Description

Between somewhere and nowhere in the untamed West is the small town of Refuge. There, neither the sheriff nor his deputy carry a sidearm. There's no jail either, because shooting, carousing and bad blood are not in the town's character. What peaceful folks live there? Wild Bill Hickok. Doc Holliday. Jesse James. Billy the Kid. All long dead. All mysteriously given a chance to undo their violent pasts in Purgatory. All put to a stern test when Blackjack and his ornery gang ride into town. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Intriguing idea
When a few outlaws (led by Eric Roberts and Peter Stormare) enter upon a mysterious town, they get more than they bargained for in Purgatory: an intriguing allegory made for cable channel TNT.All the legendary names of the Wild West, including Billy the Kid (Donnie Wahlberg), Wild Bill (Sam Shepard), and Doc Holiday (Randy Quaid); all of whom attempting to redeem their souls for the acts committed while they were alive.Naturally, a conflict ensues, with the townsfolk reluctantly resorting to the violent means they have been trying to erase.Purgatory packs enough action for western enthusiasts, even though it may come off as too preachy for some, and while it wears thin towards the end, it still manages to be solid entertainment with an intriguing idea.If you dig westerns with a twist on redemption, check out Purgatory.

The Title That Caught Our Eyes
As my wife and I are devout Catholics and checking what was
on TV one Saturday afternoon during our little one's nap, this
caught our eyes immediately!
We have seen this movie every time is has been on when we've had
the time to see it.I taped it and bugged two of our teenage
daughters to watch it.They begrudgingly accepted our invite,
and were slowly pulled in like we had been.They were pleasantly surprised at how much they enjoyed it!
For more proof of this being a worthwhile "movie shot" for you-
The reason I'm here right now at Amazon writing this review is
because I am shopping for Purgatory on DVD!!!
Although it is far from Catholic doctrine on purgatory, it is
a very well done, thoughtful piece of work.
It will make you think and at the same time it is definitely
entertaining you!

Riveting!
Im normally not into westerns, but this one changed my mind totally! The cast was great, cant wait to get it on DVD. This movie also has my favorite actor, Donnie Wahlberg (Billy the Kid) in it, I can say he played the part well...

Purgatory... only seen part of... just HAD to find it!
I was getting ready for checkout at my hotel and turned the TV on just for some noise. I almost didn't check out on time! I had missed the very beginning of this movie. I HAD to get to my gig, so I missed maybe the last 30% of the movie. The other guys in my band were rivetted to it as well, and they are not big Western fans. The movie is just GRIPPING!

I just ordered it from Amazon.com, and can't WAIT for it to get here so I can see it! I HIGHLY recommend it!

Goodness in the heart can ALWAYS prevail
I have always despised just about every western made except for less than a handful."Purgatory" and "The Quick And The Dead" are just about the only ones that I enjoy."Purgatory" has such a deep underlying meaning to me...it's very hard for me to put it into words.But I can say that this movie shows to its viewers that through one's own personal convictions, no matter how rough life's road may get...salvation and peace of mind can and will be one of the eternal rewards.Sam Shepherd does a GREAT JOB as Sheriff and even though I love Eric Roberts, I thought that he was a "real S.O.B.!!!!!".I mean...whatever happened to "love thy brother" especially your own blood?My own brother is a real ass and even though I don't like him 90% of the time...I STILL LOVE HIM.Watch this movie, you won't be disapointed. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This adaptation of Marion Zimmer Bradley's sprawling and perennially popular book, whose retelling of the Arthurian legends focused on the role of powerful females, compresses a wealth of mysticism, family intrigue, and bloody swordplay into three hours. While the plot can meander slowly and can sometimes seem, well, mystifying, the work of three notable actresses holds the production together, and the numerous complications do eventually get resolved. As Viviane, the Lady of the Lake, Anjelica Huston endeavors to perpetuate the old religion as pagan Britain comes into contact with Christianity. The scheming Morgause, played to evil perfection by Joan Allen, conspires to her own ends. And Avalon priestess Morgaine, played by Julianna Margulies, travels the heroine's journey, overcoming tragedies, injustice, and all manner of obstacles in her duty to both "the goddess" and her younger brother, King Arthur. Although the action lags at times, the production is quite lavish for a made-for-television feature and the film is ultimately entertaining. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (175)

Could have been better...
Could have been much better though some of the scenes in this film are worth watching...if you've read the book. Throughout the scenes depicting Morgaine's training...well, lets say those are the most worthwhile ones. Juliana Margulies was perfectly cast in this role. Joan Allen and Anjelica Houston also give great performances. However, if I were to have had my hand in the making of this movie, I would have added at least an extra two hours to it so that it didn't seem to be moving so fast. I also would have (and pardon my saying so) recast Mordred, Arthur, Lancelot, and Uther. The women did fine...the men...well, lets say they need dialect training and some acting lessons.
Oh, and as a side note, the music (especially Loreena McKennitt's Mystic's Dream) is fantastic. Go get the soundtrack.

Think of it as an intro to the book
Most tellings of the King Arthur story focus on Arthur and Merlin, and perhaps mention Gueneviere as the unfaithful wench that broke up the great friendship of Arthur and Lancelot. Marion Zimmer Bradley took a twist on the story, telling it from the point of view of the 'dark witch' instead of the 'golden haired beauty'.

It's a tale full of the raw power of medieval England, where a belief in nature and natural spirits was vying with the approach of Christianity. It tells not only of women and men's different views of the world, but of love triangles, Christianity ousting the 'old ways', and a changing of culture.

The TNT miniseries version stars Anjelica Huston, Julianna Margulies, and Joan Allen in the girl-power production. Huston is the magestic matriarch of Viviane, the Lady of the Lake, who in most stories is just the giver-of-the-sword to Arthur. Here she's the protector of Avalon, the center of the old power, one that is being replaced slowly by the bells of Christianity. They in fact share the same physical space, but only those with the power to believe can cross into Avalon.

Margulies is Morgaine, Arthur's half-sister. They share a mother, but Arthur is born when Uther Pendragon lusts after Morgaine's mother Igraine and through deception beds her. Igraine and Viviane are sisters, but while Viviane defends the old ways, Igraine turns to the new (Christianity). The third sister, Morgause, is jealous of the other two and causes quite a bit of trouble.

This was always a favorite book of mine, so I was very curious how they would bring it on screen. The locations were gorgeous - it was shot in Czechoslovakia and has the primitive wildness that medieval England would have had. The costumes were also gorgeous, and the actors and actresses were top notch. I really enjoyed the relationship Morgaine has later in her life.

I do understand that certain of the themes are sensitive to a TV viewing audience. After all, Arthur and his half-sister Morgaine sleep together (not realizing they're related) when they're teenagers, and she bears a son from this union. Also, Arthur and Lancelot were attracted to each other in the book. These layers of sexuality added another dimension to the story, but they were a bit too risque for many viewers. The story was altered to change the way a lot of this was presented.

Also, the scene where Morgaine and Gueneviere first meet was supposed to contrast the beautiful-blonde-Christian vs the small-dark-pagan - at least that's how Morgaine saw it. Because the book is told from Morgaine's point of view, it's not always the reality, of course, but her impression of it. But in the miniseries they stripped away a lot of the dialogue so you loose some of that sense.

And then, near the end, it slips completely away, and where at the end of the book I'm thrilled to have gone on the journey, with the miniseries I wonder just exactly was the spot where they went wrong. I think the key is to watch it and think of it as a way to get people to read the book. It's really enjoyable as a good movie to watch, and if it gets more people to read the book, that's fine by me!

Enchanting
I haven't read the book. I watched this movie without any expectations whatsoever, or any knowledge of the plot. Honestly, I didn't even know it was about the legend of King Arthur.

The movie was far better than any of the other Arthur films I have watched. It surpasses Merlin in terms of believability, Camelot in terms of maturity, and almost equals Excalibur. Julienna Marguiles portrays a very convincing Morgaine. The whole story is told from her point of view, and indeed it was a gorgeous retelling. For once, we are given the refreshing view that Morganne was humane, and good. We are given new explanations for the incest between Arthur and Morganne, as well as the blackness of Mordred's character, which is now blamed on Morganne's aunt, Morgause.

What intrigued me about the movie was the portrayal of the Pagan and Christian society, and most interestingly, about how the Pagan goddess still lives on as the Virgin Mary (I still find that interesting, although I don't quite agree with it). Certain things, like having Excalibur return to the goddess and fading off into the silhoette of the Christian cross puzzles me a little to what the symbolic meaning behind it implies. This intermingling of both religions - the link established wasn't as clear as it should have been.

Beautiful performances from Anjelica Huston (The Lady of the Lake), and Joan Allen (Morgause). I didn't really think that Samantha Mathis was suitable to play Guinevere (she didn't really look the part, nor act the part)... and Michael Vartan surprisingly pulled off the part of Lancelot well (Franco Nero is by far one of the most atrocious Lancelots ever). Hans Matheson (Mordred), a relatively new actor, does a better job here than what he did in Les Miserables.

A good cast, and a good movie. I found it a little controversial, and at times slightly disturbing, but it keeps the mystery and intrigue surrounding Avalon as palpable as ever.

Tremendously disappointing
I was glad to hear that someone was making a miniseries of this, and Juliana Margulies seemed like an excellent choice for Morgaine. Unfortunately, the finished production did not live up to expectations. The book dealt not only with the legend through the eyes of women, but with the clash of cultures. The movie paid lip service to this theme, but didn't really grapple with adequately. I don't think I watched it all the way through.

Magical and Mystical Experience
Yes, I have read the book, and while there are some differences between the film and the book, the most important parts of the story are in the movie. The actors and the rest of the crew did a brilliant job of bringing the magic and suspense to the screen. The music was beautiful and perfect for the movie and the setting is visually stunning. If you're not too picky about details, you should enjoy the movie whether you've read the book or not. ... Read more

Description

Based on a true story about a bored 14-year-old girl who seeks excitement in the seamy drug scene of '70s Berlin, "Christiane F." is one of the most shocking and controversial films of our time. This visually adventurous, gripping story is enhanced by David Bowie's soundtrack, including a live performance and such Bowie classics as "Station to Station," "Heroes," "Boys Keep Swinging," and others. Startling in its honesty, "Christiane F." is a powerful, unforgettable look at youth and innocence seduced, and then imprisoned, by modern life's compelling dark side. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Powerful and Gripping! - Why No Subtitles?
If you are interested in the substance abuse genre, this movie is the most realistic, powerful, and disturbing I've seen. Compare this to the likes of "Days of Wine and Roses", "The Man With the Golden Arm" and "28 Days", and the others all seem lame and glossed over. The only film that I thought came close to the level of realism of "Chrstiane F." was "Panic in Needle Park".

This film takes you to the horrifying depths of heroin addiction, as excruciatingly experienced by a German teenager and her "friends". Based on a true story from the 1970's Berlin drug scene, the title character is from a dysfuntional family who eventually falls into the grips of heroin addiction and prostitution by age 14. Great soundtrack, with Bowie (I especially liked the version of Heroes that is sung partly in German), great depiction of the 70's club scene in Berlin, which was rampant with drug use. Even though in color, has the gritty feel of a noir. The film also captures dead-on the desperation of addiction, and how the addicts life becomes all about the next shot. The film also does a great job of conveying the depravity and desolation of the Berlin Zoo train station, a haven for prostitues and addicts at the time.

Based on a book of the same name (unfortunately, last I checked, the book was out of print), the movie of course does not go into as much detail (what movie based on a book does?) but nonetheless, this is a brutal, accurate portrait of the ravages of drug use.

Two things, if you can find the book, buy it. The book was riveting and goes into much greater depth of the girls family background, and her early drug use pre-heroin addiction. Also the movie condenses her many "cold turkey" episodes into one or two instances, and the true horror of her withdrawals are much more graphic and real in the book.

Secondly, I would have given this 5 stars if the movie were subtitled instead of dubbed. It takes a lot away from the film, and I would recommend waiting until it is released (hopefully) in German with subtitles. I was fortunate enough to have seen the film in the theatre in German with subtitles, and it made a big difference.

A classic movie of this genre, a must see, even with the dubbing!

THIS FILM IS A MUST!
I first saw and heard "Wir Kinderen Vom Banhof Zoo" when I was a child and I will never forget the impact it had on me. Beyond the obvious "Dare to Keep Kids Off Drugs" message, this film and music are a bittersweet snapshot of a tantilizing, tragic, and triumphant era gone by as captured so beautifully in Bowie's epic song "Heroes." Watching it now in a new millenium it still packs the same punch it did twenty years ago. Although it is unfortunate that a sub-titled edition has not yet been released, the original German language version is a must for anyone who ever lived on the edge and survived to tell about it. Regardless of what language you speak, you'll understand.

Harrowing ordeal
...as any good movie that explores the world of drug addiction should be. Quite graphic in its depiction of the consequences of drug addiction, and the heartbreaking, and seemingly unbreakable, bonds involved. Just when you think someone is about to break free, they get sucked back in. Very sad, and frustrating.

About as searingly graphic, if not more, as "Requiem for a Dream", another excellent movie that should convince anyone who watches it to avoid the scourge that is drugs. Another movie you wouldn't want to watch too frequently, due to its gruesome honesty and the fact that the images are burned into your brain.

Excellent soundtrack from David Bowie, including live concert footage. Most of the songs are from his "Heroes" album, which was written and recorded in West Berlin, and conveys the feelings that living in West Berlin evoked in Bowie. Ideal soundtrack then for Christiane F, being set in West Berlin.

A Movie About Youth
I agree with the previous reviewers that the stark, realistic depiction of drug use is a powerful aspect of Christiane F., but there is so much more that makes the movie outstanding. It brought tears to my eyes the first time I watched it because of the way it portrays a young person's search for love, for acceptance, to find meaning. To me this movie drives home the frailty as well as the value of life.

More specifically, the movie works because it shows a variety of human emotions: Christiane's anger at her mother; her boredom in the grey concrete world of West-Berlin; her tender love for Detlef and pure desperation in the end. We really get a glimpse of her world and why she gets into drugs, even though everybody warns her about it. It's not simple peer pressure, but her own desparate need to belong and her compassion with Detlef that drives Christiane. Despite its length (130 min.) and the limited number of locations, the movie keeps you glued to the screen because it relies on competent, subtle acting rather than beating the viewer over the head with fake "dramatic" scenes. In contrast to most movies today, music is used rather sporadically, yet all the more effectively. My favorite scene is in the beginning when the youth gang runs through an empty mall, while we hear David Bowie's "Heroes" in full blast. I couldn't convey more effectively the sheer enthusiasm of being young and alive. Director Uli Edel (whose oevre includes other highs such as Last Exit to Brooklyn and lows as Body of Evidence; he also directed one Twin Peaks episode) effectively switches between fast and slow motion, dialog and image driven scenes. This is the perfect example of a well-paced movie.

Even to those English speakers whose Highschool German has become rusty, this is well-worth the effort of finding it. Once you got the gist of the story in the dubbed version, listen to the sheer emotion in the original voices. Christiane F. is one of those rare movies that haunt you long after watching it.

Movie is good - DVD is bare-bones
This is a gritty movie about one girl's experience in the Berlin underage prostitution/drug scene of the 70's. This is no glamorized Hollywood movie with mid-twenty year old actors as teens.

This is a depressing movie, although ultimately it has a good ending, at least for Christiane.

I read the 5-star book years and years ago, and after buying the DVD a few months back, I wanted to re-read the book as it has much more detail, and more cycles of getting clean and relapsing than shown in the movie. The book is out of print (natch!), but it is worth checking out used-book stores for it.

The DVD has no extras at all, and as noted by others, no subtitles - you get it in original German, or second-rate dubbed English. I watch it both ways - German for the emotion, English for understanding.

Still, highly recommended for a change from the Hollywood usual. Much David Bowie in the soundtrack. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Madonna isn't merely the prime suspect in the scandalous murder of a millionaire with kinky appetites; she's the murder weapon itself in this erotic thriller in the Basic Instinct mode. The art gallery owner by day and icy-blond dominatrix by night is accused of, shall we say, "loving" her victim to death, and Willem Dafoe is the happily married lawyer she lures into the dark thrills of pleasure and pain. The actual mystery is perfunctory at best and the absurd courtroom theatrics a mere formality in a film far more fascinated with sweaty sex, hot wax, and broken glass. Madonna isn't shy about her body and seems to enjoy the games her character plays, but she's no Sharon Stone; there's no danger smoldering behind her seduction. Like her notorious book Sex, this is a handsomely shot work of pure exhibitionism. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (70)

An outstandingly brilliant movie
This is definitely first class thriller. Body Of Evidence takes U 2 a world where no other movie has taken U B4.

Madonna is in the lead role of Rebecca Carlson, a beautiful woman charged 4 the murder of her much older, but wealthy boyfriend, with a bad heart condition. Willem DaFoe plays Frank DeLaney, the lawyer who must defend Rebecca. But Frank is suddenly drawn 2 Rebecca and after a steamy seduction, Frank becomes another one of Rebecca's dominated puppets.

Other stars include Joe Montegna who plays Garrett, the Lawyer who is up against Rebecca. Anne Archer, who playes Joanne, the wealthy guy's secretary, and Julianne Moore who plays Sharon, Frank's attractive, but naive wife.

Madonna may have been great in films like Desperatey Seeking Susan, Shanghai Surprise, Who's That Girl, The Bloodhounds Of Broadway, Dick Tracy, and A League Of Their Own but Madonna delivers N outstanding, steamy performance in this classic thriller. I urge all of U 2 buy this movie. U will all B deeply surprised.

A poor mans Basic Instinct
Firstly, I didn't think this was a bad film at all.
Its has an interesting storyline (see above), the acting is acceptable (its a shame we have to mention this when talking about Madonna's movies), and the sex scenes are definately raunchy (actually, more explicit than I would have expected - however this was during Madonna's SEX / rebellious period).
The problem is that it came AFTER Basic Instinct which is a far superior film, more stylish, more dramatic and more enjoyable. The script let the film down at times too, giving Madonna some silly one-liners "Have you ever seen animals make love Frank? Its brutal".
Enjoyable and definately worth a viewing.

Quite sexy, suspensful, provocative!!!
I sincerely found this movie provocative, sexy, and quite entertaining. Madonna was more than acceptable and convincing in her role as a manipulating, calculating gold digging sultress. I find the problem so many have w/ her acting, is just her mere presence. Right from the first scene shes in, the director blatantly was trying not to show her face to keep the suspense cause you "knew" it was Madonna, but waits until a sudden close up of her face. Once you see its her, here mere presence seems to cause more of a distraction cause its "Madonna". Therefore, once she speaks her 1st line she probably loses credability from most viewers. But I thought the dialogue, plot, sex/ nude scenes were extremely hot, climatic and natural. Some say there was no chemistry between Madonna and Defoe, I totally disagree, they were blended VERY well together, and Madonna clearly "taught" him a thing or two ;). Madonnas high point in the movie was the court scene where she really display some amazing acting chops!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Oh my God
Oh dear. this is an abysmal movie. So abysmal that after twenty minutes I found myself fast-forwarding through the movie, admittedly pausing to view the dirty bits involving Madonna and Defoe. The trouble is that Defoe is just about the most unnattractive actor in Hollywood, and Madonna, whilst both beautiful AND sexy, is somehow portrayed in this movie as an utterly sexless thing, almost like one of those blow-up dolls with '3 working orifices'. Or is that orifi? Anyway, the whole film sucked. Mind you, that Willen Defoe is a lucky S.O.B. The muff-munching scene in the carpark was obviously real.

Madonna, you are not Monroe
Madonna, you are not, was never, and never will be Marilyn Monroe. This is a BAD movie, but the best scene is when Madonna is put on trial. When she is on the stand, she gives the movie's best line. You'll know when you see it. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

"not just friends ~ they're blood brothers"
This tale penned by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg, with director Ulrich Edel, starring Jonathan Lipnicki (Stuart Little~Jerry Maguire) befriends a young vampire boy whose family needs an ancient amulet to become mortal again. They're not just best friends ~ they're blood brothers ~ as together they embark on a grand adventure.

Warner Home Video, presents an inoffensive kiddie movie ~ has enough special effects, magic and cheeky humor to keep the "Big Kids" (Mom/Dad/Grandparents/Aunts/Uncles) from squirming too much in their seats.

The soundtrack ~ "The Little Vampire: Music From & Inspired by (2000 Film)" ~ inclusive are 12 tracks of fun-filled-non-stop music, sure to satisfy the most finicky blood-sucker for all the evening festivities...check out my music review ~ see "Amazon.Com/Music" and look for me ~ both reviews will give you something to sink your teeth into!

Special Features: Cast/Crew Bios ~ DVD/ROM Features ~ Filmographies ~ Theatrical Trailer ~ Interactive Games/Menus ~ Scene Access ~ Web Access

Total Time: 94 Minutes...New Line Cinema...(2000)

NOT just for kids....
Although this movie will definitely appeal to children because the hero is only eight years old and has some great adventures, it has enough wit to keep older kids and adults entertained as well.

The Thompson family (mom, dad and son, Tony) is living in Scotland while dad designs a golf course for Lord McAshton. Tony is having a hard time fitting in and making new friends and begins having really vivid bad dreams about vampires. Then one night, the dreams turn to reality when a small vampire invades Tony's room, trying to hide from a Vampire hunter, intent on ridding the countryside of all it's 'undead' inhabitants.

Fortunately, these 'undead' are not really interested in munching on the human population all that much. They are all members of the clan of Sackville-Bagg who have found that there is a way in which they can become human, if they can only locate and recover a lost medallion by the time of the full moon.

With lots of help from Tony, they try to stay one step ahead of the Vampire hunter and complete the quest for freedom from vampirism.

Without doubt, Jonathan Lipnicki is one of the most charming and natural actors around. I have loved every role of his that I have seen and "Tony" is no exception. Whether he is 'vamping it up' with fake vampire fangs and a cape or joyfully flying through the air with his new friend Rudolph, he is a treat to watch.

The younger actors, Rollo Weeks, Anna Popplewell and Dean Cook as a rebellous teenager are also excellent and likable as the vampire kids. Other favorite characters are Richard E Grant and Alice Krige as loving parents to their little brood of vampirettes and the scene when they meet Tony's parents and charm them into a trip to the bluff is hilarious.

This is a really good, wholesome family movie that will entertain all the members of the family from the youngsters all the way up to Grandma. It's not saccharin sweet and has a little bit of an edge but is gentle enough that it won't give even the little kids nightmares.

I've viewed this movie several times and still enjoy it every time! This one is a 'keeper' and earns five stars from me.

Not a children's movie
I took my little nine year old brother to see this dud. What a terrible movie.

I was expecting a light hearted children's film and instead what I got was a mean-spirited adventure in Christian bashing with scenes that have no place whatsoever in a film aimed at a young audience.

The producer's bigotry against Christians is evident right from the start in its depiction of the so-called "vampire hunter".

He is easily the most disturbing character in the film. For starters his oversized crucifix looks like it was produced at a Las Vegas neon sign factory and his vehicle is a nightmarish cross between a mac truck and a steel mill. If this was meant to be funny, believe me, it wasn't.

The worst scene that I saw is when the boy at the center of the film gets trapped in a crypt and a rather large black rat begins crawling towards him.

I am flabbergasted that someone would think of this as legitimate children's entertainment. Graves and rats! Are you kidding me?! Absolutely despicable.

Throw in more nightmarish images of flying cows and children being given dead mice as gifts and you've got yourself one horrendously bad/disturbing movie that doesn't belong anywhere near impressionable youngsters.

I took my little brother and walked out of the theater rather than subject to him to any more of this garbage.

Shame on the people who made this.

the little vampire
I like the little vampire because i like Tony that plays the little vampire just because he hot,cute and i wan't to move to hallwood when i get older and i hope tony goes out with me.

adorable movie!
Yes, it is about vampires and adorable!
There are some cute scenes and phrases that adults appreciate, too.
My kids love it and so do I. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's Shakespeare with six-guns as King of Texas goes boldly where no TV Western had gone before. Transplanting King Lear to a Texas cattle ranch was a risky proposition, but as star and co-executive producer (with his wife and fellow Star Trek: The Next Generation alumnus, Wendy Neuss), Patrick Stewart brings his formidable Shakespearean training to bear on a condensed but satisfying interpretation. Whereas Akira Kurosawa's Ran required a gender-switching overhaul of Shakespeare's tragedy, this handsomely mounted TNT Original retains the feuding sisterhood of Lear's undoing. As aging cattle baron John Lear, Stewart sets his downfall in motion, dividing his land and loyalties among daughters played with stalwart fortitude by Marcia Gay Harden, Lauren Holly, and Julie Cox. Familial machinations multiply with a stellar supporting cast (Roy Scheider is the Earl of Gloucester here), and for all of Stewart's impressive fury, it's comedy veteran David Alan Grier (interpreting Shakespeare's "Fool") who quietly steals the show. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (20)

King Lear turned Cowboy
The story line followed closely with the concept of King Lear. The adaptation from a B.C. English setting into a more recent, western setting, was portrayed well. That is a very difficult transition and the setting worked. It wasn't the best western movie, but the story line from King Lear was transformed the best way it could be.
Overall the plot followed Shakespeare's play the best it could have, with the new setting in mind. The storm scene was very closely related to the storm in Act III scene ii of King Lear. John Lear was portrayed closely to King Lear, the emotions were there; and the viewer could really feel for him. The situation his daughters put him in was unbearable for a man of his caliber. The Shakespearian version portrayed Lear as a crazy man, while in the movie I felt Lear suffered from dementia. Lear's character showed a weakness-- a great and powerful man who feels that there is nothing that can bring him down, nothing that can knock him out of his saddle, but in truth is due to age and his sickness his daughters see a ... in his armor, much like when he falls off his horse in the storm, and take advantage of the moment.
The only disappointment in Lear was that he was more stubborn than proud in the movie. The two oldest daughters disappointed me, compared to the play; their characters were not harsh enough. Goneril and Regan were bitter and wicked, compared to the daughters in the movie who despite what they did to there father still felt sympathy for him.
I felt the movie was closely related to the originated play, and worked with what it had to show the weakened Lear, and which characters truly loved him and not his wealth and power.

A close parallel
The made-for-TV movie King of Texas provides a parallel story to the Shakespearean play, King Lear. Both tales are about loyalty and betrayal, love and heartbreak, humor and sympathy. The tyrant character of King Lear is portrayed by Patrick Stewart in a post-Alamo Texas setting. The two stories carry the same basic plot, but each has its own special twist on the theme. The theme happens to be to think of what you do before it comes back to haunt you. The characters who falter on this moral topic end up losing something near and dear to their existence, such as their pride or family. King of Texas made me laugh when Lear is insulted by his servant. The servant represents the Fool character of the play. It made me sympathize with Lear when he fell off his horse. At this point, he has lost not only the love of his daughters, the home he lived in, and all of his property, but he has lost his dignity as well. This quality, along with his pride, made Lear who he was. The movie really allows its audience to feel with the characters. Although it is not a very good study tool for those reading Shakespeare's original, the movie is a fun idea as a follow-up.

King Lear meets the Wild Wild West
Those of you who enjoy those good old western movies, but are needing a bit of Shakespearean drama, then King of Texas is the movie you want to see. This movie is William Shakespeare's "King Lear" transplanted into a beautiful Texas setting. The major characters found within "King Lear" have been renamed and wonderfully refitted for a classic made for TV western movie. Besides a few minuet modifications to the story line, King of Texas is a close representation for "King Lear". I found this movie to be very entertaining. Patric Stewart delivers an excellent performance, and he doesn't look that bad with a beard. However, I did expect him to whip out a laser gun and kick [rear]... near the climax. Unfortunately, these hopes never came true, but Patric Stewart is the man none the less. This movie is a very nice change of pace of the average made for TV movie. It is very well made with a superb cast, and more importantly the plot stays true to Shakespeare's "King Lear". I would defiantly encourage anyone to watch King of Texas which is quite possibly one of the ton five made for TV movies of the year. So if you like Shakespearean plays and the old west, you will love King of Texas.

Western Shakespeare
In the movie King of Texas we are introduced to a new side of Shakespeare, the western Shakespeare. This movie is a fine film and a good resource for those who have already read King Lear, which this movie is based after. Having read King Lear, I noticed how acurate this movie was. There were name changes and a differnt ending but over all it's an entertaining show. The one complaint I have is the way King Lear is protrayed. He is protrayed as angry and impatient in the movie, while in the play he was kinder to his daughters. Also, I would change the ending, I didn't like how Rebecca wasn't killed by her sister. I thought that her death by Gonreil was an important part which showed how heartless she was. This movie will help anyone who didn't quite understand the play. It could be used as a study guide because of how well it follows the play. I recommend this movie to anyone ready for a hoot-hollering good time with a poetic twist.

King of the Wild West
The "The King of Texas" takes the classic Shakespeare tragedy King Lear, and places it in the heart of Texas. The story takes place after the attack on the Alamo, and tensions between western settlers and the Mexicans are running high. This situation creates a perfect setting for King Lear. Lear is portrayed as a successful rancher. Although he does not have the title of king, he has enough power and influence over the territory to make him a king in his own right. The French, who in the play take in Lear's daughter after she has been turned away, have been replaced by Mexican settlers, enemies of the Lear family.
All in all, I thought this version of the story remained true to the play and did not stray to far from the original plot. The language was easier to understand, rather than the old English of Shakespeare's time. By seeing the story retold, I found I was actually able to pick up on ideas and feelings which I had previously not understood. I think that for anyone hoping to better understand the play King Lear, the "King of Texas" is an excellent option. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Purgatory
As you can see from the past reviews, nobody has scored it less than 5 stars. What an amazing movie! It's too bad this didn't go to theatres first so it could be enjoyed on the big screen. It definately deserves a transfer to DVD with all the extras so hopefully that will be coming soon. I'm very picky about the westerns that I'll watch since a good one so rarely comes along these days. But Purgatory is great! Like others have said, it's a western with twists and surprises like no other before it. And for "Hollywood" or TNT as the case may be, to put out a movie with a moral or faith based message, well that's just very incredible and very welcome considering the messages that are conveyed in most movies today. Purgatory is 5 stars and then some. And at this price, you can't go wrong!

Great acting ... good movie ... (if you have FAITH ) !
PURGATORY is a well-directed combination of TWILIGHT ZONE and hard-charging action Western. More than many movies of this ilk, its success absolutely depends on the viewer's acceptance of the town of REFUGE's premise. Refuge and its strange populace and "special rules" can be regarded with keen interest or merely observed as an intriguing, clever gimmick. The fine acting and ironic plot employing several well-staged confrontations between good "bad" guys and very bad, bad guys can devolve into a puzzle being "worked-out" (much the way the highly overrated, in my estimate, PI is). Or, it can develop into an existential drama concerning ULTIMATE CHOICE and its CONSQUENCE rendered in a violent climax. Sam Shepard and Eric Roberts are excellent as the film's well-matched protagonists where the ambiguities of goodness must confront clear-cut rapacity and viciousness in evil. Brad Rowe is the man-in-the-middle who has lived a life of fantasy and must suddenly make a deliberate choice between a dangerously real GOOD (and love) or dangerously real EVIL (and damnation). Ultimately, the movie depends on PERCEPTION: what one chooses to regard as reality and the nature of goodness and evil, both presented as Temptation. PURGATORY is a good movie...maybe a great one... if you watch it with a bit of FAITH!

Goodness in the heart can ALWAYS prevail
I have always despised just about every western made except for less than a handful. "Purgatory" and "The Quick And The Dead" are just about the only ones that I enjoy. "Purgatory" has such a deep underlying meaning to me...it's very hard for me to put it into words. But I can say that this movie shows to its viewers that through one's own personal convictions, no matter how rough life's road may get...salvation and peace of mind can and will be one of the eternal rewards. Sam Shepherd does a GREAT JOB as Sheriff and even though I love Eric Roberts, I thought that he was a "real S.O.B.!!!!!". I mean...whatever happened to "love thy brother" especially your own blood? My own brother is a real ass and even though I don't like him 90% of the time...I STILL LOVE HIM. Watch this movie, you won't be disapointed.

the big fight scene is the best
The overall movie is great. It takes a few minutes to discern the town of Refuge and what it's all about. Roberts is great as usual as a real bad guy and Sonny is so innocent it's a wonderful contrast. But the best parts are the kicking big showdown fight and the indian. I can't wait to get this on DVD. Oh and the gore isn't bad compared to most movies now.

i loved this movie
the first time i saw this movie was on tv.it was so good. every thing seem so real. it took me just a few min, to find out that all these people were dead, eric roberts was great in purgatory. you will not go wrong buying this movie ... Read more

Reviews (71)

JONSIN' FOR SEASON TWO
I am a huge David Lynch fan. ESPECIALY Twin Peaks. I own the episodes on VHS (as horrible in quality as they are), and was so happy when I found season one on DVD. I was extremely impressed with the quality of the DVDs (especialy after wearing out the already bad VHS tapes). What I enjoy most with the DVDs, in comparison to the VHS tapes (aside from the obvious quality improvement), is the optional intro with the Log Lady.

In some false hope that the powers that be may read this I have to ask, why couldn't the entire series have been put into one package as was done with the VHS tapes to begin with? The first season was really only a half season anyway. I beg you to release the second season on DVD, even if it is through an order form as a previous "review" suggested. This is seriously torture thinking that I may have to revert to my VHS tapes forever to finish the series.

don't toss your crummy vhs copy of season two yet
Hmph, website won't let me withhold my rating.

Taking skawes' Dec. 1 advice, I just spoke over the phone with an individual from Artisan's Home Entertainment division and learned that a Season Two DVD set doesn't show up anywhere on Artisan's 2003 production calendar.

This probably means either:
1)they're not making anything public (I didn't pretend to be a Hollywood Video regional purchaser or anything),
2)they haven't acquired the rights for dvd production (I'm guessing that's not the case, although the person who I spoke to wasn't sure), or
3)they really don't see a point in pursuing what many still misperceive as a stagnant cult market...

...which is unfortunate. I've owned the Season One DVDs for over a year, but I've resisted watching them until the rest of the series is released. I don't think I could bear watching 7 beautifully remastered, dolby digital, crystal clear, tear-inducing episodes only to be forced to revert to my old stretched out fuzzy vhs tapes for season two. better to wait. another year.. maybe more...

Lynch's Genius - Fans' Frustration
I am also a frustrated fan. I don't even have the luxury of having a set of crappy VHS tapes. I have not yet seen the television series from beginning to end. I have the original pilot, the first season, and firewalk on DVD, and have been patiently waiting for the release of season 2. I am pissed.
I don't know if this means anything, but I know that TP is a hard swallow for some people (who I think are just braindead anyway) but being introduced to TP the way I was may have been what caught my attention. I first saw firewalk before any other episodes, and the film made utter and complete sense to me. The interviews with the cast made it seem that the storyline when 'awry' for most of them. But watching the beginning after seeing the end... (or is that seeing the end after watching the beginning?) made me realise that the 'end' couldn't have occurred any differently. That show was well thought out, and the symbolism is gut level, as well as spiritual - and not just 'supernatural' as I've heard it described. I believe the whole story to be about the spiritual turmoil that results from abuse at the hands of those we trust the most, and the despair that results. Genius. Lynch is a genius.

my tapes died long ago
PLEASE get the 2nd season DVD out pronto. I know it's due out soon in region 2 so it's just the corporate jerks and studio gobblers holding this up. My vhs tapes died long ago (not that they were great to start with) and now the video rental store doesn't even carry them anymore (I think I was the only one who ever checked them out)! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!! I realize there's a bit more to the TP than there is to the crap they pump out for bad tv shows a day after the season is over, but I know it's ready to go just waiting for the studios to decide who's going to rip us off by splitting season 2 into 2 parts or something. ugh.

It seems logical to me....
Twin Peaks only had two seasons before it was cut down by network idiots. Season 1 is the only one (of the two, remember) to make it to DVD thus far. CRAP like "Friends," "King of the Hill," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer (sorry Buffy fans--the show really is awful)" are into at least their 3rd seasons on DVD. What's the deal? THERE ARE ONLY TWO SEASONS OF TWIN PEAKS-----EVER. YOU CAN"T GIVE SOMEONE SEASON ONE AND NOT SEASON TWO WHEN THERE ARE ONLY TWO SEASONS!!!!!! I FEEL LIKE I'M LOSING MY MIND HERE! AAAARRRRRRRRGH! ... Read more