Reviews (74)

Roddy Doyle's modern Irish classic
Quite simply, this is one of my all-time favorite films. Based on the first book of Roddy Doyle's Dublin trilogy, The Commitments is more than a story of a bunch of Irish kids forming a soul band. From the harsh realities of poverty to the power of the Irish spirit, this movie is a portrait of life in working class Dublin, and is true to Doyle's book in every way. It is raw and irreverant, extremely funny but also poignant. One of the remarkable aspects of this film is the cast of virtual unknowns - all actually Irish, thank goodness. Andrew Strong, who plays the lead singer, was only about 16 when the movie was filmed, and he did his own vocals. In fact, the cast is extremely musically talented and appears on two very good soundtrack volumes. The one familiar face belongs to veteran actor Colm Meaney (Miles O'Brien on Star Trek TNG/DS9). Meaney also appears in the two other films from the trilogy, The Snapper and The Van. Rent them all and have an Irish film festival! If you want to be entertained with great soul music while being magically whisked away to Dublin, by all means buy this video so you can watch it over and over again.

A MOVIE WITH SOUL
First off, I usually don't like soul music, R&B, whatever you want to call it. I can like anything but bluegrass, country, and rap. But I must admit that, even if you don't normally like soul, this movie will make you a believer. I had to watch this film in my college film class. I must say that I was VERY impressed, and even more so after I heard the following from my film teacher concerning this film: 1-The lead singer(the chubby one, can't miss 'em) was only 16! but he sang GREAT! Like a pro, even. 2-This movie is full of first-time actors, and that is because it was open-audition for all or nearly all parts. With that in mind, someone did a great job in casting this movie. This is one of those movies that keeps your eyes riveted to the screen. There's some comical moments, as well as some normal moments as well. At times you feel like you're watching a live music video. A very well done film, that reminds me in some respects of the Blues Brothers, which I also like. Apart from the language, there isn't much to the R rating. Overall an outstanding film about a bunch of Dubliners singing music that is normally associated with African-Americans. Buy it today and enjoy!

The Soul of the City
Alan Parker once again put together a previously unknown cast and has produced a fantastic movie with some stellar individual performances.

"The Commitments" is the story of the struggle to escape unemployment and poverty, set in Dublin but equally relevant in any major city this movie chronicles the efforts of a new band to achieve fame and glory. The band choose soul music as their vehicle out of the ghetto at a time when James Brown is just a memory adding spice to an already engaging tale. After a faltering start the band start to pull it together only for their lack of discipline and focus to abort their chances at the very moment when real opportunity is at their door.

The music is the star of the show with fantastic numbers such as "At the Midnight Hour", "Mustang Sally" and "Try a Little Tenderness" littered through the movie. The musical performances of Mary Doyle Kennedy (Natalie)and Andrew Strong (Deco)and the acting of Robert Arkins (Jimmy) are really superb.

This movie is enhanced by this new format on widescreen DVD, but what makes it work is the screenplay, great acting and wonderfull music regardless of format.

Say it Once, Say it Loud!
"The Commitments" is a raucous and joyful celebration of music. It's a gloriously simple and lovable tale, told with passion, profanity, and a deep understanding of how music can infect even the most despairing life with joy. About time the movie got its proper release on DVD.

If you've never seen "The Commitments" because you cringe at the notion of white Dubliners singing American soul tunes, well, I hear ya. I fully expected watered-down music along the lines of Michael Bolton butchering Percy Sledge. However, I was wrong - the music, in the context of the movie, is pure and genuine, and performed by young actors who understand that you don't have to pretend to be anything you're not to get soul. Besides, Jimmy Rabbitte, the mastermind behind the band, gives them all a thoroughly convincing speech that assures the lads and lasses from Dublin that they, too, are qualified to sing soul.

The movie - well, it's wonderful. Hilarious, free, sometimes moving, life-affirming. I almost wish the movie let the characters develop a little more before the inevitable and mythical ending, but then Joey the Lips gently reminds me (and Rabbitte), "this way, it's poetry." He's right - this is the proper ending for these guys, and the movie.

The DVD offers some great extras, including a revealing making-of doc, where we learn that director Parker combed the nightclubs of Dublin nightly, looking for fresh talent. I also love the 10-years-later feature, where we get to revisit our old friends again. These are suitable extras for a movie that just plain makes you feel glad to be alive - how much more can you ask of a movie than that?

Howzit? Deadly!
I was excited to find out they were releasing this movie again with some more behind the scenes interviews. I was surprised to see that the cast they did recently interview, looked relatively unchanged. It was like seeing a long lost friend. I remember seeing this movie the first time in the theatres being shocked at their monumental use of the f-word. This time, it just seemed to be natural. Maybe it's because I'm in my thirties now and it takes a lot to shock me or maybe it's because I've had a chance to read the short story the movie is based on. Roddy Doyle's adaptation of his story of a Dublin soul band was, for the most part, straight out from the page. There were a few parts that could have made it into the film, and a few parts in the movie that didn't need to be there, but on the whole I LOVED IT AGAIN! Seeing these actors come together as a real band was fun. I hope they re-release the last of the Barrytown Trilogy, The Van to DVD soon also. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

More subtle approach to the conflict at hand
Joint Security Area drew many comparisons with Shiri, as it dealt with the same conflict and had some of the actors in both films. Joint Security Area (often referred as JSA by Korean audience) is not an action film per se, as Shiri was, and the story takes place in the Demilitarized Zone, an area that serves as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea, and describes the relationship between a South Korean soldier who befriends North Korean soldiers. Interestingly, JSA drew more audience than Shiri.
JSA is not an action film as Shiri was, but rather focused its theme to the unreal place, which is the Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ. DMZ is a neutral piece of land between the Koreas, where tensions are high due to possible military engagment by North Korea. If a war was to take place again, it would start from DMZ. Yet somehow a South Korean soldier finds friendship with couple of North Korean soldiers, and despite the initial hostility, they find common culural ties within themselves and grow close to each other.
I liked JSA far better than Shiri, as it dealt with characters who were more believable and apporachable as compared to Shiri. The atmosphere of the DMZ is captured quite nicely also. It is simply a better film. JSA is certainly a milestone in Korean cinema, albeit in a different way Shiri was.

GREAT movie
I must say that this is one of the best movies I have seen, yet. This is also one of the two best Korean movies I'ven seen (the other best is "No. 3", which because of its Korean-exclusive humor and cultural undertone, will probably never see the light of day outside of Korea).

I won't describe the plot of the movie since other reviewers have already done a good job of that. What this movie accomplishes (besides its obvious accomplishment of dealing with North-Korea vs. South-Korea issue intelligently and articstically) is to show an ordinary person, being put in extraordinary circumstances, rising up to an occasion (or tragically failing to do so). What I mean by that can be better related if an audience knows that every Korean man is required by law to serve in a military. Thus, the main characters of this movie are not superheroes, commandos or rambos. They are just like us, like our sons, like our brothers. The movie does an amazing job of putting these ordinary people in a very special situation (DMZ), and letting a naturally sophisticated and heart-wrenching story unfold. Some guys become heroes, and some fail; the beauty is being able to see ourselves in either a hero or a failure. A must-see.
By the way, Song Kang-ho (the actor who plays the North Korean officer) is quite astounding.

Toe The Line
One incredible tightly-woven story drives this political thriller of friends and enemies along the Joint Security Area (JSA) between North and South Korea.

An apparent exchange of hostilities leaves two soldiers of the North Korean Army dead. Another is wounded, and a fourth soldier -- a South Korean soldier -- appears to be the hero ... but is he? As both sides refuse to allow an investigation to prove anything conclusive, a Neutral Nations officer -- a woman -- is brought in to uncover the truth ... but will she?

Being perfectly honest, I purchased JSA solely on the basis of the recommendation of AZNFilms.com, and I have to say that I wasn't disappointed in the least. Comparisons to SHIRI are very off-base in that -- politics aside -- SHIRI is a great formula action film from start to finish ... but JSA is a pure political thriller. It is a 'thinking man's action film' where the action is a result of the plot and not because of the character's motivations (with one notable exception I won't give away to spoil the surprise). However, this film's script keeps you guessing and even delivers tremendous surprise up until the very last frame!

Again, JSA is not intended for fans of the John Woo mentality (and I'm a huge fan of Woo's work). This is a drama -- which deservedly won many at the Korean Film Awards -- but certainly stands up to most American films easily. In fact, I would have to say that I never saw what all of the excitement was about MYSTIC RIVER -- a rather conventional crime drama -- but there's plenty to get excited about in JSA.

I'll be watching this one again this weekend.

BREATH TAKING AND HEART BREAKING
Living in South Korea gives you a chance to get some idea of the heart breaking reality of this divided country. As Americans we have no concept of how it must feel to be in this situation. To see this film is to get a "taste" of the reality. To feel the horrible pain and taste the tears -- friends gained only to be lost to bloodshed!! I cannot even imagine what it must be like to see this film as a Korean. I have many Korean friends here in this beautiful country I now call my home(for the next few years). After seeing this, I feel differently than I did before seeing it. I feel like I have grown as a human after the experience watching JSA has given me. I think everyone living in Korea certainly should see this film. It wouldnt hurt all Americans to see it to understand how a country divided hurts the soul. Excellent film.

By Author of the Novel "Sleeping Dragon"
After hearing many positive comments about this movie, I bought it. This is a "world class" movie in that it is high quiality acting, production, etc. The plot - a bit far fetched; but "if you were Korean," you'd hope it was true to some extent. There has been no peace in Korea since 1945. The Korean War divided the country much as the civil war could have done to the USA. There is always hope that there will be reunification and this movie does a great job building that hope. Having personally spent a total of more than fifteen years in Korea, I have been to the JSA many times. My book "Sleeping Dragon" ends in the JSA. Believe me, they build a true to life mock-up of the JSA for this movie. If you haven't been there, watch the movie. ... Read more

Reviews (1736)

Best movie of 2001 and a great DVD to own.
Great works of art that challenge conventional notions often polarize opinion, and it's obvious that "Moulin Rouge" has done just that. The polarity of opinions seen here on Amazon mirrors the love-it/hate-it reactions the film generated upon release in Spring '01.

I think this is because "MR" reinvents that most sacred and traditional of genres, the romantic musical, and because the film has the audacity to take pop culture [and pop music specifically] seriously. Plus, the idea of watching Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, whatever you think of their acting, SINGING for more than two hours isn't intuitively appealing.

But I urge viewers to give this movie a chance if you haven't already, and I'd highly recommend buying the DVD if you already DO like the film from the theaters. This is a marvelous piece of cinematic entertainment and the DVD is a fantastic exploration of the medium and the source material. I applaud the director and his crew for delving so deeply behind the scenes.

Make no mistake: "MR" is a work of art. If you didn't like it, I posit that you didn't get it.

Love it or Hate it--it is a great film and an awesome DVD!
Yes, this is a film like most any groundbreaking or specific director's vision that will cause people to love it or hate it. People who like musical theatre have both hated it and loved it. People who don't like musical theatre have both hated it and loved it. It just depends on how the film grabs you. If you don't like the first 10-20 minutes--wait--because the film's tone changes. It's like ROMEO AND JULIET. The first part is a crazy, comical spectacle. The second half is a gut wrenching, beautifully filmed drama. The film is thrilling and majestic. The DVD is FULL of incredible extras. If you listen and watch how Baz and his creative team made the choices that became this film, you really understand how well thought out this film is. I love the film even more knowing that there is indeed an intelligent method to the madness. And hey, the film hold the National Board of Review Award, Golden Globes, and 8 Academy Award nominations including Best Picture. Seems the Love it audience is bigger than the (vicious) Hate it audience. I love this film and especially its DVD extras.

Come what may...indeed...
Frankly, the first reaction for this movie is, musical...cheezy! I have to admit, it is hard to look for a really good musical nowadays, or at least up average would be fine for me. Then, I heard Nicole Kidman is going to star on this musical, so I firgured, what the heck, let's gie it a shot. Since she just had her divorce and such. I must say, I have had put my foot in my mouth for this. The movie was splendid. Despite her personal mishaps, Nicole has proven to be one of the best. She sings, with Ewan Mcgregor as her co-star and they have their work ut out for them.

This is a story of a poor writer (Ewan) in strive of getting his unobtainable object of desire (Nicole), who happens to be the main star of this circus theater show in Paris. They succumb into some sort of Forbiddened Love and they tried anything to be and stay together but fate have other plans for them. Nicole has to help her friend and boss from going bankcrupt and with that, she has to attend to this other rich guy, who owns the deed to the place. Help in the sense of be her compainion. Meanwhile, to cover up their affair, the Ewan has manage to create a play, due to mistaken liason earlier in the movie; therefore giving them the room to be together at least somewhere along the line.

I must add one thing.

The rich man gets what he wants, and if he can't have what he wants...nobody else will either.

An applause for this one.

This Proves That Oscars Are Bought
I wish I could have given this no stars. Unquestionably one of the 10 worst movies ever made, although it doesn't even deserve to be called a movie. A lacerated video clip more like it. Nominated for a bunch of Oscars, together with A BEAUTIFUL MIND(another overrated dose of sugar), it proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that those awards are completely political & utterly misguided. As many will agree, CHICAGO was everything this dismal effort so desperately yearned to be. A girlfriend of mine told me she cried when Satine(Nicole Kidman)died. I was incredulous. Who cared???? (I was overjoyed since it meant the ordeal was nearly over) With Richard Roxburgh apparently suffering from constipation coupled with Tourette's & Jim Broadbent(usually brilliant)doing some sort of Quentin Crisp/Tootsie impersonation, I would equate this experience with a 3 day migraine. What in God's name were they smoking in the editing room?

I RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE ALL THE WAY!
VERY GOOD! A LITTLE SLOW, BUT I LIKED THE OVERALL SENSE OF IT! ... Read more

Reviews (66)

Another Directorial Accomplishment
Robert Redford won an Oscar for his direction of, "Ordinary People", in 1980. He has since directed films like, "Quiz Show", and this film, "A River Runs Through It", with consummate skill. He also founded The Sundance Film Festival which now routinely introduces new talent in all aspects of the making of movies on an annual basis.

His only direct presence is the narration he does at various times during this movie. It also does not take a great deal of imagination to see in the actor Brad Pitt, of 11 years ago, a man that bears a remarkable resemblance to Redford himself. This story of the zeal with which aficionados dedicate themselves to the art of fly fishing is a beautiful film to watch. Redford puts Montana on the screen in such a way as to make virtually anyone desirous of having a home amongst the mountains.

The story is much more than a feast for the eyes as the story of a minister's two sons, who are strictly raised, ultimately have such divergent lives, both in type and length. This is not a very happy story, although it has moments of pure joy that balance tragedy as well as tragedy can hope to be balanced. One of the best examples is when Brad Pitt as Paul does battle with a prize catch in one of their favorite rivers. To say he almost fights the fish in its world as opposed to his own is not much of a stretch, and it is wonderfully filmed.

Robert Redford has made his place amongst the legends of the film industry, and he has done this by not only appearing in front of the camera, but behind it as well.

Cinematic Poetry.
I don't think anybody who has ever visited the American West, particularly the north-western states of Montana and Wyoming, hasn't come away deeply impressed with the majestic beauty of their mountains, rivers, streams, endless skies, prairies and meadows. Many probably went home to find that the photos they took, trying to immortalize their impressions, just didn't seem to do justice to the real thing, and wishing they possessed the craft to adequately capture the region's beauty in images, whether literary or visual. Robert Redford has succeeded to combine words and pictures in this stunning adaptation of Norman Maclean's 1976 autobiographical novella "A River Runs Through It."

Set in early 20th century rural Montana, this is the coming-of-age story of the author and his brother Paul, sons of a Scottish Presbyterian minister who raised them with both love and sternness and instilled in them, more than anything else, an understanding for the divine beauty of their land, symbolized by and culminating in a fly fisherman's skill in casting his rod, and his ability to become one with the river in which he fishes. For, in Norman Maclean's words, in their family "there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing;" and growing up, the brothers came to believe quite naturally that Jesus's disciples themselves must have been fly fishermen, too; and that consequently every good fly fisherman is closer to the divine than any other human.

But while they were united by their love for their native land and its rivers and fish, the brothers couldn't have been any more different on a personal level. And thus, this is also a story of brotherly (and parental) love and loss, of the inability to communicate, and of dreams and aspirations nurtured and fatally disappointed. While disciplined, sensible Norman (Craig Sheffer) left Montana for a six-year college education at Dartmouth and ultimately - after having temporarily returned home and taken a bride - to assume a teaching position at the University of Chicago, rebellious Paul (Brad Pitt in a truly career-defining role) knew that he would never leave his home state and "the fish he had not yet caught;" and opted for a journalist's life instead. But ultimately he wasn't able to fight the demons that possessed him; and his parents and brother had to stand by and helplessly watch him embark on a path of self-destruction, reduced to comments on symbolic matters like Paul's decision to change the spelling of their last name by capitalizing the "L" ("Now everybody will think we are Lowland Scots," scorned their father), where to open topicalize their concerns would have destroyed the careful equilibrium of mutual respect, love, hope, caution and guardedness characterizing their relationship. And so, only after Paul's death could his father tell a hesitant Norman that he knew more about his brother than the fact that Paul had been a fine fisherman: "He was beautiful" - and mourn in a sermon, even later, that all too frequently, when looking at a loved one in need, "either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it is those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them. We can love completely, without complete understanding."

Craig Sheffer and Brad Pitt are perfectly cast as the earnest, reasonable Norman and his maverick brother Paul, who relies on his innate toughness in his fateful attempt to take life to its limits and still beat the devil, but who also turns the casting of a fishing line into an art form that makes a rainbow rise from the water, and who with his greatest-ever catch stands before his father and brother "suspended above the earth, free from all its laws, like a work of art." Moreover, this movie reunited Robert Redford with Tom Skerritt, with whom he had first shared the screen in the 1962 Korean war drama "War Hunt" (both actors' big-screen debut), and who gives a finely-tuned, sensitive performance as the Reverend Maclean. Notable are also the appearances of Brenda Blethyn as Mrs. Maclean and Emily Lloyd as Norman's bride-to-be Jessie. But the movie's true star is Montana itself, particularly its rivers and streams; every frame of Philippe Rousselot's Academy Award-winning cinematography and every sweep of the camera over Montana's magnificent landscape, and along the silver bands of its rivers with their gurgling cataracts and waves curling softly against their banks, powerful testimony to Robert Redford's genuine love and respect for the West and for nature in general; the causes closest to his heart and matched in importance only by his efforts to promote a movie scene outside of Hollywood. And Redford himself assumes the (uncredited) role of the narrator, thus bringing to the screen Norman Maclean's lyrical language and uniting words and pictures in an audiovisual sonnet, subtly accentuated by Mark Isham's gentle score.

Both movie and novella end with the lines that have given the story its title: "[I]n the half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul; and memories, and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River, and a four-count rhythm, and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one; and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs" - those of Norman Maclean's now-lost loved ones; those he "loved and did not understand in [his] youth." As we have had to learn, it is not only human life that is terminal; even nature itself (including, incidentally, the Macleans' beloved Big Blackfoot River) is not immune to destruction by human carelessness. This movie is a powerful plea to all of us not to wait until it has become too late.

The ONLY Movie I Have Ever Cried To !
A River Runs Through It is a stunning accomplishment for Robert Redford. The story is captivating, and yet one of the saddest movies I've ever seen.

This movie will produce feelings that will linger with you long after the ending credits !

Transendentalism (sp.?)
Way back in English Lit, University of Oregon, 25 years ago, I remember one idea that that once something achieves perfection in anything, it self distructs, always. A near perfect chair exists, a near perfect painting, a near perfect poem, a near pefect fly fisherman. But none of these exist in a perfect form. There is only one perfection and to attempt to mimimic it assures distruction.

This movie portrays that notion, just fine.

Beautiful cinema
This movie has some amazing cinematography. I've only been to Montana as a kid for very little time, but I wish I could visit again. The movie is about two different brothers brought up in Montana their father plays an important role in the movie also. There are scenes of fly fishing in this movie that are worth the price of admission. Also this film is well narrated by Robert Redford, it never distracted me and that's hard to do with a star that has such a familar voice, but it fits in so well. A gem, that may not be for all action film fans but a drama that will please many. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Elvis tried something different in his final narrative movie… but the results are oddly similar to his usual '60s formula. Here the King plays a doctor working in an inner-city free clinic, playing host to three Catholic nurses (who are really nuns incognito). Elvis gets hung up on one of the nuns, played by Mary Tyler Moore; she seems a lot closer to The Dick Van Dyke Show than the Vatican. The songs are sparse--"Rubberneckin'" gets a workout in one of those awful stilted hootenannies so prevalent in Elvis pictures. The flower-power ambience is more interesting than the story; the film features Mod Squad-style attempts at racial politics, a sit-down protest, and a weird sequence involving "rage reduction" to cure an autistic child. Elvis has good scenes and indifferent ones, but he looks fantastic (this is just after the great "comeback"), and he dresses like no other doctor before or since. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (27)

In his last film, he's Dr. Elvis.
Why would anybody not want to have a Dr. Elvis? I probably would. Here, Elvis is in a dramatic part as a doctor of a clinic in the slums. He has three new assistants which are nuns in disguise. Mary Tyler Moore is one of them, and she soon falls for the doctor. Elvis' character is stunned when she reaveals herself. At the end of the film, she is deciding who to go with: the church or the doctor, the church or the doctor. It keeps flashing on-screen: a crucifix, Elvis, a statue of Mary, Elvis. Elvis is in the church with the Mass beginning singing "Let Us Pray". After that, Elvis' movie career was through. Check this one out. You won't regret it.

"You gotta be kidding!"
This movie is one of the funniest dramas I have ever seen. Elvis as a doctor in the ghetto is so unbelievable that the comedic value of the movie is astronomical. There are such quotes as "He called my sister a dirty stinkin'...no one calls my sister dirty!" and "knifing a player in football deserves a 15 yard penalty". While it tries to raise serious issues including the role of the church, civil rights, racism, and autism, you come away with nothing but a bad case of side burns. If you want to see Elvis as a hero- do not buy this film. Yet if you find humor in bad social commentary which includes Elvis and Mary Tyler Moore this movie is for you! I loved it for this reason.

American humour?
After reading the reviews for this movie, you would come away thinking it was a comedy. I do not feel the movie could in any way be described as a comedy, unless that is the way America interprets comedy. Why not check out down under in Australia to find out what comedy really means and you'll come away with stitches!

How Times Have Changed
Indeed. I guess you have to look at this movie in this context. It looks dated, kind of like those really bad TV shows of the late 60s and early 70s. The dialogue is terrible, laughable at some points - "she was raped, even against her will" - give me a break!

Elvis looks good, before he blimped out on cheeseburgers and drugs and Mary Tyler Moore is her usual annoying self - its said they didnt get on - not unsurprisingly.

The supporting cast is not too bad - good to see Ed Asner in an early role. This is one of Elvis lost films, so to speak, in that if you are not a fan then you would not really know about it.

Worth a look. The DVD is good quality as is the VHS. The songs are pretty duff but whats new?

It looks like he was trying to get his movie career back on track but was perhaps side tracked by live performances.

This Film Is So Silly It's Ridiculous
Why did they put a bumpkin like Elvis Presley in any kind of serious role? The most serious aspect of the film are his sideburns. This film, like most of Presley's films, stink out loud. In fact, it is unintenionally and hillariously funny. Save your money. ... Read more

Description

At the New York City High School for the Performing Arts, students get specialized training that often leads to success as actors, singers, etc. This movie follows four students from the time when they audition to get into the school, through graduation. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Baby Remember My Name
This Alan Parker film came out in 1980, after the director had horrified everyone with visions of Turkish Prison in MIDNIGHT EXPRESS. But here we have a loving valentine to the kids of New York who dream of being performers at the high school for performing and visual arts. It's a musical, but one where the songs and dancing come out of the kids naturally as they goof off or perform for themselves or each other. You get to see four years of high school, and about 8 kids who reach varying levels of realizations about how hard the world really is when you want to be famous.

Finally FAME gets the DVD treatment! A widescreen transfer, featurettes, and a wonderful video commentary that shows 4 of the leads TODAY talking about their 15 minutes of notoriety as a star of FAME. It's a fun experience to see how they have aged, and what they remember of the filming. Alan Parker is the real star of the commentary though! He gets to talk over the entire movie, but thankfully he's witty and informative. My favorite tidbit was the original name of FAME was HOT LUNCH! Okay... that would have been ... disaster.

Best reason to own this? The music! You can watch the movie once, but I dare you to ever forget the title song "FAME". My personal fave is "Out Here On My Own" for sentimental reasons. You'll want to sign up for dance, voice, and acting lessons after this one.

See where all the hoopla started! Before the television shows, before the musical hit the stage ... there was this gritty movie showing foul-mouthed kids trying to make it in The Big Apple. Or at least through high school!

Good DVD release
So finally a movie the caliber of Fame comes to DVD.
I guess if you are here it's because you've seen the movie and wonder if the DVD is worth buying. Just in case: Fame tells the story of a group of students who enter a Performing Acts school in NY. It starts with the auditions and finishes after graduation. Fame has a very good cast, a better script, and even a better soundtrack - featuring of course Irene Cara.
As for the DVD, the picture quality is somewhere from good to very good (no complains, but it won't blow you away) and so is the sound quality.
Extras are 'ok'. I miss new interviews with the crew (there's some from when the film premiered), a 'where are they know' (yeah, we do know Alan Parker is one of the most respected directors, Irene Care had a music career...what about Lee Curreri and rest?
All in all, I think the DVD won't dissapoint to Fame fans that want to have the movie in digital quality.

A brilliant but unsatisfying film!!!
From the opening credits, Fame seemed extremely promising. Here is a musical about the trials and tribulations of the talented kids at a New York City High School for Performing Arts. I mean, you can't go wrong. This just screams masterpiece. And even after the credits began to roll, that promise was still there.
So why didn't Fame hold up to that promise? Maybe because it tried to tell too many stories in too short a time and never fully developed them. Maybe there were to many primary characters. Or maybe because none of the individual stories resolved themselves and the film seemed unfinished, ending too soon and too fast, despite it's lengthy running time.

We follow eight of the accepted students through three years of their education. They grapple with discipline, praise, disappointment, growth, friendship, love, sex, competition, and initiation into the world of entertainment where there are more failures than successes. As in his two previous movies, director Parker demonstrates his gift for working with youth and drawing out their best performances, which greatly benefits the film.

Barry Miller is Ralph, a fast-talking Puerto Rican whose hero is Freddie Prinze and whose hip comic sense hides a painful personal life. Irene Cara plays Coco, an ambitious singer whose longing for fame leads her to the seamy side of showbiz. Gene Anthony Ray is a tough black ghetto youth who dances like a leopard and resists the disciplinary strictures of one of his teachers (Anne Meara). Maureen Teefy is very convincing as a Brooklyn girl who must free herself from a domineering mother in order to express her artistic sensibilities. Lee Curreri plays a synthesizer enthusiast whose single-minded genius is the source of pride for his taxicab-driving father. Also featured are Paul McCrane as a homosexual acting student, Antonia Fransceschi as a rich ballerina, and Laura Dean as a lackadaisical dance student.

Fame is an emotionally involving and exuberant movie. It contains many moments of cinematic poetry. For every clichéd portrait of teenage anxiety there is a matching character revelation of depth. But in the end, it all seems unsatisfying and that's a shame. With all these great qualities going for it, I try not to think about what could have been. It's definitely a motion picture experience worth taking, but it should have been a lot more satisfying!!!!

FINALLY!
I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE THAT FAME HAS FINALLY MADE IT TO DVD. I HAVE BEEN WAITING A LONG TIME FOR THIS. I WOULDN'T MISS THIS SHOW AT ALL WHEN IT WAS COMING ON. I AM GLAD THAT THIS HAS COME OUT. THIS IS GREAT.

Entertaining, realistic, involving, fun.
In the series of realistic/dark movies about music (like Footloose, Saturday Night Fever). This type of film minimises hollywood gloss, using as many unknown or fresh actors as possible and minimises "I feel a song coming on" moments and other movie-musical cliches. If anything, these movies are closer to movies than musicals. Music is everywhere in Fame, though. Its about dance, theatre, movies and playing instruments - yet instances of any of these are fit into a real-life situation, like kids trying out for a special talent school, or rehersals or performances. For those who aren't really fans of musicals (i am, but i know some people are not), no-one spontaneously bursts into song during Fame. Or when they do it is made seem spontaneous and immensely fun. And fun is the key element in Fame. Like Footloose and Fever, there are definite moments of hard-edged drama, but unlike the other two, there is more than enough fun to be had. You probably like the characters in Fame a lot more than you do in those other two also. The opening audition section very cleverly makes you interested in this quirky cast of characters, and you gladly follow their adventures for the hefty running time thereafter. Well-directed by Parker, Fame is still fun, exciting and involving decades later. ... Read more

Reviews (182)

A Work Of Art
Carlo Cecchi's 1999 "The Red Violin" may not have won any Oscars but it is Oscar worthy material. On the whole, it was an underestimated film that year. It's truly a great film. The movie is rather long and very musical (after all its' a film about the voyage of a violin through different time periods and global locations) and this could be the reason why people were put off by the film. But even more likely it's because mainstream, youth-oriented MTV audiences don't care for art films. Many will be quick to label this movie art-house, eventhough Samuel L. Jackson is in it. The film follows the course of the life of a violin, from its creation in the 1600's Italian music scene- it's a Bussoti violin, close to perfection and monetal value as a Stradavarius. The violin's red color was made by blood, by the way, but you'll have to see the film to see why. The violin then undergoes a series of adventures as it is owned by different characters - from a Mozart-type child star in 1700's Vienna, to a Paganini-like violin virtuoso in the 19th century, traveling Gypsies and to the 20th century China where Communist/Cultural Revolutions are raging. Finally it ends up in an auction house.

The DVD contains the movie in great form, a soundtrack and trailers. The film is really more than anything musical. The violin is expressed in its every face- cheerful, vibrant, yearning, despair, drama, tragedy, sadness, romance, love, sensuality, lyricism and even spirituality. This film should get you into the violin. It certainly did as much for me. I recommend this film for any music lover or if you are taking music appreciation classes. Teachers ought to show this film to music classes. There is nothing R-rated about it. There is no violence and the only sex scenes comes with the Paganini violinist who cheats on his writer-girlfriend while she is traveling abroad and comes back to discover him en flagrance. But this is nothing to worry about and it's done melodramatically and even tastefully, like something out of a 19th century romantic novel. This film is a must have.

Sensuous, Sumptuous & Sonorous (plus DTS)!
"The Red Violin" is a fascinating and complex film which uses several plot devices to tell its story. Central to its emotional core is a beautiful original score by American composer John Corigliano which weaves a spell over all who encounter the violin. The DVD presentation offers DTS digital sound, a feature I had not before encountered on DVD. My receiver/amp lit up like a Christmas tree and my surround speakers took on an enchanted life of their own. The solo violin of Joshua Bell speaks for the violin throughout the film. I was very impressed with the sound and the video image was consistently clean and sharp throughout. There is an interesting look at the making of the film in special features, plus a partial cast listing that's a bit disappointing. No matter! The film story is what is important here. At the outset, the film takes us to Italy of the 1600s in the workshop of a violinmaker. The master of this shop has a young, pregnant wife and he shows her his finest violin...one he created for their unborn son. Troubled by strange feelings, the wife seeks out one of her servants who reads Tarot cards, and from this point on, the film's first plot device grabs the attention and never lets up. There are five cards. The first card is turned over and its meaning explained. We are then shown that the baby is dead at birth and the wife died shortly after. And you want to say, "Whoa!" The next plot device appears in modern-day Montreal where an auction of rare violins is in progress. Each time this scene appears throughout the movie, we see a different person in the audience and are treated to that person's connection to the prized item on which they wish to bid: The Red Violin. From there, the story unfolds in time...Austria in the 1700s, England in the late 1890s (a very, very sensual segment), China in the early 1920s and mid-1950s and finally back to Montreal. Back and forth the story moves, from auction to tarot reader (a new card interpretation with each visit) to story, along with the subplot of Samuel L. Jackson's master appraiser unraveling the mysteries of the red violin prior to the start of the auction. It's a fascinating, masterfully crafted film with wonderful performances and soaring music. "The Red Violin" entertains and stuns. This is a film crafted by filmmakers who not only love film but love music. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Don't analyze it, just watch it for what it is.
While I find this movie captivating to watch, and wonderfully done, the story does have a multitude of holes in it. The most glaring probably is how an instrument that spends most of it's life in such ordinary circumstance or in relative hiding becomes the sought after holy grail of a modern auction house. The instrument is really only in a position of high profile lime light once in the story that is documented in the film. The rest of the time it spends as a fairly generic piece being passed around to children in an orphanage, roaming the countryside with gypsies, in a pawn shop or hidden from authorities. This doesn't seem like a likely life of an instrument that would be known by and sought after above all others by what is portrayed as the foremost experts in their field. Even the bidders in the auction seem to only have interest in it from a sentimental value and not for the perfection that the modern auctioneer values it for.

The movie is however, almost hypnotically watchable and it is hard for me even to deprive it of the single star I have. On one side the movie appeals because of the intellectually complex plot, but by the same token fails because the holes in that plot seem like they would be obvious to the same group that would be drawn to the film. This is this films paradox. All in all a very entertaining film that you have to remember not to analyze.

"Art Film for Dummies"
If you've always been put off by "artsy" films due to their lack of action or speed, then you need to see "The Red Violin". This is quite possibly the best "art film" ever made. The reason I believe this: it has a constant flow throughout...it's not a study on one place in time. Also, there are no extended closed door private conversations or over-done symbolic camera work. Even a child could follow the story line and appreciate the beauty and mystery within. The movie follows a violin throughout the ages. And, at the end of the movie, we see it setting out on another voyage in the hands of a new owner.

Pick it up if you have a chance, you will not be disappointed!

Uneven but fascinating and beautiful musical journey
Having once been genuinely passionate about the violin myself, I figured that, at the very least, Francois Girard's THE RED VIOLIN would at least be entertaining. But, finally having seen it all the way through recently, I didn't expect it to be fascinating and even tear-inducing---Joshua Bell's violin solos and John Corigliano's music (which won a well-deserved Oscar) are almost beautiful beyond words.

It is true that, on a whole, some parts of the film work better than others. This is basically an anthology of stories with the Red Violin being the connecting thread---barely---and while three of the stories are fascinating and even enlightening and moving (the Cremona, Vienna, and Montreal sequences), the two others (the Oxford and Shanghai sequences) are either unintentionally funny (the former) or simply slight and kinda pointless (the latter). And yet the dud sequences are hardly enough to counteract the great things in the movie: not only its technical flash and beautiful music, but its resonant theme about how we all, at one point or another, yearn for perfection and can't let it slip away so easily when we find it. Certainly instrument evaluator Charles Morritz (Samuel L. Jackson, in a restrained but powerful performance) cannot let his vision of perfection, which the Red Violin embodies, escape him.

If nothing else, THE RED VIOLIN will perhaps enlighten non-music lovers about why we love the violin, and even music, so much. And that is enough for this uneven but overall wonderful film to be worth seeing by everyone. ... Read more

Description

A glorious Technicolor epic that influenced generations of filmmakers, artists, and aspiring ballerinas, The Red Shoes intricately weaves backstage life with the thrill of performance. A young ballerina (Moira Shearer) is torn between two forces: the composer who loves her (Marius Goring), and the impresario determined to fashion her into a great dancer (Anton Walbrook). Criterion is proud to present The Red Shoes in its DVD premiere. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Moira Shearer exquisite in debut (VHS Edition)
This film directed by Emeric Pressburger and Michael Powell, and released as one their Archers productions in 1948, is one of the films which I truly cherish. It tells the tragic story of the very talented young ballerina Victoria Page who has to make an agonizing choice between her love for composer Julian Craster and her dedication to art, which is personified by impresario Boris Lermontow. A film about the ballet world, art and love. It features several real dancers such as Moira Shearer, Leonide Massine, Robert Helpmann and Ludmilla Tcherina. This contributes to the feel of authenticity. Volatile/prima donna tempers flare. We certainly get an intimate look into a fascinating world. As with many other Powell and Pressburger films, there's an underlying myth, in this case Hans Christian Andersen's tale of the red shoes [Andersen's downbeat tale deals with a girl who desires a lovely pair of red shoes so much but once she has them in her possession, she can't stop dancing, and only death will liberate her from what has now become a torture]. In this production of 'The Red Shoes' life will irrevocably imitate art. Filmed in lavish technicolour it captures all of the magic of ballet perfectly. It is accompanied by an interesting and haunting music score by Brian Easdale.

The beautiful and luminous center of this film however is Moira Shearer's exquisite performance as the tragic Vicky. She brings Vicky's devotion to ballet and vunerability poignantly to life. 'The Red Shoes' would be Moira Shearer's debut, who was at the time a rising star with 'The Sadler's Wells Ballet' and it definitely earned her a place in cinematic history. Not in the least because of the stunning fifteen minute dance sequence which Lermontow's company performs: 'The Ballet of the Red Shoes'. Herein Moira Shearer's and Leonide Massine's performances as the girl and the shoemaker stand out. A spectacular and surrealistic ballet on its own, this was choreographed by Robert Helpmann and designed by painter Heinz Heckroth. Also shown are interesting and very well executed fragments from such classic ballets as 'Giselle' or 'Le Boutique Fantastique'.

Further stood out for me Anton Walbrook's performance as the fanatical and tyrannical impresario Lermontow, who demands total commitment of his employees to their art. Together with Moira Shearer's Vicky his intelligent, intense and ultimate poignant interpretation carries this picture. In Lermontow we meet a man who has the vision, knowledge, connections and creative instinct to bring a dancer such as Vicky to greatness. Marius Goering is adequate as Vicky's love but Leonide Massine as Grischa/the shoemaker was very eloquent and poignant.

An intense, passionate and unforgettable film which occupies a special place of honour in my film collection.

A Must See For Ballet Fans
The 1948 classic film starring Moira Shearer (herself a professional ballerina) is no only an enjoyable semi-realistic fantasy film, in much the same lines as say The Wizard Of Oz, but a brilliant film technically to look at. It's drawn from the dark fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson (responsible for such stories as The Little Mermaid), in which a young girl is forced to wear red shoes with a will of their own. The poor girl dances until she dies. The concept is taken to a late 40's England, where the aspiring ballerina Victoria Page seeks to dance in the prestigious company headed by the eccentric, perfectionist and intensely driven impresario Lentmontov. The story provides the audience with a glimpse of dance rehearsals, theatrical life both pre-performance and during, the charm of the glamourosu life ballerinas are said to enjoy. But in reality, it is a study on obscession, the demand for virtuouso performance and the conflict between love of one's career and romantic love. Victoria Page is herself doomed to dance to her death when she is torn between her duty to Lentmontov and her love for his musical composer and choreographer. This movie is excellent for ballet fans, and for stage magic fans- the Ballet of the Red Shoes is the most striking moment in the film, an original ballet set against surreal, nightmarish backgrounds of carnivals, ballrooms and ghostly netherworlds where neon lights change colors in blinding and dizzying speed and danced to jazzy 40's music. The film is sure to impress adults (I disagree that it is for children due to the drama of the whole thing), and it is marvelously shot in Paris, London and Monte Carlo. A film like this does'nt come often.

Don't ignore human nature
Amazon Reviewer "ploompy" notes, "...Look for Lermontov's great advice to Kraster when his intellectual & creative material is purloined by a professor. Lermontov says simply, "It is better to be stolen from than to have to steal..." I agree, this is an excellent piece of advice to remember in life.

Another line in the "Red Shoes" by the Lermontov character is worth noting. Lermontov is warned about "human nature" and how current events within his theatre group is breaking up the act. Lermontov responds to this by saying "I simply ignore it". As events unfold with the "Red Shoes" story Lermontov's ignoring of human nature comes back to haunt him in the end. One can never IGNORE human nature. It trumps eveything else.

Excellent movie on all levels. A true movie classic.

Enjoy

Great movie
My husband and I just saw this movie on Turner Classic movies last nite and we just loved it. My husband had seen this movie when he was 5 years old, around the time the movie was made and had not seen it since. The ballet sequences were great, the technicolor and special effects were super. We highly recommend this movie to anyone who has a taste for the ballet or just folks who enjoy a good movie

Thanks to Turner Classic Movies.....
I saw "The Red Shoes" tonight once more on TCM and my heart pounds each time I see it...The color, the acting, the art direction, the music. This is a film that has aged well like fine wine...... you just want more and more of it.
I am so glad to have finally ordered the DVD. I have had the VHS tape a few years but now I will soon have the DVD thanks to CDNOW for making it so easy to order...
Dave Reep
Kansas City ... Read more

Reviews (74)

good grief
A Chorus Line is a truly great show, when performed onstage keeping true to the original *ahem* SONGS, but the movie kind of failed in the attempt to re-create the magic. I mean, "Music and The Mirror" is a perfect example. Did they think it was too subtle for the movie-watching American public? Did it really have to be replaced with something as blunt as "Let Me Dance For You"? Puh-leaze. And they cut out the entire montage, which really helps in exploring the character's personalities, etc. Why did Cassie seem like such an...annoyance? She did interrupt "I Can Do That". She did harass him into giving her a role. She didn't seem graceful, like in the stage version. (ie, falling while getting into the taxi) I really liked the Sheila, and I loved Terrance Mann. I also found the drag show monologue very well done. It's good, but not even close to the singular sensation it was onstage.

"One Singular Sensation!"
The screen version of Michael Bennett's landmark Broadway musical lets the audience experience the struggle, anxiety and triumph of a group of dancers auditiong for the chorus of a Broadway show.

This is a classic and not to be missed. One of the best "backstage musicals films" ever made. Michael Douglas soft-shoes 16 dancers through a grueling audition to Marvin Hamlisch's Oscar nominated music and Jeffrey [Flashdance] Hornaday's sizzling, synergistic choreography.

The cast is excellent most notably, Michael [Chaplin] Blevins, who brings charming honesty to the role of 17 year old Mark, the youngest dancer on the line. Other fine performances are given by Gregg Burge, Audrey Landers, Nicole Fosse, and Terrence Mann. For such excellent dancers they all bring great credibility to their respective acting roles.

Oscar winning director Richard Attenborough heads-up this dazzling three-time Academy Award nominated adaptation of Broadway's long running musical that received nine Tony awards and the Pulitzer Prize. Attneborough gracefully blends big production numbers with intimate moments.

This movie is so enjoyable to watch because the transition from stage to screen is smooth and entertaining. Afterall, the New York Times called the film :

"A single burst of breathtaking inspiration!" -New York Times

The Dance and Theatre critics raved about it:

"It is the best dance film, and for that matter, the best movie musical for years!" -Clive Barnes, New York Post

"...exhilarating...one of the year's best pictures..." -Jeffrey Lyons, Sneak Previews, INN

This is a Great White Way phenomenon. Join the chorus of this high-stepping piece of celluloid - it is truly "One Singular Sensation"!

Fun movie, very true to life of a dancer
Considering I have never seen the Broadway show, I found this movie to be quite enjoyable. The songs were fun, the dancing fantastic, the acting was relatively good, and I thought the plot would have been very good without the Cassie/Zach relationship being thrust into the limelight. Many people did not like "Surprise, Surprise," due to its replacing of an original song. However, I thought Gregg Burge did an absolutely amazing job with it. His dancing was so high-energy and almost technically impeccable. No complaints there. I loved: "Dance Ten, Looks Three", "Nothing", "Hello Twelve", and "At the Ballet." My one major complaint with this movie is Cassie. I felt she was annoying, she detracted from several of the musical numbers with absolutely pointless shots of her sitting in a chair, and I didn't enjoy her songs very much. Other than that, good movie, and hopefully I will get to see the Broadway show sometime.

Don't delete old songs
While I can understand the need for space and time in a movie, the two new songs, Richie's "Surprise" & Cassie's "Let me dance for you," are both fascinating and reveal to us something more about their characters. It was good that part of the excessively long montage went away, though they should not have left out Richie's previous part, in which he reveals that his athletic skills give him a scholarship to college in which he intends to become a kindergarten teacher, until he realizes that "Nobody's going to be standing there with no scholarship to life" and selects dancing instead.

But Cassie's distracting subplot gets in the way a bit. It would have been better to have Cassie appear twice, singing both her original "Music & the mirror" (and emotionally stronger song) earlier, getting tossed out, then returning later to sing "Let me dance for you."

In addition, Kristine's song, "Sing," reveals more about this pathetic bride whom we know or care nothing about in the movie. Her husband (and assistant in the song) is more powerful, but he too suffers from losing all importance to the plot.

Beyond this, the character of Connie is completely ignored. She didn't even get a song, nor much to say. She could at least have helped out a bit with Diana's "Nothing."

That's it. My tirade is over. I like the film, but I could bear to watch a further half-hour to include more for these characters.

Unjustly Underrated!
I can't believe all the negative reviews I am reading for this film, but then again, I haven't seen the stage version, so I can't compare. The film adaptation of "A Chorus Line" is the quintessential backstage musical, a celebration of the lives and tribulations of the dancers who turn up by the hundreds to audition for a handful of jobs on Broadway.

The simple story goes like this: A choreographer is casting eight dancers for a new musical, and during one long and truthful day he auditions hundreds of dancers before he makes his final selection. The remaining dozen pour out their hearts and souls through song and dance, all desperate for a part, and all deserving of one. We learn about their lives, loves, fears, and sacrifices through the brilliant lyrics.

From what I understand, Richard Attenborough's film treatment of the story sticks to the outlines of the stage version, although he takes the liberty to fill in the details of the choreographer's old romance, and he leaves out some of the original songs to make room for new ones. I think it's a wonderful idea, and hey, for me, it works.

The result may not please purists who want a film record of what they saw on stage, but this is one of the most intelligent and compelling movie musicals in a long time. Everybody, at one time or another, has been on a line similar to this one--anxious to be accepted and terrified of being rejected by someone judging his or her worth.

Attenborough (Gandhi) makes the most of this dramatic tension, along with the hopefulness of all those in the audition. Best of all, he captures the vibrancy of modern dance from the free-form confusion of the opening scenes to the high-stepping kicks of the finale.

This is truly one of the most underrated films EVER, an emotional, powerful, and anxious musical definitely worth seeing. Give it a chance, it won't hurt! ... Read more

Description

After 25 chart-topping hits, the singing star becomes a movie star!George Strait makes his film debut in an entertaining look into the heart and soul of country music from Young Guns director Christopher Cain.

Superstar Dusty Chandler (Strait) is tired of the smoke, the strobe lights and the overmiked sound of his arena spectaculars.One night, something snaps."I'm just going to take a little walk," Dusty says as he walks out of the empty hall, ditching his beard, ponytail - and temporarily, his career - to reclaim his down-home country roots.But his manager (Leslie Ann Warren) retaliates:a stand-in (Kyle Chandler) lip-synchs his songs in concert.And a romance with a lovely rancher (Isabel Glasser) is on again, off again like a rodeo cowboy.The simple life can be complex, but it's nothing a revitalized country boy can't handle! ... Read more

Reviews (47)

The best movie I ever seen!
Without a doubt one of the best movies to feature great country music in a true country atomosphere (not like Urban Cowboy or Rhinestone), is the movie Pure Country starring George Strait, Lesley Ann Warren, and Isabel Glasser. The plot centers around the career of a country music singer by the name of Dusty Chandler played by George who gets tired of performing shows that are too extravagent and look lik a forth of July celebration with fireworks, smoke, and music so lound that nobody can hear the words. Dusty's manager is the flirty Lula Rodgers played by Warren. When Dusty just takes a walk one night he ends up back in his old home town, one thing leads to another and the next thing you know he's romancing a beautiful young woman named Harley Tucker (Glasser) who is struggling to keep the family ranch out of the bank's hands. All the while Dusty tours goes on without him. Lula feeling that she has no other choice sends out a Dusty impersonator in the form of Buddy Jackson (Kyle Chandler), a member of the road crew who just happens to be her boyfriend. In the end Dusty gets his girl and he gives a great performance, just him and his guitar. The performance of "I Cross My Heart" is enough to make the anybody anybody wish that they could find a love this true. I get choked up every time and watch and I wish that it was me singing on that stage. At that point he is pretty much the luckiest person in the world. A great career and a great woman. The music this movie has to offer is, how can I say it, greater than any other movie ever made. There is something for every fan of country music, from heartbreak songs to love ballads to songs that you can't help but dance too. If you want to watch a movie that really makes you want to fall in love watch this one and if you like country music and you haven't seen this movie that plaease watch it, I beg of you. Buy the soundtrack too. To wrap this up buy the movie, rent it, do what you have to do. It's the best movie I ever seen and I can't stress that enough. The movie is clean so you can watch it with your kids, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your spouse, watch it with anybody you want to. Trust me you'll be doing them a favor. Thank you very much and have a good 'un. END

Thumbs up! Country star Strait proves he can act too.
It's been a few years since I've seen this, but I remember it being enjoyable, a little bit of everything : comedy, drama, music. A somewhat predictable story line but overall well done....with some good country music to boot. I've always liked George Strait, and was pleasantly surprised by his seemingly effortless ability to act. He is completely at home in front of the camera, very natural. Leslie Anne Warren turns in a great supporting performance, too. One of her more memorable roles.If you like George Strait, you'll love this movie. If you're not a fan, you will be after you see this film!

Not bad
I'm not a fan of any of the people in this film except for one, the Lovely Lesley Ann Warren, I simply Adore her and originally saw this due to the fact that she was in it. I found the film a fun film, a good story with decent acting. It probably grabbed alot of female fans due to George Strait starring in it also. Thats ok, some stars pull in good crowds. Not a bad movie but not one of my favorites. I'd give it an "average" rating.

The worst Country Music Movie I ever seen !!!
The only good thing is the Music shows by George, his rol is ridicolous because the script is a totally ordinary and used once and again in others films.

The truht Actress Lesly Ann Warren is horribilis because since she is her carrere ending, has to do a rool without any resources to make his best as she peformed in "Official and Gentelman" and "Urban Cawboy".

I got this DVD in USA (Region 1) but being aware that no Spanis language was referenced as available doub in the audio.

But when I been back in Madrid (Spain) and play the DVD... Bingo! a ridicolous Spanis-Mexican Doubing start to sound....

So, In the most powerfull Nation of the heart where are living more Spanis speakers than in Spain and it is inside the American Continent discovered by Columbus and havin more than 300 Millions of people, the Movies Industry on DVD allways include French audio doubing and let the Spanis language audio doub be done by Mexicans and hide it on the features credits list on the DVD case rear side. PATETIC!!!!!!!!! :( :( :(

A "Pure" Movie the Whole Family Will Enjoy!
With the large amount of smut, ultra-violence and graphic language in movies today, "Pure Country" is a breath of fresh air for anyone looking for a movie that is entertaining for young and old alike. The film, which debuts country superstar George Strait's acting ability, is a quality film with a fun story that takes a look at the world of country music from the singer's point of view.

George Strait plays Dusty Wyatt Chandler, a Garth Brooksesque superstar whose show has outgrown everyone's expectations, especially his own. While performing at a massive arena to a sold out show, he has an epiphany that the fans are so caught up in his hype, in the pyro-technics and the fireworks and all the flash and dance, that they fail to notice when Dusty stops singing for several seconds. Downed by the realization that people have forgotten his music, and angry with his manager, Lula Rogers (Lesley Ann Warren), after a disagreement about how his show should be performed, Dusty takes off, hitch-hiking his way back home to his small-town roots, leaving Lula, the band, and indeed, his entire entourage, scrambling to find him before their next show.

When he returns home, he re-discovers why he began on the musical journey that took him into the big time, and at the same time meets and falls for Harley Tucker (Isabel Glasser), a proud but struggling ranch owner whose ranch is in risk of going under.

The story takes the audience on a journey into America's heartland, where front porch philosophy, strong family values, and the need to return to your roots are the more important parts of a "pure country" life. Through the experiences that unfold in his time off, Dusty discovers that there he must be responsible to the people that depend on him, but he must be true to himself and his music as well.

With a "feel-good" ending that's sure to please, this movie is chock full of George Strait's music, including the hit "I Cross My Heart" which went on to become a number 1 hit for the singer after the movie's debut.

This is a great film for all ages, and a movie parents can feel comfortable watching with the kids. (NOTE: Minor "make out" scene near beginning of the film (nothing inappropriate, but as I am labelling this a "family" film, I want parents to be aware for younger audiences)).

In a time when the world seems to be reeling from a lack of values, this is a great film that really is "Pure Country", with a down-home feel good story for the whole family.

-Scott Kolecki ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Robert Altman's great masterpiece of the American Experience
I recently rewatched this film for the first time in a long, long time, and was amazed at how much better it was than I remembered. Moreover, I remembered it as being very, very good. In this film, director Robert Altman tracks the interweavings of over twenty major characters over the course of a few days in Nashville. Some of the characters are major Country-Western performers, and others are mere wannabes. All is set against the background of a mysterious third party presidential candidate for the Replacement Party, whose cars and vans drive around the city, broadcasting his commonsensical yet superficial political messages.

Altman has always excelled more than anyother director with ensemble casts, and this is the greatest example of that in his career. No one cast member predominates. Ronee Blakley probably should have won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, but was hurt by Lily Tomlin's also being nominated. Lily Tomlin and Henry Gibson's performances were both completely unexpected at the time, since both were considered television comedians and had been regulars on Rowan and Martin's Laugh In. But truly, none of the cast members were weak, and most were exceptional. Keenan Wynn was superb as Mr. Green, whose wife is dying of cancer in the film. But the true star of the film is Altman, who is utterly masterful in the way he brings his characters into contact with one another, like a dance director choreographing an immense ballet. One becomes accustomed to seeing all the same faces in one scene or event after another, and for some odd recent it doesn't strike one as at all coincidental. I especially enjoyed seeing Jeff Goldblum's nonspeaking character The Tricycle Man popping up in scene after scene on his triwheel chopper that seems more a parody of EASY RIDER than an imitator.

The movie is laced with songs, and what makes them special is the fact that everyone did their own singing and most wrote the songs that they sang. Keith Carradine especially distinguished himself with two great songs, "I'm Easy, " which actually netted the Academy Award that year for best song, and the rousing closing number, "It Don't Bother Me." To be honest, while most of the singers are at least competent (except for the intentionally awful Sueleen Gay, heartbreakingly portrayed by the excellent Gwen Welles), few are truly first rate. The two great exceptions are Ronee Blakley, who manages an utterly stunning Loretta Lynn impersonation, and the improbably spectacular (in the context of the movie) Barbara Harris, whose unexpected rendition of "It Don't Worry Me" provides one of the movie's more amazing moments. Some real Nashville musicians turn up as well. In particular, Vassar Clements, considered by many to be the greatest country fiddler, turns up in a Nashville music club as himself.

The movie has many subtle things to say about celebrity and politics, and the ongoing confusion of the two (brought out powerfully by the ending, in which an entertainer rather than a political figure is assasinated, and by the fact that one person is mentioned as a gubernatorial candidate, when his only qualification would seem to be that he was a singer). But the movie has broader appeal than just of the Country Music Capital of America. The film intends to be about America itself. It truly does succeed in being an epic about the American experience. A great, great masterpiece.

One of the 70's greatest films and that's saying a lot!
I am waiting for a better DVD version with more extras and 1:85 ratio 2:35 is too small for me. I do own the video and I have no idea how many times I have watched this movie. It's almost worn out. If you are looking for a movie about country music this isn't it. It's about the way we were living and what was going on in the world and our country in the 70's. Yes I am old enough to remember! It is a film that most people seem to really love or really hate. I love it! Great cast! I am a huge Lily Tomlin fan and she is is wonderful in this film, but so is the rest of the cast. The 70's had some of the greatest films ever made this is one of the best!

The real Nashville?
Does this movie portray the real Nashville? I don't know; I don't work in the music industry. However, something tells me that this movie really does portray the real Nashville. It portrays people of mediocre talent; people who think they're the greatest thing since sliced bread. Some of the lyrics are so corn-ball they make you squirm with embarrassment, for example, "My mommy and daddy, my Idaho home".

American Life as a microcosm
An astonishing film, rich in satire and brilliantly executed. Altman manages to weave so many subplots and characters seamlessly. One of his crowning achievements. I still don't understand the negative reviews.

What we should mean by patriotism
Robert Altman's 1975 picture remains as enigmatic as ever. The film has a huge cast of 24 actors, most of who appear in only brief scenes with few other characters. Add to this the fact that many of the lines are delivered in a flat or even seemingly improvised fashion, with a tendency for characters to interrupt and speak over each other, and it's easy to feel that the disparate characters are not connected to each other at all. This is Altman's intention though, because this film is about the hopes and ambitions of the individual within the larger society of bicentennial America.

And the plot does come together to some extent as we build to the final song, one of the most moving endings in film history in my opinion. The lyrics, sung by an unknown, interspersed with scenes of America's young in a melting pot American city, suggest a stoicism, perseverance (as one idol falls, another rises to replace her) and vitality. Even after Vietnam, Watergate, assassinations, and deep recession, crossroads America itself maintains hope and optimism. 'Nashville' suggests we are not such a young and homogenous country after all.

Among the individual islands the film explores, standouts are Ronee Blakey as the beautiful and intense but fragile diva, Hnry Gibson as the king of country, with political aspirations, and Lily Tomlin as a loving mother and gospel singer facing a marital crisis. The incredible fact that much of the music was written and performed, with little rehearsal, by many of the actors (Keith Carradine and Karen Black's musical performances are also noteworthy) lends a kind of democratic (for lack of a better word) authenticity to the film as well. ... Read more

Description

Hot stars Mekhi Phifer (8 MILE, SHAFT, TV's ER) and Wood Harris (REMEMBER THE TITANS) team up in an edgy, hard-hitting film with a slammin' soundtrack! Stuck in a nowhere job, Ace (Harris) is a restless teenager who envies the expensive cars, flashy clothes, and high-rolling lifestyle of his drug-dealing friends. Then when he sees his chance, Ace makes the move that suddenly changes his life! Drawn by the seductive lure of easy money in the illicit Harlem underground, he uses his skills to quickly take control of the streets and seize all the power than comes with it! Also starring rap star Cam'ron (WOO) and Chi McBride (GONE IN 60 SECONDS, TV's BOSTON PUBLIC) -- you don't want to miss this gripping look at chasing the American dream ... from the wrong side of the tracks! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Definite Classic Movie!
I first saw this movie in the movie theater when it was released knowing nothing about the real story of the drug-lords being portrayed in the movie (Alpo, AZIE and Rich Porter) when i left the movie theater i thought this was the best movie i ever seen. Everything about this movie is perfect, the way the director and Damon Dash made the movie work out was perfect.

For those of you that dont know this movie was a true story about 3 Harlem drug-lords who ran NY in the mid 1980's at the age of 16 and 17. They would make $50,000 a day (selling 2 ki's of cocaine). This movie teaches u alot about the drug game, the good part and deffinately the bad. This movie being a true story is what makes it so good, knowing that these events really happened make you want to know more about the characters. This is the 2nd part to the life of the drug lords. To learn more about them get "Game Over (Part 1)" which is the real documentary on em.

Guarentee u will like this movie. 100% classsic

very entertaining, based on a true story
A well made movie about a young kid who finds himself right in the middle of a money making drug ring. This young man works at a dry cleaner shop untill he finds a bag of cocain in a pair of pants, when he trys to give the bag back to the owner he realizes the money he could make and soon sets up shop with this and begins buying large amounts of cocain from him. What started small has now grown into pounds,and pounds of cocain. But people soon become blinded by all the money this is where the movie gets interesting. The ring quickly begins to fall apart and people begin to tur on each other leaving people dead and broke. This movie is a real masterpiec