Reviews (183)

The First Season is Definitely Worth Reliving
I'll be the first to admit that seasons 5 and 6 of Dawson's Creek have not been great. However, the first four seasons WERE great, and then some. The first season introduced us to Dawson Leery, Joey Potter, Pacey Witter, and Jen Lindley, in addition to other characters, in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts.

A lot of people who watched the first two, three or four seasons of Dawson's Creek have probably stopped by now. But they should still buy this DVD set because the first season was amazing. From the pilot, to the Saturday Detention episode, to the Beauty Pageant, to the first kiss shared by Dawson and Joey in the season finale, the first season was definitely memorable.

The first season writers, led by Kevin Williamson, knew how to write. They knew how to be dramatic without going overboard. They knew how to make viewers laugh and how to make them cry. They knew just how to get to that place in our hearts that would make us fall in love with this show. And even if you aren't in love with the show anymore, like me, this DVD set is definitely worth buying. It will bring back memories that you have long since forgotten, and it will instill in you a feeling of nostalgia and love for Dawson's Creek.

I hope that the remaining seasons are eventually released on DVD, as I will miss Dawson's after its May 14, 2003 two-hour series finale (which, by the way, should be as great as the first two seasons since it was written by Kevin Williamson). I am very happy this will be released soon and I can't wait to relive the first season.

In The Beginning, Kevin Williamson Created... Dawson's Creek
At long last, a return to the vaunted glory days of Dawson's Creek, the series that reinvented the teen drama genre. Here we see the "Core Four" (Dawson Leery, Jen Lindley, Joey Potter, and Pacey Witter) as they grapple with everyday emotions in their own unique and inimitable styles. They run the gamut from love, anger, jealousy, grief, and struggling with self-identity. Williamson's vision was both fresh and refreshing, sweeping aside the vestiges of the oft-overdramatic Beverly Hills, 90210 or the childish Saved By The Bell.
Everything that made the Creek a place to visit without fail on Wednesday nights is epitomized in the first season, and the heart-wrenching season finale sealed by the first kiss between Dawson and Joey would set the stage for the seasons that followed. While the show has floundered since Williamson's departure, it still remains a staple of the WB Network despite this, its sixth and final season. We've seen the best and the worst this series had to offer, and we've remained loyal nonetheless.
My hope is that we savor this DVD and the ones representing the seasons that follow. We can sit back and reminisce about a show that had no equal during its heyday, and soften the blow of the May 14th series finale. So, relax and enjoy Dawson's Creek in all its glory as we prepare to say farewell to some old friends for the last time.

A Great Beginning to a Great Series
Dear Amazonians,

Dawson's Creek is a real gem in the realm of dramas that are geared toward the teen and young adult audiences. This season begins the show by introducing us to is characters and their diverse personalities. Joey is a quiet and insecure young woman, while her childhood friend Dawson is a Steven Spielberg wannabe who is lost in is own world of fantasy. Through this season, and the rest of the series, these two characters explore themselves and the various forms of relationships that exist between them. Sometimes they date each other, and sometimes they are just happy to share intimate moments as friends.

My favorite episode in this season is "The Scare," as it really shows of Dawson's quirky sense of humor. It plays out just like a scary movie (but of course, Kevin Williamson had directed the Scream series and I Know What You Did Last Summer!), as Dawson sets up his home as a haunted house. Pacey finds an estranged woman at a convenience store, and brings her to Dawson's place, only to find out how weird she is. As the group tells ghost stories, the woman horrifies the crowd by telling them that is not what everyone thinks she is. The group listens intently as she tells of how she carries a big knife in her purse, and likes to slip open peoples throats to see how far the blood will spurt. She and her demented boyfriend really stir things up for the guys when her boyfriend comes over to the house in a rage, trying to get at his girlfriend. Everyone thinks that he is a fanatical killer, trying to keep him out of the house. Finally his girlfriend leaves somewhat peacefully with him, leaving Dawson and the gang confused over his real intentions. Joey plays a mean joke on Dawson, pretending she is dead, and Dawson is left in a state of panic. Later, the two ask each other what they would do had they ever really died, and they use this as a moment of bonding.

One thing that stands apart about this show is how young the actors are when they begin the series. We really get to see them mature as the show progresses through its seasons, while they keep their basic demeanor. We meet new characters including Jack McPhee and his sister Andi. This really is a series that I can watch time and time again while keeping myself interested in the character development and the developing storyline.

A must have but not perfect!
For me the 2nd season is the best season but this one is the runner up for me. And the best episode of all is in this season (Beauty Contest). But i didnt like the DVD version. It isnt the best quality and there not enough extras. And i wished there was the "Run Like Mad" credits which is from the Europian version. (cause i think it suits the series better). And there are some really boring episodes like "Hurricane" and "Baby". The "Pilot" is awesome. If u like this show it is a must have but not the perfect season nor a perfect DVD.

A great start to a great show
I started watching this show when I was 11, so the dialogue was a little beyond me at the time. But I still loved the show anyways. I didnt miss an episode in 6 years.

I think that the first season has the best dialogue out of all six seasons. Although, it was also the most controversial, due mostly to the teacher/student relationship between 15 year old Pacey Witter and 36 year old Tamara Jacobs. I just thought that it made the show more interesting.

This is the show that made the WB. It quickly got better ratings than another awesome show on at the time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There were even talks of a crossover of some sort between the two shows, but it never happened.

I think that the best episode in this season is Detention. It is an obvious rip-off of the Breakfeast Club, and it is put together really well. It delves into Joey's obvious affection towards her best friend Dawson, and I just really love all of their reasons for being in Saturday Detention, Pacey's is the funniest.

All in all, I would recommend that you buy this excellent season. You wont regret it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A classic coming-of-age tale on par with Anne of Avonlea and Little Women, Berkeley Square is worth watching over and over again. This 10-episode British miniseries will awe you with its erudite script, wonderfully believable characters, high-caliber production values, meticulous Edwardian details, and topnotch acting. In fact, you will join the growing multitudes who puzzle over why the BBC decided to stop after only 10 episodes.

In 1902 three young nannies find jobs in well-to-do London households and get to know each other. Naive farm girl Lydia finds an unfamiliar world both in city life and with the progressive-thinking family who employs her. Earnest, rule-abiding Matty is a hard-working East End girl who slowly learns to loosen up. And, after a tragic affair with the eldest son of a grand Yorkshire family, Hannah's life in London is full of chilling secrets and grave life-and-death decisions. --Tara Chace ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Simply Pleasurable Costume Drama
Berkeley Square is a perfect blend of costuming, sets, characters, acting and plot. The storyline is sinfully extreme--- an aspect that may not be carried off well in most films, but thanks to a solid and perfectly cast ensemble, the plot flows seamlessly and without an hint of tack. I must rave about the costuming in this piece--- anyone who adores historical eye candy will wilt for the high necklines and stunning interior sets. The BBC has done a fabulous job on this mini-series... except for the decision to stop there! You want so much more of everything Berkeley Square: its wonderful cast, costumes, plot, setting and... well everything is perfect. Recommended for any fans of historical drama, especially those interested in costuming and good acting. This production does not suffer from a lack of well-known talent. The three ladies of Berkeley Square are talented, gorgeous and solid. Some of the best acting I've seen. You will get lost in the beauty of Berkeley Square.

Exceptional Mini-Series
I've just completed watching all three of the DVDs showing 10 episodes of BERKELEY SQUARE. I've been a fan of Regency, Georgian, and Victorian setting books for some time now and have to say that my expectations were high when I purchased this without knowing any of the cast members. I have to say that my expectations were met in all ways. The story - of 3 Nannies,along with the children, the staff and the upper crust employers was fabulous..... So fabulous that I hated to see it end and wish that there were more episodes to continue with the 'rest of the story'.....

The entire series exceeded my expectations, in costumes, vivid storylines, props, etc. The children were absolutely darling and I highly recommend this series to anyone with a love of English history. ---- Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com

An addicting series
This series far exceeded my expectations, and once I started to watch the series I could not stop untill I had watched it in its entirety. I wanted more and more, why are there not any more to this wonderful series?

Excellent BBC Show- would not expect anything less
I was too young to really appreciate the show Upstairs Downstairs but understand that Berkeley Square was somewhat similar in the premise. Our local library has the set of the three dvd's which is where I happened to pick up the first one and was absolutely mesmerized on the story lines of three nannies and their employers! I could not stop watching and found it excellent. Would I expect anything less of the BBC?! After reading the main review I too am astounded that it did not continue and only 10 episodes were made. Be that as it may, it is truely a wonderful dvd to watch again and again!

Intimate portrait of all social classes in Edwardian Times
I purchased Berkeley Square without knowing much about it. After the first episode, I knew I was hooked. The characters are 3 nannies, who all come from very different backgrounds. As the viewer, your brought into their lives and see their day to day lives. You also get a look at the families that the nannies work for, and the other servants. I would say that its like a period soap opera with better acting and better stories. I enjoy the accuracy of costumes and social structure, and how intimatly we get to know the main characters. My only complaint is that there is no continuation of the story, and after 10 wonderful episodes, you are left hanging, wondering what happens next. If the BBC is reading, please, please, please, release a few more, or at least a book! I know I would snap it right up! ... Read more

Reviews (73)

Not Michener, but an interesting story!
"The Other Side of Heaven" is based on the true story of John H. Groberg's experience as a missionary on the South Pacific island of Tonga. The movie was produced by Academy Award winner Gerald Molen, producer of "Schindler's List" and "Jurassic Park," and released by Excel Entertainment, an outlet for Mormon media, and it's rated "PG."

Groberg (Christopher Gorham) was called by the Church for a three-year mission assignment to Tonga when he was a 20-year-old student at Brigham Young University in the 1950's. Before leaving he makes a vague pact with his girlfriend, Jean, (Ann Hathaway). A difficult seven week journey takes him to the South Pacific, where he meets his native Christian assistant and companion, Feki, (Joe Falou), and they finally arrive at the remote island of Niuatoputapu. Groberg has been instructed to do two things: learn the language and build the "kingdom."

Initially treated with scorn by the natives, he sets about to learn the language by reading the bible in English and in Polynesian. After four days he has mastered the language, and begins to win the respect of the natives. From here on, it's a series of incidents, each of which is a sort of independent story: he resuscitates a seriously injured child; sleeping with his feet exposed leads to rats nibbling on the soles of his feet, requiring weeks of treatment to "seal" his feet; a boat trip with two natives nearly drowns them all when the boat is capsized by a storm; a severe storm destroys the island food supply, and everyone nearly starves to death.

The young native women are fascinated with Groberg, and one in particular offers herself---but Groberg is not tempted. He is finally taken to task by the girl's mother for rejecting the daughter, but Groberg explains his moral view and his commitment to his true love in the U.S. His experiences and his feelings are also conveyed through a series of letters to Jean, his fantasies about her, and her letters to him. They ultimately marry, in the movie and in real life, and return many times for mission work in the South Pacific.

There is lavish cinematography of the spectacularly beautiful islands and beaches, as Groberg grows to love both the people and the places. The storm special effects are very well done. It is a thoroughly enjoyable story, made even more interesting by the knowledge that it is basically true.

The movie can be criticized for it's single-minded perspective on the role of the missionary, and there is little insight into the indigenous culture of the natives. But it's very entertaining, and it's staggering to think of the hardships missionaries have endured to bring the benefits of our civilization to these far-flung places (a mixed blessing, some will say). The story is told without proselytizing. Theology and faith are important underlying ingredients but are not emphasized at all. It's pure story telling, with no F words, little or no violence, a love story with no gratuitous sex. I recommend it if you can enjoy an uplifting story, absent those typically R-rated elements.

A boy in paradise?
This is (part of) the story of one 20 year old Mormon boy's experiences while on his mission to Tonga in 1954. It is an adventure story with an emphasis on faith and personal relationships.
It may be difficult for anyone without faith to understand why John Groberg, or any other young person, would go on a mission, but if you can suspend your skepticism, you will be rewarded. The missionary came across as a little nerdy, but you can't help but cheer for his successes and pity his failures as he deals with homesickness and culture shock while trying to learn Tongan and preach.
The scenery and musical score are beautiful, and you can almost feel the humidity and bugs that go with a tropical paradise. What I found most appealing of all were the Tongans themselves. I don't know if the actors are professionals or locals or local professionals, but they gave the movie its heart.
I found the movie/story so compelling that I went out and bought the book and the CD and look forward to someday visiting that part of the world.

Pure love
This is a beautiful movie. This past week I attended a symposium given by Elder John Groberg and his wife. This movie was written about Mr Groberg and his Wife Jean's experience. They are wonderful people. Their love story is truly inspiring. In todays world where love means short throw away relationships, one night stands, and marriages that quickly end in divorce it is really refreshing to see a movie made about a true love story. Their love lasted through his mission and all these 40 or so years that they have been married. Their love is still going strong.

I too have experienced this kind of love. My husband waited for me as I served a mission for the church of Jesus-Christ of Latterday saints. Our love grew stronger every day as I was going through similar experiences. We married shortly after I came home. Now, after children and the events of life we are still happy and in love. True love is saving and can last forever.

My husband also served a 2 year mission for this church. I can tell you it is not easy to leave all of your friends and family for 2 years relying only on letters as communication. We serve missions because we want to share the joy that comes from this truth. There is no deception about it. Why else would we pay our own way, leave our families, and go half a world away for 2 years? The answer is love. We serve missions because we love you. As stated in the beginning God loves his people everywhere. So next time you see a mormon missionary be kind.... they are far from home and are here merely to share joy and the love of God.

I feel compelled to respond to a few of the criticisms of this movie. First of all... to the person who said it was unbelievable that this man would refuse the sexual offer from the islander girl.... I want you to know that Mormon Elders and Sister missionaries all over the world keep themselves chaste. Perhaps as unbelievable as it is in this day and age We as "Good faithful mormons" in our youth save ourselves for marriage and the one true love. Also, to the young man who wanted the relationship worked up for sensational reasons, let me say it is a true story. This young mormon couple had a very simple and pure love. They are chaste and virtuous. This movie was never meant to be titillating entertainment.
Secondly, There has been criticism of the islanders playing Tongans. I do understand that one. However, How many movies are made of French people with really sad American accents trying to sound French. Or Mexicans acting as Spaniards. Since I studied 7 years of French and spent a year and a half in Paris it drives me crazy to hear a fake accent. I guess the best excuse is that it was a low-budget film.
Third, I do think it is rather silly how Disney used Anne Hathaway as the star of the show as if the mission were all about her. However, we can't judge the film just because Disney wanted to use Anne Hathaway for Propaganda. That was Disney's decision.
Fourth, I don't see a problem with the contents. Those things happened to him on his mission. My mission definitely wouldn't be G rated either, nor PG for that matter. I saw a lot of dirty stuff on those city streets.
Lastly, we cannot judge this film by rating it's sensationability. It is a true story. It is not meant to be an action packed SPY Kids movie or Harry Potter.
Mormons are a good beautiful people. Many movies have been recorded of many different faiths. It's about time there is some positive coverage of the LDS people.

Wonderful Movie!
There was only one copy of this title at the video store and although my kids rolled their eyes at the cover, I decided it could be a good educational movie. We were pleasantly surprised at what a great story unfolded before us. It was exciting and dramatic and meaningful. To really enjoy this film, it does not matter whether you accept the Mormon faith; the church doctrine is not presented as a main component of the story. It is the dedication of the young man and his experience on the island that is so inspiring. The kind of discipline and faith he has can be applauded regardless of his religion. I was very impressed with this movie, have suggested it to many of my Christian friends and highly recommend it for family viewing with children 13 or older.

Beautiful Setting... Story keeps you interested
This is the story of a young Mormon missionary who goes to Tonga for 2 1/2 years and lives and works with the people on a remote island. It shows him struggling against nature - from mosquitos to hurricanes to storms at sea. These add a lot of drama to the story. He also struggles with himself and his faith and you see him grow and develop from somewhat stiff and self-conscious to warm and open and serving. The story does well to show these struggles without casting him as an idiot who eventually "learns better". It also shows the Tongan natives with respect and warmth. Although their language and culture are different from the young missionary's, they are loving and minister to him as he reaches out to them. The initial resistance from the established minister on the island is resolved with respect as well.

There are a few parts that might have been improved. Does this poor guy really have to wear a tie every day in this tropical location? And when the native men get baptized by him, what does it mean that they are then wearing white dress shirts and ties as well? Is the implication that only Western office attire is "righteous"?

Other than wardrobe, though, the film does seem to show respect for the Tongan natives. It also gives a glimpse of some of the crises they may face. Devastation by hurricanes, being cut off from communication and food supplies, lack of medical services, being exploited by Westerners (who entice some of the young women to leave with them - clearly intending to sell them into prostitution), as well as the seemingly universal problems of alcoholism and family conflict, etc. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Nil Science Fiction, Strong Sexual Content
Because this video in unrated and carries no warning in the information area I feel shoppers should be aware that this by all rights a soft core porn film with strong sexual content and little science fiction. I bought the VHS version from another source expecting the sort of movie "Roger Corman Presents" might sponsor, something along the lines of "Species" or Amanda & the Alien. While more in the vein of the latter the sci-fi part, {or any other technology for that matter}, is limited to a few teleportations via telekinesis and some aura/emotion melding. The movie is probably 60% by time made of sexual contact. Technically the movie is suprisingly well made for the genera. It is shot on film {not video tape}. The scenery is professionally done and the acting level reaches that of daytime soap operas. The sound quality is not bad. So the technical qualities are there to be transfered to DVD, just beware of the content.

Venesa Taylor makes Femalien the best movie of its kind
I have to say I really enjoyed Femalien. Yes, it's undeniably soft-core porn, but it is absolutely the best movie of this type I have ever seen. The plot isn't anything to brag about, but it does make some sense and holds together quite nicely. Femalien is an alien 'collector' sent to earth to study human intimacy. Her people have evolved beyond physical bodies to become energy beings, and intimacy has been lost in the process. Femalien is given a 'suitable' form (I'll say) that will allow her to pass herself off as a human being and learn all about interpersonal relations by observing humans interacting with one another. She doesn't have to look very far to find subjects for study, and she is a quick learner, engaging in her own interaction experiments before very long.

This whole movie just exudes professionalism, from the acting to the camera work to whatever else directors do that makes a film a real treat to watch. You won't find this many attractive women in most films of this type, either. Venesa Taylor in particular is a living doll; hers is a classic beauty that is quite rare these days. She is just completely captivating. She has talent, too, and her naïve, innocent manner of speech and appearance just suits her role in this movie to a tee. The sex scenes, even the ones that don't include Venesa Taylor, are also as good as you will find in movies of this genre. Basically, Femalien has it all. Forget about all the disappointments you may have felt when watching other supposedly good movies of this type; Femalien is sure to please. As long as you are aware of this movie's exceedingly erotic nature and don't approach it expecting a thrilling science fiction adventure, there is simply no way you can be disappointed.

Aliens Study the Sensual Arts
I was in the mood for some alien invasion movies the other day and watched a small marathon. As well as such movies as The Arrival, I watched a film called Femalien. Femalien reminds me of a modern remake of The Girl From Starship Venus.

Femalien is the story of an alien landing on Earth to study human interactions. The energy being is given the form of a young woman. What follows are scenes of her spying on couples and her interactions with others. The alien is collecting and cataloging experiences for her race who have risen above physicality but still miss it. During her adventures she tries to help a local woman retain ownership of her diner.

While the plot is weak I do recommend this film for those times when a movie like Invasion of the Star Creatures or Galaxina is the sort of thing you are looking for.

Excellent actresses; stupid "plot"
This movie uses science fiction as a flimsy excuse to accomplish a few plot objectives, like transporting back to her bedroom instead of seducing, etc. And the plot itself gets so ridiculous that you really wouldn't want to stick around for the ending...
But, I'll bet you will. I did, and I'm glad I did. If you liked the first love scene in "Mulholland Drive", you will love this movie. Mostly for the ending scene, but there's a little more to it.
Somehow these actors make you forget the ridiculous setups for the sex scenes. It's almost tastefully done. Unlike in hardcore, these people actually look like real people (although much more attractive) when making love. And in spite of the script, they manage to create a little bit of sexual tension.
But that's if your trying to follow the "story". If you just like to see some really beautiful women (and/or men) getting naked, I can highly recommend this on that subject. As many reviewers have stated, the lead is ravishing. She a little believeable in the role, but who cares: she's super hot! And the others are very nice too-- not a dud in the bunch.
So, even though this is another smoothjazz softcore movie, it's not typical. It's very beautiful, and very dumb. In other words, any Heather Graham fans will get it.

Simply the Best, in my humble opinion... :o)
As an adult female that never ever considered purchasing a movie of this sort before, I must say that I really enjoyed it (I'm glad that I did).
My goodness, the female lead is beyond words.
Not that I've ever thought of another female in that way before (I might just change my mind).
So far, I've purchased and viewed 2 other Surrender Cinema movies, they were great, as well.
But, I must say 1 particular scene in this movie made me a convert, it did.
All in all, I'm really glad that I purchased it.

This review pertains to the 'Director's Unedited Cut' version, on DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (98)

Superb - One of the Great Foreign Language Films of Our Time
A thrilling, intoxicating masterpiece, "Like Water for Chocolate" will leave you hungry, happy and hung over with its surreal vision and unforgettable performances. Some of the film's charm lies in its uncompromising vision of what it must be like to be a poor, Mexican woman, surrounded by angry sisters and petty jealousies. The food is a miracle of texture and authenticity that makes the book a recipe lover's dream. But the spiritual aspects of the movie take it someplacve else altogether....by tying food and unseen forces together, the author and director have fashioned love as a cycle of human emotion coupled with betrayal and passion. Believers and non-believers alike are asked to suspend judgement and just BE with this movie, for it raises issues and themes rarely imagined or acheived on film. A few sequences are startling - such as a wedding party where every guest is gastronimically infected by a soup that is stewed with the tears of our protagonist, and they all end up regurgitating the mixture, and in the end, understanding that true love should not be gambled away for money or superiority. Another sequence, where the middle daughter Gertudis, is literally kidnapped by a horse riding gunslinger while she sits alone in an outhouse doing her business, is hysterical, yet also painful to watch, because it symbolizes the woman's need for free choice in a world where men have so much of the power. Besides, any couple who has eloped or married without their parent's blessings will quickly make the connection to their own experience. If you can keep up with the subtitles, I'd advise against a dubbed version, for in its Spanish - eloquent, funny and dramatic - the film c aptures its truest form of communication. And food as metaphor - used in other terrific fims like "Babette's Feast" - has never been presented in such an awe inspiring manner. This is a feast to be savored every step of its delectible way.

A passion for cooking and romance!!!
This has to be one of my all time favorite foreign films. I loved the book and I think the movie is equally good. The story is set around a young woman named Tita, who according to an unfair family tradition, must care for her overbearing, demanding mother. Because of this, she is unable to marry the young man she has fallen in love with and transfers her passion into the meals she prepares(with very interesting results!). Based on the book by Laura Esquivel and directed by her husband at the time (Alfonso Arau, who also directed the Keanu Reeves movie, "A Walk in the Cloud") this film is a captivating fairy tale that is sure to entertain.

a feast of the 5 senses, come to life
after you watch this movie, you will either want to eat, cook (preferably one of the mentioned recipes), make love or all three! i saw the version dubbed in spanish, and also read 3 selected chapters from the book, for spanish class. it's a work of art and genius, and it must be watched all the way through without stopping. the characters are excellently portrayed, and it combines love, feminism, drama, sensuality, lust, hope, passion, and humour, topped with cultural tradition and folklore. i don't know which one is better, the book or the movie. all of the 5 senses are provoked on a deep and perhaps even primal level, especially taste and smell, feverishly yearning for a sum greater than their overall parts (gestalt) - which brings up the sixth sense, intuition.

Like Water For Chocolate
In the novel, "Like Water for Chocolate," I found it very interesting that two young people, Tita and Pedro fell deeply in love and they could never marry each other. The best part about the book was that they had to hide their feelings from everyone but they knew they loved each other deep inside their hearts. I liked the fact that they loved each other until the day they died and they died making love to each other. I strongly recommend this book to other people.

Like water for chocolate!
This is a very sensual movie about two lovers who could not be together. I loved it and would watch it again and again. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A misfit drama in the grand Southern (by way of Hollywood) tradition, A Love Song for Bobby Long takes its cue from Carson McCullers's The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. Re-establishing his indie-cred, John Travolta adds Bobby Long to his gallery of colorful characters. Hobbled by an infected toe, the 50-something Bobby is a white-haired, unshaven, vodka-soaked mess. But he’s also a former English professor, and the piles of books in his ramshackle house, and the authors he drunkenly quotes give him a wounded dignity. Just how wounded will be revealed over the course of this atmospheric tale of redemption and penance. Bobby lives with Lawson Pines (Gabriel Macht), his former teaching assistant who is writing a book about his mentor, a project deferred by drinking, sitting around with the locals, or engaging in quotation oneupsmanship. Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation, Ghost World) holds her own against Travolta ("You are such a shameless ham," she chastises the loquacious Bobby) as Pursy, the estranged daughter of Lorraine, a recently deceased singer-songwriter in whose house Bobby and Lawson reside. A battle of wills between the two men and the headstrong young girl gives way to the formation of a tentative family unit. Pursy agrees to return to high school if Bobby and Lawson quit drinking. There will be the expected revelations, recriminations, and dramatic confrontations, but what makes this Love Songresonate are the performances by a cast that rarely hits a false note. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Travolta is GREAT!
Although not a Travolta fan, I have always enjoyed his performances. But this, this is his best. What a fine actor he has become. I used to suspect that much of his popularity was based on his appearance, but now that he is older and heavierhis acting really shows.Sometimes in just the twich of a facial muscle or a shrug of his shoulders. He actually seems to BE the character he is protraying.//Many will find the movie slow and some of the plot predictable, but focus on the relevation of the characters and the quality of acting and you will not be disappointed.

Incredible film...Scarlett is a great actress of our time
Genre: Drama

Genre Grade: A

Final Grade: A

If Hilary Swank had not won the Golden Globe for Million Dollar Baby, Scarlett Johannson should have walked away a winner. And the Academy Awards should be ashamed that they didn't nominate her. This is her best performance she's ever given (though her role in Lost in Translation is an all-around favorite). This movie should prove what kind of talent she has to anyone who had doubts.

Outside of Scarlett's wonderful acting, this movie was great. Don't be confused by the title - it is not a story about John Travolta falling in love or anything of the sorts. Their isn't even much romance in the story. The real love song that plays within the movie is that of the relationships built between the characters and in the somewhat predictable ending. This is a movie about a girl named after a weed going back to her roots, believing in herself, and in the end, re-discovering herself.

The production value of this film was perfect for it being based in New Orleans. This was also director Shainee Gabel's official first film (he co-directed a movie in 1997). Hopefully he will bring us more great films like this one in the future.

Definitely check this one out - especially if you love beautiful cinematography, Southern scenery, folk music, and famous English poetry.

An Amusing Southern Tale!
John Travolta continues his diversified acting career adapting the role of ousted southern professor, Bobby Long.He is great.The movie can be long at times, but the characters that come and go in this film are memorable.This was the first movie I've seen Scarlett Johansson in and I see a future Oscar winner in the making.She shines in this film with her acting ability.If you enjoy movies in the southern tradition, check this film out.

FYI!Be on the lookout for Sonny Shroyer "Enos" of the Dukes of Hazzard.

A sleeper -- we loved it!
OK, five stars is probably excessive since the plot is ultimately predictable, but it is SO refreshing to find a film shot on a modest budget which soars due to skillful writing.John Travolta does thorough justice to his broken, remorseful, but still literate and charming character, and Scarlett Johanssen is captivating (her acting is good, but her screen presence is just luminous).The project obviously appealed to such major talent because of the intelligent, lyrical screenplay, which quotes heavily from the poetry of Robert Frost, among others.The director did a fantastic job of recreating the stultifying, decayed, claustrophobic atmosphere of the characters' shared home and lives.Like so many good stories, it unfolds gently with many an anecdote and song to advance the narrative, complemented by a wonderful, blues-oriented sound track.The film was a true pleasure to watch and as far as I was concerned it could have been much longer.

Thought-provoking and suprising movie
I only rented the movie because I saw a preview on screens while browsing at Blockbuster.Going to buy it so I can see it again.I thought all the characters were very believable and grew on me as the movie progressed.See it with an open mind and you will enjoy this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (540)

Simply Astounding
This movie has a very simple message and you read it in the title Life is Beautiful taking place during the holocaust in Italy no one could ever guess that this movie could be so touching and honest...Roberto Benigni who I believe won the Academy Award for his performance does the wonderful job in the role as a happy go lucky man who's whole life changes during the holocaust and it is up to Benigni to keep his family together...Another refreshing thing to see was the fact that this movie takes place in Italy during the holocaust and what is was really like for jewish families in Italy during the holocaust and very few history students know today that Italy was allies with Germany for a time...I love Benigni and enjoy watching his struggles and watching his love for his son and his wife. Why can't there be more guys like Benigi out there? The DVD features an English language track and of course English subtitles...I prefer the subtitles myself so I can get a real feel for the movie.I have been moved by this movie and you should rent or buy this movie for...by the end of this DVD you'll either be in tears or screaming life is beautiful!

Life is Beautiful, Movies can be Weird
After skimming the reviews here, Roberto Benigni has obviously struck a chord with a lot of people.
I would not argue with them but I found myself with the reviewer who called this film MR. BEAN GOES TO AUSCHWITZ. Actual history proved just too distracting for me to get caught up in this "fable."

Actually, the film I kept thinking of has never been seen: Jerry Lewis' THE DAY THE CLOWN CRIED. I've read the script and I can only imagine the reviews of that film if it was ever released! (Now there's a film in itself: a daffy but deranged filmmaker, popping pills and performing pratfalls, producing his movie about a German clown entertaining Jewish kids on their way to the ovens. Yikes.)

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL doesn't go that far, but I found myself constantly distracted by Benigni's rubbery slapstick taking place in a concentration camp. Yeah, it's sweet that he wants to spare his son the horrors of the camp...but they're in a camp, a concentration camp.
The first half of the film actually plays like a whimsical, slightly-more-witty Jerry Lewis movie. Then the Nazis arrive. Individual scenes manage to touch and charm, but overall it just feels very odd.

Jerry Lewis must have gone nuts when Benigni won the Best Actor Academy Award (William Goldman, the sage of screenwriters, certainly did in print by saying this was the greatest Oscar abomination since THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH won Best Picture in the 1950s). I admit I was put off at Benigni's antics at the Oscars--"I LUFF YOU, I LUFF YOU ALL, I MAKE LUFF TO YOU ALL!" I can't even picture Jerry Lewis carrying on that much if he'd won Best Actor for THE BELLBOY. Now that I think about it, maybe he would....

Yes, movies are a great escape from reality--but there are some realities that shouldn't be part of that escape.
We have new generations of kids coming up who are quite removed from the terrifying reality of the Holocaust and the near-slapstick version of it portrayed in LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL could diminish the true horror of it.
That heaviness, that memory, made buying into the humor nearly impossible.

"I want to make love to all of hollywood"
The pride of Italy Roberto Benini in his WWII masterpiece, tastefully combining comedy with drama in an oscar winning foreign film. A must have. Make sure you watch it in Italian with the subtitles.

ETMR - Life is Beautiful
1. Humanity: How does Guido express the human quality of endurance?

2. Implications: Life is Beautiful expresses the need for family strength. What does this mean for today?

3. Evolution: Life is Beautiful employs a style that is at first jarring to watch, and then succeeds on its own as a force of comedy. How has this affected cinema since its release in 1998?

4. Realism: Is the game Guido plays with his son feasible realistically?

5. Stageplay: The basic story is one of a man trying to remain optimistic during a time of intense suffering. How does the light-heartedness of the plot change the realistic consequences of the Holocaust?

A Beautiful film
Never before has such a brilliant hybrid of comedy and the tradegy of war been so skillfully woven togen. The film, although disjointed slightly in its early stages, presents a delicate balance between the otrocities of the second world war and the genuine warmth and kindness of its protagonist. There are times when you will you laugh, others that you will feel deeply saddened by the plight of the characters, with the comfortable compromise reached at the film's conclusion leaving a pleasant after taste in spite of the circumstances. Brilliantly acted and filmed, Life is Beautiful presents a different take of what life was like in that dark period of history whilst leaving intact the integrity of the central themes and the brutality of war. This is a movie that can be enjoyed on multiple levels and is a worthy Oscar winner. ... Read more

Description

Based on the best selling series by Gerald N. Lund, The Work and the Glory blends high-powered fiction with true events from the life of Joseph Smith.Experience the tragedies and triumphs of the Steed family amid the raging controversy that surrounds the teachings of one of the most influential religious leaders in American history. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great Movie!!!!!
I loved this movie. As I am LDS I think it is fantastic that movies like this are being shown in theaters and the DVD releases are in stores nationwide. I feel that the actors did a suberb job in this movie. I loved the humor as well. I recommend this movie to everyone LDS and Non-LDS alike.

Pillar of Light - A UK Review
We received the DVD this morning, set up our multi-regional player and sat down to watch a great story with some trepidation.

How could a movie match the quality of the book. It didn't. What we watched was a brilliant translation to the screen of a breath taking story told by a writer who should be far better known than he is.

The sets were good, the photography truly beautiful. The capturing of sunsets and a stormy night for dramatic tension were superbly captured.

Both of our children, aged ten and fourteen, sat through the entire movie as captivated as ourselves, and they havent read the book.

We cannot wait for the next installment.

Steve & Jill Hodkin.
Manchester UK

Weak effort
I guess I have to pour some cold water here. While other reviewers have praised this movie based on its family values and wholesome entertainment, I have to say that there are many other movies out there with the same stuff but of higher quality.

The movie, Work and the Glory which is based on the book written by Gerald Lund proves to be rather weak. It captured the spirit of the book but not the spirit of the people of the book. The actors in this movie looked like they never done a hard day's work, spent too much time in their air conditioned trailers waiting for their scenes as their pale skins reflects indoor people, not outdoor farmer types. To be perfectly honest, not once did I believed that these people on screen were actually hard working folks of Lund's book.

I was also disappointed in the actor who played Joseph Smith. I really didn't see that charismatic leader, just an another bland actor who seem to step off a soap opera TV studio. Funny that I brought up the soap opera theme since the movie did played a lot like a soap opera with that dominate romantic love triangle story.

I do praised the relatively high production value of this movie though. The camera works proves excellent, the art direction reflects the money that went into it, even the all too clean costumes show good history. Technically speaking, its a fine film but as a movie trying to tell a story, it fall pretty flat.

For less demanding audience who only want to see 21st century Americans living and dressing up like early 19th century Americans, I supposed the movie can satisfied. But if you were looking for a movie that reflect the period as describe in the book, this is not the movie for it. I would be surprised if there will be a sequel and if there were, we can hope that Beverly Hills 90102 group can get little grubblier.

Work and the Glory Movie DVD
This is an excellent movie! The cinematography is very artistic, and a lot of effort was taken to be true the times. The movie also stays very close to the book, with only a few minor exceptions. While the movie obviously features certain events from the early history of the LDS Church, those of other faiths should be able to watch it without feeling like they are being proselyted. The spiritual events are treated with a reverent brevity. The movies moral of religious tolerance should appeal to those of many faiths.

The DVD special features include the original theatrical trailer for the movie and a commentary voiced by the Director and the Director of Photography.

Overall, I felt that the movie was very well done, with some amazing pieces of acting portraying some very emotional scenes. Of course, given the source, there is no foul language (that I could find) and no innapropriate scenes (unless you count a handful of short kissing scenes).

A Pillar of Light
This film stays incredibly true to Gerald Lund's hit series about the lovable Steed family and their trials as they become part of the greatest work that has ever occurred on the earth.The scenery and music take you back to a time of simplicity in Palmyra, New York.Although some of the acting wasn't top-notch, I applaud the whoever cast the characters because they look exactly as I imagined them while reading the books.I felt inspired by this movie and look forward to adding it to my collection. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Total BS, but great music
ok ok this movie had great music and the dancing was the real star. I remember seeing this movie with my mother, who was a real construction worker. we both laught. No way she could do construction all day and dance all night, but its a movie right. Jennifer Beals was so hot when she did this movie, why didn't she do more films? Oh yeah, she can't act to save her life, but never mind that lets get back to the dancing. The Choreography was so cutting edge for the 80's. If you can choke down the bad acting and the weak story this is not such a bad film. If you like good dancing,and some of the best 80's music see it.

Great Cinematography and directing
This movie has some good music and dancing, in a sappy plot. But the music and dancing are not integral to the plot development; they do not carry the film in the way dancing carries "Dirty Dancing" or "The Turning Point" (both of which have better dancing, by the way.)

But it's one of my favorite movies. Why? The director, Adrian Lyne, got his experience directing TV commercials, where the entire message has to be conveyed in 60 seconds, and in Flashdance every moment is contributing something. The key is the cinematography. Leonard Maltin calls Lyne a "visual stylist", and he is, but he's more. He takes Roman Polanski's cinematographic innovations and pushes them to new limits; the camera tells the story.

When you watch "Flashdance", watch how light and camera angle are used. Light: Pittsburgh light, hazy, smoky, dull, reflecting off puddles, blazing from lamps, dim, bright, strobe, whatever; lighting carries the mood of each scene. As for camera angle, in most movies we are observers, outside the movie, watching the actors. In some of "Flashdance" that is also true, but then in many places the camera angle shifts so we are inside the movie, seeing what one of the actors, or several of the actors, see at that moment. It just pulls you in. If you're not familiar with the film, the first time you watch it wait for the final "audition" scene, and watch how the camera is first an observer, before the dancer enters the audition room, then sees from the dancer's view as the audition begins, and then shifts to show us what the judges see, as the dancing becomes compelling. I don't know about you, but this grabs me and pulls me in; I could watch that scene five times running. And there are many other scenes in which camera angle is used similarly but not quite as obviously. I give this movie four stars; I would give it five if the music and dancing were as well integrated with the plot as in some other movies.

A Believable story that any dreamer can identify with.
Flashdance is one of the most remembered films of the 1980s. It is full of rythym and fast paced tempo that most people were used to seeing in the popular dance movies like Footloose and Dirty Dancing. Jennifer Beals plays her best role as the young wannabe ballet dancer who strives to make it in a rough neighborhood. This film whould be nothing without its music or dancing. It is one of the best date movies too. I highly reccomend this film to anyone with a dream or anyone who is a fan of films from the 1980s.

The dream is eternal
The film is an image of what the 1980s were, of Pittsburgh in the 1980s, this temple of heavy industry coming to an end and starting to look for a new future, due to its industrial crisis. Yet this film has not lost any charm and meaning. The young Alex, an 18 year old girl, is the symbol of this city, an industrial worker during the day and a dancer at night, with a dream : to join the ballet company of the city. Industry producing art. Industrial work producing the dream of art. Alex is a willful young woman who follows the road of her desire, if not ambition, but keeping her ethics pure all along. Pure by looking for love and not pure pleasure. Pure by refusing any favor in her quest and longing for a victory that can be called her own because it owes nothing to anyone and any help from outside herself. Pure because she salvages her friend from becoming a gogo girl in a shady place where dancing is just some kind of dressing for enticing prostitution. Pure because she finds her energy in an old friendship with an old dancer who is encouraging her in getting started and competing for an audition that could open the door to a new artistic life. Pure because she is not soiled by all those who would like to drag her down into the mud of selling her young beauty and art to the gloating eyes of perverse and lustful males. And she can succeed because she never lets her dream die. In life the dream is the almighty sign on the road to epiphany and Alex will meet with this epiphany of hers, the one she has dreamed of for years and she can find only in the energy that comes from her mind and her body, from her unconquerable soul. This film has not aged in spite of all the changes that have occurred in our societies. The dream is the energizing force that leads the way, too often of some Cross, to transcendency.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

typical 80's flick
Alex is a welder by day and an exotic dancer by night, her true passion is dancing and she dreams of being accepted into a professional dance school, except that she lacks the confidence to go after her dream. This type of story, Cinderella goes after her dreams and makes it, is cliched and I love it. Instead of seeing glossy characters with ravishing careers, how about those of us who actually live in the real world and are very much like Alex, we want to see characters like her who are struggling and actually make it! Its a very encouraging and inspiring film for those of us pursuing our dreams. I really like it, I could have done without the naked bar scene later on in the movie. Jennifer Lopez recently did a video based on flashdance and I got to say she was really good. There was a rumor a while back that there might be a flashdance remake with her, and I think that she should do it. J.Lo is perfect for the part! It'd be awesome if she did it. ... Read more

Reviews (151)

Grand Guinol scathing satire of Hollywood and its oddities
Sadly, the mastermind behind Sunset Boulevard, Billy Wilder has passed on recently, but his genius lives on in this dark comedic indictment of Hollywood and its star system. The film shot William Holden to stardom and he became a major player in the '50s and it also afforded Gloria Swanson her last piece of public honor and she made a dramatic comeback as faded screen star Norma Desmond. Both she and Holden earned Oscar nominations here as did supporting players Erich von Stroheim (Max the butler) and Nancy Olson (as a script reader and love interest of Holden's screenwriter Joe Gillis). The film was nominated for Best Picture and Best Director (Wilder), but unfortunately it lost on all counts.....possibly because Hollywood felt bullied and intimidated by Wilder's not-so-rosy depiction of their little town. Wilder even received death threats during and after filming. Classic dialogue and forever memorable scenes abound (the chimpanzee burial scene is a keeper). This black comedy may seem too morbid and ghoulishly funny for some tastes, but it is one of my absolute favorites........

Dark and Addictive--Melodrama at its best!
Simply put, this is the greatest movie ever. And Gloria Swanson gave the greatest film performance in thie movie. You forget your Bette Davises, your "All About Eve"s, your "Titanic"s, your Katharine Hepburns, your Jack Nicholsons, and your "Citizen Kane"s. This--Hollywood will never produce anything better.

A striking film, visually, emotionally, and in every sense, this is a dark, bitter, darkly comical study of what happens when a faded star (who was a bit out of touch with reality to begin with) clings a little too tightly to her gone days of fame. Gloria Swanson gives a phenomenally powerful, over-the-top performance as Norma Desmond, histrionic ex-silent film star. Bill Holden is fine as the down-and-out screenwriter from Dayton, Ohio, that accidentally gets mixed up with her. Max von Stroheim is magnificently creepy as Norma's devoted butler, and Nancy Olson is heartbreaking as the one innocent with no idea of the trouble that surrounds her.

Every frame is perfectly filmed, every image marverlously conveyed, every line wonderfully spouted. Nothing is wrong or out of place. And practically every line is a classic. Most remember the last line of the film's insane conclusion: Norma, finally completely descended into madness, sweeping dramatically down the grand staircase as cops, reporters, and even Hedda Hopper look on; the music swells to a deafening height, and Norma--with that deranged look in her eyes--breathes, "I'm ready for my closeup..." But the best line of all, and the line that symbolizes everything that stands for the golden days of Hollywood, is spoken when Joe recognizes Norma and makes the mistake of saying, "You used to be big." She eyes him bitterly, raises her chin, looks down her nose at him and cries, "I AM big! It's the PICTURES that got smaller!"

If you have to choose a movie to see one day, and can only choose one, don't let the opportunity go by. See this.

SWANSON SHOULD HAVE WON THE ACADEMY AWARD
Swanson deserved the Academy Award for this picture. The ending shot alone shows this.

A superb film all the way around except for the casting of Nancy Olson. Inexplicably, Olson won a supporting actress nomination from the academy that year, but I fail to see why. Her character gets on my nerves, especially making goo eyes at William Holden. But this is just a little quirk I have.

The film succeeds brilliantly mainly because of Swanson. It has an effecting score, great cinematography and great acting from the principle characters (Olson notwithstanding).

You will not be disappointed with this one!

FULL AND WIDE
While widescreen films date back as early as 1930 (The Bat Whispers), Sunset Boulvard is not a widescreen DVD because Sunset Boulevard is not a widescreen film.

A supreme film: a ltrue andmark in the american cinema.
This movie belongs to the legend from its release. Never before Wilder got down to the deepest regions of the soul, like in this one.
A voice in off (William Holden) will be as introductory device to involve us in this gripping story about the loneliness of an old fashioned actress who lives only in her lost picture images.
In this sense it's worthy to name the only five films which have had a succesful exit about this no mercy theme.
These are: Cries and whispers, The silence and Persona (Ingmar Bergman), The anxiety of Veronica Voss (Rainer Werner Fassbinder) and American Beauty(from Sam Mendes).
The sense of loneliness grows progressively in this old lady, who decided to stop the physical time and create her own reality between the dark clouds of her ancient memories.
An eternal treasure of the american cinema and in my point of view the masterpiece of that film maker giant called Billy Wilder. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This emotionally moving romantic drama was adapted by William Nicholson from his own acclaimed play, based upon the real-life romance (during the 1950s) between the British writer C.S. Lewis and a divorced American poet named Joy Gresham. Best known for writing TheLion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Lewis (Anthony Hopkins) is living comfortably as a respected Oxford don, his academic lifestyle a kind of shell protecting him from the emotional risk of love. Joy Gresham (Debra Winger) arrives at Oxford as an avid admirer of Lewis's writing, and the safety of his collegiate routine is quickly disrupted when Lewis realizes that he's fallen deeply and unexpectedly in love. Their courtship is uniquely engaging; he's shy and uncertain, she's outspoken and bold. But when Joy is diagnosed with cancer, Lewis's Christian faith is put to the test--he cannot fathom why their happiness together would be so drastically challenged. Together, they find a way to accept and honor the time they have shared together, and under the sensitive direction of Richard Attenborough, Shadowlands arrives at a conclusion that is both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Hopkins and Winger are equally superb in this absorbing story of personal and spiritual transformation--a story previously filmed for British television in 1985, with Joss Ackland and Claire Bloom. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (85)

What Price Love?
This review refers to the DVD(HBO) edtion of "Shadowlands"...

With every viewing of this touching and true romance, I become more appreciative of what a fine film this is. Had I written a review after the first time I watched it, I probably would have gone 4 stars. The first time around, I really got to know C.S. Lewis and Joy Gresham thanks to the deep and moving performances of Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. After that it was joy spending more time with them, really getting to know their story, and taking in the magnificent work of Director Richard Attenborough and the photography of Roger Pratt.

The story is a bittersweet tale of a mid-life romance that is all to short. C.S. Lewis, the famous writer of children's stories, lives the quiet life of a proper gentleman. He's a professor at Oxford,devout Christian,set in his ways, never married and is repsected by all that know him.When Joy Gresham a divorced, Jewish, Communist, brash New Yorker, with a young son enters his world,things as he knows them are about to change.They develop a friendship and soon she starts to melt the icy wall he has built up around his perfect world. To the shock of all those that know him well, Lewis finally lets his emotions be a part of his life. It is only when Joy becomes terminally ill with cancer, that he realizes the full depth of his love for this woman and her son, and must learn to deal with the pain as well.

I can't think of anyone else who could be C.S. Lewis. Hopkins is a virtuoso. One look at his eyes and we know the depth of his feelings. Winger is an impressive of a match for him as Gresham was for Lewis. She knows how to grab your heart and keep it("Terms of Endearment"). I must also mention the talented young Joseph Mazzello who turns in a remarkable performance as Douglas, Joy's son. William Nicholson has turned his stageplay into a beautiful screenplay, and the music by George Fenton flows with the story.

The DVD is a nice presentation in widescreen, that takes in the splendor of the scenery and sights of England. The tech info here states that the sound is in Dolby Dig 5.1. It is not.(This appears to be the only edtion) The sound is in DD2.0 Surround, and although the dialouge is a little low, the surround sound is very good. Special features include a "Behind the Scenes Featurette" and excerpts of interviews with the stars, the filmmakers and a now grown Douglas Gresham.

The story is a true love story.Five Stars for one that reminds us that to love and to be loved is worth the price of the pain it sometimes brings......enjoy....Laurie

Anthony Hopkins is the (almost) perfect CS Lewis
This is the story of CS Lewis's life--at least, his later life. Lewis, the brilliant intellectual, the revered Christian apologist, the man who seemed to have answers to everything, was living a calm and adequate life with his brother Warren. All of that changed when an American woman named Joy came along. Suddenly, Lewis (Jack, as he's called) finds he does NOT have the answers, and that there has been something missing from his life all along. This film is a story of the love that Lewis found, lost, and found again.

This movie is well-made, and very accurate as to the period and setting. Anthony Hopkins's performance is stunning--he seems to fit Lewis perfectly. I have always had a picture in my mind of how Lewis would look and behave, and Hopkins comes about as close to my mental image as is reasonably possible.

That having been said, Debra Winger's acting is absolutely horrid. Her accent is bad, her mannerisms are annoying, and she is simply not convincing in her role as Lewis's love. Also, I did not like that the movie ignored such great friends of Lewis's as Owen Barfield and JRR Tolkien (even if these men played a less significant part in his later life).

I would have liked to see these men, as well as others, in the movie, but was disappointed. Despite these shortcomings, however, Shadowlands is a pretty good representation of Lewis's life, and you can't beat Hopkins's brilliant acting when he plays the Oxford fellow. If you're a CS Lewis fan, this movie is worth seeing.

Is it about Lewis?
The movie was done well. The cast was magnificent. The scenes of the Oxford Campus were beautiful. The story drew me in. However, it did not present Lewis very well. First, it presents Lewis as being rather naive about suffering. He kept giving the same sermon over and over and implies that did not really understand suffering. This is not so. His mother died when he was very young. He was a soldier in World War 2. His close friend, Charles Williams, died around this period of his life. Second, the movie left the viewer with the impression that Lewis left his simple Christianity and grew into a better understanding of the world. He truly suffered when Joy died as the book, "A Grief Observed" describes beautifully, but he did not leave the faith.

I like the BBC version better. It is closer to the original play.

I recommend the movie, because it well done. However, I do not recommend the movie as a way to learn more about C. S. Lewis. It is a beautiful, fictional love story.

TIMELESS, INTENSE ROMANCE WITH LOADS OF OLD-FASHIONED VIRTUE
You should certainly see Joss Ackland's version of this film, which was a BBC production and hence true to the original play etc. Come to think of it, you may also want to read the original play itself by Hanff (which is on my wishlist but I have not yet read.)

Nonetheless, the thrilling chemistry between Debra Winger and Anthony Hopkins is very, very hard to resist and I wholeheartedly recommend this supposedly "Hollywood" version. It's ranks for me in the same genre as "The Remains of the Day" and "84 Charing Cross."

To begin with, how immaculate the casting is: Debra Winger plays an uninhibited and witty American poetess, while Anthony Hopkins plays a reclusive British middle-aged scholar at Oxford.

They meet over tea. She is in a withering marriage, but in her bull-in-a-china-shop American fashion, she arrives like a fresh wind to rock his musty ivory-tower existence.

As the film progresses, her crudeness (only exacerbated by Winger's awkward NY accent) is soon peeled away to reveal a heart of gold and a life-affirming sense of humor. For instance, while escorting her around Oxford, Hopkins haughtily says, "I do not really go in for seeing the sights." In response, she says, "So what do you do, walk around with your eyes shut?"

Such sprightly but tender moments evoke the screenplay's stirring underlying message -- pain is an inevitable ingredient of love. If you are looking for a somewhat weepy but always warm and wonderful romantic film, this is one of the best you'll find.

the hollywood-ized version of an interesting love story
When I discovered this movie was being made I was so excited. Unfortunately I spent most of my viewing time thinking, it didn't happen that way and WHERE IS HER OTHER KID?!?

But, if you know absolutely nothing about CS and Joy Lewis' life together and know nothing much about CS and Joy Lewis at all, you will enjoy this movie. It is a well-made, Hollywood love story. The acting is excellent and the storyline is compelling. Just keep in mind that this is NOT how it really happened and PLEASE go read for yourself the true story.

Oh, yeah, don't forget the Kleenex. It's a three box-er. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Bergman shines in religious epic
Overlong but fairly engrossing bio of Gladys Aylward, an English-woman who, despite her lack of qualifications, becomes a missionary in China. The film is episodic and covers Aylward's brief career as a parlor maid (saving money for her trip to China), her journey to China, her work at the Inn of the Sixth Happiness and the Chinese-Japanese war which results in her guiding 100+ children in an arduous journey through the mountains to a safer village. I didn't find the film as moving as other reviewers but it is well mounted and nice to look at. Bergman is outstanding as are other supporting players, most notably Curt Jergens and Robert Donat. This was Donat's last film (he died before it was released) and his last screen words are prophetic - "We shall not see each other again, I think. Farewell."

What is most notable about this dvd release is the excellent commentary by Nick Redman, Aubrey Solomon and Donald Spoto. Redman talks about the real Gladys Aylward, Solomon talks about the film production and Spoto discusses Ingrid Bergman. There were many things changed for the film version and many of them are small and inexplicable. For example, Aylward's given Chinese name was Ai-weh-deh (not Jenai), an adopted child was actually named Ninepence (Sixpense in the movie), etc. Other changes were more larger in scope - Aylward's journey to China was quite harsh and she almost died several times. The inn-keeper, Jeanne Lawson (memorably played by Athene Seyler) was no as agreeable a woman as portrayed in the film - she was actually a cantankerous person prone to fits and thought to be quite mad by the villagers. Aylward herself was thought by many to be fanatical and to put it bluntly, off her rocker. Many other fascinating aspects about the film and the women (both Aylward and Bergman) are included.

A must for every video library ! An inspiring tear-jerker !!
One rainy afternoon I was channel surfing and came across this movie and fortunately for me it was very close to the beginning. I was so drawn into the story and captivated by Ingrid Bergman's performance that I forgot I was even watching television!! This is one of the most touching and moving stories I have ever seen and (I won't give this part of the movie away) when the Chinese gave "Gladys" a new name and what that translated to in English I thought I was going to go through a whole box of tissues right then and there. The storyline, scenery and acting are superb and the fact that it is based on a true story only makes it more inspiring. My cousin is 18 years old and wants to pursue a career in the mission field and I told her many times that she has to see this film. So I'm not only going to purchase one for MY video library but one for HER'S as well.

following God's call
This is a magnificent film in every aspect; the acting is brilliant, the landscapes beautiful, the drama intense. Based on the true story of Gladys Aylward, a house maid in England who was "not qualified" to be sent to China as a missionary, so went there on her own, saving every shilling earned for a ticket on the Trans-Siberian railroad. Taking place in the pre-WWII era, it's an adventure story of great spiritual courage, the chaos of war, and a romance between two independent people who never thought they would find love.

Ingrid Bergman is luminous as Gladys. It is one of her very best performances, and my personal favorite. Robert Donat, who passed away before the film was released, is also marvelous as the Mandarin of Yang Cheng, and Curt Jurgens as Captain Lin Nan is handsome and believable as the man who falls in love with Gladys. In a small but pivotal part, Athene Seyler is terrific as Jennie Lawson, the elderly missionary who helps Gladys in her early years, and Peter Chong is a delight as Yang the cook.
It is odd that the only Oscar nomination went to director Mark Robson; perhaps Bergman was overlooked because she had received a "Best Actress" for "Anastasia" two years earlier, but Bergman fans will give this film their own five-star award.

The fabulous location filming by Freddie Young was done in Snowdonia National Park, North Wales, a remarkable substitute for Shaanxi Province, in the heart of China. The village reproductions are very well done, and look incredibly similar to films I have seen shot in China. The lovely score by Malcolm Arnold adds much to the film, and Alan Burgess, whose book "The Small Woman" is the basis of the story, wrote the script, which is witty, wise and wonderful, with Isobel Lennart.
Many times I've laughed out loud , and many times I've cried watching this film; it's good for several viewings, as it is epic in scope, and the script has an intelligence that makes it a rare gem. total running time is 158 minutes.

In the film, Chinese tradition has five "Happiness" wishes: Wealth, longevity, good health, virtue, and a peaceful old age and death. "Each person must decide in their heart what the sixth happiness is".

Break out the Kleenex...
...for this manipulative, mawkish tear-jerker. The story feels superficial (you never get a feeling for Aylward's sense of spirituality, only the very ocassional bit of tacked-on religiosity), and it's all grossly sentimental. All those feel-good moments with singing kids and long hugs actually detract from the important message about selfless service by making self-sacrifice seem all too easy and romantic, even in the face of brutal Japanese invasion.

The casting choices will try your suspsension of disbelief, to say the least: a Swede as an Englishwoman, a hulking German as a half-Dutch/half-Chinese colonel, and an Englishman as a Chinese mandarin. That said, this is still a fun film if you take it for what it is. It boasts an unusual story and exotic setting, and Bergman is as radiant as ever (even if she overacts in a couple scenes). Donat and Jurgens are uqually winning, in their own way.

Hardly Bergman's best film, but certainly worth a watch if you're a fan.

Noah visits the baby Jesus
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness was filmed in Wales and the scenery is beautiful. Ingrid Bergman is in top form as Gladys Aylard would be missionary to China. One of my favorite scenes is when her assistant Yang, who has a fondness for Noah and his ark, is telling the diners at the inn that Noah came in his ark to visit the baby Jesus along with the wise men. When she gives him a disapproving look he goes on to explain that even though Noah was born long before Jesus people lived alot longer back then, so no one could say for sure that he couldn't have been there. ... Read more