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Director Diane Keaton brings a tender touch to Wildflower, a Lifetime cable-TV movie showcasing early-career excellence from Reese Witherspoon and Patricia Arquette. Witherspoon's big-screen debut in The Man in the Moon had premiered shortly before this movie's original broadcast in 1991, and a year earlier, Arquette had starred in a Keaton-directed CBS Schoolbreak Special, The Boy with the Crazy Brother. These rising talents are well served by Sara Flanigan's teleplay, closely adapted from her popular juvenile novel Alice. Set in the mid-1930s, the story follows two compassionate teens (Witherspoon, William McNamara) who discover and essentially adopt a partially deaf epileptic (Arquette) who'd been locked away by her psychotically abusive father. Beau Bridges and Susan Blakely provide different parental perspectives, and while Keaton doesn't always avoid Flanigan's tear-jerking sentiment, she handles it with delicate grace. Aiding her are a gifted cast and the fine cinematography of Janusz Kaminski, who would soon begin an enduring collaboration with Steven Spielberg. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (8)

WOW-Gotta see this film! You'll never forget it....
This movie is so dramatic and moving. The rollercoaster of emotions that you experience while watching this film is AMAZING!
My children 6 and 4 learned so much about lifes cruelties and blessings. They also learned about peoples differences and sharing them NOT hurting them. This movie just WOW's me every time. It is an AMERICAN CLASSIC in my book.

A heart-warming tale....
Well, I first saw this movie on TV when I was a little girl... it made such an impact on me that I checked the TV Guide for years to come waiting for it to be shown again. Finally, about 5 years later, it was and I managed to get it taped on VHS. This week, 10 years after I first saw it, I now have the DVD.
I love this absorbing film with the old-fashioned story-telling and the way the movie un-folds. We watch the characters develop as they grow within themselves (the acting is absolutely superb by everyone). There is a lot to learn from this story - which is a heart-warming gentle story about love, passion, friendship and family. There are a lot of sad moments yet this film also makes you laugh out loud at times too. This film is quite powerful in a naive sort of way. The ending is satisfying and you feel like you have also grown-up with the characters - in this romantic adventure of human spirit. A family film mainly directed towards girls - it'll make you want to go and hug your loved ones when you've finished watching it! I even love the music to this film and wish they would release the entire motion picture soundtrack on CD. Fantastic! Go watch it (especially if you're young at heart).....this is a truely lovely story that deserves more credit than a TV film.

A definite classic!
I recently found this movie once again in my video store. I had seen it at a young age when it first came out, and I recall it making as much of an impact on me then as it does now. The beauty of the love story and Alice's personal triumphs are so poignant, not to mention her interactions with Ellie and her father. The symbolism of the roses in relation to Alice was beautifully thought out. I laughed and cried throughout the whole movie. I was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of the book that this movie was based on from Amazon, and it was fantastic! If you loved the movie, get your hands on the book! Both are definite keepers!

Awesome
I just recently watched this movie and I totaly loved it. I'm a big fan of reese witherspoon so I knew that I'd enjoy it but I loved her brother sammy and how he fell in love with this abused girl. It showed that Handicapped people are just as smart as anybody else. Everybody should see this film and learn the meaning of True Love and Friendship.

Reese and Patricia, and how
There were a couple of aspects of this movie that were a little too neat and packaged, like how Reese'es character's dad changes overnight and such. But I have to say that this movie was riveting to me. I have never before seen Patricia Arquette and I was just astounded. Her performance is absolutely superb. To me, a book or movie is great, when I literally feel like I have become a person in the story, and feel everything that person feels. That is why this movie is so great. Patricia's character is that person in this movie, at least to me. I am an absolute fan of Reese Witherspoon, so I couldn't be too objective as I love everything about her and she is great in this movie as always. Her character really shows the love of a true friend to the abused girl. I cannot imagine anyone watching this movie and not enjoying it. It is a truly heartwarming story. I will watch it again and again. If you like it, check out "The Man in the Moon." ... Read more

Description

Outstanding performances and exciting stars light up this heartwarming motion picture. When a youngster needs a break from the pressures of his parents' household, he moves in with his offbeat uncles (including Michael Richards -- Kramer from TV's SEINFELD). From this unlikely pair, his family soon learns some invaluable lessons about life, love, and pride. Directed by the multi-talented Diane Keaton (star of BABY BOOM, FATHER OF THE BRIDE I & II), and also starring Andie MacDowell (FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL) and John Turturro (QUIZ SHOW) -- you're sure to love this heartfelt hit! ... Read more

Description

Pull up a cloud and take a ride through Heaven. Created and directed by the multi-talented Diane Keaton (Annie Hall, Baby Boom), "Heaven" takes a wonderfully lighthearted look a the Great Beyond. Keaton intersperses outrageous interviews with extraordinary film footage from such European and American film classics as "Metropolis," "Green Pastures" and "Stairway to Heaven." It is truly the ultimate coming attraction! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The Next Best Thing to Being There
When Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert first reviewed this film they agreed that "It IS a documentary -- but about WHAT"? Keaton's delicious film is really a satire couched in the form of a mock-survey on the images we have OF heaven, the sources broadly divided among Hollywood movie images, "Bible Belt" America fundamentalism (then-popular local Protestant fundamentalist Reverend Hymers gets to put his two cents in the opinion plate), along with assorted New Age perspectives and at least one chillingly dogmatic and persuasive atheist -- Diane Keaton's mother (who died shortly after the film was made, but not before having the (her) last word on the subject). For all of its wonderful simplicity, this film has aroused a lot of controversy, both as to its quality and success as a film, and to its subject matter. There are two very tempting and very wrong ways to approach this film, and a third I will mention last.

The first is as a completely objective, thorough, and -- heaven help us -- "authoritative" documentary, even if only a documentary of American lay attitudes on the subject. Keaton does not appear onscreen (is this a poke at our God-like images of poll-takers -- and movie directors?) nor is her voice heard (her prompt-questions, arranged by subject, e.g. "Is There Sex After Death?", are edited out), but her presence is felt; she draws her material from two primary sources: public opinion, and popular media imagery. This should clue the viewer into the non-literalness of her "documentary" format. Michael Moore (accepting his Oscar for "Bowling for Columbine") claimed that documentary film-makers are objective truth tellers -- a shameful lie at best; documentary film-makers are essayists, presenting facts that support the argument for a particular viewpoint. What Keaton's own opinion is of the Here-and-Now's view of the Hereafter is the puzzle the viewer is invited to tackle. This is why she selects, not experts, or well-reasoned or "balanced" viewpoints, but the viewpoints contained in our lore of heaven. The films and TV images are a part of our shared lore, and the opinion of the man-on-the-street is not that of the average man on the street, but the average resident of or visitor to Southern California (what the film was shot), the sort of resident or visitor or who would willingly consent to sit in an interview room resembling a set from "Queen of Outer Space" and reveal one's deepest hopes, shallowest ideas, greatest fears, or simply one's long-fallow right-brain opinings on a subject that in daily life most everybody does have an opinion of, but somehow never gets asked about. Serious anthropological analysts of public opinion and experts seeking information about heaven (?!) will go nuts sorting out the "facts" here. Rather than walk away informed, the viewer is provoked by Keaton into asking his or her own serious questions.

The other wrong approach is to not take the subject matter, or Keaton's selection of images (including scenes from "Buck Rogers" and "Stairway to Heaven"), or her sociological guinea pigs' responses, seriously *enough*. The film itself IS a laugh riot, make no mistake. Keaton has not abandoned her comic roots for a second. Keaton intersperses her individual interviews of the pedestrians along Hollywood Boulevard with clips from famous, infamous and long-forgotten films on the subject, as well as excerpts from religious TV shows presenting "expert" views for TV congregationalists. But underlying this superbly edited collection of Hollywood, religious, fringe and personal spiritual kitsch is a subtle but profound sense of earnest curiosity and longing coupled with a level of sincerity one rarely finds in public discourse, much less films (even documentaries) these days.

The film ends with the last and longest of a set of comments made by Keaton's mother: a rebuttal to all of the fantasy images preceding this final moment, a dour, atheistic and utterly unabashed perspective on heaven worthy of Mark Twain or Ambrose Bierce. Mother Keaton knew she was dying when she gave her interview, and this "last word" sets the viewer up straight. Eighty minutes of animated, comical "evidence" and "argument" on a subject no one really knows anything about strikes the viewer as absurd. But while the images that we share of "heaven" have been drawn from (and determined -- even co-opted) by Hollywood, religious fundamentalist media organizations and various alternative "fringe" groups, Mother Keaton's comments pull us back from the familiar, hokey images to the object they purport to represent: the concept behind and the significance of Heaven itself, not just as a place and time in human existence (or not), but as a benchmark for our own progress, our own development, our own achievement and meaning in this Earthly life. Keaton's negative comments regarding heaven, as personal and as opinionated as any of the preceding views presented, is not as easily dismissed. They prompt the most serious of questions: What do our lives, our successes and failures, our actions and inactions, our joys and sufferings, the very meaning of our lives, add up to? Believers and non-believers alike, as they leave the theater (or rewind the videotape) are left hanging, and thinking about what the end (the aim, purpose, goal, etc.) of humanity in general and each of us personally IS. Mother Keaton's final statement of skepticism dispels the giddy, shallow feeling- superior- and- above- it- all hilarity audiences feel throughout the film. We are left at the end with aching, unanswered, philosophical -- but by no means academic -- questions to ponder, central to our being: If the comic images of heaven we have been watching all this time are false, then what IS the truth? If Mother Keaton's cynicism is too sour and bleak to accept -- then what do we, or should we, or can we, believe? What is it all for? Why are we here? What becomes of us?

A head of its time! Diane Keaton is surprisingly cool!
The subject sounded cool, but I was hesitant with someone as mainstream as Diane Keaton directing. Wow, this blew me away! If you're hardcore religious and can't laugh at yourself you may have problems with this. But to hear the variety of people interviewed interpreting their view of what heaven is, as well as death and other related, hard to discuss topics is hilarious and sometimes touching. I can't believe the soundtrack Diane used, it's like a watered down version of old Ministry/Skinny Puppy. I had know idea Diane was so hip, specially when you consider the year this was made, which I believe was 1987. If you like stuff like the Awful Truth or Errol Morris docs, you definitely should check this out.

One of best, funniest, weirdest films on religion ever made.
Keaton's first directed film is one of the funniest, weirdest and best films on religion that I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot of 'em. Some of the folks interviewed are downright scary, others naive & silly, but all of them seem sincere. Highlight of the film is an argument between an atheist punk teen and a longhaired Jesus freak who talks about cows being God's lawnmowers (thus don't eat the lawnmowers). Several of the old film clips woven throughout are forever in my head, especially the deranged voice of a preacher screeching "ARE YOU AFRAID TO DIE?" yells over footage of buildings collapsing, dams bursting, car wrecks, etc.

For me, this film is better than any of Woody Allen's movies, except for "Sleeper" which is even crazier. This film itself is a sleeper that will likely get a lot more attention years down the road. The fact that Keaton directed it makes the viewing all the weirder. In America's culture of total fear of everything it's a film worth watching.

If you have a sense of irony, can appreciate the juxtaposition of heartfelt interviews with bizzare religious film footage, and can "get" this level of hilarious film making, this one's for you. If you lack these critical viewing skills please give your copy of this film to someone who does, it's a brilliant, must-see movie!

Waste
View once and throw away. The only item worth telling is a man recounting a conversation between his mother and father.

Father, "I'll sit on a rock and wait for you ... It'll probably be a gold rock."

Posturing and dogma; Life-is-hard" rants by broken people; Forced discourses by people not really interested. The movie clips seemed meaningless to me. Self indulgent film making?

A carnival ride
This is a fascinating, playful, and scary film. Most of the interviewees were obviously selected for their entertainment value, so there is not much of the "man/woman on the street" feel, unless the street happens to abut a fundamentalist insane asylum in the French Quarter.

I enjoyed laughing at the many assorted kooks until I remembered that the majority of Americans probably share their views. Evolution has some catching up to do. Check it out. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Subject matter meaningful for some...not for all
In Hanging Up, the phone is the umbilical cord for the family in this story, three sisters and their dear old dad. While Hanging Up was touted as a comedy, at least that's the impression I got, I'm hard pressed to remember much about it that was funny, it's a drama if ever there was one.

We meet Eve, played by the effervescent Meg Ryan, the overwhelmed middle sister in a family of driven, slightly neurotic individuals. Oldest sister, Georgia (Diane Keaton who also directs) is typical oldest child, overachiever material with her own Vogue-esqe magazine, named Georgia. Youngest sister Maddy is a somewhat spoiled soap opera star played to whiney perfection by Lisa Kudrow. Last but not least, is the dying father, Lou, with the ever-grumpy and inappropriate Walter Matthau at the helm.

The film has woven together the present with a series of flashbacks to Eve's childhood as well as flashbacks during her time with her father in her adult life. Amidst all the flashbacks, is the busy, crazed daily routine of party planner Eve and her attempt to understand what is happening to her father. She must also deal with a level of resentment towards her sisters for being an interruption into her life with all their phone calls, but not being a shoulder to lean on for her where their father is concerned.

Hanging Up does a great job demonstrating just how stressed out people can get. There is regular day-to-day stress and then there is the stress you bring on yourself purely because of a basic personality flaw. I have firsthand knowledge of making stress out of things that don't have to be stressful. First ulcer at age fourteen, thank you very much. I can understand Meg Ryan's character and her propensity for making mountains out of molehills.

The most rewarding thing about watching a character like that is watching the "change". Let's not forget, folks, in a movie, the main character usually makes a personal change, has an epiphany, changes their life, or ends a destructive pattern. What is drama? Putting an ordinary person in extraordinary circumstances. What Eve does early on in the film is reach a level of frustration that is so high she makes a scene in the middle of a hospital corridor.

Why is that so entertaining? Because she sort of freaks out and that's something regular people WANT to do, but CAN'T because we behave within the confines of societal norms. If I'm having a bad day, and I am in the middle of St. Anthony's and start yelling and flailing my arms, someone is gonna drag me to the fourth floor. In the movies you can scream and act like an idiot, in real life people look at you and say, "the cheese has slipped off her cracker".

Despite the frenetic pace of Eve's day to day routine and the frequent flashbacks, Hanging Up lacks the same gusto in its attempt to impact the viewer with the seriousness of a dying parent. Matthau's character seems to be little more than window-dressing with his scenes all virtually being nothing more than one-liners from the confines of his wheelchair or hospital bed. I guess I feel a dying parent would be a more significant story factor here than it seemed to be.

While I admit to becoming a little misty from time to time during the film, I was looking for gut-wrenching Terms of Endearment stuff. Hanging Up fell a little short for me but I'm sure people to whom a similar situation has happened may have a stronger emotional reaction.

However, there are two instances where Hanging Up was borderline daring, dealing with subject matter that I have seen little of, if ever. There is an obvious rift between Eve and her mother, from whom Lou was divorced many years before. We are given a taste of Eve's view of her mother from the flashback scenes, but the real drama comes when, in one of the flashback scenes Eve pays her mother a visit.

Eve goes to her mother (Cloris Leachman) to plead for her to return home because her father is so unhappy. Aside from that being a difficult confrontation for anyone to deal with, is the revelation that she's not all that satisfied with being a mother in the first place. Other girls couldn't wait to grow up and become mommies, so she thought she did too and it didn't take. The thought of hearing that coming out of a mother's mouth is almost like a kick in the stomach, which is exactly the reaction Ryan's character seemed to have. Talk about taboo, admitting to your child you wish you weren't a mother. Somebody call Jerry Springer, next topic, "I Wish You Were Never Born".

Another explosive element is the basis of the father's illness. His memory and clarity are more off than on. The sadness of a person slowly losing their mind, slowly forgetting everyone and everything dear to them is pathetic and emotionally charged. Hanging Up touches on this hopelessness in a moment of confusion, when Matthau's character confuses his daughter with someone else he used to know and basically, is hitting on her. Eve has to remind him that she's his daughter, not this other person and he becomes angry, stating he doesn't have any daughters. It's icky. But sometimes life is icky and this scene is a blatant reminder of just how icky things can get.

Hanging Up finally gets its message across when Ryan's character must basically get a grip and learn when to say when. She can't be superwoman, bearing the responsibility of what is happening to her father all by herself. I must also stress the importance of the sister relationships to the film as well, which I have no understanding of either since I have four younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but with all those brothers, what I got instead was my own room. Women with sisters may take more away from this movie than any other viewer. Hanging Up isn't for some, great for others. This is one where your own life's experiences will impact your perspective on the film.

Better than the critics would have you believe
It seems the critics really hated this movie, but I found the premise one that really deserved addressing. The issue of one child being left to care for an ailing parent, while the other selfish siblings are heard from only if things aren't going their way, is an issue with which I'm sure many people have to deal.

In this movie, Meg Ryan plays the one that gets all the work and none of the credit. She does just a wonderful job, as does Walter Matthau as the father suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Though I might question some of the casting, based on ages of the actors (17 years difference between the oldest and youngest children!), even Kudrow and Keaton play their parts well...as spoiled, self centered siblings.

I believe what may be a turn-off to some is the presence of TOO MANY obnoxious personalities. The movie would have been much better without the presence of Adam Arkin's or Jesse James's characters...and I probably would have felt more sympathy for Meg Ryan's character as well.

Though the movie was far from perfect, there were some emotional moments in the movie that made up for its shortcomings.

I think the biggest problem with the story line was the unrealistic unity of the sisters at the end of the movie. Self-centered individuals do not suddenly change their ways. Had Meg's character gone on her way, leaving the sisters to SEE the error of their ways, it would have been a much more effective ending.

As for the transfer....as usual, a fantastic anamorphic widescreen picture from Columbia. The special features are not great, but certainly more than one gets on most basic DVD's.

In the end, I would say this is an enjoyable...though not completely fulfilling movie. It could have been better, but it is definitely worth a rental...or if you can find it in the bargain bin as I did....a cheap purchase.

{As an added challenge....see if you can recognize the film error as the cars are racing to the hospital toward the end of the movie.)

Sometimes You Just Need to Hang Up
When I first saw this movie, I have to admit that I wasn't very impressed by it. You're going from sister to sister, scene to scene very quickly. I didn't have much time to understand what was even going on. So I decided to give the movie another chance, mostly because Diane Keaton is my favorite actress. So I did and as I watched, I became more aware of what was going on. Meg Ryan, Lisa Kudrow, and Diane Keaton all give stunning performances in this movie. Walter Matthau gave a great performance as the father. The sad part is, is that this was his final film before he passed away. Cloris Leachman has a very small part in the movie, but the parts that she is in are quite effective.

Many people view this movie as a comedy. It is definitely not a comedy. It is a drama. If you watch closely and really pay attention to what is going on, then you'll see the difference. Eve (Ryan) is trying to balance her son and husband and caring for her father. Something that Maddy (Kudrow), a soap star and Georgia (Keaton), the head of a magazine entitled 'Georgia' will not do. They are too wrapped up in their own lives to come and help care for their dying father. Yes, the ending is a little predictable, but it is also very touching. If you're looking for a movie that has everyone getting along all the time, don't rent this. But if you want to watch a movie that shows what true family can be, rent this. Granted, many families are not like this, but hey, you never know!

Not that bad, not great, either
I just watched this film on DVD, and to a regular guy like myself (I think I'm pretty regular), it was not a bad experience. Maybe it's because my mom and her siblings are currently dealing with their mother right now, and the movie struck a chord...

Anyway, I thought Meg Ryan was terrific in this film. In her other films she always tried to be cute and funny. When I was younger I liked that, but then I found her boring. But she's good in this one as the middle child who has the (mis)luck of caring for her dying father. Keaton, on the other hand, is totally unconvincing as either a magazine mogul or first daughter, and she had no screen presence at all; plus her outfit and makeup, which are meant to make her character look younger than the actress herself, are a disaster. Kudlow does what she does best: playing a dumb, clueless blonde.

As for the story, it has certain charms, but ultimately falls apart because it's confusing and melodramatic. (Be sure to watch a deleted scene on the DVD.) As some reviewers pointed out all too often the movie seems directionless, and the on-screen chemistry of the three sisters is rather lacking. Funny Evie keeps asking about the name of a "bland" actress from the 50s; the movie just gets more and more bland. But Ryan is good enough that she keeps the film moving and makes me like her again.

How could it be THIS bad?
Damn, with this cast, and with Nora Ephron, how could they make a movie that's this terrible? And the saddest thing is that it turned out to be Walter Matthau's last movie cuz he died shortly after the filming. I figured the negative reviews might be wrong, that it really couldn't be all THAT awful - but I didn't finish watching it. Clicked off the TV and went to bed with a good book. Sheesh, what a shame. ... 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

Reviews (24)

They don't make 'em like they used to
Although I'm a 25 year old Israeli woman, born after the Vietnam war was over, and halfway around the world, this series touched me in a way most dramas didn't. Perhaps it was Dana Delaney's excellent dramatic acting, or the music, or any of the wonderful features of the talented crew that made this beautiful series possible, but I get the feeling that although I like new drama series like ER or The West Wing, I feel that John Wells has learned well, but not enough. China Beach had a certain something that other drama series did not. I'm no expert, so I can't put my finger on it, but whatever it was, I haven't seen it since, and I suspect I'll never see it again.

DANA DELANEY IS CHINA BEACH ! ! ! ! ! !
This closest thing to a perfect show is my favorite series of all time. The actors were always excellent (w/the exception of Robert Picardo and Megan Gallagher....I don't know, but I just didn't like them very much). The show could not have been made w/out Dana Delaney. If it had it wouldn't be half as good. She is Colleen McMurphy...McMurphy is China Beach...Dana Delaney is the key. Her performance both comic and drmatic are so true to life. Her emotions of the war are so real it scares you into thinking that this is too real. She has such a wonderful gift. I hope we see more of her real soon.

WHY IS THIS SERIES NOT ON DVD?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I find this a serieous omission. If anyone hears about it coming to DVD, please let me know by email! Thanks!

Have tried for years to find this on video
I, too, would buy every episode of this terrific series. I agree Dana Delaney was great, but, in my view, it was really an ensemble show. Marg Helgenberger as KC and Brian Wimmer as Boonie and Michael Boatman and Robert Picardo and Troy Evans and Concetta Tomei and absolutely everyone else were just terrific. Also, the production values were excellent. I remember sitting there watching and noticing how fabulous the lighting and cinematography were. I don't think any other television show has touched me as much as this one. Please, please bring this out on DVD!

Great Writing, Great Acting...Give Us This Series On DVD!!!
I was a slow starter on this series when it originally aired. ABC basically killed any chances of the series picking up steam in the ratings by allowing "China Beach" to be shifted from one time slot to another, making it harder to keep up with. What a shame, the story lines and rich characters were worthy of much better treatment than they received.

It wasn't until a couple of years after ABC pulled the plug that A&E aired the entire series several times. I was able to finally see all the episodes I missed and I was HOOKED!! I truly believe that "China Beach" represents some of the best writing and acting I have ever seen in a television program--a very worthy effort that was never truly appreciated by the network PTB.

This series received tons of critical acclaim and was nominated for and received several Emmys. To my knowledge, it was never released in a VHS format--but it begs to be considered for release on dvd. PLEASE give the fans of "China Beach" the chance to see this series in format worthy of the talent that it represents.

Excellent drama about Vietnam nurses, doctors, soldiers
This is the popular and much acclaimed "China Beach" TV series. Dana Delany has the role of her life playing Colleen McMurphy, a dedicated triage nurse in Vietnam. This is not a war action movie, but rather a drama about the lives of Vietnam soldiers and the nurses, Red Cross "Donut Dollies", and USO entertainers who are there for them. Dana Delaney is stunning in the role of McMurphy -- this alone would make this a classic. In addition, the deep respect and understanding shown for the Vietnam GI's sets this apart from most of the other Vietnam movies. This is a movie that people who weren't in Vietnam should watch to get a better appreciation for the men and women who served there. For those who were there, this movie is a token of respect and appreciation for your service. ... Read more