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Although it was unfortunately ignored during its brief theatrical release, this sumptuously seductive production is that rarest of cinematic breeds, the (barely) respectable guilty pleasure. Combining historical fact with hysterical anachronisms of language and mannerism, it's been tailored for maximum contemporary appeal but maintains a lush, romantic feel for its factual 16th-century tale of Venetian love, lust, and political repression. Catherine McCormack (Mel Gibson's ill-fated bride in Braveheart) delivers a star-making performance as the "dangerous beauty" who becomes a skillful courtesan to pursue her forbidden love for a dashing Venetian senator (Rufus Sewell). It's all rather silly in a high-toned fashion, and the film turns dour when the church intervenes with a Scarlet Letter-like papal inquest. But the movie's joyously ribald vitality is utterly irresistible, and the casting of McCormack with Jaqueline Bisset (as her mother and courtesan mentor) is a stroke of pure genius. Merchant-Ivory would've made a smarter film from this material, but it probably wouldn't be nearly as entertaining. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (153)

Romantic, sumptious, decadent...
I caught this movie late one night when there was nothing else to watch. I was totally captivated and smitten by Catherine McCormack's portrayal of Veronica Franco a real life Courtesan of the 16th century. It was an exquisite film from beginning to end. Jacqueline Biset was superb as Veronica's mother who taught her daughter the powerful arts of her sex and set her upon a path that would eventually lead her into the arms of Senators, Kings and Priests. The understated Rufus Sewell was excellent as the love of her life who at first abandons her when she has to bed the King of France for the sake of her country, but who finally rallies to her side when a jealous young priest accuses her of witchcraft. There are many memorable moments in this film, one being Veronica trying to dissuade her friend from having her daughter become a Courtesan. It is poignant and heartfelt as two women look at the lives they live and wish they were the other. Add to this the scene where Veronica confesses not to being witch before the Catholic Inquisition but just a woman whose choice of profession has been dictated to her by the narrow constraints of Venetian society. This is a film for those who want to be stimulated both sensually and intellectually. It's a shame that it didn't reach a wider audience when it first came out in 1998. Absolutely stunning is my final thought on this ad-fab film.

A Beautiful Movie!
I rented this one on a whim, and I'm glad that I did. This film is based on the true story of Veronica Franco, a Venetian courtesan who was first admired and then later put on trial for her ability to draw men to her. Her one true love is the dashing Marco (a very excellent Rufus Sewell) whom she could not marry because she was not rich enough. Her mother instead shows her another way to be with the man she loves, and Veronica's journey begins. This film is shot very well;you get the feel of the time and mindset of the people during this period drama. You also understand the limitations placed on women during this time period, and how sexuality was the only option open if a woman wanted to be educated. As Veronica, Catherine McCormack is a great actress, a woman who learns to use both her body and mind to have her way. She expresses great strength and dignity, even when she is accused of being a witch and brought to trial. I love the chemistry between Marco and Veronica;it's sexy without being sleazy. I watched this film several times before returning it to the video store, and I can honestly say that it is one of the most interesting films I have had the pleasure of viewing. See it at least once and judge for yourself.

The Beauty of it all.
Hesitant I am to review this after perusing the many reviews it has already recieved. Many glowing, and several in disdain.

I will agree though with the glowing reviews for the movie is splendid in tugging at the heartstrings and most magnificent with its display of Venice, the city.

If one does research before seeing this movie then I suggest they not bother watching the film and perhaps study a textbook instead. Movies are for enjoying visually and possibly emotionally. They aren't history lessons. I knew only little going into this movie many years ago when I first saw it, I knew it was based on a true story. I didn't care how accurate that story was with the facts, I wanted to see if it could accomplish the feat of entertaining me and not prompting me to walk out of the theatre. Not even close did it come to injecting those latter feelings. I was awestruck. Why?

Beauty. Plain and simple. In the portrayals of the characters by the more then capable actors, to the way that Veronica jousted with the men with her words-something that very few women back in that day were able to do, and quite many never even entertained the thought of doing. To the emotion that flowed effortlessly. For the reason that it tangles you up into a world that you were never a part of and may never be a part of.

So as soon as I could I purchased the DVD, and these are some of my comments below as to why I love it so-

The Actress:
The actress playing Veronica,Catherine McCormick was a delight to watch, not only for her intelligence, but also for the quiet heartbreak that she was displaying. What this film did is portray how one suffers but continues on in silence, trying to show a different face to the rest of the world. Women of early Europe did not have much of a choice when it came to survival, and knowledge was near forbidden. That would make them equal to men and that was punishable for a price. Veronica had a choice, as she was neither poor(though close to it) and she was neither rich...she could marry,if there was someone to marry her as her family no longer had a dowry to provide, so she could marry someone in her class who may not be able to provide for her- or she could become a Courtesan, where at least her intelligence and hunger to learn was allowed to be fed.

The Actor:
I fell in love with Rufus Sewell after watching this movie. He may not be what would be considered a "hunk"(ohh how I hate this word) but he resembles what men back then just may have looked like and how they carried themselves. His character is stoic, quite often burning with rage and love and instead of being able to display the emotions, he goes forth in wonder questioning his position without giving too much away as to why. And when he does get to love Veronica, it's fiercely. He understands why she does what she does, he lets her continue on her path, when most men would have tried to own her. For on this path of hers, he knows they will meet up time to time.

The Controversy???

The movie is a love story, yes. I question those who refer to it as soft porn and are disturbed by the sexuality and the nudity within the film. Surely upon seeing what this film is about they would not be surprised at seeing such. Nudity is nothing to be ashamed of, as neither is what men and women do with another. I see nothing about the movie that would make it soft porn. I see something called "art". I do suggest however, that these same people should avoid French Films at all costs.

I could go on with what it was I loved about the film. There is one part of this film that stands out and grabs attention though, and that is:

The Artistic Design. The Photography. The Lighting. The Costumes. The movie itself, plot and actors aside, was a cinematic wonder. The background set the tone for the rest of the movie, and one would have to have a steel heart not to love and appreciate it.

Oh, and as an aside: I have introduced this film to several men-from my brother, to my father, a friend, and now my husband. Every single one of them love it. This is not a chick flick. It's the romance. Every one of them found it romantic.

Breathtaking History
This movie touches a special place in my heart. As a history and art history lover, the richness of the story and the beauty of the film keep me watching it over and over.

A true story (see The Honest Courtesean) that takes place in Venice in its most gorgeous era, the film brings the viewer into a world forgotten by many. The art direction and the use of the real palaces in Venice complete the total package.

Catherine McCormack is not only beautiful, but a heartfelt actress as well. You may remember her as William Wallace's wife in Braveheart (brunette there).

On a final note, if you are headed to Venice, catch this movie for a quick introduction of the Golden Age of this city and an inside look at those who used to roam the halls of the gorgeous palaces you will see lining the Grand Cannal.

One of my favorites.

Promise not fullfilled
Simply put, this film fails to deliver on a multitude of levels. The very least I expected this movie to provide was some eye candy such as, lush scenery, resplendent costumes, exceptional film quality, and a bunch of really good looking people.

The first thing that struck me is that Catherine McCormack and Rufus Sewell were too old for their respective roles. It's not quite as bad as the days when a 50ish Jimmy Stewart was playing characters in their twenties, but it was still a bit embarrassing. McCormack spent the first half hour of the film quite literally jumping up and down, overwhelmed with girlish enthusiasm. These breathless expressions of glee got old real fast. When she was playing this role she was 26 pretending to be 16. Likewise Sewell was 31 trying to convince us that he was a young rascal looking for a good time.

The dialogue was at best, uneven. At times there seemed to be an attempt to utilize language is such a way as to suggest 16th century Italy, but for the most part the phraseology was distinctly 20th century. The long distant views of Venice were unconvincing and cheaply produced. Given the available technology, this was simply inexcusable and reflected the overall laziness that permeates the movie. Even the costumes looked as if they were retreads from other films.

At the very least I expected to see beautifully lit scenes, reflecting the glorious paintings of that era and magnificent beauty of Venice. Instead, the best that could be said about the cinema photography was that it was undistinguished.

(...) ... Read more

Reviews (12)

See it for the first time all over again.
I was eleven when I first saw Jack the Bear, and at the time I didn't think too much of it and I would have rather been watching some action movie. It is only now that I realize how good this movie really is. Danny De Vito plays widow John Leary, a late night TV show horror clown whose wife was killed in a car accident. Robert J. Steinmiller Jr. plays Jack Leary and a young Miko Hughes plays Jack's brother Dylan. The movie tells the story of this family and how they cope with the loss of John's wife, Jack's newfound interest in girls (especially young Reese Witherspoon), and the man of corruption who lives next door (played by a very frightening Gary Sinise). The movie is funny, dramatic, heartwarming, and is one of the most realistic portrayals of a family's love for one another. Danny De Vito's performance is phenomenal, adding just enough humor to his dramatic roll. Robert Steinmiller is exellent and Miko Hughes shows just how talanted he is, even at the very early age of seven. This movie is one not to be missed by anyone who has ever known the importance of family.

Brings back a great era in time
Where is the DVD ??? As a kid growning up in the 70's the music brings me right back to where I was at that time in my life. Mr. De Vito, get with who ever you need to get with and pump out this DVD real soon. The movie makes you laugh, cry, frightens you and makes you just love family. All the performances in this movie are awesome and would love to see where some of those actors are now these days .... I'd be the first in line to get this movie ....

I love this movie!
i remember watching this movie years ago and it mad me teary an it still makes me teary eyed in scenes! its about danny devito playing a horror host of a tv show raising his two young sons the best way he knows how. the scenes that got to me was where danny devito missed taking his son to school so his older brother took him. when danny goes a few hours later to check on him the look on the kids face just breaks your heart! this movie is so powerful. i had never heard of it and a friend recommended it. i am so glad because this movie is excellant!

The Best film you've never heard of
This film had a gigantic impact on my life. It introduced me to the dark side of human nature. It showed me that "Monsters are Real". It got me started writnig dark fiction, at that time mostly bad copies of the events in this film, but I was very young, and very sheltered. I contemplated watching this film again before I reviewed it, but I don't want to. I'm afraid that if I watch it again I won't like it as much as I did then. You shoulld see my copy, I bought it new and now it looks like a rental. Where is the DVD? I can remember watching it only to rewind it and watch all over again. I can't tell you exactly what it is that resonated so strongly with me. The performances are great, I don't know if Danny Devito did a serious role ever again. It'a worth watching just for that. Not to mention Gary Sinise's un-nerving performance. After watching this film I became obsessed with everything in it: the A's, the soundtrack, finding the book. I found it years and years later, the book is almost as beat up as the VHS. I saw the film "Unstrung Heroes" not to long after I saw this film, besides having Julia Louise Dreyfuss (?) in common, it also has the same meloncholy appeal. Maybe that's just it, not only did "Jack the Bear" teach me about the existence of monsters, it may also have taught me about what makes real drama. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that it stirs my soul, and isn't that what all good films do?

Very Underated, Hard to find, Yet so good
I thought this movie was one of the best works of cinema I've ever seen. Danny Devito shines in his serious yet humerous role. Gary Senise is the creepy kidnapping bad guy and Resse Wittherspoon is so adorable as Karen, Jack's love interest. I felt so bad for Dylan when Jack put him down by the dogs, I was blown away by this toddlers performance. The plot was good lots of twists and turns, yet totally beliavable. This movie took ever thing you look for in a movie and put in one convient package. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

Waiting for a Complete Release
My-So Called Life is a captivating bit of teenage nostalgia. It wears well after repeated viewings and DVD is a great format for compulsive watching of favorite episodes. I recorded the series originally on VHS and am ready to get a longer-lasting set on DVD. But, I'm NOT too enthusiastic about getting three episodes at a time. There were only 19 episodes, so could the folks at BMG just release it as one set, please! As soon as the complete set is released, I'll pick it up.

BEST TV SHOW EVER
I really love this show, and I wish that it would have stayed on much longer. Claire Danes was brilliant in every episode, showing promise as an actress that she has yet to deliver on elsewhere. A.J. Langer was memorable, as was everybody else. Each and every episode stands on its own as a 45 minute movie, particularly the first few which set the tone so well. Not until "Freaks and Geeks" did any other show understand what it was like to be young and get it so perfecftly right in their depiction (though "Freaks and Geeks" didn't do nearly as well as "My So Called Life"). The shows are entertaining, comical, heart-string-tugging, and sometimes profound in their implications.There have been few shows on television that even aspired to the this level, much less reached it. "My So Called Life" is historic and unmatched.

I must admit that much of my motivation in recommending this DVD so highly is purely personal. I bought my copy long ago, just after it came out, and I've been anxiously awaiting further DVD's in the series. To this point I've been disappointed, but I think that if enough people buy this DVD, then perhaps the company will figure out what a hot property they have and release more episodes. Please don't wait for te release of a full boxed set, because if you do there probably won't be one. Follow your heart and buy this. You know you want it. Come on.

I love this show!!!! (by Ashley)
I watch this show on The-N (they play re-runs at 11p.m. Monday
through Thursday , and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30,
10:30 and 12:30 at night), and at first when I saw the commercials for it I thought it would be a stupid drama series.
Boy, was I wrong! The first episode I saw was "Dancing in the Dark", and the minute I started watching, I was hooked!!!!!!

I love the entire cast of that show ---especially Rayanne (A.J. Langer), and I was dissapointed when I found that they cancelled
the show in 1995. I was only 2 1/2 when they started airing the
show, and I really wish I was the age I am now so I could see
the show when it first aired. I was acting a little retarded when I
thought the show was gonna be stupid when I saw the commercials for it on The-N... I didn't even watch it or anything (yet!:))!!!

I can't believe it was cancelled. I mean, to me and all the fans of this show, My So-Called Life is like a drug (a good kind;))
because you get hooked or addicted----whatever you want to call it!!! It has its good moments, its bad moments, its sad and dramatic moments, its moving ones, its funny ones....IT'S DRAMA!!! This is my #2 favorite drama series (#1 is Degrassi). I
don't think there is any possible way it could get better!!!!!
Buy as many videos or DVDs as you can---I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
If you don't usually watch this show, catch it on The-N!!! I truly guaruntee you will be hooked!!!!!!!
Hope this helps!!!!! Ashley ;)

One of it's Kind
This is one of those rare genius', smart TV Shows out there. I just recently discovered 'My So-Called Life' last year while flicking through cable and saw A.J Langer as Rayanne, who is one of my all time favourite actors. I then saw Clare Danes come onto the screen (who I'v always liked), and then I saw Jared Leto, while the time I was thinking ''What is this show'', I couldn't help but notice and be impressed by the humour of it and the true honesty of it. Watching Clare Danes as Angela Chase and her questioning of things and the humour of Rayanne, I really felt that I had stumbled onto something special and unique. Now I'm really femiliar with the show and a definite fan, I have yet to buy this on DVD but I can't wait to be the proud owner of this fine, witty, wonderful show.

Don't own this, but the complete set
The complete set is available on DVD through this site as well as others. So stop complaining.

Good show. DO NOT order through Another Universe, it is not worth the hassle. It is no longer exclusive to them, so you have a choice. Buy it now. It's up to you. Just don't buy from AU. You have been warned.

K ... Read more

Reviews (63)

thirtysomething.....please!!!!
Add me to the list of people waiting not-so-patiently anymore for ALL the seasons of thirtysomething to be made available on DVD! I watched that show religiously, and it felt like seeing parts of my life played out on the screen---I could relate to the characters so well. I tried to tape all the episodes when they were run on Lifetime TV years ago, but I would immediately purchase mint copies of them on DVD if they were available. The producers have already released their more recent series, like "My So-Called Life" and "Once and Again", so what's the hold-up with this one? -- which beats them all by far!

'thirtysomething' DVD's long overdue
What happend to these characters? the last episode left us hanging. Not in a Melrose-style cliffhanger sort of way. But we never really got to say goodbye to these characters. Though it seems a reunion show is a long shot, the series on DVD seems long over due. Till this day, "thirtysomething" remains the best drama series ever aired on prime time television. Though critically acclaimed at the time, the show wasn't a huge ratings success. By the first season the showed had gained an unfair reputation of being whiny and slef-involved. An unfortunate and inaccurate label for a quietly groundbreaking show. Though the first season was a bit uneven, it quickly evolved into a well written, moving, and entertaining show. It lacked the gimmicks and high concepts of today's flashy and grim dramas. These were ordinary people, personalities we could, at times, alternately identify with and hate. We cared about each one even if you didn't like them. Some of the bigger episodes got a lot of attention. Nancy's struggle with cancer earned Patricia Wettig a well-deserved Emmy. Michael's epic battle with Myles Drentel were about as flashy as the show got. But the quieter moments were some of the show's strongest. Gary's untimely death, Ellyn's wedding, Nancy and Elliot's divorce were all amazing storylines. The writing, acting and directing of the show reached amazing highs at different points of the series' relatively short run. I applaud ABC for keeping the show on as long as it did. Certainly by today's disposable programming standards the show probably wouldn't have lasted more than it's first season. But it's high time the series was released on DVD. With "Once and Again" available, why not this groundbreaking show? I'm sure many fans would be dying to get there hands on a complete set and put there home made video collections to rest. Thank goodness for Lifetime's airings of the show. Oh and by the way, if you're gonna release it, give us some extras. Deleted scenes, commentary, documentaries and cast participation would be amazing to see. I believe E did a great 30 min doc on the making of an episode.

Still Waiting...
Still waiting for one of television's finest moments to appear on DVD.

Enough already
Every other televison program that aired more than two episodes has made it on to DVD. They've even got Wonder Woman on DVD if you can beleive it. Thirtysomething was one of the most influential tv programs of my generation. I would give anything for it to released on DVD and based on the thirtysomething web sites out there, many others feel the same way. GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT - PUT THIRTYSOMETHING ON DVD!

Still on TV in Germany!
Well folks. Who would believe it. I am lying awake at 3am in the middle of downtown Hamburg, Germany. You know, one of those "Lost in Translation" scenes when the body thinks it is in another timezone. I switch on the telly, and what should I see, but "thirtysomething". I get excited for a moment, until the words come out, in German, no English subtitles. My heart breaks.

My wife and I "grew up" on a steady diet of thiitysomething, just before we entered our own third decade.

So it lives on. FYI, I watched what was left of the show just to reminisce. Unfortunately my memory couldn't fill in all the words, but once the DVD (ever) appears, we can't wait. I'm going to see if is on sale in Germany, and then I'll just have to perfect my German language skills. ... Read more