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A milestone of cinematic eroticism, The Story of O was an art house sensation in 1975, and it's still worthy of intelligent discussion. As with the controversial French novella by Pauline Réage, reactions to Just Jaeckin's sumptuous adaptation range from moral outrage to masturbatory indulgence, yet this remains one of the few sex films that stand the test of time (and a lot of academic study). Championed by practitioners of bondage and discipline and vilified by feminists, this metaphorical "love dream" (as Jaeckin has called it) follows the beautiful fashion photographer "O" (Corrine Clery) as she, like many gorgeously naked women before her, is "trained" for a seemingly satisfying life of love and discipline, her freedom sacrificed to the man (Anthony Steel) whom she willingly obeys. The debate whether Jaeckin's feminine-empowerment ending, which differs from that of the novella, justifies a story of humiliating submission is just one more reason why The Story of O endures. (Note: This DVD presents the 97-minute version of the film, edited by the director to improve pacing and not for purposes of censorship.) --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (45)

A Masterwork of Erotic Fiction
I was prompted to write this review after seeing some of the tripe written about the film. Most so-called adult films are mindless, empty, clinical depictions of rutting and most "erotica" is childish and bland. The Story of O is different: it is literature and the film is an excellent adaptation of the novel. I read the novel first and felt nothing but satisfation on viewing the film. The director and cast bring the novel alive as it is meant to be.

This story, written by a woman I might add, is not about the exploitation of women or a woman. It is not about submission to anything other than one's own love and sexuality. It is symbolic, so profoundly so, that it must touch upon our archetypes.

Many might miss that through submission, O conquers her lover--totally. There is an irony here in that her lover ends up the submissive one. She taps into the infinite power of her femininity and becomes a goddess. I am not into bondage and discipline personally, yet this movie is a favorite of my wife and me. O haunts, she is supernally erotic, and profoundly feminine.

The quality of the film is first class, it is well acted, and is a classic. IMO, it is a must have film. It is the only erotic film in our house--the rest just are so bland.

A Masterwork of Erotic Fiction
I was prompted to write this review after seeing some of the tripe written about the film. Most so-called adult films are mindless, empty, clinical depictions of rutting and most "erotica" is childish and bland. The Story of O is different: it is literature and the film is an excellent adaptation of the novel. I read the novel first and felt nothing but satisfation on viewing the film. The director and cast bring the novel alive as it is meant to be.

This story, written by a woman I might add, is not about the exploitation of women or a woman. It is not about submission to anything other than one's own love and sexuality. It is symbolic, so profoundly so, that it must touch upon our archetypes.

Many might miss that through submission, O conquers her lover--totally. There is an irony here in that her lover ends up the submissive one. She taps into the infinite power of her femininity and becomes a goddess. I am not into bondage and discipline personally, yet this movie is a favorite of my wife and me. O haunts, she is supernally erotic, and profoundly feminine.

The quality of the film is first class, it is well acted, and is a classic. IMO, it is a must have film. It is the only erotic film in our house--the rest just are so bland.

Classic Soft Core
The Story of O doesn't stand much as a story at all on the surface. It
really is just a film that dared to be original for it's time and probably
succeeded only because of it's massive amounts of nudity. I for one (of many
it's assumed) absolutely adore nudity. The Story of O is actually deeper
than I give it credit for and that is actually something I can appreciate.
I enjoy being convinced that these characters are real and caring about them
and so forth and then seeing the best looking ones rip off there clothes and
prance about in nothing but their epitdermis. That's my absolute favorite
part of cinema actually. Call me primal, shallow and a glutton but it's
among my favorite things.

Corinne Clery is a model turned actress who had a good string of
exploitation-like films going there for quite some time. She is my
definition of perfect in terms of thin brunettes with beautiful faces. Her
body is indeed nice to look at and here we see her more naked than quite
possibly anyone had ever been in film. We don't see anything too graphic
unfortunately but she is nude for about 80% of the film. One more comment
on this dimension, this film does contain my all-time favorite female full
frontal nude scene ever. Toward the end we see Cori in all in glory
standing up, tied to two posts covered in sweat and some nice whiplash marks
as she shakes about with semi-wet hair. Very nice indeed.

O.K., enough on the shameless aspects. The Story of O is a standout
landmark in this genre directed by softcore staple Just Jaekin (Emmanuelle).
He gives an element to softcore that only Andrew Blake can give to hardcore
and what really should be the goal of this now dying genre. This work is far
more intimate and at first seemingly less gratuitous but lets face it, the
end result is really no different to the majority of viewers anyway. The
crowd that is just happy to get Cori Clery paused or looped on their DVDs (I
consider part of myself among them to some degree). However, in the vain of
films that push mainstream and well directed projects to the limits, The
Story of O will always be remembered.

I've heard comparison's to the Image. If you liked the Image, keep in mind
that The Story of O doesn't go that far. Metzger's work is always somewhat
gratuitous and pornagraphic, this film is not. All situations are
stimulated and played down. Nice displays of the female body but also not
an anatomy lesson either. Jaekin actually despises pornography probably
because it mostly misguides the motivations for creating intelligent
pictures about this kind of subject matter.

One of the best and most erotic films ever made.
"The Story of O" is a masterpiece. I wish I would have seen it in its original language (French), but it's dubbed in English pretty good. Do you remember that famous orgy scene from Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut? Well, this entire film feels like that scene and that's very cool. It creates a mysterious and dreamy atmosphere, it has good acting and it's beautifully photographed and edited. You don't get to see a movie like this everyday.

Was this film really made in 1975? If I didn't know I would have sweared it was a new release. As jacked as it may sound "The Story of O" deserves to be such a classic -- it stands with brio the test of time and after "Nine 1/2 Weeks" it could very well may be the best erotic film ever made. As jacked as it may sound, I was intrigued by it from the beginning to the end.

Coulda, Shoulda
This one could have been a lot better and should have been a lot sexier. It kinda misses the mark in all areas, except for the fact that if you can get a girl to watc it with you she'll probably be up for some sweating later on -- due to the erotic nature of the film. I'd like to contrast this with the "New Sex Now" video, which, while it is very low in production values, delivers a major payload in the content and expertise that it bestows upon lucky viewers. O, I wish this "O" had been something near as good as the book "Story of O" which was PHENOMENAL -- but alas, it woulda been nice. ... Read more

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Based on a true story of the man who locked his boys out of the gym until they focused on their schoolwork, this by-the-numbers crowd-pleaser holds together because a steely Samuel L. Jackson refuses to notice the parade of clichés he's trumpeting (the dialogue sticks to platitudes like, "Success in here is the key to success out there"). Coach Ken Carter (Jackson) takes over an unruly team of Richmond, California basketball players and teaches them how to play--and behave--like champions. His plight, which pits him against an uncooperative school board and parents who've given up hope, holds some interest, but the film is too concerned with giving us a Big Game every twenty minutes or so. The teens all have the spark of life in them (including pop star Ashanti, who features in a surprisingly well-handled teen pregnancy subplot), though the film's plodding familiarity means it's never really rousing, adding up to simply a good-natured amalgam of Stand and Deliver, Hoosiers, Dangerous Minds, and even Dead Poet's Society (one of the tougher players actually recites some inspirational poetry).--Steve Wiecking ... Read more

Reviews (205)

Who knows what kind of difference we could make?
I've wanted to see this movie since I started to see the previews because I loved the premise. I think it's something that would truly change the world if it would only catch on. I was thrilled to see Haley Joel Osment playing such a role. He is a true "wunderkind" or perhaps an "Indigo Child" as they are often referred to today. He carries with him such an air of mystique and prophecy that I just know that his movies hold valuable messages for all of us. It surprises me that other reviewers couldn't focus long enough to realize that the sub-plots were all intended to connect via the "pay it forward" context, as we realize that Trevor's homework assignment has influenced people, events and places far beyond his own awareness. Yes, Helen Hunt looks like a witch, but she's playing an alcoholic -- they're rarely pretty, but often good-hearted. She's also a battered woman, and a brutally honest confrontation with Trevor's teacher forces her to question her self-destructive loyalty to the father of her son -- a loud and clear message to women who may be putting their children at risk by paying too much respect to fathers who don't deserve it. Even Trevor himself dreads his father's return, and father's rights advocates could benefit from the realization that sometimes children *don't* need fathers who hurt them and/or their mothers.

Paying it forward is about taking risks for others, risks that are hard, challenging, and scary. Trevor himself honors the courage it took his mother to forgive her mother for the childhood that caused her such pain. It takes courage -- and that is why the end is as powerful as it is. I won't spoil it, but I want to say that it was a statement that underscored the kind of courage it takes to change the world.

I wasn't too crazy about the final scenes, they were anti-climactic and stretched the point. Still, it was a beautiful story and if only we could all make the effort to "pay it forward" who knows what kind of difference we could make?

I expected schlock, sugar and smaltz, not so! I LOVED IT!
What a pleasant surprise this movie was! I avoided seeing it for awhile because of so many negative or so-so reviews I'd read and also because a friend told me the book was "sentimental and corny". But the movie was very believable and I can't help thinking that the only people who could fail to be moved by it would have to be hard-core cynics. Haley Joel Osmont proves his acting chops yet again (after his acclaimed his role in Sixth Sense), playing a middle-school student named Trevor who has a troubled home life, an alcoholic mother and an erratic, wayward father. When his new teacher, played by the superb Kevin Spacey, gives an imaginative class assignment, daring the students to "change the world" Trevor takes his homework to a new extreme, changing not only his life but that of his teacher. While parts of this movie do challenge the viewer's ability to suspend belief and seem somewhat unreal, it is a rare treat to see such a trio of talented actors come together for such a worthy idea. Don't be surprised to find yourself reaching for the tissues while watching this movie. I came to it with negative preconceptions and reluctance and was surprisingly moved and heartened by watching it. This is one I plan to buy and add to my permanent collection, worth seeing again and again.

Sad but Great
This is a sad but very meaningful film.

It gives one a respect for living life each day to the fullest, no matter what circumstance we encounter. Life is truly a gift from GOD.

its gotta be watched
Pay it forward is brilliant example of life. i absolutely love this film and have it on dvd myself. the way it approaches the problems we all encounter in life is amazing. when trevor, the young boy just reaching 7th grade, thinks up an ingenious an wonderful way to make good reach the entire world, we can empathise with his quest as he is left alone regularly by his alcoholic mother and has come from a very disturbing background. when his teacher proposes that the class partake in an assignment whereby they must change the world, trevor gets very involved. i'v heard of a lot of people saying that the end scene was 'pinched' from field of dreams an i would like to put it straight that the end scene is perfect for this film. although it tugs harshly on the emotion strings the ending is perfect in every way. a valuable message to be taken from this film is no matter how bad it seems, a shimmer of good and hope is always there. my advice to everone is watch this film. i guarentee you will not be disappointed. x

Moving Film
Helen Hunt leads an all-star cast as a hard working mom from Vegas, raising seventh grader, Trevor, on her own. Social Studies teacher, Mr. Simonet, played wonderfully by Kevin Spacey, is the crusty middle-aged man who can't come to grips with his painful childhood experiences which leads him through a lifetime of lonely bachelorhood. When he assigns the class an extra credit project to "change the world," Trevor finds an original way to intrepret the job and literally sets out to, one by one, create a hands-on affect on his community. First he befriends a homeless man, Jerry, played convincingly by THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST'S Jim Caviezel, and tries to help Jerry get back on the right track. Jon Bon Jovi plays Trevor's nasty pop, who saunters back into the picture just when Helen Hunt begins a tender relationship with Mr. Simonet. The viewer roots for the PAY IT FORWARD idea, despite numerous setbacks. Angie Dickinson has a small role as the weather-battered drunk mom of Helen Hunt, and we see Jay Mohr intermittently as a fumbling reporter trying desperately to track down the originator of this Pay it Forward "movement." The ending took me by surprise, and I will not spoil it, but suffice to say there won't be a dry eye in the house when you see it for yourself. This one is a keeper! ... Read more

Reviews (200)

Edgy and Kinky... and definitely not light entertainment
Maggie Gyllenhaal manages to take an incredibly complex role and make it watchable. Lee is a young girl with a history of psychological problems that have led to destructive and suicidal behavior. After a brief glimpse of the sophisticated submissive that she becomes, the story is told in flashback beginning with her release from a psychiatric facility. Coming home to a timid and nervous mother, it's easy to question how effective her treatment was when she immediately takes shelter in her room and reverently fondles the knives that she's used to cut herself in the past.

She applies for a secretarial job with Edward, a strangely detached attorney played by James Spader (a few years ago this role would have gone to Christopher Walken). It quickly becomes evident that his performance standards are not necessarily within the norms of conventional office conduct, more apropos of a dungeon than an office. But Lee discovers a bond (no pun intended) that she had never before imagined, and the interplay between secretary and boss, master and submissive becomes fascinating to watch. At times it becomes questionable as to who is manipulating who. But it's clear that these are two very strange personalities that have drifted into a very symbiotic and ultimately beneficial relationship.

If images of sadomasochism and bondage will offend you, stay clear of this. But for a very complex character study, it's difficult to top. I can't necessarily say that I would like to have Edward and Lee as next door neighbors, but it is nice that they could find each other.

Dinner and a Movie...and Sadomasochism?
Perhaps the quirkiest love story every put to film, Secretary is proof that love can be found anywhere, even under a saddle and involving extreme cases of S&M. Lee, a heartsick girl straight out of rehab, thinks she has found confidence in her job as a secretary, working for a lawyer named Edward. She soon finds that not only is she fulfilling her job as receptionist, but also as Edward's awkward sex kitten. By the end of the film the audience is left to feel one of the following: repulsed or lighthearted. This is definitely not a family film, but the final scene remains tender and eye-opening. A romantic comedy in the same vein as Harold and Maude.

Sexually Charged, Sadistic Romance
First of all, Maggie Gyllenhaal is incredibly cute! She is such an unlikely face for the part of this girl who falls in love with her employer, a lawyer played by James Spader. The story starts with Gyllenhaal just being released from a psych ward for self-mutilating habits. She gets a job at Spader's law office. All seems OK, so far. Soon enough, she becomes involved in a bondage/S&M sexcapade at work with him! Eventually she realizes that she is in love with him....

Stopping there, in order not to ruin the story, let it be said that this movie is not for children. While actual sex and nudity are at a minimum, it would certainly disturb a child. Not quite porn, yet not at all without its extremely erotic overtones. Don't expect to be aroused with your partner by this movie, either. The bondage/love story becomes depressing. Watch this for the story and shock factor alone.

Great Erotic & Disturbingly Romantic Comedy!!!!!!!
This was an absolutely great movie. Me and my girlfriend rented this one night after hearing about it on the Radio, and this has now become one of our Favorite movies to watch together. It's a very Dark Romantic movie involving Control, & Submission, and done in a tasteful way. This is also a great "In The Mood" movie for those who want to explore new directions with their intimacy.

Almost Brilliant
Such a great love story; Maggie Gyllenhaul ( is that spelt right?) is great. It was wonderfully acted. This movie is definitly not for children to be viewing. If you thought a kid under 16 can see this you are wrong, it shows alot of frontal nudity. But this does not mean it is not excellent. I recomend you to buy this and keep it away from you sibling or child. Hope you enjoy it! ... Read more

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Clint Eastwood's 25th film as a director, Million Dollar Baby stands proudly with Unforgiven and Mystic River as the masterwork of a great American filmmaker. In an age of bloated spectacle and computer-generated effects extravaganzas, Eastwood turns an elegant screenplay by Paul Haggis (adapted from the book Rope Burns: Stories From the Corner by F.X. Toole, a pseudonym for veteran boxing manager Jerry Boyd) into a simple, humanitarian example of classical filmmaking, as deeply felt in its heart-wrenching emotions as it is streamlined in its character-driven storytelling. In the course of developing powerful bonds between "white-trash" Missouri waitress and aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), her grizzled, reluctant trainer Frankie Dunn (Eastwood), and Frankie's best friend and training-gym partner Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris (Morgan Freeman), 74-year-old Eastwood mines gold from each and every character, resulting in stellar work from his well-chosen cast. Containing deep reserves of love, loss, and the universal desire for something better in hard-scrabble lives, Million Dollar Baby emerged, quietly and gracefully, as one of the most acclaimed films of 2004, released just in time to earn an abundance of year-end accolades, all of them well-deserved. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (186)

Everyone's already taken the compliments this movie can get
I can't believe how much I liked this movie. I'm not really one for Boxing or Dramas (Unless their really good) but I was was pleasantly surprised.

Good performances on all sides (Hilary really deserved that Oscar), and the film also has you caring for the characters...maybe not all of them, but definately Hilary Swank.

- - -SPOILERS AHEAD- - -
I hate using words like "heartbreaking," but that's just what the ending to this story was. It will wreck you for a week. My Dad, who I viewed the movie with, hated the ending. He wanted one of those fairy tale finishes but, in reality, the world doesn't have too many of those. I, on the other hand (While I was fighting like Mike Tyson to hold back tears), admire Clint Eastwood for not being afraid to take a story (no matter how "good" or "inspiring" it is) and do a complete 180 from the cliche ending it seemed it was heading. It takes big grapes to do that.

Boxing Hilary?
This movie uses its extremely strong characters and a decent storyline to create what could literally be called a modern day classic. It shows a softer side to Clint Eastwood that I am not sure we have ever seen before. Hilary Swank is outstanding - I wish I had a better word for her performance - but I am not sure there is one. They key to this film is her ability to pull off the boxing segments in a convincing manner - and she does that in spades. Her right hook appears to be truly devastating. Morgan Freeman also turns in an awesome performance - both he and Swank are worthy of the Oscar. Million Dollar Baby is a film that should not be missed. See it.

A Great Movie With An Unbelievable Scene!!!
This movie stars Clint Eastwood and Hilary Swank who seems to get another Academy Award every time she appears in a movie.This movie seems to be a female version of Rocky at the start but then becomes a touching human drama. The only thing that spoiled this movie for me was the usual sanitized Hollywood Death Scene. The last time I checked if your oxygen supply is cut off then you turn red, then blue then purple.Not so in this movie. I am sure that Doctor Kevorkian would have loved this movie for this reason alone.

Million Dollar Baby
Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman are fantastic and Hillary Swank absolutey stunning and beautiful even while dawning shorts and sweating like the proverbial pig.This is easily the best movie I've seen in years, it is a must see for not only boxing fans, but anyone who enjoys a movie that has it all.Did I mention Hillary Swank:)

Should be about 17 stars
Let's face it Clint Eastwood's head should be up on Mt. Rushmore.While critics are going bananas over garbage like Kill Bill & Shanghai Noon & Pulp Fiction & nonsense like Star Wars..Clint not only consistently delivers the goodsHeck,,even his lesser pictures like Every Which Way But Loose and Space Cowboys are hugely entertaining. this is along with Unforgiven his crowning achievement. In other words it's as good as it gets...& to think it's about a female boxer of all things...just see it. ... Read more

Description

Edward James Olmos's Oscar-nominated performance energizes this true-life story of a Los Angeles high school teacher who drives his students on to excellence at calculus. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

A wonderful movie
I really liked this movie a lot. It was entertaining and uplifting. It was a motivational movie because it proves that anyone can learn if they try. It also shows that hard work pays off, and that even uneducated students can learn something as challenging as calculus.

It was also humorous sometimes because the teacher tries to motivate his students by doing strange things. There are some quite funny scenes and some scenes that will bring you to tears.

I was amazed by this movie for one strange reason: Mr. Escalante, the calculus teacher, actually looks like a math teacher I had. My math teacher was Spanish too!

This movie from the beginning is quite interesting. We learn the Jamie Escalante wants to teach computer science but he can't because the school doesn't have the computers. So he teaches math instead. He motivates his students to work extra hard and they succeed. There are bumps in the road, but the students work hard and study.

This is a little-known movie that is both entertaining and educating. I would enjoy watching it over.

A HERO IN AN UNHEROIC SITUATION
Jaime Escalante was a teacher who inspired students who might otherwise slip through the cracks. He followed through with a group of kids who might otherwise not have a chance and he taught them calculus and gave them hope. This seems like fantasy, far-fetched and totally out of a Disney story. But it was real life. Edward James Olmos gives a good performance as the inspirational teacher who inspired a movie. Lou Diamond Phillips is supposed to be the toughest of the bunch, giving the teacher the most problems. But he turns out all right in the end. My brother, for some reason, wants to invite Lou Diamond Phillips to Thanksgiving. My brother says Phillips just seems like "a nice guy". My brother is not particularly a fan of Phillips. It is all about being a nice guy. The movie overall is a bit too "feel good" for my tastes, but there is nothing wrong with it. It is the kind of thing that my junior high school math teachers "rewarded" us with right before winter break... a nice movie (meaning we did not have to do classwork) about, what else? Math. There are a lot of movies that fall into this kind of category. They stretch back to Sidney Poitier's To Sir, With Love. Sandy Dennis in Up the Down Staircase. Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds. Meryl Streep in Music of the Heart.

Better Than " Lean on Me "
I was in elementary when this film came out and I didn't see the value of it then. Now I appreciate it for being a decent film about a teacher trying hard as possible to make students depend on education. There's not too many familiar faces in this. Lou Diamond Phillips and Edward James Olmos are the only ones around you'd remember. This film stays true to the true-life of the teacher and unlike Lean on Me doesn't rely on fictious elements to make the story move. Stand and Deliver also doesn't spend the entire film showcasing the students and blaming the teachers for everyone's problems. It's a simple little story that tells a true story about a man who made a difference if only for a short while. I highly recommend it. It is one of few positive Hispanic films around and that alone makes it a must-see.

An inspiring film teaching that there are no limits
I was first recommended this movie to watch because I was having a hard time with math. I thought was boring and didn't see the point in it. But my father made me watch it, and I'm glad I did.

This film is about Jaime Escalante (portrayed masterfully by Edward James Olmos) and his math class that he had in 1982 (based on a true story). Escalante was a Bolivian living in America that went to East L.A.'s Garfield High School to teach computer science. It turned out that the school had no funding for computers, so they redirected him to teach math instead. His class of eighteen Latin-American students, convinced they would never amount to much, were still struggling with the concept of fractions. They're troublemakers and gangmembers. One of the most complicated and difficult students, Angel (Lou Diamond Phillips), goes home every night to end up drinking, smoking, and throwing bricks through shop windows.

Escalante learns to work with these students, motivating them to learn. Ganas, or desire, are required from everybody. "With ganas you can do anything you want," says Escalante. "And if you don't have ganas, I'll give you some. I'm an expert." Deciding he needs a challenge, he decides that in two years he'll teach the students calculus and have them pass the A.P. (Advanced Placement) Calculus exam. What happens next is truly emotional and inspirational. I won't reveal the ending, as it's for you to see.

Stands tall.
Good movie about the importance and value of education. Almost every high school student should see it. ... Read more

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Something the Lord Made recounts the relationship between Dr. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman) and Vivian Thomas (Mos Def). It begins in 1930s Nashville when imperious cardiac surgeon Blalock hires Thomas, an African American carpenter, as his janitor. When the latter reveals a passion for medicine and facility with surgical instruments, Blalock promotes him to lab tech. Thomas isn't given a raise, works side jobs to make ends meet, and is expected to be grateful. Along the way, he follows Blalock from Vanderbilt to Johns Hopkins, where they save thousands of lives through their pioneering work, but will Thomas ever get any credit? The film provides a satisfying answer to that question. Joseph Sargent (A Lesson Before Dying) directs with subtlety and intelligence, while Rickman and Mos Def are in top form, often underplaying where most actors would do otherwise. Something the Lord Made won the 2004 Emmy for outstanding made-for-TV movie. --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A Wonderful Story Riddled with Too Many Unanswered Questions
De-Lovely has all of the makings of a great movie. It has a wonderful and engaging cast, especially Kevin Kline as the American composer and songwriter Cole Porter. Ashley Judd is ethereal as the long-suffering wife of Cole Porter, Linda Lee Porter. Cole Porter?s music?performed mostly by today?s musical contemporaries like Robbie Williams and Sheryl Crow?is still beautiful, catchy and witty. The period suits and dresses are aesthetically pleasing. With all those pluses, De-Lovely should have been an excellent and entertaining movie but it isn?t. It left with me with an empty and confused feeling.

Cole Porter (1891-1964) married Linda Lee Porter (1883-1954) in 1919. Linda was a wealthy divorcée, and several years older than Porter was when they wed. Porter was gay. Linda and Cole shared a mainly platonic marriage, which included separate bedrooms in their lush houses. The biopic De-Lovely inspires to be a celebration of their relationship, a love affair that is higher (and perhaps purer) than sex and sexual orientation. However, it doesn?t succeed.

The movie never truly explains why Linda accepted this type of arrangement even though she knew from the start that Cole would rather sleep with men. Did she do it because she was lonely? Did she do it because they were great friends? Or did she do it because she needed a cover for her own sexual orientation? One never knows. In De-Lovely, Linda Lee knowingly marries a gay man yet balks (a lot!) when Cole has trysts with men. She encourages him to move to different parts of the world to work on his music in hopes that it will distract him from his extramarital affairs, and then becomes upset when it doesn?t. She even leaves him, only to come back when he is injured in a horseback riding accident. It only appears in this movie that Linda stayed with Cole to be able to apply for martyrdom.

One is motivated to watch the movie from beginning to end to see if the secrets of their relationship are ever revealed. They are not, and, in the end it, makes De-Lovely a very dissatisfying movie despite its wonderful characteristics.

As earlier mentioned, Kevin Kline?s performance is sublime. The music, although performed with a certain amount of campiness, remains timeless. (Skip the De-Lovely soundtrack and check out the Ella Fitzgerald Sings Cole Porter or the Frank Sinatra Sings Cole Porter CDs.)

Even educated fleas do it.
My main problem with "De-Lovely" has nothing to do with the acting, the music or the way that director Irwin Winkler has chosen to present the material.

Kevin Kline is excellent in this movie, and Ashley Judd gives her best performance in years, which isn't really saying much. The music is excellent, though it's occasionally obtrusive in the movie.

The "It's a Wonderful Life" story device used to tell the story is a bit odd, to be honest. In it, the aged Cole Porter is commanded by some sort of visiting angel or "director," played eerily by Jonathan Pryce, to tell the story of his life. So, occasionally, the entire natural story stops, allowing for aged Cole to interfere or intervene in the way his life is going.

My main problem, I fear, has to do with the arrangement behind the marriage of Cole and Linda Lee Porter, which is not the movie's fault at all.

I'm bugged by the fact that Linda Lee marries Cole knowing full well that he's gay - yet much of the movie is devoted to how it's difficult for her to live with this choice. When she sees him devoted to another man, she moves them to another country, even though she knew he was gay to begin with. It's like she's a hanger-on, even though he didn't love her the way she needed to be loved. There's was a marriage-of-convenience, not of romantic love.

There are too many shots of Linda looking disappointed that her husband is cavorting with men, even though she knew before they married what he did.

Linda herself admits to not much liking men. Her first husband, according to the movie, abused her, so her marriage to Cole, one of "respect," is without passion.

The entire movie is about their compromise, and it's difficult to watch or determine what exactly we as an audience are supposed to feel about it.

Either Cole is horrible for cheating on his wife with her permission. Or Linda is silly for intentionally entering into a loveless marriage to someone who is actually a very dear friend who cares for her intimately.

See it for the music. See it for the acting. And, if you're gay, be very happy that you live now and, more than likely, no longer have to undertake a sham marriage and hide who you really are.

Absolutely Fantastic
I had to drive nearly 60 miles just to see this movie and it was worth the gas money to do so. This film is brilliant, and without a doubt, I would drive the 60 miles just to see it again.

Kevin Kline stars as songwriter Cole Porter, who lives his life to the fullest and doesn't deny himself any happiness, whether it's happiness with his wife (played by the fantastic Ashley Judd) or with a man. It's life shown even at it's weakest moments-- his wife losing a baby and Cole being thrown from a horse and having serious problems with his legs afterwards, making it hard to use the piano pedals.

This film is so poignant and lovely in every aspect. We get plenty of musical numbers of marvelous Cole Porter tunes, sung by wonderful guest stars, including Robbie Williams, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, and Alanis Morissette. The performances by Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd have OSCAR written all over them.

I highly recommend this film! Even if it's out of your way, as it was for me, try and make the trip anyway. If you're one of the lucky few who lives close to a theater playing this wonderful film, do not miss out on the amazing opportunity to see this one!

This Is Your Life, Cole Porter!
Irwin Winkler, the director of this film about Cole Porter, has chosen the device of the movie within the movie or play within the movie to present his story. Cole Porter (Kevin Klein) is an old man (wondrously made up incidentally) sitting in an empty auditorium watching his life unfold before him. There are many good reasons to see this movie, not the least of which is the score (words and music by Cole Porter). Both Klein and Ashley Judd do respectable jobs with their singing, which runs of course in the Judd family along with good looks. Some of the singing done by various artists is uneven; but seeing the movie made me want to buy a Cole Porter CD sung by someone with the talent of Ella Fitzgerald, for instance. Although the critics seem to be agog over Klein's acting-- and he is fine here-- certainly his performance is balanced by that of Ms. Judd, who does a beautifully nuanced portrait of Linda, Porter's (for the most part) understanding wife.

Although Mr. Porter wrote wonderful music which is still bringing joy to a great many people, his marriage, particularly in his later life, if the movie is accurate, was not always happy. There is never any question, however, that the love between the Porters was true and enduring, in spite of Porter's other gay "night" life. The film is quite moving; the stranger sitting next to me wept several times in the movie and I heard sniffles behind me.

The movie is beautifully filmed. The Coles obviously were high rollers-- lots of alcohol, cigarettes, roses, parties, fine cars and furniture; and the two stars must have worn every costume from the Armani catalogue.

A glossy, sometimes brittle and ultimately sad movie.

Truly being in love and what it calls of us.
This is a magical story of success in love and in the world and what toll each of these takes on the other. Keven Kline and Ashley Judd play the Porters in young and old makeup and you are taken along for the ride without question. Both give oscar nomination performances. After the showing the audience erupted in applause. This is a love story first and foremost. It will captivate your finer feelings, at times likely to insult them but all in all will stretch concepts, perameters and capacities of love. I walked away loving life and feeling hopeful. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Kevin Bacon gives one of the best, most nuanced performances of his career in The Woodsman, a daring and thought-provoking drama he co-produced with his wife, Kyra Sedgwick. In portraying a convicted pedophile named Walter, recently released from prison and struggling to rebuild his life, Bacon and writer-director Nicole Kassell (making her feature-film debut) do a remarkable job of exploring all facets of this troubling yet very human character, from his continuing criminal impulses to the despair he feels over having to conceal his horrible past. Sedgwick costars as the one woman who appears willing to accept Walter, secrets and all, and while The Woodsman takes a few regrettable shortcuts in illustrating Walter's quest for the good man he can be, the film deserves to be seen and discussed as a provocative yet admirably humane study of an individual whom society may too quickly label a "monster." The film allows for different interpretations, and that complexity--along with Bacon's performance--makes it worthy of a wide and hopefully understanding audience. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (40)

A journey through the deep, dark woods
What a difficult subject. Kevin Bacon deserves a lot of credit for his courage in taking this on, and for doing so in a fair and balanced way. His portrayal of a man who would be broadly regarded as the lowest of the low reveals the compulsion that drives the molestor to commit such acts. He also gives the viewer glimpses into the self-disgust and self-hatred that many of these individuals feel. His struggle to control his impulses, and his fear of allowing himself to feel any emotion lest the most hideous one overtake him, is clearly communicated. Dealing with the absolute contempt of all who know his dark secret provides yet another source of deep conflict. The little girl who nearly becomes his next victim turns in a well-controlled, subtle performance. Kyra Sedgwick is also to be admired for her portrayal of a victim who has managed not to let her childhoodtrauma ruin or run her life. It must have been strange for her to think of her real-life husband as a sex offender and put herself through all the emotions that would accompany such a revelation.
The Woodsman approaches all these conflicts, and many others, in a way that allows the audience to sympathize with the offender without condoning what he did. It is gratifying to watch him tentatively open himself to another and to begin, just begin,to discover his own humanity.

Easily and Often Misunderstood
Many people are often left with disgust after watching this film, because they don't understand the writer's reasons and intentions for making the film.If you have the time, I encourage you to watch the movie with the commentary by director Nicole Kassell.Watch it with an open mind and you will learn that this film was not made to make people feel sorry for pedophiles or anything along those lines like that.You will understand it was made to appreciate an incredible struggle.The end of the film is by no means an end of the story or ultimate redemption of the Walter character either, it is just the beginning of Walter's steps in the right direction to become "normal."Also, I think an Oscar goes to Kevin Bacon for this film.

Superb Representation
This is a superb representation and great acting by Bacon. I have seen most of his movies and his been impressed by his range (I still fail to see how many less talented actors with less range get nominated, ah, well). The emotional ranges are impressive and realistic. Some of the other reviewers have done such an excellent job, I will stop here and defer to them.

Great acting.....BUT........
The WOODSMAN features excellent acting by Bacon and Sedgewick..BUT.... we have to question the motivations behind the Hollywood film community who seem to be recently releasing a load of similiar films trying to evoke sympathy for Child Molestors and Pedophiles.

What is the point of this movie ?
What is the real motivation behind the writers and creators of this film ?

This socially liberal mindset that seems to be poisoning America is beginning to concern me.
It seems there is a movement afoot to try and rationalize all forms of behaviour as acceptable and tell us we should be tolerant of people's differences no matter how evil, twisted, sick or perverted.

Great job done as a film in terms of acting and production..... but not sure I like the message trying to be sent.

"Sounds like you were banished."
Walter (Kevin Bacon) returns to his hometown after spending 12 years in jail. An apartment is waiting for him, and according to Walter it's the only place in town that will accept him as a tenant. He also has a job arranged at a factory, and his new boss quite frankly tells Walter that he "doesn't want any trouble." Walter begins his 'new life'--we don't really know what his 'old' life was. The only trace left of life before jail is a brother-in-law, Carlos (Benjamin Bratt) who comes to visit Walter in his sparsely furnished, depressing apartment. Carlos acts as a messenger to tell Walter that his sister, Annette (Jessica Nagle) doesn't want to see him yet.

Walter is a pedophile, and in Walter's scheduled sessions, his psychologist tries to get to the root of Walter's problem. Walter possesses a deep loathing for his problem, and expresses the desire that he wants to be "normal". Self-loathing causes Walter to not want to discuss his impulses, and to avoid examining his past. It's painful for him to even think about it--but think about it he must if he's ever going to understand why he's drawn to 12 year-old girls. Walter is so isolated, and the thing he needs most is social contact and support--and yet can we blame those who stay away? But it looks as though things may be looking up for Walter when he begins a relationship with a tough worker at the factory, Vickie (Kyra Sedgwick). Vickie knows that there's something "wrong" with Walter. Fellow employee, Mary Kay (Eve) sniffs he's "damaged goods", and while that's quite obvious, the nature of Walter's crimes is not.

Is there a criminal more hideous than a child molester? Placing a child molester at the centre of a film is a bold stroke. "The Woodsman" isn't a thriller--it's a character study of a person who is an outcast from society. If Walter were a vicious child molester, the film would be too much to watch, and it would probably turn into some sort of gory thriller. As it is, Walter's crimes are puzzling enough for the viewer to stick around and see whether or not Walter ever has a chance at rehabilitation. While it seems hardly credible that Vickie should bother to give Walter the time of day, as her story unfolds, her continued liaison with Walter is believable. "The Woodsman" is a finely detailed character study, and Kevin Bacon does an incredible job of portraying the damaged, fragile Walter. The script subtly weaves the theme of Little Red Riding Hood throughout the film, and the story works, ultimately, thanks to the generosity shown towards all the characters--those who do not accept Walter--as well as the ones who do--displacedhuman ... Read more

Amazon.com

In paying simple tribute to firefighters, Ladder 49 gets to the heart of those who risk their lives for a living. Director Jay Russell brought similar sincerity to his memorable family favorite My Dog Skip, and despite the banalities of an ultra-conventional screenplay by Lewis Colick, Ladder 49 generates so much goodwill toward its Baltimore firemen that you may find yourself unexpectedly overcome with emotional appreciation for guys like Jack (Joaquin Phoenix), a firefighter whose career, courtship, marriage, and fatherhood are viewed in flashback as he struggles to survive in the present-day framing scenes, cut off from his fellow firemen in the fiery guts of a collapsing 20-floor building. There are no surprises in the familiar scenes of male bonding, dangerous rescues, injury and death, and the supportive concern of Jack's wife (Jacinda Barrett), but by focusing on the simple integrity of Jack's personal and professional commitment, the movie gives Phoenix a showcase for unselfish virtue, while John Travolta provides dignified support as Jack's mentor and devoted firehouse captain. Ladder 49 is routine in most respects, but it's a much-deserved valentine to working-class heroes. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (143)

Good production values but blah story
This DVD looked and sounded great; the surround sound put you right in the middle of the fire scenes. Unfortunately, I couldn't get involved in the very simplistic story. The only thing different about the film was the non-linear timeline. Everything else was by the numbers, including the performances. But, if you have a good home theater system, it would be worth a rental.

Poor plot, poorly executed storyline
I didn't feel any sense of brotherhood between these men.And the plot and entire movie just fell flat for me.It was a cliched portrayel of the profession, cliched life of a man (becomes rookie firefighter, marries immediately, has a boy, then a girl, bbq's with other firefighters at his house etc.).Just a boring salute to firefighting.
Firefighting gentlemen, deserved BETTER.A better screenplay would have been a good start.A more tragic or moving death would be have been good.One that made me care more than an ounce.You could see this truck coming a mile away.

Please read this.
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/
http://www.firekills.gov.uk/home/04.htm
http://www.firesafety.gov/
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/kidsroom/firesafe/firesafe.html
http://www.nfpa.org/sparky/
Unfortunately most people don't understand the seriousness of a fire. They light candles indoors, they smoke cigarettes in bed, they leave the kitchen with the stove on... things we do everday, no big deal right? Unfortunately to find out the error of our ways it sometimes costs us our lives,the lives of those we love most, and sometimes the family next door.
It can happen to any of us at any moment. I listed some websites here because I know what it's like to lose relatives to a fire and BELIEVE me it is most certainly worth spending an hour of your life to read the important information on these websites. Educate your children. Don't even keep candles in the house. Keep matches out of reach of children. Make sure you have working smoke detectors.
I cried during this movie because I know how important a firefighters job is and what they risk running into burning buildings that could have been prevented with just a little education and a little caution.
I just hope it does more than entertain but also encourages people to do the best firefighting job one can do and prevent the fire from starting in the first place.
Even a tiny spark can turn completely out of control in a matter of seconds, please arm yourself and your family with a reasonable amount of fear of fire.

UNINSPIRED AND UNCREATIVE
This movie is sort of a flag waving movie for firefighters, which is ok in principle, but it's not very well done.Most of all it has no real story or momentum.A review of the main character's life is the sole "story".This is a sharp contrast to the much more engaging and dramatic "Backdraft".

The fire scenes are fine, but again they were probably more interesting in Backdraft.

It's time to get on the ladder!
This is what you call an honest-to-goodness description of what goes on in the lives of brave firefighters. The movie contains no Soap Opera material or love triangle nonsense. There are no invincible, James Bond type firemen running around putting out infernos all by themselves.Rather, the plot centers around the daily struggles of people in the firefighting business;both in their professional as well as their personal lives.

Joaquin Phoenix proves that he is up to the task of playing a very likable character. Unlike most of the characters portrayed by John Travolta, the captain of the firehouse is only slightly nuts (as opposed to completely nuts!). The acting is splendid all-around & I did not notice any weaknesses in that department.

While there are some spectacular scenes in LADDER 49, I liked the fact that the filmmakers did not try to get TOO extreme and caught up in making far-fetched heroic scenes. I would think that every episode depicted in the film would have a counterpart mirrored in real-life.For once, there is a movie about courage that is not "Hollywoodized" beyond belief.

Another nice touch is that the story takes place in Baltimore.As most movies of this type take place in either New York, Chicago or LA, it was good to see a different American city portrayed on film.Even better, in the Special Features the DVD contains interviews and commentary with real Baltimore firemen & their families. Nicely done.

I readily admit that I am not a fireman myself.However, I can't help but think that this movie speaks for a great many firemen across the country.I would be mortified to find out that firemen could not relate to at least some aspects of this story.I can't think of a higher compliment to pay this movie than that.

So, here is the bottom line. If you enjoy movies about firemen and / or heroism, pick up this DVD. If, on the other hand you dislike movies about firefighters, then pick up this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (270)

A true cinematic masterpiece
Anthony Minghella's adaption of the novel by Michael Ondaggte, is proof that directors nowadays can still produce beautiful epic romances. This has everything a great movie can ask for and it deserved every single Oscar it was nominated for (sadly no Best Actor win for Ralph Fiennes). It's a quite complicated, yet simple, story about an English archaeologist (Fiennes) and his recollections as his memory and life are leaving him over War World II under the care of an emotionally-challenged nurse (Juliette Binoche, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for this subtle, yet superb thought provoking performance).He remembers the desert, his love for a married woman (Kristen Scott Thomas) and of course, his wrong doings while he was alive. The movie is made up of flashbacks or shots of beautiful cinematography set up against even more gorgeous music. The performances are all top-notch. Juliette Binoche and Willem Dafoe (as a thumbless thief) are the stand-outs. The only bicker I have about the film is Kristen Scott Thomas's character. She was supposed to be overwhelmingly sensual and deep and if you ignore the acting of Thomas and instead listen to her lines it will prove more effective, but she just seemed shallow and unsexy. She nearly destroyed many of the scenes with Fiennes, but thankfully he covered up her flawed character (that for the most part, was well-written- just the wrong actress.) I would have also liked to see more of the relationship between the nurse and her lover who undoes dangerous bombs. Anyway, the movie in itself is like a sunrise beautiful and slow and meaningful. A true cinematic achievement and hopefully a classic to be remembered... Anthony Minghella is definitely a promising director although I think this magnificent accompolishment will be hard to out do.

An Affair in the Desert
Well, so much for the days of "if you can't say anything nice....". I don't mind people disagreeing with me, (as one reviewer wisely said, "Your review reveals a lot about your tastes") but when one needs to lambaste a film that is, by all accounts, well produced, I simply must Re-act. Trying to compare this film (or any other film for that matter) to others is like trying to compare animal species. Some may look similar but they ARE vastly different.

This movie on its own should be commended for its lush cinematography, brilliant actors, sweeping muscial score and fine war-era costumes. Since this film was publicly unpopular, it of course won 9 Academy Awards, just like in years past. I believe the Academy got it Right.

To those who (or know how to) care, give this near 3 hour movie a try. True, the main love story is adulterous,(I enjoyed far more the story of Hana and Kip), but the entire cast, including the desert, kept me involved. Lastly, I have yet to read the novel, since being a former drama student, you learn that different mediums require different approaches, so to compare book and film, for me, is without merit. The English Patient, the movie, however, is worth while and worth seeing.

PASSION SWEPT UNDER BY THE CHANGING WINDS OF WAR
Based on Michael Ondaatje's sweeping WWII novel, "The English Patient" is the story of a young Allied nurse, Hana (Juliette Binoche) who finds herself alone in an abandoned Italian monastery and tending to a mysterious burn victim (Ralph Fiennes). Like David Lean's Dr. Zhivago, this mystical and epic film is told through a series of flash backs integrated with a subplot that is supposedly taking place in the present. During the flash backs we learn of the tragic circumstances that have led to the current state of the stranger. Fiennes is Count Laszlo, an archaeologist - and assumed Nazi sympathizer - who is in love with Katherine Clifton (Kristin Scott Thomas). She, unfortunately, is married to the long suffering, dispassionate, Geoffrey (Colin Firth). The two are off gallivanting through the dessert in search of artifacts when the passionate relationship between the Count and Kate ignites. The resulting, all consuming, lust that overtakes these lovers is intricately balanced and compared to Hana's burgeoning romance with an East Indian soldier who defuses bombs, Lt. Kip Singh (Naveen Andrews). Willem Dafoe is brilliantly cast as Caravaggio - a man whose association with the allies (in a flash back) was exposed to the Nazis, the result being that Caravaggio had his thumbs brutally amputated with a switch blade. Caravaggio is determined to brutalize the man he believe is responsible for exposing his secret, the man he suspects is the burn victim lying helpless and dying in the monastery. Winner of nine Academy Awards "The English Patient" is a bittersweet love story between four people (two couples) who meet with untimely and destructive forces that ultimately alter the course of their lives forever.

THE TRANSFER:This disc was previously released as a flipper from Miramax in a non-anamorphic and somewhat grainy transfer. The previous disc suffered greatly from the intrusion of pixelization and edge enhancement. It also lacked anything in the way of extras. For the most part, these oversights have been corrected on this newly remastered 2-disc special edtion. The picture quality exhibits marginal improvements in both clarity and fidelity, due in large part to the fact that this time around the disc has been enhanced for widescreen televisions. Colors are rich, bold, vibrant but at times tend to be garishly unbalanced. Occasionally flesh tones may appear slightly on the pasty side. Otherwise, there is a deep, textured look to the visual presentation that is thoroughly in keeping with the subject matter. Contrast and black levels are bang on. Fine details are nicely realized. Pixelization still exists and sometimes breaks up finer background information. Also, certain scenes tend to look as though some edge effects have been added. Again, all these shortcomings are relatively minor for a picture that will surely not disappoint! The audio has been remastered to 5.1 and exhibits a very visceral and thrilling sonic experience. The sound of Count Laszlo's plane flying over the dunes is both aggressive and stirring and the musical score is wonderfully spread across all 5 channels.

EXTRAS: include a very comprehensive commentary by writer-director Anthony Minghella, producer Saul Zaentz and author, Michael Ondaatje. Minghella has more to say than the other two but all contribute fascinating tidbits to the production of the film and the inspiration for the novel. The deleted scenes segment is presented in a unique way - I won't ruin it for anyone but needless to say it's more refreshing than the treatment usually afforded deleted scenes. The CBC's documentary on the making of the film is somewhat of a disappointment, relying heavily on trailer junkets and very little but sound bytes from cast and crew. A series of featurettes round out the involvement of Zaentz, Minghella and production designer Stuart Craig. There's also a nice series of interviews with the cast and crew and a great featurette on Phil Brady, the stills photographer.

BOTTOM LINE:The culmination of all this extra material and the rather impressive quality of the film transfer lead me to recommend "The English Patient" to all who love a good story and a thoroughly engrossing, great film.

My favorite movie.
I can watch this movie over and over again. It is the best.

Tragically Passionate
I can't even count how many times I have seen this movie. Each time I watch it I cry for days. A visually beautiful film with a tragic story line that involves war, political conspiracy, a haunting love story and wonderful characters of great depth.

This is one of my all time favorite films and top five love stories. It is breathtakingly beautiful and powerfully tragic at the same time. Worth every moment!! ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Absolutely Poignant & Brilliant!
This movie is a must-watch for everyone who loves meaningful dramas. The cast is first-rate, the acting brilliant all round. Emma Thompson gave a definitely Oscar-worthy portrayal of a gentlewoman, Margaret Schlegel who is generous, honest, kind but torn between love for her sister, Helen (played by Helena Bonham Carter) and her pompous-and-brute-of-a-husband, Henry Wilcox (played by Anthony Hopkins). At the centre of the story is Howard's End, the beautiful country house/cottage which is a Wilcox's family jewel.

The story reminds me of an Asian belief that if something is meant to be yours (eg. Howard's End rightfully belongs to Margaret as it was actually "willed" to her by the first Mrs Wilcox before she died), then you will get it in the end, no matter what. Everything comes a full circle in the end, that's what it means.

This is one of the best period dramas I've ever watched - it's definitely worth your 2-1/2 hours.

BRILLIANT!

This movie is GREAT!
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen!!! Not only is my favorite actor in it(Sir Anthony Hopkins) who gives a brilliant performance as usual but the story is quite strong, also. Normally I don't enjoy period pieces too much but the acting in this film is spectacular! I love the way that Thompson plays a character that is strong, independent and yet so weak when it comes to her husband(Hopkin's). If you have enjoyed Hopkins and Thompson's work before you will not be dissapointed by this great film.

"A million square miles are almost the same as heaven."
I loved E.M. Forester's book, HOWARD'S END, so I knew I'd love this film as well. Period pieces are my favorites and English period pieces have a special "something" about them. Maybe it's the lush cinematography or the brilliant acting. I suppose it's really a combination of many things.

HOWARD'S END is set, for the most part, in London, and revolves around two families: the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes. The Schlegels and the Wilcoxes are separated by class; the Schlegels are a middle class family, comfortable, but definitely not "old money," while the Wilcoxes are far more "to the manor born." Society, at the time HOWARD'S END takes place, dictated that the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes definitely not mix. However, mix they do, with disastrous results.

In the Schlegel family are two sisters, Margaret (Emma Thompson), the older and plainer, and Helen (Helena Bonham-Carter), the younger and more beautiful. We know trouble is brewing when Helen becomes involved, though briefly, with young Paul Wilcox. Of course, the Wilcoxes consider Helen (or any Schlegel, for that matter) to be beneath them, but the affair also distresses the Schlegels as well.

The lives of the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes are destined to be intertwined, however, and Margaret befriends Ruth Wilcox (beautifully played by the always-ethereal Vanessa Redgrave), the mother of young Paul. The lives of the two families become further entwined when Ruth Wilcox dies and leaves her lovely country home, "Howard's End," to her good friend, Margaret. Of course, this doesn't sit at all well with the Wilcoxes, who are truly shocked, and Henry Wilcox (Anthony Hopkins), Ruth's husband, tries to cover up Ruth's final wishes and keep Margaret away from "Howard's End."

But that is far from the end of the story and far from the end of the intertwining of the lives of the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes. In a superb and tragic subplot, both Margaret and Helen attempt to befriend a poor clerk, Leonard Bast (Samuel West) and, without meaning to, cause him to lose his meager job and leave him with no hope for the future.

The conclusion to this film is surprising and explosive, but the beautiful script by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala is quite understated and the film, like the book, never slips into melodrama.

This is a period piece that is enhanced by flawless and understated acting from all. Emma Thompson as Margaret Schlegel is superb and she certainly deserved her Oscar for Best Actress for this film. Anthony Hopkins is, of course, flawless and Vanessa Redgrave's performance is subtle and beautifully nuanced. Samuel West, as the tragic Leonard Bast is wonderful as is Helena Bonham-Carter, though she is not the equal, at least in this film, of Thompson.

HOWARD'S END isn't a particularly long book, but this is, at two and one-half hours, quite a long film. The pacing is rather slow and deliberate, but I never got the feeling that things should have been moving along any faster and, for me, at least, the two and one-half hours passed by very quickly. The film holds your interest at all times. HOWARD'S END is a film that contains a bit of everything. While it is tragic, there are times when you laugh or smile, there are times of unsurpassed beauty and there is melancholy and regret aplenty.

I would definitely recommend HOWARD'S END to anyone even remotely interested in period pieces and even to those who aren't. Who knows, you just might find a new genre that you love.

Perfection Personified
This story line is good enough to keep you in suspence and entertained at the same time. Anthony is perfect as usual. The greatest part of this story is the first glimpse into the cottage at "Howards End". Upon entering the house, the most glorious piano begins to play in the background music. The music is so hauntingly beautiful, so perfect for the setting that I found myself in tears throughout its playing. I had to have the movie, just for the piano alone.

MERCHANT IVORY'S SUBLIME VISUAL BANQUET
Anthony Hopkins stars as Henry Wilcox, a member of England's ruling class who finds himself slipping into a romance with Margaret Schlegle (Emma Thompson) after his wife has passed away. However, before her death, Ruth Wilcox (Vanessa Redgrave) had stipulated that she wished to leave her family home "Howards End" to both Margaret and her sister, Helen (Helena Bonham-Carter). Of course the Wilcox family, being stuck up and spoiled, did not follow through with her wishes and this becomes the focal point of the plot. Along the way there is adultry, corruption, deception, original sins revisited and even murder - in short, everything one could expect from an impeccibly crafted story turned into a poignant and stirring film experience. Producers, James Ivory and Ismal Merchant have given us one of a handful of truly stirring dramatic/epics, filled with the sort of grand illusion and entertainment value that Hollywood used to provide en masse during the 1930's and 40's. This is definitely a worthwhile excursion.
Columbia has done a beautiful job on the transfer. There is absolutely nothing to complain about and I defy anyone to be disappointed with the quality of this mastering effort. My one regret, this disc comes with NO EXTRA FEATURES. Apart from this oversight, you must definitely take a road trip to Howards End. ... Read more

Reviews (83)

Tender, profound and beautiful
Spain produces, from time to time, real masterpieces. Sex and Lucia (the title could be a better one)blends an astonishing puzzle of love, flesh, scenery, drama, real live, tenderness, music, departure and re-encounter which will glue you to the screen from the beginning to the end.
Should the movie be American, Lucia (Paz Vega) would have been awarded (or would deserve) an Oscar.
A beautiful actress, an amazing interpretation...Lorenzo completes the sweet drama through a remarkable performance and, together with Lucia, brings you so close to real life that I remained impressed by the film for days.
A collector's jewel. No doubt about it. A Must see!
By the way: sex hype has nothing to do with it. Love was so tender that became embedded in the story. Just beautiful!

Sex and Honesty...
If for no other reason than this film's celebration of the pure physical joy of good sex, presented with unflinching honesty, I would have found it a refreshing antidote to the often depressingly unerotic soft porn that passes for sexual exploration in so many films. This film is as vibrant and unselfconsciously erotically charged as its central character, Lucia, in telling its story of relationships, desire, love and loss. It is casual in showing both male and female nudity with a directness and honesty we aren't used to.

A story of the relationship between a writer, the uninhibited and free-spirited waitress who loves him, and the people and events, both past and present that surround and intrude and disrupt that relationship is presented in a convoluted style that shifts back and forth in time.

The story is told elliptically and, at some points, somewhat confusingly, but ultimately resolves itself with the various strands of story joining together with its characters in the sharp clarity of an idyllic sun-drenched isle. Sex in this film is both real and metaphor for those needs and desires that bind us, drive us apart, harm and heal us. Lushly and beautifully filmed, it is yet another example that Spanish cinema is staking out its own claims on our attention, with films of great beauty and startling and unique candor.

Overrated
A little bit overrated base on previous viewer's comments
The story got a little murky sometimes.
If you are looking for sex scenes, this is not the movie for you. It is worst than 9 1/2 weeks.

An amazing movie
I guess people are molded by holywood standards and talk too much about some naked piece of flesh, but this movie is so much more than that. Relax and watch the movie and you'll enjoy it and if you have time to see the extras on the DVD you'll understand even better why it is so special. The plot, the actors, the camera and the music score are absolutely amazing. It's like drinking coffee at work (in US) for years and than you go somewhere overseas, in Italy or Spain and suddenly realize that coffee is so much more than some dirty brown water. You might not like it, but you'll have to accept that the real thing is great. Somewhere in this world some people think of acting and movies as a form of art, not just a money machine.

Not Great
Not awful, but if you want an excuse to watch a few shots of porn and not feel guilty, then this is for you. There are some nice ideas in the movie, but they do not work together. I am not sure what the director was going for. There are many great foreign films to see before wasting your time on this. Watch some real pornography if that's what you want. Don't alibi yourself with this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the best films of 1994, To Live is a bold, energetic masterpiece from Zhang Yimou, the foremost director from China's influential "fifth generation" of filmmakers. Continuing his brilliant collaboration with China's best-known actress Gong Li (their previous films include Ju Dou and Raise the Red Lantern), Zhang weaves an ambitious tapestry of personal and political events, following the struggles of an impoverished husband and wife (Ge You, Gong Li) from their heyday in the 1940s to the hardships that accompanied the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. They raise two children amidst a Communist regime, surviving numerous setbacks and yet managing, somehow, to live. Both intimate and epic, Zhang's film encompasses the simplest and most profound realities of Chinese life during this controversial period, and for their honesty, Zhang and Gong Li faced a two-year ban on future collaborations. To Live is a testament to their art, transcending politics to celebrate the tenacity of ordinary people in the wake of turbulent history. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (68)

A Stirring, Emotional Portrayl of Bitter Times in China
"To Live" was the first Asian film I saw and awed me tremendously. The film is truly a piece of cinematic art. Its acting is supurb - of all the Zhang Yimou films I have seen (four or five) this is the best acted. Gong Li and You Ge give fabulous performances, with excellent body language and characterization.

The story, like Chen Kaige's "Farewell My Concubine" (also a portrayl of Chinese history, with more emphasis on the people than the history), follows people through the Communist Revolution, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution, all highly influential events in Modern Chinese history. (If you are unfamiliar with these events, the first is when the Communists took over China; the GLF is when the country tried to increase production through very extreme measures and failed horribly; the Cultural Revolution was an entire social reorganization aimed to stir up the passions of the people and to weed out Capitalists.)

Anyhoo, the people are Jiazhen (Gong Li) and Fugui (You Ge), husband and wife. In the beginning, Fugui bets away his entire family fortune, which eventually saves them from being labelled Capitalists by the Communists. More events transpire - including two tragic deaths that could have destroyed Jiazhen and Fugui's family for good - until fin