Reviews (2)

Wonderful, brilliant!
Peter Ustinov was wonderful as the interviewer of some of the most influential people in the history of the Catholic Church and the Protestant Reformation. It was uniquely done and well worth seeing.

Excellent, vivid, and well done.
Using costumed actors to portray the historical characters from ancient Rome to Luther and beyond, this video brings to life the fascinating stories of the Vatican and St. Peters in Rome. Add to that the beautiful photography . . . a must for any history buff, especially those interested in Christian history. Here, truth is truly stranger--and just as interesting--as fiction. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This first sequel to Dirty Harry was written by a couple of strong voices, writer-directors Michael Cimino (The Deer Hunter) and John Milius (Farewell to the King). But that doesn't mean the film is particularly good. After Don Siegel's ferociously dark style in the first movie, Ted Post's blocky, television-ish direction in Magnum Force is a huge letdown. The story doesn't win any prizes, either. Eastwood's San Francisco detective Harry Callahan (apparently having retrieved his badge after throwing it away at the end of Dirty Harry) takes on a vigilante squad within the city's police force. David Soul is pretty convincing as the major spokesman for these right-wing avengers. Eastwood, on the other hand, had already turned Callahan from fascinating outsider in Siegel's film to purveyor of tough-guy shtick in this one. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (39)

"A man's got to know his limitations."
Who can forget that line from Magnum Force? It has more than one meaning here and definitely sets the theme. Dirty Harry says it a few times in the film but it has the most impact right after Hal Holbrook meets with an unfortunate accident in his car...priceless scene. This is my favorite line Eastwood says to Holbrook in the movie, with the second being when he throws a shell casing from evidence at him saying "eat it!". Magnum Force (1973) is the sequel to Dirty Harry (1971) and this time Harry is still an outsider with his own brand of justice, but he's got nothing on the 4 young motorcycle patrol cops who don't even bother with arrests and paperwork (the criminals don't make it that far!). In Dirty Harry, Callahan chased Scorpio, the mad sniper, but in Magnum Force he doesn't have to go far to find the criminals...they work with him! Action packed and stylish, Magnum Force is essential in the Dirty Harry/Eastwood Collection. The film is directed by television director, Tim Post (Baretta, Combat!) and written by Michael Cimino (director: The Deer Hunter, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot). The cast is great: Felton Perry plays Harry's unfortunate partner who just had to open his mailbox. Look for several familiar faces before they made it big: David "Hutch" Soul, Robert Urich, & Tim Matheson. Also look for a topless Suzanne Somers (uncredited) getting blown away in a swimming pool! I can imagine Joyce DeWitt from Three's Company laughing maniacally when she saw that scene.

"A man has to know his limitations".
"Magnum Force" from 1973,the follow up to "Dirty Harry",(a movie many consider to be a classic) is not as good.Of course sequels rarely are. It does have more action and laughs.You could call it a kind of black comedy,because it is kind of far fetched. The screenplay was cowritten by Michael Cimino,(who wrote and directed "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" with Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges in 1974,which was a good flick),and John Milius,who had an uncredited hand in the original "Dirty Harry". Milius wrote the now famous line,"This being a .44 magnum,...."Do you feel lucky?". It turns up again here right after the opening credits for "Magnum Force". It came out just two years after the original,both were Christmas releases, and it was just as big a hit.They both made about the same amount of money.

The producer and writers had in mind to answer the critics who called Harry Callahan a fascist and a vigilante.Clint Eastwood said in an interview in 1997 about him being called a fascist,"that was just nonsense.Harry was just very concerned about the rights of the victims.What's the matter with that?" The late Gene Siskel also disagreed with those critics. He said "if Harry were to encounter Mussolini or Hitler,he would have popped them to".The critic Roger Ebert calls Harry "extremely fair, he'll shoot anybody". "Magnum Force" is well paced,has some good action sequences and a good chase scene and it does get intense.But,the plot is hokey and it's a little too violent at times.This is not a movie for the kiddies. The cinematography isn't nearly as good as in the original. It doesn't make very good use the San Francisco locations. Lalo Schifrin's score is good though not as inspired as in the original. It's still better than many so called cop movies that have come out since.Like certain bloodthirsty,sadistic mayhem released in the '80's and '90's. In the funny book "Real Men Don"t Eat Quiche" from 1982, the author Bruce Feirstein put "Magnum Force" among those movies real men will pay hard cash to see. Feirstein had a couple of dozen on the list including "Patton","Rocky",some of the James Bond movies,only the ones with Sean Connery,"North Dallas Forty" among others. All these movies are for men only.

Some trivia,Clint Eastwood said in an interview that this story was inspired by the Brazilian death squad of the 1950's.Actor Robert Urich appears as one of the rookie motorcycle cops,this was Mr.Urich's movie debut.Also,a then unknown Suzanne Sommers appears in the swimming pool party scene.Ms. Sommers scenes have her showing off a ring she just received and where she takes her bikini top off in the pool.(Not so shocking since she did do a layout in PLAYBOY about ten years later).Her name didn't get mentioned in the credits.And,Ms.Sommers gets blasted along with the other unfortunate people at the party.And,remember "a man has to know his limitations".

My Favorite Dirty Harry Sequel
Okay... before I begin, I must tell you I am a bit prejudice. I actually saw a scene from this movie being filmed. I lived in San Francisco and in 1973 was walking up the hill to Lafayette Park as they shot some scenes in a high rise apartment building.
I was fascinated as they shot the scene over and over to get the "tension" just right.

Now it is on DVD 30 years later. It has never looked better. Color corrected true wide screen picture, and a soundtrack that is crystal clear.

2 of the vigilante officers are played to perfection by "pre-Starsky" David Soul and, in his first role, the late Robert Urich. The scene in the darkened garage is still powerful in it's quiet threatening tone. It is SO CLEAR the cops enjoy wearing their elegant uniforms and tall boots, leather creaking and chrome gleaming in the dark... an awesome and memorable moment when those who are sent to protect and defend, go over the edge so confidently, quietly and in their minds, logically. It is still very frightening.

Tell Warner Brothers to release the WHOLE film!
The people who assembled this DVD should be ashamed of themselves - the whole film is not there!

One of the most hilarious scenes in the original version of Magnum Force was when the crooked cops are chasing Harry around inside the (very dark) hull of a ship. Every time a shot was fired down there, there would be at LEAST six or seven loud, cartoon-like ricochets. The fact that this might really happen when all of the walls and ceiling are solid steel does not take away from its comic effect. Well, when they remastered the film for DVD, they took all of the ricochets out!

They also cut out some of the sting operation where three hoodlums hold up a convenience store.

Magnum Justice
This is the second of five "Dirty Harry" films in which Eastwood stars as a San Francisco police detective. By the time the last appeared (The Dead Pool in 1988), Eastwood had aged and times had changed but Callahan's non-negotiable values and unorthodox methods had remained essentially the same. In this film, directed by Ted Post with a screenplay co-authored by directors John Milius (e.g. Conan the Barbarian) and Michael Cimino (e.g. The Deer Hunter), the essential premise is that the same legal systems and law enforcement systems to which Callahan so strongly objects have encouraged others to become vigilantes, four of whom serve as police officers under the direct supervision of Lieutenant Briggs (Hal Holbrook). They target and assassinate those whom the "system" has failed to keep off the streets. Of course, Callahan has no sympathy whatsoever for those eliminated. However, he is uncomfortable with the vigilantes' methods (if not their motives) and with what the ancient Greeks -- but not Callahan -- would characterize as their hubris. Eventually, there is the inevitable and obligatory confrontation with them. (Guess who wins?) Those who enjoy this film should also check out The Brotherhood of the Bell (1970), Death Wish (1974), and The Star Chamber (1983) in which Holbrook also appeared. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the future, crime is out of control and New York City is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables. Kurt Russell put his Disney days behind him as the nicest bad guy in the picture. All comic-book sensibilities and macho posturing, this is one of writer-director John Carpenter's better brainless escapes. There are snappy one-liners and explosive action scenes. However, the film lacks tension and some believability even within the realm of SF fantasy. Even when it fails to gel, though, it always manages to amuse, thanks in great part to a varied and unusual supporting cast (watch for Ernest Borgnine as a cabdriver). Followed in 1996 by Carpenter's overdone and campy Escape from L.A. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (111)

"John Carpenter's Escape from New York"
Escape from New York (R) *****/5
Kurt Russell, Ernest Borgnine, Isaac Hayes, Harry Dean Stanton, Adrienne Barbeau.
Directed by: John Carpenter.
Synopsis: A former war hero turned criminal must save the president, and recover his briefcase to save his own life when he is dropped in the criminal penitentiary of N.Y. City.
Special Features: Trailer
Review: One of the greatest films ever made, and the greatest vision of the future ever. John Carpenter's widely acclaimed success of a film. It follows Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken who has two bombs planted in him. He is given a chance for his freedom if he can rescue the president and his briefcase from the clutches of The Duke in the prison city of N.Y. Plissken the former war hero turned criminal goes in, and he must survive the terror town, complete his mission, and get back before the bombs go off. Kurt Russell forever shed his Disney image for this film. He is on the ball, with the performance of a lifetime, and he creates one of the greatest characters in cinema history. Borgnine is lovable as the cabbie, Hayes is a fantastic bad guy, Stanton is cool as usual, and the supporting cast gives it their best effort. Carpenter shines with his tiny budget. He introduces us to a world where anything can happen, and he unveils his world to us in spectacular form. He even filmed it in Saint Louis and made me think it was New York. As for the DVD? ...

Snake Plissken Escapes from DVD Hell...
A few years ago, MGM released a bare-bones DVD of EFNY and were rightly criticized for not including anything in the way of supplemental material. A glaring omission for such a beloved movie. The studio has more than redeemed itself with this new two DVD Special Edition that should please the fans.

There are two audio commentaries on the first DVD. The first one is with producer Debra Hill and production designer Joe Alves and focuses on production anecdotes and how the special effects of the film were achieved.

The second audio track is with John Carpenter and Kurt Russell, and is the one fans will enjoy the most. The two men joke and banter with each other like old friends and it is this relaxed, conversational tone that really makes this track such an enjoyable listen.

There is an excellent documentary entitled, "Return to Escape From New York" located on the second DVD. A treat for fans is all the new cast and crew interviews conducted especially for this documentary: the always radiant Adrienne Barbeau, the normally publicity shy Harry Dean Stanton and even the Duke himself, Isaac Hayes! They all speak fondly of their experiences on the film.

There is also a so-so a photo montage of how an issue of the comic book is put together, from rough sketches to its arrival in stores. In a nice touch, the issue that is shown is also included with the DVD.

"Snake Bites" is a collection of clips from the film scored to some atmospheric electronic music. This really isn't all that interesting and seems like unnecessary padding to fill out the DVD.

The other extra that has been eagerly anticipated by fans is the famous original opening of the film. Snake and his partner rob a bank and are caught with Snake being arrested and his partner being gunned down. This scene sets up Snake's arrival at the New York prison but Carpenter cut it because test audiences were confused by it. This footage was thought to be lost long ago. It is finally being presented in its entirety on this DVD. The footage is quite grainy but watchable and features an optional audio commentary by Carpenter and Russell (who had never seen the footage before).

Rounding out the disc are a nice collection of TV spots, a theatrical trailer, and a photo gallery with lobby cards, behind-the-scenes and production stills.

Escape From New York is a fast-paced action film that contains a dark, satirical edge that never falters, even right up to the film's conclusion. The DVD, with its wonderfully themed menus (done in the same style as the film), stunning transfer and top notch extras, ranks right up there with the excellent Big Trouble in Little China (1986) special edition set that came out a few years ago. This new special edition was obviously made with the fans in mind and this only enhances its value.

"You mean I can't count on you?...Good!"
What can I say.

Strangely enough, despite the fact that I am a child of the 80s (I was 12 when this movie first came out), I never saw Escape from New York until 6 weeks ago.

Then I was hooked.

Most people know the story. In the "future," (1988, haha) the US crime rate rises 400%. To combat this crime wave, drastic measures are taken. The United States becomes a fascist-like police state, and in 1992 New York City becomes the country's one maximum-security prison to house the worst society has to offer. Sealed off from the outside world by a 50-foot containment wall on all sides, Manhattan Island becomes a modern (or postmodern) Botany Bay. All bridges, tunnels and waterways surrounding the island are mined, and the US Police Force constantly patrols by helicopter, to ensure that no prisoners escape. Criminals unlucky enough to receive a maximum-security sentence are given a choice: be executed or be airdropped into the New York for life to fend for themselves. As the chilling opening narration observes, "There are no guards, only prisoners and the worlds they have made. The rules are simple. Once you go in, you don't come out."

Into this black pit of despair comes one S.V. "Snake" Plissken, played by Kurt Russell. A war hero (he won 2 purple hearts, one in Leningrad and one in Siberia - remember, the Soviet Union still existed when this film was made), Snake for unspecified reasons has turned to a life of crime. And at the film's beginning, the Law has finally caught up with Snake, and he is being transported to New York to serve a life sentence for bank robbery when Fate steps in.

On the same evening that Snake is brought to Manhattan Island to begin serving his sentence, the President of the United States (played by Donald Pleasance) is on his way to a peace summit when his plane (Airforce One) is hijacked by a terrorist posing as a pilot, and is crashed into the prison. (In today's post-9/11 environment, the hijacking scene, at least to me, is particularly chilling and I have a hard time watching it).

Miraculously, the President exits the plane via his special "escape pod" and he survives the plane crash...only to be taken captive by the "Duke of New York," played with beautiful understated menace by Isaac Hayes.

Police Commissioner Bob Hauk (played by Lee Van Cleef), has an idea: send Snake Plissken, trained combat veteran and specialist at "getting in quiet," into the prison to find the President and rescue him. If he succeeds, Snake will be pardoned for every crime he's ever committed in the United States. And just to make sure that Snake fulfills his end of the bargain, Hauk has the prison's chief doctor implant 2 explosives in Snake's neck. If Snake does not return with the President in 22 hours, the explosives will go off, and, as Hauk wryly notes, "No more Snake Plissken."

So the die is cast. Snake goes in...but will he find the President alive? Even if he finds the President alive, will he get out in time to have the charges in his neck neutralized? Watch it and see.

This film is entertaining on many levels. It's an excellently crafted story, complete with social commentary and irony. It's a dystopic vision of what can happen when we trade too much of our liberty in exchange for what we think is security - definitely another resonant theme in our post-9/11 reality. We clamp down on individual rights/freedoms, supposedly in the name of protecting the collective - and leave society's undesirables to prey on each other in an asphalt jungle hell. But then what are we? According to this film, we're only slightly less inhuman than the criminals.

And the DVD contains various extras and bonuses which are sure to round out one's Escape from New York knowledge. This includes the documentary film "Return to Escape from New York," which details the making of the film. There are also commentary tracks by John Carpenter and Kurt Russell, as well as by producer Debra Hill.

Another real treat is the deleted bank robbery scene (the original first 10 minutes of the movie). This scene was cut from the final film because, in Carpenter's words on the commentary track, premiere audiences thought it diminished Snake's character by "humanizing" him too much. I actually found that humanization to be a good thing, and thought that the Bank Robbery sequence helped to set context for the story.

Along the lines of the deleted bank robbery sequence, another potential flaw of this movie, at least in my opinion, is that we never really know much about the characters or why they are the way they are. In other words, there's not much in the way of character development or backstory. For example, we know that Snake is sullen, embittered and in general concerned for nothing but his own self-preservation (though occasionally flashes of humanity do show and when it comes down to it, he does the right thing). But why?

I've read that Mike McQuay's novelization of the movie sketches out some history for Snake's character (and for the characters of Hauk, Brain, Maggie, Cabbie and the President as well). It would have been nice to see some of that in the film, with subplots, flashbacks, etc. It would've made the story richer.

But, regardless, what is there is great stuff. The cynicism and one-liners will bring a wry smile to your face, especially when they come from good old snarling Snake. Check it out.

Snake Plissken; Add Him To Your List of Movie Heroes
There's always something bizarre, in a very cool way, about watching a futuristic movie set in a year we've already passed. It's very eerie. Released in 1981, "Escape From New York" opens to explain that in 1988, Manhattan Island was transformed into a Maximum Security Prison, surrounded by a massive wall from every angle; guarded by police, with landmines at every exit route. The film is set in 1997, when terrorists bring down Air Force One, president and all, right into the heart of the forbidden island. Luckily, the president has survived thanks to his escape pod, and a rescue team is immediately dispatched in an effort to retrieve him and his special cargo. The president carries with him a cassette tape (very futuristic, eh?) of recorded information that could bring peace to the currently warring nations, but the time left with which to use it in is short. The rescue team finds the escape pod empty, and is soon approached by a loony prisoner with a grim message. The president has been taken captive by the A-Number One inmate of Manhattan Island, The Duke of New York. This is a job for... SNAKE PLISSKEN!

Yes, Snake Plissken: war hero; the youngest man ever to be decorated by the president; and recently, bank robber. Before being condemned to join the other inmates of Manhattan Island, Snake is made an offer. Go in, come back with the president and the tape before the clock runs out, and get a full pardon. But to sweeten the deal, another card is played. Snake is injected with two tiny capsules into his bloodstream. If he doesn't make it back in time to have the capsules neutralized, they will explode and rupture his arteries, killing him immediately. The only thing Snake really cares about anymore is himself, so now he has no choice. He must fly a glider into the heart of the city, locate the president and his tape, and together, they must escape from New York!

John Carpenter creates another masterpiece with "Escape From New York." The city is turned into a truly intimidating, downright frightening environment, with every kind of crazy one could think of. Kurt Russel as Snake Plissken, creates one more of those wonderful iconic anti-heroes the likes of Bruce Campbell's Ash and Rowdy Roddy Piper's Nada; self-serving, gruff, and full of great one-liners, but always doing the right thing when it comes down to it. The always fun Ernest Borgnine is great as Cabbie, Harry Dean Stanton is perfect as Brain, and Donald Pleasance and Isaac Hayes are also well cast, as was the entire film. Carpenter's usually haunting music runs throughout, and the adventure and action is non-stop. A must have for all fans of the sci-fi anti-hero genre and apocalyptic future films. Sorry I can't comment on the Special Edition DVD, but I currently only have the bare bones edition. It sounds great though, and I definitely want to get it. Mine does include the theatrical trailer though, and it's very cool. Love those creepy theatrical trailers for sci-fi films of the late 70s and early 80s. "Escape From New York" was followed by a sequel in 1996, "Escape From L.A." Some (maybe most) may find the sequel overly campy, with too many special effects and too much comedy. I have to confess that I slightly prefer L.A., probably for those very reasons. I'm not huge on camp, but it seemed to work well with the material. The plot was fairly similar though, and both movies have GREAT twist endings.

One of the most important films in my life
Carpenter's 2nd best. The fact that I'm a loser who does nothing but sit in a room all day and watch movies all day and has no friends and dreams of making movies of his own some day. This is the 2nd most inspiring movie in my life No.1 is Halloween. No 3. is Ghostbusters No 4. is The Thing. and No. 5 is Big Trouble In Little China. I'm not really sure what to say because words can't explain how much I love this movie but I wiil say this Incredible movie very ahead of it's time amazing story, amazing cast including western legends Lee Van Cleef and Ernest Borgnine and my favorite actor of all time Donald Pleasence, Amazing photography by Dean Cundey who I think is the best of all time, the best character of all time (besides Michael Myers) Snake Plissken, best Director of all time and I really really mean that, very funny ending just amazing and believe me I really really mean that too. I will Never forget it. Well I'm gonna go watch some more movies I'm thinking about watching Prince Of Darkness or maybe Halloween 4 The Return of Michael Myers well so long. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Some really hot scenes in an otherwise so-so story!!!
I liked certain parts of this video a LOT! It was quite sexy! Basically this movie centers around two women: one, aspiring to make it in the business world, where she gets passed over for a big promotion because she's a woman; and the other, a gorgeous stripper at a gentlemen's club. When the two accidentally meet up at an auto garage after years apart, the stripper suggests to her equally beautiful business-executive friend that she come down to her club and check it out. The businesswoman does exactly that, and even gets an unrequested erotic table-dance from her stripper friend! The businesswoman decides to give it a try as a stripper, and soon she's the hottest girl at the club. That doesn't settle very well with her blonde friend, who, nevertheless makes money on-the-side doing girl-girl performances with another pretty blonde who works at the club. A LOT of eroticism in this flick! I applaud the writer/producer/director for a great effort! ... Read more

Description

(1947-England). With CARROLL LEVIS, CAROLE LANDIS, HERBERT LOM, ERNEST THESIGER, TERRY-THOMAS. Popular 1940s radio personality Carroll Levis (who was known as "Britains favorite Canadian") stars as himself in this intriguing whodunit. He inadvertently becomes embroiled in a caper involving the smuggling of a priceless brass monkey into England. The potential buyer is Mr. Ryder-Harris (played with finesse by veteran character actor Ernest Thesiger). This eccentric gentleman claims the ancient artifact is "beyond human value to any follower of Buddhism." Levis has been given the monkey by his friend Kay Sheldon, who is a former talent discovery. She obtained the relic from her fiancŽ, who happens to be one of Londons most disreputable fences of stolen goods. The monkey lands in the clutter of Levis office and is promptly mislaid. Then, chaos follows as several unscrupulous parties try to steal the monkey, resulting in murder and mayhem. Amid all of this "monkey business," an array of musical and comedy performers audition for and appear on "The Levis Hour," our heros weekly radio program. Outstanding among the entertainers is gap-toothed farceur Terry-Thomas in a very comical early film appearance. 81 minutes. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the real world, drug use is unimaginably boring to watch--but it inspires spectacular visuals in movies like Trainspotting and Drugstore Cowboy. To this list add The Salton Sea, a moody thriller starring Val Kilmer as a musician who goes undercover into the world of speed freaks to find the men who killed his wife. Though that plot summary may sound trite, creative direction, strong performances, and a solid script that shifts to and fro in time make The Salton Sea worth a look. Kilmer has an erratic track record but he's always an intriguing on-screen presence; Vincent D'Onofrio has a field day playing a noseless speed dealer called Pooh Bear. The cast is full of excellent character actors, including Anthony LaPaglia (Lantana), Peter Sarsgaard (Boys Don't Cry), B.D. Wong (Jurassic Park), Deborah Kara Unger (Crash), Adam Goldberg (Saving Private Ryan), and Luis Guzman (The Limey). --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (70)

The Salton Sea
Amazon, you need a sixth star to do full justice to this edgy, innovative masterpiece of ensemble acting. That lead actor Val Kilmer can shine so brilliantly amidst the endless stream of first rate supporting actors proves he is not only an actor of supreme ability, but a catalyst who has brought about small miracles in the roles of, among others, Sarsgaard, Wong, D'Onofrio, Plummer, Unger, Guzman --well the list is long and simply mind-boggling. The film was released in only four or five major cities and dropped. How the producers of this film could have been so dense in promoting it is beyond my scope of understanding. No doubt Kilmer will once again be passed over at Oscar time (remember Tombstone? The Doors? How about Heat?) but if making good films is his real source of satisfaction, he should be very proud of this film. His acting depicts a range of human emotions in this film that will leave you breathless.
Do yourself a favor and see this movie. Often.

Highly stylized drivel.
I usually stay clear of anything with Val Kilmer. The trailer for this one looked so good that I had to investigate.

I'm sorry to report that The Salton Sea reeks of many far better films. Trainspotting. Memento. Pulp Fiction. True Romance. Drugstore Cowboy. Boogie Nights.

I don't blame Kilmer. He's actually quite good for once. The problem is a film with little identity of it's own. A film that is little more than half a dozen cool set pieces strung together with a contrived threadbare plot.

Vincent D' Onofrio chews more scenery here than he has in his entire career. Here he plays a menacing drug dealer named Pooh Bear. His nose has desintegrated due to years of drug abuse and he kills enemies by unleashing an oversized rabid badger on their genitalia!

As deliciously wacky as this sounds it's just not enough to carry an entire movie. There is llittle else here besides a few quirky Tarantino inspired characters.

Very few men in their early 40s can wear a mohawk as well as Kilmer. He's surprisingly sexy here.

We also get hipsters like Adam Goldberg, Debra Kara Unger, Glen Plummer, Peter Sarsgaard, Luis Guzman and Anthony La Paglia. All get to utter over-cooked P.T Anderson style dialogue.

The Salton Sea is a terrifc looking film that (like most terrific looking film's) makes very little sense and is utterly forgettable.

Save your money and wait for it's appearance on cable TV.

4 stars (out of 5)
The film opens with the main character (played by Val Kilmer, although I initially guessed that it was Guy Pearce), playing the trumpet while he is surrounded by flames which include burning money. His voice-over narration indicates that he about to die, and that we can call him either Danny Parker or Tom Van Allen. Then we get a quick but very funny and gorgeously shot introduction to the history and manufacture of "speed" (methamphetamine). And then we flash back to the real movie, which starts by showing Danny Parker as a serious drug addict, surrounded by others who are as well. I could say more, but there are a great number of twists and turns in the plot, and you should discover them for yourself.

The cinematography is, as I already indicated, spectacular. The soundtrack, featuring Miles Davis, is excellent. And the acting is very good, with Vincent D'Onofrio being the standout as an absolutely insane drug dealer who is called Pooh Bear because his nose had to be removed after he did too many drugs.

I saw this film at the Camera Cinema Club in San Jose, CA on April 14th where the director (D.J. Caruso) was there to talk and answer questions (although I had to leave early in the question period). He said that a significant influence on him was "Chinatown," because that was the last great Los Angeles-set noir film. He also indicated that the ending, which was a little too upbeat for some, was more dark and ambiguous than other alternatives suggested by the studio.

With the caveat that it is at times violent and/or tense, I would definitely recommend this film.

Didn't like the film
I could not recommend this film. It glamorizes the life of a "tweaker". The acting is very good, but the subject matter is depressing.

Great Portyral of A Speed Freak in a Hollywood Way
This is a absolute gem in the rough. I put this up their with pulp ficition, memento, blow, casino,fear and loathing.

First, if you have not done meth(speed) you will not know how percise this film is. It portrays the scene pretty well and val deos a good job of telling what its like in the first scene. If you havent done meth you probably wont get this movie that well. There is still a great story line, but all a speed freak cares about is, were is that next line coming from and when will it be here. I love movies when the who plot comes together at the end. YOU NEED TO SEE THIS FILM.

I'm not saying you will totally be lost if you have never done meth, but having done the drug myself I can relate to the film A LOT.

Absolutly brilliant film and I love the way it was done and how true it is. Val Kimer can not do a bad movie and I love how he seems to choose the crazy,weird,drug,(...) kind of movies. He totally encompasses his acting ability in each roll he deos. Brilliant.

A+++++. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Finally, a movie with some thought...
This movie is funny and a little sad. We are fast becoming "disconnected" physically from the human race. We communicate via phones, emails, faxes, etc. Why even go out to the movies when you know it will be on cable in 3-5 months. We order in food, shop on-line and talk on the phone in text messaging and can speak to an advice nurse on the phone. This movie hits it on head! Funny, funny, funny. Frankly, I'm with Jerry (Liev Schreiber). I could live in p.j.'s and never have a need to leave the house. I may look into homeschooling the kids so I don't have to drive them to school and work from home. Starting to really like this idea!

Slick modern comedy surprisingly impressive!
Never judge a book by it's cover-that's what you learn from watching this trendy little grinfest. Although it's quite brief and it's got a cast of unknowns-it succeeds. In my opinion, a movie is a winner if it delivers effects that it's genre promises. For example, a horror movie is good if it scares you-a drama is good if it makes you cry or at least grabs your full attention. This parody of human communications IS funny, and it has the power to KEEP you staying in tune with the storyline. So many things happen in the characters' lives and we learn this by listening to dozens of brief phone conversations. With it's amusing subplots and charismatic characters, you will like this film.

Cast of Unknowns delights in "Ciber-Space-Age" Comedy
This unusual (to say the least) comedy is well ahead of its time with a message for all of us, who are so wrapped up in our work, that we have completely "un-learned" how to enjoy life. -- A 90-minute string of phone conversations, telephone answering machine messages and e-mails ends in at least TWO PEOPLE re-connecting with life they once knew as worth living. A group of "yuppie" friends is in contact only through modern day communication systems. When a young woman (Denise) calls the sperm donor, whose child she is about to give birth to, the cyber-serene world of the clique begins to rock. The scene where one of the friends leaves a phone message to another clique member while getting into a fatal car wreck is morbitly funny. This movie resembles a very long joke that entertains you while you eventually reach the punch line. There are many laughs, but the seriousness of the message behind this comedy remains after viewing. Have we all turned into little cell-phone-toting robots? Released in 1995, this film is in tune with our changing times. This film will "hit home" with a lot of people. Recommended!

An okay film that deals with harried New Yorkers.
I recently caught this movie on cable, and I thought that it was okay. It deals with a bunch of busy thirty-something-year-old New Yorkers, who are friends, who can never find the time to get together. As a result, they mainly communicate by talking on the phone. This movie blends romance with comedy; during its course, one of the characters tries setting up one friend with another friend, and another character is contacted by a pregnant woman whom he artificially inseminated. I found some of the scenes to be funny, but I thought that the rest of the movie was sort of dry.

Technology ain't all it's cracked up to be!!!
With the simplest of settings -- apartment rooms and interior car shots -- Denise Calls Up is a wry tale of how increased communication through technology (cell phones, faxes, email) doesn't necessarily lead to more better relationships. The "death by cell phone" incident is black humour at its best, the phone sex scene is hilarious, as is the birth scene conducted via conference call. The ending is bittersweet. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A Feel Good Movie !!!
This movie is by far my husbands favorite movie! He has watched it numerous times. I can't get him away from the TV set when it is on. I really wish they would put this movie on DVD because it rightly deserves to be there. It is a great movie. It has everything a movie needs action, drama, excitement and any other words I could think of other than GREAT !!! Maybe someday they will put it on DVD and we will get a clearer picture. I definately would buy it in a heartbeat! Once you watch it you will have to watch it over and over and over again. It is a great movie!!!

Touching
I have four brothers and this movie does a great job showing a "brother's love". If you are synical and like to pick everything apart you probably won't think much of this movie but if you have a heart and like feel good movies, you'll love it!

Great Memories.
This movie is the most memorable movie in my existance. In 1985 this played on HBO shortly after its release and it has a special meaning in my life. I was 17 at the time. My girlfriend Debbie and I had a joke that everytime we turned on the TV, "Turk 182" would be on... and it was! It's a great movie, with the same passion of "Taps". Rent or buy it!

-Charlie

just for the name
think about it, maybe blink 182 got their name from this movie. If it was called turk 185, they might of called the band blink 185. Certainly not the same. God bless this movie for getting made. Im deffintly looking forward to viewing it in the future.

It's a great little film
If you're a fan of Tim Hutton.. then you already have this in your collection.. This is a great little film, with a predictable storyline, but the characters draw you in, simply because of the talented actors that bring this this quirky little tale of brotherly love to life... and its worth the price simply for Kim Catrall ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Welcome to Nero's House of Women" greets a concubine to a slave girl, Lygia (Deborah Kerr). Later this self-same greeter reveals that she, too, like Lygia, is really a fellow Christian neophyte. And it's that mixture of tawdry Hollywood sex and a strong Christian message that makes this film an enjoyable "gentiles and gladiators" flick. Marcus Vinicius returns home after conquering the Britons to find that Rome is infected with a crazy new sect called Christians and that his beloved emperor Nero (Peter Ustinov, roly-poly and wicked) has become increasingly wacky. Marcus tries his centurion wiles on Lygia, and she's smitten, but she's also a Christian convert and begs Marcus not to force her to choose between him and her god. The Christians have a tough go of it, with martyrdom in the Coliseum as punishment for belonging to the new religion in town. Though three hours long, director Mervyn LeRoy's film always has something going on. It could help you enjoyably kill any rainy Sunday afternoon. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A Real Christian Movie For Once
Quo Vadis is a movie Ive seen many times and never tire watching. It has beautiful and panoramic scenes making it worthy of an epic. I loved Ustinov playing the evil demonic Nero and Laffan playing Nero's Empress wife. Truely I rarely see such great acting in our films of today.
The greatest attributes of the film are the colliseum scenes in which the Christians are slaughtered for falsley being blamed for the burning of Rome. Nero was fully responsible for this horrid act. The scenes of Nero's court are entertaining and funny to see. Watching all of Nero's men cowtowing to their emperor and at the same time showing contempt for Nero's actions.
The sets are great for 1951 standards and even by todays standards. The Roman Legion formations and custumes were excellent. Taylor's acting is medicore but sufficient and Debra Kerr is a beautiful woman who portrays the poor Christian slave convincingly. It is so so convincing, you would think she was a devout Christian in her private life to her credit as an actress. Also the costumes deserve a five star rating!
The only negative thoughts to the film are the historial accuracies which reveal how short of time the Christian persecution lasted. It didn't end with the end of Nero. Don't let this keep you from buying a great film which does show some Roman and early Christian history and how Roman society existed during Nero's rule. I can't wait for the DVD production of this film. I only wish Hollywood would show films of this quality.

The biggest of the spectacle movies!
Quo Vadis is a shining example of Hollywood at it's best, for a change! Big cast, big budget and a big plot set in Nero's Rome. Robert Taylor turns in one of his finest performances as Marcus Vinicus, an arrogant Roman commander who slowly finds his way of life and love being changed by a shy Christian girl, Deborah Kerr. Kerr is bewitching as the innocent in a debauched Rome and Peter Ustinov is chilling as the nutty but deadly Nero. All I can say is, if you buy this movie, you'll never regret it.

A musical review.......
Miklos Rozsa did a terrific job in composing the music for this movie. The great passion and emotion he can communicate is unsurpassed. In my opinion as a freelance composer it was very difficult to write the music for this tremendous film. It requiered a kind of kaleidoscopic character, each scene needed its own aura, its own color and unlike most filmscores it does not and it can not consist of short flimflams, each scene needed its own musical movement.

The most I like the `Christ is King` theme for choir wich is also sung by the matyrs in the arena. A song wich is unstoppable and will not die or fade away, it is the centerstone of the Quo Vadis' musical climax.

VERY ENTERTAINING EPIC!!!
I love this movie but I will not buy this on VHS. Why isn't it available on DVD? This movie deserves to be released on DVD - there is no excuse. What's the problem? PLEASE RELEASE THIS MOVIE ON DVD!!!

Christianity Versus The Decadence of Nero's Rome
"Quo Vadis", based on the novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz would have to be near the top of my list of favourite 1950's religious epic productions. Indeed "Epic" is the word to fittingly describe this mammoth MGM production that cost an amazing 7 million dollars to make in 1950 and was the studio's biggest money maker since "Gone With The Wind". It has everything an epic movie lover could desire, the already stated fine literary source, breathtaking sets (no computer generated effects here!), meticulously researched historical costumes, enormous crowds scenes and a stunning recreation of Pagan Rome at it's height. The film boasts an extraordinary cast but towering over all of them is the late Peter Ustinov in his unforgettable performance as the deranged Nero. His interpretation of this infamous Emperor who began the first concentrated persecution of the early Christians is still the visual image for a lot of people, myself included,that first comes to mind when Nero's name is mentioned. Already having been filmed a number of times in the silent era and once again since this 1951 film, this is still the definitive version of the story of the early Christian Church struggling to survive in Nero's Rome after the great fire.

With the advent of television in the early 1950's Hollywood fought back with splashy, lavish productions that could not be matched by the flickering black and white image of television in it's infancy. "Quo Vadis", lent itself perfectly for this purpose and an already shaky MGM put all of it's resources into the filming of this elaborate production. The story centres around cocky Roman soldier Marcus Vinicius (Robert Taylor) who after three years of successful campaigning returns to savour the delights of Nero's Rome. Detained at the villa of a retired Roman general Marcus falls for the simple charms of the general's adapted daughter Lygia (Deborah Kerr) who unbeknown to Marcus is secretly a Christian. Seeing her love for him but not understanding the families belief in the love of a single god and in loving your fellow man despite their background or race Marcus has Lygia taken to Rome and placed in Nero's "House of Women" and seeks to make her is own. Lygia escapes and is taken in by other believers but in the meanwhile Marcus finds himself the focus of the unwelcome and quite dangerous affections of the Empress Poppaea (Patricia Laffan). Meanwhile Nero's meglomania continues to grow and he develops a wild scheme to rebuild Rome to his own glory and secretly sets the city on fire. The backlash from this act however sets Nero to find a scapegoat and thus begins the persecution of the Christian sect that are, to the amazement of the Romans, the disciples of a simple young carpenter from Galilee who was executed for his beliefs. Marcus finds Lygia however both are imprisoned together as Christian believers to become the sport of Nero's festivities in the arena. The appearance of the Apostle Peter who has been called to Rome by Christ's message gives the Christians the strength to endure their ordeals and Marcus and Lygia are married by him just prior to his own matrydom on Vatican Hill. Nero however goes too far in his persecution and the mob turns on him resulting in his fall from power and suicide and the reins of power being taken over by the more level headed General Galba.

While "Quo Vadis", in some areas is not always accurate historically the faults are not glaring ones and it does give a vivid picture of the growth of the early Christian movement and the persecution it endured which of course went on long after Nero's death. First and foremost it is inspiring and dramatic viewing and is the classic example of old style movie making at its most lavish. The film is filled with unforgettable images, for example the huge crowd scenes during Marcus' triumpiant entry into Rome, and the burning of the city by Nero which incredibly was done on both full sized and miniature sets. The cold blooded destruction of the Christians in Nero's Circus of course is probably the most vivid image in the film and is riverting in it's horror and accurate depiction of people being eaten by lions or being used as human torches. These scenes in "Quo Vadis", have I believe never been bettered in depicting the insanity and brutality of Nero and his regime. Performances are uniformily fine here. As the two lovers Robert Taylor and Deborah Kerr are just perfect as the two illmatched lovers from different worlds. Finlay Currie does a most inspirational piece of work as Peter and special mention must go to Patricia Laffan who is perfect in a chilling performance as the evil Empress Poppaea. Directed by MGM veteran Mervyn LeRoy, who was responsible for such diverse MGM productions as "Waterloo Bridge", and "Blossoms in the Dust", here he is still just as at home with this super scale type of film and his directoral integrity is evident in every frame of this film. "Quo Vadis", ended up being nominated for 8 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Peter Ustinov.

I always find "Quo Vadis", a moving viewing experience generally around Easter time when my thoughts often go back to the earliest years of my religion. Liking the older style of movie making I can also appreciate the film on its superb technical achievements and massive historical recreation. This however never submerges my appreciation of its very simple message that all people need to love each other despite their differences for the world to be a happier place. Take time soon to view this epic production of "Quo Vadis", you wont regret it. ... Read more

Reviews (206)

It's U2's Concert Masterpiece!
Shot over 2 nights in Boston just months before 9/11, this concert is unlike any I've seen on DVD. As noted in the "The Making Of...." on the main concert disk, this show is shot and edited as if it were cinema. Brilliant editing. But it's not a movie. It's a true live concert, just filmed with a vision for something entirely different. The entire show was set up for the purpose of filming the show. The sound is great in any setting - 2 channel, Dolby DTS and 5.0.

You will be drawn into the performance of Bono, The Edge, Larry and what's him name. ( Just kidding). Great song selection. The staging is stripped down compared to some of the other live shows filmed in the past but is still awesome. I wasn't much of a fan of Zoo TV.

The two disk set is also designed to see what it took to film this event. You can watch the show and hear the direction coming from the truck in one channel. Great if you're into that kind of thing.

Just love this concert. A must buy and an honest 5 star DVD.

Just like being there!
After seeing 7 of the Elevation Tour shows on this tour, I thought that seeing it on tv would lose the excitement of seeing it live and in person. Not so! VH1 aired a "watered down" version, with only current radio favorites (although the pre-show countdown was way cool) that was rather disappointing. However, U2 fans won't be let down with the dvd. The look is vibrant and the sound is loud and rich and you really do feel as if you're there. Director Hamish Hamilton really outdid himself here and ended up with a fantastic concert movie! I sat at just about every angle of the arena in my 7 shows, but unless you were in the very first row, the dvd offers a view that few were privilaged to see. The little camera in Bono's glasses is a nice surprise too. You see what he sees and it adds to the concert experience in a way I've never seen on any video or dvd for that matter. I like the second disk too, especially with the "Beautiful Day" video on the roof!

If you didn't catch U2 live, this is the next best thing to being there!

This DVD Changed My Life
This is the DVD that started it all. The obsession, the admiration, the adoration, the motivation and the inspiration. I was a neutral U2 fan before. Loved the songs With or Without You, Stay, Staring at the Sun, but it ended there. When my sister received this DVD for her birthday, I was the first to watch it (Since I 'had nothing better to do, and I'm bored'. Anyone guess where that line's from?) and was hooked. I was floored, literally, since I was sitting on the floor when I was watching it.

The first thing that struck me was the amazing directing of the video. The scenes are so beautifully executed! The stretch of songs from Bad to With or Without you will leave you breathless. On the DVD, U2 werenn't merely a great rock band performing their greatest songs. They were the world's best rock band merging, blending, becoming one with their fans. The crowd interaction, the intensity of emotion, everything! The director and editors captured the moment perfectly, and I was stuck in the moment that I didn't want to get out of. And I've watched the concert through and through around 8 or so times. No other live concert comes close. (Not even the Led Zeppelin one I own) The DVD also comes with a documentary on the making and filming of the concert. Interesting stuff. The director seems ultra quirky and nervous but that probably added to his artistic brilliance in the creation of the footage.

Get this DVD. You must. It changed my life. Gave me renewed inspiration to carry on in my country's dead end music scene.

U2 forever!

Honestly, not a good DVD
I bought the 2 DVD set edition, and it was a waste of time. The second DVD is just filler stuff, I think U2 included that just because wanted to make more money easily. A shame. The DVD concert contains great sound, great picture... but horrible performance. This was the first U2 DVD and is clearly a big mistake, it's like rattle & hum of the DVD era. The performance is just an average one, with horrible Bono's vocals. Also the setlist is not so good. Now all fans know this performance was edited. Several songs are presented here as a mix between 2 nights in Boston, and don't contain the whole concert. If you're a fan who wants to have a U2 DVD, go with The best of 1990-2000 or Slane Castle instead. Sadly, this is not the first time U2 release a bad performance on video. Pop Mart live From Mexico City was an average performance, and U2 should have released really great filmed shows like Buenos Aires or Santiago 1998.
Overall, this DVD is not a must have. Average performance, shortened and edited concert, bad Bono's vocals, etc. Don't buy it.

Good, But U2 Slane Concert is Better
Great musical performances, but Bono's voice is a little hoarse on some tracks. The mixing emphasizes bass too much overall, and the voice is drowned out a little on a few songs. The Slane concert is much better overall. Bono's voice is really fresh on that one. ... Read more

Reviews (127)

Worth Your Contemplation
This movie will make you think. What exactly are "rules of engagement" in battle? Can rules even apply to conflict?

Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson are both excellent as veteran Marine soldiers fighting the battle of their reputations. Incidents occur in Yemen that unfortunately result in civilian deaths. So who takes the blame? Soldiers. This film brings to light the willingness of civilian judgement against someone volunteering to fight for his country. I don't think a bunch of desk jockies should have that right considering they have never faced a loaded gun and a moment to make the decision of their lives. This film will make you think about your own judgement and about the information you receive.

William Friedkin directs this film with an easy hand, allowing the actors to carry the movie rather than a bunch of guts and glory. Although it was released in 2000 the events are very much related to today. Consider the court marshalls currently taking place against our soldiers in Iraq. Who is to say what rules exist for a young man or woman prepared to die. We know scapegoats exist if only politicians would take their share of the blame. Is it even possible to have rules when some people are immune to following them? Soldiers aren't playing a game that can be replayed for fairness, if they were none of them would ever die would they?

Stellar Performances Spark Thought-Provoking Drama
"Rules of Engagement" is a terse and tough drama that opens in the Vietnamese war and moves to the Yemen of today in a story that could easily have been ripped from today's news stories. Samuel L. Jackson is accused of ordering his Marine troops to open fire on a group of men, women and children who were allegedly peacefully protesting at the American Embassy, and murdering eighty-three of them. He enlists his Vietnam buddy, Tommy Lee Jones, to come out of retirement to defend him and save his career and reputation. The story moves along at a rapid pace, sparked by outstanding performances by Jones and Jackson. The many close-ups of their endlessly subtle reactions create a powerful effect and draw you into the drama. The story itself is thought-provoking and challenging in that it asks the viewer to draw his or her own conclusions regarding right and wrong in the Middle East. Blair Underwood is on deck to deliver an excellent two scene tour-de-force; he is well on his way to becoming one of our finest younger actors. Ben Kingsley and, especially, a notably de-glamorized Anne Archer, also provide high points. Director William Friedkin keeps things moving right along with his hand on the pulse of the story throughout. Well worth the time.

Engaging
The framework in which this story is centered around is quite compelling: an American embassy in a 3rd world country is being besieged by an angry and volatile anti-American mob. A security detail from a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) is called in to defuse the situation. From that point onward, utter chaos breaks out.

In this day & age the scene of the mob is sure to be quite gripping to any American viewer. This is especially the case given the fact that we've had several embassies overseas bombed in the past 10-20 years. Ever since 9/11 it has been exceedingly difficult to have a whole lot of sympathy for anti-American mobs, regardless of where they are.

While the film examines nicely some of the ethical intricacies of combat, the major flaw is that there is a rather large hole in the plot that even the least clever moviegoers will be able to point out. As the rest of the movie is pretty good, the best thing to do is to try and overlook this unfortunate inconsistency.

Another facet that strikes close to home is the cover-up attempts of the State Department. Not only is this plausible, but it is downright realistic. Few people with morals work for the State Department and the history of the department is filled with cloak-and-daggar silliness.

In all, this is an entertaining movie that compels one to think. It would have been a great movie, if not for the hole in the plot. It is a story that reminds us that the rules that govern war according to the Geneva Convention were written by lawyers who sat in the comfort of debate tables and not battle-hardened soldiers on the front-lines who get shot at on a daily basis.

Disgraceful!
This is a piece of disgraceful American jingoism, implying that all Arabs are evil, and that only the US can save the world. And the inference is that it's a true story - IT'S NOT! It's Stars and Stripes fiction of the most racist kind. And to cap it all, it's a huge waste of talented actors. It's the responsibilty of reasonable people to make sure that the young and naive never see this tripe. They could end up believing it's true.

William Friedkin is a Man of Honor
Within the sanguine moral abyss of combat, lies the grey zone. William Friedkin peels back the souls of men like a savage karmic banana, embedded with the shrapnel of moral ambiguity, the kind that fuels the war machine. And caught in the middle are the Marines, elegantly exemplified by the firebrand conviction of Samuel L. Jackson and the decency incarnate Americana personified by Tommy Lee Jones. Under the hands of maestro William Friedkin, "Rules of Engagement" proves that only honor survives amongst the ashes of men. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

It's not for the Pope....it's for God.
This is one of my favorite top 10 movies. My favorite character is the superstitious Santangelo Gramma who once picked clam shells out of the garbage and made a delicious soup. Household Saints reminds me of friends and relatives that were all around me growing up.

wow
This movie is amazing. it's about hope, superstition and the desire to find ones own true happiness. You do not have to be religious or have a basic understanding of theology (like a previous reviewer stated). it explains things to you as you need to know them. it has a perfect cast, story line and is wonderfully directed. this is one of those movies that you hope everyone sees at lesat once...hopfeully more.

Household Saints
This movie has a haunting quality that stays with you and in quiet moments you see scenes in your mind's eye and it makes you wish to go back and watch it again. Each time you watch it there are deeper & deeper levels. It really is quite an amazing film. Being brought up Catholic probably has something to do with it....especially if you were born in the l950's or before. People born after "Vatican II" took place probably can't relate to, nor appreciate, some of the symbolism. GOOD, SOLID FILM. WORTH OWNING. WORTH WATCHING MORE THAN ONCE.

This film stays in your mind!
Unlike one of the other reviewers, I don't agree that one would have to have a deeply religious background to appreciate this film. Although Catholicism is an important theme, the film is really a character study, and all of the stories, including the subplots about the tortured Italian-American man in love with Asian culture via Madame Butterfly, the crazed mother-in-law, etc. are touching and funny and unforgettable. All the performances are outstanding. I would highly recommend it.

Okay Movie
At first I didn't know if I would like this movie or not. It didn't seem TOO great, seeing as I'm not very religious... but I was willing to try it for the sake of my favorite actress, Lili Taylor. I knew that her previous work had been very good (like her roles in Dogfight and Short Cuts) so I decided to try it. And I was surprised. It was better than I thought it would be, but not as great as I hoped. However, the fact that I am not really a strong religious person may have swayed my liking to this movie. If you are relious, I suggest this movie to you. But if not, please don't waste your time... it may not be to your liking. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Wonderful love story, great acting, beautiful scenery.
This movie was nomiated for Best Picture, Best Actor(Marlon Brando), Red Buttons won Best Supporting Actor. Very moving love story, Brando is an Air Force pilot who is sent to Japan to rest up during the Korean War. He meets a Japanese actress (who hates Americans) and falls in love. The background is beautiful, some big stars had roles in this film. Brando is wonderful, as well as his co-stars.

An under seen masterpiece!
When I mention the film Sayaonara to anyone who likes a good flick, the first thing they say is "never heard of it". Then I lend it to them and and they are simply speechless! Sayonara is a film that made such a strong impression on me the first time I saw it some 15 years ago, that I never forgot it and till this day I can recall the dialogue, scenery, and characters like it was yesterday. This film has always been a favorite of mine. I have a soft spot for a well made epic love story and the plot of a G.I. in a foregin land falling for a mysterious and beautiful woman. Then the realization of both characters knowing that their love may not be possible and may cause nothing but anguish and harm is simply amazing and heart felt! This film is up there with the "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" (AND THAT MOVIE IS AMAZING!!!) as a total tear jerker. The scene where brando must follow Japanese custom and remove his shoes in his lovers house for the first time is just an all around exhale of human emotion. I cry till this day and can't wait to cry over the film in a more clearer transfer of the characters facial expressions of their emotions on screen-a CLASSIC!

Sayonara
This is Brando at his very best. I loved this movie from beginning to end. It is sentimental without being sappy, it is simply a great love story without any of the modern day 'scenes'. Red Buttons is simply superb, along with James Garner. Marlon was able to do the southern accent seemingly without any variation. This movie was excellent from beginning to end and left me feeling extremely happy to have a copy. The Japanese actresses fit the roles without exception. Would recommend this movie to anyone who loves a great love story with an exceptional ending

Watch it for this one scene, if nothing else.
This is a well done, enjoyable, and interesting film, and those qualities make it worth watching, but there is one scene in this film that is a high example of the filmmaker's art. This scene, in its perfection, is the most powerfully romantic movie scene I have ever beheld. This scene transcends story telling with film; it is literature.

It evokes thoughts of something from Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert), or Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy). That is to say, the scene portrays something vital about the human experience. At least it does for me; but then, I admit I'm a sucker for stories of love between American men and Asian women.

The scene to which I refer is when Lloyd Gruver (Marlon Brando) encounters Hana-ogi in Joe Kelly's (Red Buttons) house. It begins when he opens the sliding door and sees her kneeling, erect, serene, and dignified, waiting for him to arrive. If not on the first watching, then on the second, fourth, or eleventh watching, one will become aware that the lighting, the sound, the furnishings of the room, her hair, her kimonos, her makeup (especially her painted lips) are all perfect. What an ambiance! What a setting for a man and a woman to fall in love!

Gruver is immediately struck by her presence; this is plain to see. Nevertheless, he recovers his usual demeanor and proceeds to try to make small talk, his mind and body regarding this lovely creature with respect and admiration, but also lust. She just sits there, regarding him without moving, without even blinking, betraying no thoughts or emotions. His discomfort rises.

Then, when it is time and not before, she begins to speak. She speaks word of deep humanity, compassion, wisdom, and sincerity. The power of her words is greatly enhanced by the quiet dignity with which she speaks them. Gruver is dumbfounded, and Brando plays this role very well. You can see on his face (Flaubert or Tolstoy would have painted the picture with words) that his life, unexpectedly, has just been bifurcated. There is now the life before this encounter, and what will come after. He can never again be the same man. He can never again regard women the same. Hana-ogi is a new paradigm, and his lust, far from being extinguished, has maybe even been elevated, but is now part of an ethereal, not just corporeal experience. He never looked for such a thing before, because he never imagined such a woman or such a feeling could exist.

This scene is for me the climax of the film, and if the story ended there, it would be satisfyingly complete. The purpose of the rest of the story is to set the table for this connection between two immortal souls. Nevertheless, what goes before, and what ensues is still interesting and worthwhile.

Some people continue to insist such love themes are racist. That is absurd. It is the antithesis of racism. This is the profoundest love flourishing in spite of different races and cultures, and the inevitable perils incumbent with this relationship in this place at this time. This is love between a man and a woman, as unfettered by affectations and expectations as love can be. This is the raw, real thing.

Your humble correspondent was raised as far from the Enchantment of the East as one can get, and like the protagonists of this story had no expectation of being enchanted when I first traveled there. But, through experience, I can attest the irrepressible bond this film portrays between the lovers is real, and is not exaggerated. Also, the perils are real, although nowadays not the same ones.

I have been in love in Japan, China, and Southeast Asia-married once among these encounters. When a man knows love in the East, he may also know tragedy, but he'll know he's alive. This film tells this tale, exquisitely done.

I love this film
I`ve seen this movie many times on cable and am always charmed by it.The delightful way the japanese women talk and Brando`s southern accent and dialogue is both charming and funny.James Garner and Red Buttons both give great supporting performances.This film will make you laugh and tug at your heartstrings.Recommended. ... Read more

Description

For a century, National Geographic has participated in and chronicled many of the world's greatest explorations - unlocking the secrets of the oceans, lifting men into the stratosphere, and mapping the very boundaries of the earth, sea and sky.Now you can relive some of the most significant expeditions in history.Follow Robert E. Peary to the North Pole...join Jane Goodall for her pioneering work with chimpanzees...climb Mount Everest on the first American ascent.Marvel at 100 years of exploration in the Society's official centennial presentation. ... Read more

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Century of discovery
THE EXPLORERS: A CENTURY OF DISCOVERY is a fascinating look to the history of National Geographic Society. Narrated by E.G. Marshall this documentary takes us to an interesting journey around the world to share the greatest moments of National Geographic Society. We meet legendary persons, like Alexander Graham Bell, Jaques Costeau, Jane Goodall, Robert Peary, Richard Leakey and Sir Edmund Hillary. These hunred years of National Geographic Society are worth of watching. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Interesting look at the SS' rold in Nazi Germany.
It's an interesting persprctive, looking at the SS from the points of view of two brothers: one in the SS, and one who ran afoul of the SS. The actors playing Heydrich and Himmler did their roles excellently, and the depiction of SS reaction to certain events (Night of the Long Knives, Krystalnacht, and the July 20 Bomb plot) was also well done. The only thing obviusly inaccurate was the assasaination of Heydrich (he was assasinated in Prague, not in the countryside outside the city).

An interesting perspective on a familiar topic
This movie views the rise of the Nazi regime from the perspective of two brothers, who are very ordinary people. At first each brother views the Nazis as just another political party. One brother becomes a full-time SS officer working for Heydrich, the other (who actually became a Nazi before his brother did) sees the evil of the Nazis sooner, and suffers for his outspokeness. The strength of the movie is its portrayal of ordinary Germans during this time period, and how they become caught up in the ugliness of the Nazi regime.
The acting is so-so, but not bad if your expectations are not high. Jose Ferrer plays only a modest role in this movie--he is not the star. Overall an entertaining movie that is worth a try. The quality of the DVD video is slightly below average.

Did you see that movie - Maybe you can help me!
P>...The movie is great because of the intensity of the determination the SS organization had back in the 30's. The actors are great and the music is unique. What is sad about the end of that movie is the same pitfall as other movies. Too much emphasis on concentration camps. In good objectivity, anyone that talks about concentration camps should also learn about the causes of the creation of the SA and the SS. The Germany of 1880 until 1933. This is the period to learn and read about. Stay objective and be a good judge. Like in the movie:"Who nee