriendo era por la mayor parte de la oligarquía quienes tenían poder sobre la mayoría del pueblo salvadoreño. Romero (Raúl Julia) siendo "amigo" de la oligarquía no se había dado cuenta de la opresión que estaba ocurriendo hasta que tomó su puesto de arzobispo y después del asesinato de su mejor amigo el padre Rutillo Grande (Richard Jordan). Después de que el arzobispo Romero se dio cuenta de lo que estaba pasando él decidió empezar una concientización en el pueblo salvadoreño por medio de la teología de la liberación. Esta teología ayudó al pueblo a ver que en sus vidas no tenían que sufrir, que Cristo es parte de todos, los pobres no tenían que vivir reprimidos, que cada quien tenía que hacer algo para combatir su opresión, y también que los pobres y ricos tenían los mismos derechos en decidir cómo vivir su vida. El arzobispo Romero fue asesinado en 1980 por militares porque el se había convertido en una persona que demandaba la paz en su país, luchaba por los derechos de los pobres, y quien se había involucrado políticamente contra el gobierno salvadoreño. Sus esfuerzos ayudaron a traer una concientización en su pueblo pero su país no ha podido cambiar el gobierno militar que todavía existe en El Salvador. Esta película me encantó pero es muy lamentable que no había podido atraer la atención del mundo. El contenido de la película fue un poco gráfico pero ayudó a que la audiencia sintiera todos los problemas que estaban pasando en El Salvador. Fue muy triste saber que el arzobispo Romero había sido asesinado por una causa tan noble y humanista para salvar a su pueblo. Recomiendo esta película a todas las personas del mundo para que se den cuenta de las cosas que pasan en otros países por medio de la mala política que existe en algunos países.

Powerful Story of Conversion to the Poor
Oscar Romero, Archbishop of El Salvador, had the courage to live the teaching of Jesus, even though this meant alienating the rich and powerful who oppressed, tortured, murdered, and defrauded the poor of that nation. He stood in the pulpit of the national cathedral and urged soldiers to obey their Lord and disobey commands of oppression. He paid for this, taking a bullet to the heart while blessing the wine during mass.

This movie portrays the story of a quiet, bookish man who stood in the gap between the machine of dehumanizing globalization and the children of Jesus. We watch him wrestle with discovering an authentic Christian response to the injustices and oppression prevalent in El Salvador. We see him reprimand all those who would practice violence, whether as military authority, rebels, or institutionalized violence that robs people of their humanity and ability to feed their families.

The movie was filmed in Mexico, not Hollywood. Raul Julia deserved an Oscar for his performance as Romero. Mexican extras bring a feeling of authenticity that could not have been realized in Hollywood. The telling manages to avoid most of the "splatter" depictions of violence that most box office draws include, and by so doing, makes the violence even more heinous.

This is a powerful story, whether you are Christian or Pagan, Marxist or Capitalist. It is superbly told. This is the story of a person finding his authentic place in the midst of a struggle for justice.

(If you'd like to discuss this review or video in more depth, please click on the "about me" link above and drop me an email. Thanks!)

THE ROAD IS NARROW, AND DOWN THE MIDDLE
The most unlikely of heroes, Romero, with owlish glasses and demeanor, is reluctantly thrust into a role much like Thomas More almost five centuries earlier.

20th century El Salvador, like 16th century England, is enduring bloodshed and havoc. Insurgent Communist rebels compete with paramilitary squads and the oligarchy for control of the tiny Central American nation. Priests and the flock they lead are caught in the middle. Those who cry for justice are photographed and marked for extinction because they speak the language of Marxism.

Archbishop Romero recognizes that Marxists and the ruling oligarchy are merely obverse sides of the same coin-- ideologies who rule by force contrary to the the rule of God.

He is equally harsh with Communist sympathizers as he is with the paramilitary squads who rape, torture and execute advocates of justice and human rights.

Like a nail driven into wood, Romero meets each new situation, bewildered at first, but rising to the occasion with increasing faith, anger and determination.

In one scene, he arrives at a church which has been turned into an army barracks. He announces that he has come to remove the Blessed Sacrament. A belligerent soldier responds by unloading a round of bullets into the tabernacle and shatters the crucifix hanging above the altar. Romero stands transfixed, astonished at the utter desecration, then leaves. He pauses outside where a crowd has gathered, unsure as he himself is what he will do next.

Suddenly, collecting the courage to face the evil that expelled him, he wheels around. He brushes past the insolent soldier and stoops to gather the consecrated wafers in trembling hands. The soldier fires another round above Romero's head. Undeterred by the gunfire, the intimidation, and the soldier who shoves Romero with his boot, he completes his work then exits.

But he isn't finished. He returns yet again to restore the church to its rightful owner--the people of God. The soldiers in their turn stare blandly at the audacity of this meek soldier of God who dares to stand up to their jackbooted authority and in his turn expel evil.

Archbishop Romero fights every battle his Redeemer once fought: the apathy of the elite, the treachery of those in power, and betrayal within his own ranks. One of his own priests reveals that he carries a weapon. Romero angrily and loudly denounces him because "You lose God just as the others have!" Another parishioner denounces Romero for betraying their class by "forcing" her baby to be baptized along with "all those indians."

This video should stand next to A Man For All Seasons. Raul Julia, like Paul Scofield, has memorably portrayed one of the Church's most celebrated martyrs. Julia carries a heavy load, but the entire cast contributes

A hero's tale.
In a country that was troubled by injustice and murders, the ruling elite gave Romero a powerful job as an archbishop. The reason why he was given this job, was that they believed that Romero would stick by the rules, and never fight against the cruelty and the injustice that the people of El Salvador had to endure.

How wrong they were! In this film we are allowed to witness how Romero gets more and more involved in the fight for justice and freedom for all citizens. In the end he has to pay with his life, as he is being murdered in front of the altar during a church service.

Accurate, well acted, and well worth watching!
Archbishop Oscar Romero is one of my personal heros, for the faith and courage he showed in standing up when he saw people being oppressed and speaking against those attrocities.

Raul Julia is an excellent actor and he captures this role beautifully, it is an inspiring story of going from a milquetoast bishop to a fighter for the people.

Well worth it! ... Read more