Amazon.com

The Arab anti-defamation leagues understandably had a field day with this one. Sally Field plays Betty Mahmoody, an American who marries an Iranian (Alfred Molina) and has a child. They go back to Iran for a visit and, to her horror, he tells her he's decided to stay there. If she wants to leave, she must leave her daughter behind. If she stays, Betty must live in a culture vastly different and, she believes, very dangerous. Part thriller, part culture clash, the film certainly takes advantage of Americans' perceptions of Iran after the unrest of the '70s and early '80s. Molina is truly despicable as the husband, while Field projects a lot of overheated anguish as Betty tries to figure out a way to escape the country with her daughter. Overheated, in fact, is the word for the whole melodrama. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (93)

A true-life account...NOT an attempt at defamation.
I own the film "Not Without My Daughter," and have viewed it many times. I've also read both of Betty Mahmoody's books. Frankly, I'm amazed at the terrible reviews of the movie by those who obviously feel the movie was a blanket attack on Islam. Without having visited Iran myself, I can't say whether the scenes of Tehran are likelife. But the story itself was based on a true-life account of a woman who escaped her husband who held her hostage in a country she didn't want to live in. THAT'S ALL. It was not an attempt at blaming all of Islam for this woman's bad marriage, but rather her husband ONLY, as an individual man. Moreover, many or even most of the characters in the movie are portrayed as sympathetic and caring. The only "bad" characters are those who attempt to hold a woman and child in a country against their wills.

If you read Betty Mahmoody's books, you will see she has wonderful things to say about the value and beauty of Islam, and encouraged her daughter to celebrate her Islamic heritage back in America. Betty apparently had and maintained many Arab friends in the US after her return from Iran. I don't know what more she could do to get the point across that she appreciated Islamic culture and its people, and was only against people of any country or culture who try to abuse the rights of others.

The point of the movie, to those who obviously refuse to "get it," is that Betty Mahmoody and her daughter were forced to stay in a country against their wills. They were kept there by threats of violence or real acts of real violence. The movie is NOT about Islam. It's about an abusive man who happens to be a Muslim. And it depicts that the consequences of that man's actions on his wife and daughter.

Superb movie, and completely TRUE!!
This is one of my favorite movies. This fact based story is as close to the real thing as possible, I can personally vouch for that.

I was in Iran for almost 2 years before the Shah was kicked out in 1979 and I can tell you that every aspect of Iranian life you see in the film is absolutely true. Anyone who thinks otherwise is really full of BS, and I got a few other words for you.

This is a heart felt story of escaping evil for a mother's love of her daughter. There is nothing wrong with thie movie at all. I would recommend it to everyone, it's a real tearjerker. And the most telling part is that the whole thing actually happened.

racist attack on Iranians and Muslims generally
This film is a real low. A complete racist attack on Iranian people and Muslims generally, and part of the propaganda that has been used to justify the West's new crusade and assault against the people of the Middle East. Sally Field should be ashamed to have been associated with this film. They might as well have commercials for the Pentagon and big oil companies throughout the movie. Full of stereotypes and total lies, it glorifies a woman who kidnaps her daughter and takes her out of Iran illegally, depriving her husband of custody unlawfully and unjustly. Unbelievable!

One of my favorites!
Don't get me wrong, this is not a "feel-good" movie of any kind, as a matter of fact it is downright disturbing and horrific, especially taking into account that it is a true story, and that many other women and children are probably in the same condition right now. I have read several reviews and I'm a little disappointed by all of the "I want to hear Dr. M's side of the story" and "she must have made this up--it couldn't have really happened" and "this movie is anti-Islamic" sentiments. Whether you like it or not, whether you agree with it or not, this is one woman's true story of being held against her will by her outrageously domineering and abusive husband in a country she does not want to be in. It has little to do with Iran or Islam, except for the fact that fundamental Muslims believe in and savagely defend that a woman has no rights without her husband. I applaud Betty for doing what is right when she got back here to the US, which is speak out about her traumatic experience, and try to help those in similar situations. Otherwise, how would we even know that such horrors exist? I guarantee that with all of the post-9/11 Koran-kissing going on, a movie such as this would never be made today. I'm thankful that it was made at a time when people weren't afraid to hear the truth. For some reason this movie regularly comes to mind when I hear someone complaining about women's rights in this country...unfortunately sometimes we don't realize how good we have it. If you choose to read Betty's books, do so only after seeing this movie...then you won't be able to whine that "the movie isn't as good as the book"...

Neat movie but a letdown for fans of the book
I originally saw the last three quarters or so of the movie on TV. I enjoyed it a lot and was more excited when I found out it was based on a true story and a book. I read the book and loved it. It is now one of my favorites. I then saw the movie again but in its entirety, on the DVD. It is a good movie overall. However, it falls short compared to the book in several areas:
The trailer-The trailer showed on the DVD is one of the most attention grabbing I have ever seen. If I had seen it in the theatre without knowing anything about the book, I would have been one of the first in line to go see it. However, trailers are made simply for publicity and I might be disappointed since I had already read the book when I saw it. The movie was less exciting than the trailer made it out to be.

Length-This movie was way too short. I know the movie could not have included all the details of the book, but even an extra 50 minutes bring it in at two and a half hours could have filled in plenty of holes without making the plot drag.

Details-Again, some stuff had to be truncated but I think they could have done a better job. For me to elaborate on every detail would take up too much space and would be of little interest to those who haven't read the book. The biggest hole was the evolution of Moody's character. In the book, Betty spends much time giving flashbacks on how they met and how such a loving husband and father could have turned into the man he did when they arrived in Iran. I found that in the movie, Moody seemed to evolve without any explanation. The book starts the flashbacks in 1974 whereas the movie starts immediately in 1984. There are aloso minor holes such as how Betty and Mahtob had passports when they escaped since Moody had taken them. In the book this makes perfect sense as the Swiss Embassy re-issued new passports to Betty and Mahtob unbeknownst to Moody. I know this may seem like a minor detail but I am sure it annoyed more than one movie buff and this was one oversight that could have easily been corrected. There are other things such as characters' roles and even names from the book being changed for the movie.

Don't get me wrong. This was a good movie. But being a huge fan of such a rich and detailed book, I guess I feel that no movie version could have properly chosen exactly which details to include in the movie. If they had to make a film version of the book, it might have been a better idea to make a mini-series that could have elaborated more on plot details.

But in any case, read the book!!! It may look long but you will get through it fast and not be able to put it down in the process.

By the way, to respond to the criticisms of both the movie and the book being biased, she was held against her will in a foreign country for no justifiable reason. End of discussion. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Engrossing and captivating! Highly recommended.
"The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" is based on the Victorian novel by Anne Bronte. It tells the story of secretive, passionate and outspoken Helen Graham who lives quietly with her young son in Wildfell Hall. She befriends a young neighborhood farmer, Gilbert Markham, and he falls in love with her, despite her objections. It soon unfolds that Helen is "on the run" from her privileged life and her cruel, alcoholic husband - Arthur Huntingdon - and a series of flashbacks tell the story of her life with him. The story itself is engrossing and, like Jane Eyre, it's ultimately a story of a strong woman overcoming the odds and coming out triumphant in the end.

The BBC has done a great job with this production. Tara Fitzgerald ("The Woman in White," "Brassed Off") is perfectly cast as the downtrodden but feisty Helen. Handsome actors Toby Stephens ("The Great Gatsby") and Rupert Graves ("Room with a View," "Mrs. Dalloway") are excellent as the devoted Gilbert and the detestable Huntingdon. Tara Fitzgerald and Toby Stephens have a chemistry that most would find irresistible. The performances from the principal actors are excellent and Rupert Graves does such a good job that I found myself hating and pitying him at the same time. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Bronte's work or first-rate British drama.

My favourite video!
This video (which runs for 160 mins) follows rather closely to the classic novel by Anne Bronte (except for the ending - nevertheless, it will still please you).

The production is lavish, the costumes beautiful and very correct to the period of time. The cast very capably brought to life the characters of the suffering Helen Graham, the scoundrel Arthur Huntington and the love-struck Gilbert Markham.

Tara Fitzgerald appeared a little miscast, owing to her often unnecessarly harsh displays of emotions and an unsuitable gruffy voice. But because she played the role of Helen Graham (who's an exceedingly likable heroine), I grew to ignore all that and found myself rooting for Helen to find all the happiness she deserves.

I simply love Toby Stephens whom I think, is just perfect as Gilbert, the handsome, young gentleman farmer who sees the goodness in Helen and seeks to protect her from the hypocrisy and prejudice shown by his unkind relatives and neighbours.

The cinematography is lush and breathtaking. It's obvious that this is a well-planned production with no expense spared.

I have only 1 minor complaint - that the romantic scenes involving Helen and Gilbert weren't made more passionate (the way it should be). Instead, we see more displays of love and affection between Helen and Lord Huntington (during their courtship days and early marriage). And to what purpose do they serve? - Since we know just what a brute Huntington turns out to be later!

If you love this video, please pick up the book (ie. if you haven't already) - the book fleshes out the thoughts, emotions and agonies of the love-lorn Gilbert much more effectively than could be captured on film.

Nevertheless, I love this video. It's great to have in one's collection for repeated viewings.

"He only wants for guidance."
In this excellent BBC adaptation of Anne Bronte's novel, an attractive young woman and her young son move into long-neglected Wildfell Hall. The woman (Tara Fitzgerald), Mrs. Helen Graham, claims to be a widow who is forced to make her living as an artist. Some of the local families try to befriend her, but they find Mrs. Graham to be abrasive and unfriendly. Local farmer, Gilbert Markham (Toby Stephens) is attracted to Mrs. Graham, and this does not escape the jealous eye of local lass, Eliza Millwood. Soon spiteful rumours abound about Mrs. Graham and her relationship to her landlord, Mr. Lawrence. Mrs. Graham tells Giles the truth about the past--including her desperate need for secrecy regarding her true identity. It seems that Mrs. Graham is really Mrs. Huntingdon--the wife of a dissolute rake who leads a life of debauchery in his constant pursuit of pleasure.

One of the reasons I enjoy "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" so much is it clearly depicts Victorian notions of womanhood. Bronte, however, through the characters and the story shows the absurdity and unfairness of the woman's role. Helen Huntingdon embodies the Victorian ideal of "the Angel in the House" and certainly Huntingdon expects angelic behaviour from her--no matter what abuse rains down on her head. Huntingdon thinks himself above criticism, and yet he holds Helen to the highest standard. He's a petty bully with a penchant for gratuitous cruelty. While he criticizes Helen's housekeeping abilities, her performance as a wife and as a mother, he also calls her "half mortal, half angelic." Helen embodies this perfect Victorian ideal, but we see the absurdity of her sacrifices as Huntingdon tramples on Helen's "delicate goodness" again and again. Bronte's book was a scandal when it was published in 1848, and while this adaptation no longer has the ability to make the average viewer swoon, nonetheless, there is great power to this story.

Fans of the novel should be happy with this adaptation. It is perfectly cast--even in the fairly minor roles. The photography is stunning, the costumes marvelous, and a haunting score accompanies the drama. There are several very clever camera shots. In one scene, the camera sweeps slowly and lovingly along the curve of Helen's shoulders, and in some scenes, the camera appears to take a bird's eye view of ballroom dancers. Tara Fitzgerald is always wonderful in these period piece roles. As Mrs. Graham/Huntingdon, she has a veneer of coldness, and Markham at first finds her "too hard, too sharp, too bitter." Helen Huntingdon's character is explored very well in the flashbacks of her awful married life to Arthur Huntingdon. Toby Stephens as Markham is in complete contrast to Huntingdon (Rupert Graves). Markham plays a solid, genuine lover--conscious of his social inferiority to the Huntingdons. Rupert Graves is an old hand with these sorts of roles, and he really does a spectacular job as Huntingdon--a man who's used to using his boyish charm to get what he wants, and yet the most unpleasant side of him shows after Helen is at his mercy while he runs with his pack of equally dissolute friends. Huntingdon delivers some of the very best lines in the film. Bronte fans, and BBC costume drama fans should be equally delighted with this production. The video is 160 minutes long, and it's worth every penny--displacedhuman

I'm Wanting to See This Wonderful Movie Transferred to DVD!
I haven't read the Anne Bronte classic novel yet but I saw this movie version of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall on cable one day and this is the movie that made me love watching British period costume movies. It is a wonderful movie with some terrific acing from the whole cast. Tara FitzGerald and Toby Stephens are wonderful but I think Rupert Graves gives a standout performance and I very greatly recommend this movie and I'm hoping it will be transferred to DVD! I'm also thinking about reading the classic novel!

The spirit of the original left out
I read Anne Bronte's book, loved it, then checked out the reviews for the VHS version here at Amazon. I couldn't find it to rent anywhere, but the reviews convinced me that I could safely buy a copy without viewing it first. Now that I've seen it, I am scratching my head wondering why it got the great reviews it did (and KICKING myself for buying it). Compared to the book, this BBC rendition I just watched last night made me think of cutting the arms and half the body off of your favorite sweater so that you could pack it better; it may fit in your small suitcase now, but it's not at all what it was. I gave the movie two stars instead of one star because the filming locations were good, and the costuming and the acting were not distracting - but the spirit of Anne Bronte's original story isn't there at all. The only thing that keeps it going for two cassettes is whatever the screenplay writer picked out of the book to make it recognizable. I think the worst misconstrued line in the movie comes from Gilbert, and it illustrates my point about the spirit of Anne Bronte's work being cast aside: Gilbert goes to Helen when she is with her husband, who is still alive - NOT in the book - and tells her (by way of trying to woo her), "It's not a sin to be happy." This line has become a classic in our generation, but this spirit was nowhere to be found in the book, and makes a completely different Helen and Gilbert than Anne Bronte would have given her permission for, which says a lot, since Helen and Gilbert are the principle characters. This video adaptation ruins the message of Anne Bronte's wonderful work. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Rethinking what might have been...
This 1997 film stars Vanessa Redgrave as Mrs. Dalloway, the Englishwoman introduced in Virginia Woolf's 1925 novel. The book used stream of consciousness to create an interior monologue for her heroine and the film is true to that, a voice-over narration letting the viewer know her interior thoughts as she goes about preparing for a party in 1923.

Mrs. Dalloway is now in her sixties, but there are flashbacks to an earlier time, when she was a young woman being pursued by beaus. She has made her choices now and has married a cabinet member and leads a comfortable life as his charming wife. In her youth she rejected the suitor who looked for adventure in India as well as the tentative hint of a friendship with a woman, which might have gone further. When both of them show up at her party, her memories surface. There's also a sub-story of a young man who has been shell-shocked from combat in The Great War and the theme of suicide runs strong throughout the plot. Even though he and Mrs. Dalloway never meet, it is clear why this character was introduced. And it is also interesting to note that Virginia Woolf herself committed suicide in 1941 at the age of 59.

Casting is excellent, acting superb. Everything is understated but yet very very clear. I also loved the cinematography and the setting of a very proper London in 1923, especially the costumes. The theme is universal as we all do look back on our lives and wonder what might have been. Also, at only 97 minutes long, the video was exactly the right length. Definitely recommended.

The original version of The Hours
If you are a fan of either the novel or film The Hours, then reading and watching Mrs. Dalloway is a must. The Hours was Virginia Woolf's original title for Mrs. Dalloway. Michael Cunningham cleverly took that title and turned into a novel that matches Mrs. Dalloway for its shear beauty. But this is a movie review and I can tell you that Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant in the title role. She should have been nominated for an Oscar at the very least. A day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, planning a party, remembering her life and loves. It's a lovely adaptation from Woolf's novel. And of course begins with "Mrs. Dalloway decided she would buy the flowers herself." Buy this yourself. You won't regret it.

Speechless
Having watched Mrs. Dalloway after having looked for it for at least three years, I can only say that I am breathless: True to Virginia Woolf's narrative, attentive to every detail, and with such subtlety is this movie made that I could find no better gift than this movie to a lover of Virginia Woolf's works. Vanessa Redgrave astounds with her incredibly moving performance, with a dignified emotiveness as only she can deliver- true to the bird-like Mrs. Dalloway.

Fans of explosions and other short-attention-grabbers need not apply, this is prime literature jumping onto the movie screen!

A beautiful adaptation of the novel
Vanessa Redgrave gives a fine performance as Clarissa Dalloway in Marleen Gorris' adaptation of the Virginia Woolf novel. It tells the story of one day inthe life of Clarissa Dalloway as she readies her house for a dinner party later in the evening. Throughout the day, she remembers people and events from her past that had a lasting effect on her. But, during her party, the news of a suicide causes Mrs. Dalloway to step aside and to wonder if she's given up anything with her own life's path.

Ms. Redgrave's performance is subtle and really shines during the party sequence. Her facial expressions alone show what a fine actress she is. Other great performances in the film are Rupert Graves as Septimus, a soldier suffering from a late onset of shell shock, and Alan Cox, as the young Peter who was desparately in love with the young Clarissa.

Not many extras on the DVD. But the film is self is definitely one to watch.

A Graceful Adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway
MRS. DALLOWAY, the film, has a jolting beginning: the battlefield of WWI with a scene revealing Septimus Warren-Smith in abject terror that his friend Evans is about to walk into a mine explosion, a recurring memory for this character throughout the film. One wonders how MRS DALLOWAY could start there - until the story gradually unfolds. Then this seeming idiosyncrasy is shown to be just one more bit of evidence that the screenwriter is very in tune with the meadering writing style of Virginia Woolf. What a joy to see a novel of such sophisticated complexity be adapted into a movie that is fluid, rich in characterization, thoroughly grounded in the technique of how Woolf mixed memory with present reality in her telling such an indepth history of a woman a bit out of synch with her world, all in one day in June, 1923, as she prepares one of her beloved parties. Indeed, this film suggests that life is a 'party' where new acquaintances are made, old acquaintances are at times tolerated for social reasons, and the entirety of one's past can be summoned by the surprise appearance of signifcant people. This film is blessed with the presence of Vanessa Redgrave whose Mrs Dalloway is wholly credible. But the integration of Clarissa Dalloway's past with her present is so adroit that all of the characters in the present are greatly enhanced. Her love of Peter Walsh and of Sally say a lot about Virginia Woolf's ability to define the inner aspects of her character. Oh, and by the way, the beginning of the film introduces the thread that runs throughout - Septimus elects suicide as an answer to his life's questions, and we are left wondering if this might not be a viable thought running through the mind of Clarissa Dalloway as she reflects on her life choices at the end. A brilliant cast of characters, in every role, dressed to perfection and photographed in echt, period England further enhance this wonderful film. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Think Dirty with Marty Feldman: not bad
Not a bad movie if you're interested in Marty Feldman's take on mid-70's British advertising culture, complete with an ugly American ad exec and lots of hedonism. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A beautiful film ruined
Having waited for ages to find a DVD of this, one of my favourite films, I was thrilled to find it available Across the Pond in R1. That thrill has now turned to despair, however ! This is a classic example of an otherwise beautiful movie ruined by a truly appalling transfer. The perpetrators of this monstrosity should be punished by being locked in a darkened cell for a year, fed only on a diet of bread, water, and a perpetual tape of Britney Spears (any album will do).
Save you money for the professional version.

Wonderful story. Excellent actors. Terrible DVD transfer
The Shooting Party shows the decline of the British aristocracy (and why they became irrelevent) through the story device of a weekend of country shooting and the relationships among the manor head (James Mason), those he has invited, those who are retainers on his estate, and those protesting the shoot.

Mason is absolutely superb. He was a subtle actor who made some awful role choices in his career. This was one of his great roles. In the Shooting Party, he embodies the sadness of the loss of values he treasures as well as an understanding of why these values are being lost.

That said, this DVD, for all practical purposes, is unwatchable. It looks and sounds as if it had been made from a fifth generation home recorded video tape. Color is faded, the images are out of focus, the sound is variable.

If this motion picture had been given even an average DVD transfer, I'd rate it 5 stars.

Bad quality transfer
After a long wait, the quality of this DVD is dissapointing, and not worth it at any price. Without the deep fall colors and contrasts of the original, "The Shooting Party's" minor flaws, its sentimentality and heavy symbolism, take over. The print look like a fifty year old Kodachrome slide--washed out, flat contrast and no shadow detail. And the sound is almost as bad.

That said, the secenes between James Mason as the estate owner, and John Guielgud as the animal rights activist, are priceless. But why should this print be worse than the one shown on television...?

"Twilight of the English Aristocracy"
The "Shooting Party focuses on the aristocrats and their country weekends which stretch into five days. The centerpiece of this particular weekend in the country is a shooting party which turns into a contest between two guests. There are the ladies who come to watch the slaughter of thousands of birds, the shooters, the "beaters" whose job it is to drive the poor birds to within range of the shooters, and the "re-loaders" who pass loaded guns to the shooters as soon as they empty the ones they are holding - Nothing should delay their killling spree. Then there are the other servants of the Lord of the Manor; the gamekeeper, and a fanatical bird-lover who attempts to disrupt the hunt. The film shows not only the leisured lifestyle of the rich and titled, but also their disregard for anyone not of their "class," All these characters are woven into a story of great insight and compassion as this group of aristocrats teeters on the brink of World War I. An excellent movie with fine performances from James Mason, Gordon Jackson, James Fox, and John Gielgud. Highly recommended.

Swansong of the British Aristocracy
A weekend shooting party in 1913 at the estate of Sir Randolph Nettleby (James Mason in his last worthwhile role) gives a glimpse of the social and personal interactions of a generation about to be changed forever by the Great War. A wonderful cast of name (Mason, John Gielgud, Edward Fox, Gordon Jackson) and no-name (Robert Hardy, Judi Bowker, Cheryl Campbell, Dorothy Tutin) actors play together and apart with sensitivity and quiet humor. Worth watching if only for the brief scene between Mason and Gielgud - the best scene ever filmed of two men discussing the merits of pamphlet printers. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The BBC adaptation of Anne Bronte's moral tale The Tenant of Wildfell Hall will be a delight to those who revel in classics brought to the screen. Tara Fitzgerald stars as Helen Graham, a secretive woman who seeks independence for herself and her son from her cruel husband, Arthur Huntingdon. Huntingdon, a rake taken with women and drink, is played to perfection by Rupert Graves, believable as both the young lover who seduces Helen and as the depraved and brutish man he becomes. Toby Stephens is Gilbert Markham, the suspicious yet adoring yeoman farmer smitten with the supposed widow. The scenery and costumes of this period piece are lush, although the use of flashback as a narrative device is at times jarring. This tale is darker than the Jane Austen adaptations that BBC audiences are used to, yet the two-part film has an ending satisfying enough for even the most cynical of romantics. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Engrossing and captivating! Highly recommended.
"The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" is based on the Victorian novel by Anne Bronte. It tells the story of secretive, passionate and outspoken Helen Graham who lives quietly with her young son in Wildfell Hall. She befriends a young neighborhood farmer, Gilbert Markham, and he falls in love with her, despite her objections. It soon unfolds that Helen is "on the run" from her privileged life and her cruel, alcoholic husband - Arthur Huntingdon - and a series of flashbacks tell the story of her life with him. The story itself is engrossing and, like Jane Eyre, it's ultimately a story of a strong woman overcoming the odds and coming out triumphant in the end.

The BBC has done a great job with this production. Tara Fitzgerald ("The Woman in White," "Brassed Off") is perfectly cast as the downtrodden but feisty Helen. Handsome actors Toby Stephens ("The Great Gatsby") and Rupert Graves ("Room with a View," "Mrs. Dalloway") are excellent as the devoted Gilbert and the detestable Huntingdon. Tara Fitzgerald and Toby Stephens have a chemistry that most would find irresistible. The performances from the principal actors are excellent and Rupert Graves does such a good job that I found myself hating and pitying him at the same time. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys Bronte's work or first-rate British drama.

My favourite video!
This video (which runs for 160 mins) follows rather closely to the classic novel by Anne Bronte (except for the ending - nevertheless, it will still please you).

The production is lavish, the costumes beautiful and very correct to the period of time. The cast very capably brought to life the characters of the suffering Helen Graham, the scoundrel Arthur Huntington and the love-struck Gilbert Markham.

Tara Fitzgerald appeared a little miscast, owing to her often unnecessarly harsh displays of emotions and an unsuitable gruffy voice. But because she played the role of Helen Graham (who's an exceedingly likable heroine), I grew to ignore all that and found myself rooting for Helen to find all the happiness she deserves.

I simply love Toby Stephens whom I think, is just perfect as Gilbert, the handsome, young gentleman farmer who sees the goodness in Helen and seeks to protect her from the hypocrisy and prejudice shown by his unkind relatives and neighbours.

The cinematography is lush and breathtaking. It's obvious that this is a well-planned production with no expense spared.

I have only 1 minor complaint - that the romantic scenes involving Helen and Gilbert weren't made more passionate (the way it should be). Instead, we see more displays of love and affection between Helen and Lord Huntington (during their courtship days and early marriage). And to what purpose do they serve? - Since we know just what a brute Huntington turns out to be later!

If you love this video, please pick up the book (ie. if you haven't already) - the book fleshes out the thoughts, emotions and agonies of the love-lorn Gilbert much more effectively than could be captured on film.

Nevertheless, I love this video. It's great to have in one's collection for repeated viewings.

"He only wants for guidance."
In this excellent BBC adaptation of Anne Bronte's novel, an attractive young woman and her young son move into long-neglected Wildfell Hall. The woman (Tara Fitzgerald), Mrs. Helen Graham, claims to be a widow who is forced to make her living as an artist. Some of the local families try to befriend her, but they find Mrs. Graham to be abrasive and unfriendly. Local farmer, Gilbert Markham (Toby Stephens) is attracted to Mrs. Graham, and this does not escape the jealous eye of local lass, Eliza Millwood. Soon spiteful rumours abound about Mrs. Graham and her relationship to her landlord, Mr. Lawrence. Mrs. Graham tells Giles the truth about the past--including her desperate need for secrecy regarding her true identity. It seems that Mrs. Graham is really Mrs. Huntingdon--the wife of a dissolute rake who leads a life of debauchery in his constant pursuit of pleasure.

One of the reasons I enjoy "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" so much is it clearly depicts Victorian notions of womanhood. Bronte, however, through the characters and the story shows the absurdity and unfairness of the woman's role. Helen Huntingdon embodies the Victorian ideal of "the Angel in the House" and certainly Huntingdon expects angelic behaviour from her--no matter what abuse rains down on her head. Huntingdon thinks himself above criticism, and yet he holds Helen to the highest standard. He's a petty bully with a penchant for gratuitous cruelty. While he criticizes Helen's housekeeping abilities, her performance as a wife and as a mother, he also calls her "half mortal, half angelic." Helen embodies this perfect Victorian ideal, but we see the absurdity of her sacrifices as Huntingdon tramples on Helen's "delicate goodness" again and again. Bronte's book was a scandal when it was published in 1848, and while this adaptation no longer has the ability to make the average viewer swoon, nonetheless, there is great power to this story.

Fans of the novel should be happy with this adaptation. It is perfectly cast--even in the fairly minor roles. The photography is stunning, the costumes marvelous, and a haunting score accompanies the drama. There are several very clever camera shots. In one scene, the camera sweeps slowly and lovingly along the curve of Helen's shoulders, and in some scenes, the camera appears to take a bird's eye view of ballroom dancers. Tara Fitzgerald is always wonderful in these period piece roles. As Mrs. Graham/Huntingdon, she has a veneer of coldness, and Markham at first finds her "too hard, too sharp, too bitter." Helen Huntingdon's character is explored very well in the flashbacks of her awful married life to Arthur Huntingdon. Toby Stephens as Markham is in complete contrast to Huntingdon (Rupert Graves). Markham plays a solid, genuine lover--conscious of his social inferiority to the Huntingdons. Rupert Graves is an old hand with these sorts of roles, and he really does a spectacular job as Huntingdon--a man who's used to using his boyish charm to get what he wants, and yet the most unpleasant side of him shows after Helen is at his mercy while he runs with his pack of equally dissolute friends. Huntingdon delivers some of the very best lines in the film. Bronte fans, and BBC costume drama fans should be equally delighted with this production. The video is 160 minutes long, and it's worth every penny--displacedhuman

I'm Wanting to See This Wonderful Movie Transferred to DVD!
I haven't read the Anne Bronte classic novel yet but I saw this movie version of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall on cable one day and this is the movie that made me love watching British period costume movies. It is a wonderful movie with some terrific acing from the whole cast. Tara FitzGerald and Toby Stephens are wonderful but I think Rupert Graves gives a standout performance and I very greatly recommend this movie and I'm hoping it will be transferred to DVD! I'm also thinking about reading the classic novel!

The spirit of the original left out
I read Anne Bronte's book, loved it, then checked out the reviews for the VHS version here at Amazon. I couldn't find it to rent anywhere, but the reviews convinced me that I could safely buy a copy without viewing it first. Now that I've seen it, I am scratching my head wondering why it got the great reviews it did (and KICKING myself for buying it). Compared to the book, this BBC rendition I just watched last night made me think of cutting the arms and half the body off of your favorite sweater so that you could pack it better; it may fit in your small suitcase now, but it's not at all what it was. I gave the movie two stars instead of one star because the filming locations were good, and the costuming and the acting were not distracting - but the spirit of Anne Bronte's original story isn't there at all. The only thing that keeps it going for two cassettes is whatever the screenplay writer picked out of the book to make it recognizable. I think the worst misconstrued line in the movie comes from Gilbert, and it illustrates my point about the spirit of Anne Bronte's work being cast aside: Gilbert goes to Helen when she is with her husband, who is still alive - NOT in the book - and tells her (by way of trying to woo her), "It's not a sin to be happy." This line has become a classic in our generation, but this spirit was nowhere to be found in the book, and makes a completely different Helen and Gilbert than Anne Bronte would have given her permission for, which says a lot, since Helen and Gilbert are the principle characters. This video adaptation ruins the message of Anne Bronte's wonderful work. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Vanessa Redgrave glows from within as the heroine of this superb adaptation of Virginia Woolf's novel. As Clarissa Dalloway prepares to host a sumptuous party, her mind wanders back to a summer in her youth, when she was courted by an eager young man--a young man whose much older self will come to the very party she's preparing. Mrs. Dalloway moves fluidly between the past and the present, exploring the shifts in perspective and understanding with an unsentimental but graceful eye. What's most stunning is the remarkable interplay between the younger and older actors, who truly seem to be different versions of the same character (the young Clarissa is played byNatascha McElhone). Beautifully directed by Marleen Gorris (Antonia's Line), the movie also features Rupert Graves as a shell-shocked soldier who crosses Clarissa's path. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Rethinking what might have been...
This 1997 film stars Vanessa Redgrave as Mrs. Dalloway, the Englishwoman introduced in Virginia Woolf's 1925 novel. The book used stream of consciousness to create an interior monologue for her heroine and the film is true to that, a voice-over narration letting the viewer know her interior thoughts as she goes about preparing for a party in 1923.

Mrs. Dalloway is now in her sixties, but there are flashbacks to an earlier time, when she was a young woman being pursued by beaus. She has made her choices now and has married a cabinet member and leads a comfortable life as his charming wife. In her youth she rejected the suitor who looked for adventure in India as well as the tentative hint of a friendship with a woman, which might have gone further. When both of them show up at her party, her memories surface. There's also a sub-story of a young man who has been shell-shocked from combat in The Great War and the theme of suicide runs strong throughout the plot. Even though he and Mrs. Dalloway never meet, it is clear why this character was introduced. And it is also interesting to note that Virginia Woolf herself committed suicide in 1941 at the age of 59.

Casting is excellent, acting superb. Everything is understated but yet very very clear. I also loved the cinematography and the setting of a very proper London in 1923, especially the costumes. The theme is universal as we all do look back on our lives and wonder what might have been. Also, at only 97 minutes long, the video was exactly the right length. Definitely recommended.

The original version of The Hours
If you are a fan of either the novel or film The Hours, then reading and watching Mrs. Dalloway is a must. The Hours was Virginia Woolf's original title for Mrs. Dalloway. Michael Cunningham cleverly took that title and turned into a novel that matches Mrs. Dalloway for its shear beauty. But this is a movie review and I can tell you that Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant in the title role. She should have been nominated for an Oscar at the very least. A day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, planning a party, remembering her life and loves. It's a lovely adaptation from Woolf's novel. And of course begins with "Mrs. Dalloway decided she would buy the flowers herself." Buy this yourself. You won't regret it.

Speechless
Having watched Mrs. Dalloway after having looked for it for at least three years, I can only say that I am breathless: True to Virginia Woolf's narrative, attentive to every detail, and with such subtlety is this movie made that I could find no better gift than this movie to a lover of Virginia Woolf's works. Vanessa Redgrave astounds with her incredibly moving performance, with a dignified emotiveness as only she can deliver- true to the bird-like Mrs. Dalloway.

Fans of explosions and other short-attention-grabbers need not apply, this is prime literature jumping onto the movie screen!

A beautiful adaptation of the novel
Vanessa Redgrave gives a fine performance as Clarissa Dalloway in Marleen Gorris' adaptation of the Virginia Woolf novel. It tells the story of one day inthe life of Clarissa Dalloway as she readies her house for a dinner party later in the evening. Throughout the day, she remembers people and events from her past that had a lasting effect on her. But, during her party, the news of a suicide causes Mrs. Dalloway to step aside and to wonder if she's given up anything with her own life's path.

Ms. Redgrave's performance is subtle and really shines during the party sequence. Her facial expressions alone show what a fine actress she is. Other great performances in the film are Rupert Graves as Septimus, a soldier suffering from a late onset of shell shock, and Alan Cox, as the young Peter who was desparately in love with the young Clarissa.

Not many extras on the DVD. But the film is self is definitely one to watch.

A Graceful Adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway
MRS. DALLOWAY, the film, has a jolting beginning: the battlefield of WWI with a scene revealing Septimus Warren-Smith in abject terror that his friend Evans is about to walk into a mine explosion, a recurring memory for this character throughout the film. One wonders how MRS DALLOWAY could start there - until the story gradually unfolds. Then this seeming idiosyncrasy is shown to be just one more bit of evidence that the screenwriter is very in tune with the meadering writing style of Virginia Woolf. What a joy to see a novel of such sophisticated complexity be adapted into a movie that is fluid, rich in characterization, thoroughly grounded in the technique of how Woolf mixed memory with present reality in her telling such an indepth history of a woman a bit out of synch with her world, all in one day in June, 1923, as she prepares one of her beloved parties. Indeed, this film suggests that life is a 'party' where new acquaintances are made, old acquaintances are at times tolerated for social reasons, and the entirety of one's past can be summoned by the surprise appearance of signifcant people. This film is blessed with the presence of Vanessa Redgrave whose Mrs Dalloway is wholly credible. But the integration of Clarissa Dalloway's past with her present is so adroit that all of the characters in the present are greatly enhanced. Her love of Peter Walsh and of Sally say a lot about Virginia Woolf's ability to define the inner aspects of her character. Oh, and by the way, the beginning of the film introduces the thread that runs throughout - Septimus elects suicide as an answer to his life's questions, and we are left wondering if this might not be a viable thought running through the mind of Clarissa Dalloway as she reflects on her life choices at the end. A brilliant cast of characters, in every role, dressed to perfection and photographed in echt, period England further enhance this wonderful film. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Christina Applegate is Charming in "Just Visiting"
The film based on the original French comedy is funny, original, and well-made. Christina Applegate and Jean Reno star in "Just Visiting," a fantasy tale about two guys from the 13th century, transported through time to the 20th century. While Julia (Christina Applegate) believes the guy is a cousin, lost tragically at sea, the traditional English-man and his peasant companion must adapt to the new century, and the devises and customs that they know nothing of. There is some gross-out and slapstick humor, where much of the comedy is not serious at all, but the film is very well-made for its genre, and Christina Applegate brings life to the film. Before seeing it, you think of it as just a pointless, unserious comedy, but after seeing "Just Visiting," you find the film freshing, original, and fun to watch. Tara Reid and Bridget Wilson-Sampras co-star.

The remake its even better than the original
The movie "Just visiting" its a clever American remake of a the French hit "the visitors". Both movies are about a knight that travels trough time with his lowly servant; However the new version it's full of American humor, new jokes and a even better ending.
The movie it's mainly about the clash of cultures and times between the medieval age and twenty-first century. The knight's and servant's lack of knowledge about our appliances and technology are what make the movie so funny, since the way that people used to live so long ago doesn't compare at all to the life in the big apple. This movie is also full of love stories, action, and an awesome twist ending, which make the movie even more interesting.
I really recommend this movie; However, if you have watched "The visitors" it could decrease the enjoyment of the movie , since the cast, director, story, and even jokes are the same.

Pathetically French
In regards to Pathetically American, You have no taste! I have seen the french version and all I can say is this remake is much better.Very funny movie!!!..maybe you should return to France!!!!

Great Fun for the Family
I haven't seen the original French version, although I expect it is probably even more hilarious. The American version, is, however, enjoyable through and through. Its tongue-in-cheek quality is refreshingly different from typical Hollywood fare. Most people who enjoy good comedies would like this movie. Every minute there is something funny happening. It appeals to young and old audiences; it appeals to men and women. You get slapstick and you get romance, all delivered with just the right touch of humor. Don't miss out on this excellent film.

Strange FR-Hollywood combination
I watched The Visitors and, as I just relocated to Chicago, decided to rent Just Visiting. While the main idea was kept, sadly this film has been twisted and emerged as a strange French-Hiollywood combination. The ending w/ all the police chasing, isn't that a bit too Hollywood-like? And Reno's reaction upon hearing Clavier's 'freedom' speech is too bland...

I second everyone's opinion that the FR version is way better and funnier. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Christina Applegate is Charming in "Just Visiting"
The film based on the original French comedy is funny, original, and well-made. Christina Applegate and Jean Reno star in "Just Visiting," a fantasy tale about two guys from the 13th century, transported through time to the 20th century. While Julia (Christina Applegate) believes the guy is a cousin, lost tragically at sea, the traditional English-man and his peasant companion must adapt to the new century, and the devises and customs that they know nothing of. There is some gross-out and slapstick humor, where much of the comedy is not serious at all, but the film is very well-made for its genre, and Christina Applegate brings life to the film. Before seeing it, you think of it as just a pointless, unserious comedy, but after seeing "Just Visiting," you find the film freshing, original, and fun to watch. Tara Reid and Bridget Wilson-Sampras co-star.

The remake its even better than the original
The movie "Just visiting" its a clever American remake of a the French hit "the visitors". Both movies are about a knight that travels trough time with his lowly servant; However the new version it's full of American humor, new jokes and a even better ending.
The movie it's mainly about the clash of cultures and times between the medieval age and twenty-first century. The knight's and servant's lack of knowledge about our appliances and technology are what make the movie so funny, since the way that people used to live so long ago doesn't compare at all to the life in the big apple. This movie is also full of love stories, action, and an awesome twist ending, which make the movie even more interesting.
I really recommend this movie; However, if you have watched "The visitors" it could decrease the enjoyment of the movie , since the cast, director, story, and even jokes are the same.

Pathetically French
In regards to Pathetically American, You have no taste! I have seen the french version and all I can say is this remake is much better.Very funny movie!!!..maybe you should return to France!!!!

Great Fun for the Family
I haven't seen the original French version, although I expect it is probably even more hilarious. The American version, is, however, enjoyable through and through. Its tongue-in-cheek quality is refreshingly different from typical Hollywood fare. Most people who enjoy good comedies would like this movie. Every minute there is something funny happening. It appeals to young and old audiences; it appeals to men and women. You get slapstick and you get romance, all delivered with just the right touch of humor. Don't miss out on this excellent film.

Strange FR-Hollywood combination
I watched The Visitors and, as I just relocated to Chicago, decided to rent Just Visiting. While the main idea was kept, sadly this film has been twisted and emerged as a strange French-Hiollywood combination. The ending w/ all the police chasing, isn't that a bit too Hollywood-like? And Reno's reaction upon hearing Clavier's 'freedom' speech is too bland...

I second everyone's opinion that the FR version is way better and funnier. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Actors Jean Reno and Christian Clavier, along with director Jean-Marie Poiré, were the creative team behind The Visitors, a French comedy from the early 1990s that was a massive hit in its native land and a cult favorite in America. Enthusiastically compared by some to Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Visitors concerns a time-traveling, medieval knight and his lowly servant, both lost in the 20th century and both shocked by the discovery of their descendants' reversal of fortunes. The film works not only as a nutty bit of slapstick, but as a cheeky satire about class conflict. The Visitors deserves its admirers, but it doesn't deserve Just Visiting, an oddly inappropriate remake featuring the same cast and director, all of whom are undercut by an annoyingly sentimental spin on the original story. This time, Reno and Clavier inexplicably end up in a modern-day U.S. instead of France, and the lure of freedom for Clavier's downtrodden character is tied up not in economics but in his attachment to a fetching neighbor. Blame cowriter John Hughes (Home Alone) for turning something that was once sharp into something dull and sticky. With Christina Applegate, Malcolm McDowell. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Christina Applegate is Charming in "Just Visiting"
The film based on the original French comedy is funny, original, and well-made. Christina Applegate and Jean Reno star in "Just Visiting," a fantasy tale about two guys from the 13th century, transported through time to the 20th century. While Julia (Christina Applegate) believes the guy is a cousin, lost tragically at sea, the traditional English-man and his peasant companion must adapt to the new century, and the devises and customs that they know nothing of. There is some gross-out and slapstick humor, where much of the comedy is not serious at all, but the film is very well-made for its genre, and Christina Applegate brings life to the film. Before seeing it, you think of it as just a pointless, unserious comedy, but after seeing "Just Visiting," you find the film freshing, original, and fun to watch. Tara Reid and Bridget Wilson-Sampras co-star.

The remake its even better than the original
The movie "Just visiting" its a clever American remake of a the French hit "the visitors". Both movies are about a knight that travels trough time with his lowly servant; However the new version it's full of American humor, new jokes and a even better ending.
The movie it's mainly about the clash of cultures and times between the medieval age and twenty-first century. The knight's and servant's lack of knowledge about our appliances and technology are what make the movie so funny, since the way that people used to live so long ago doesn't compare at all to the life in the big apple. This movie is also full of love stories, action, and an awesome twist ending, which make the movie even more interesting.
I really recommend this movie; However, if you have watched "The visitors" it could decrease the enjoyment of the movie , since the cast, director, story, and even jokes are the same.

Pathetically French
In regards to Pathetically American, You have no taste! I have seen the french version and all I can say is this remake is much better.Very funny movie!!!..maybe you should return to France!!!!

Great Fun for the Family
I haven't seen the original French version, although I expect it is probably even more hilarious. The American version, is, however, enjoyable through and through. Its tongue-in-cheek quality is refreshingly different from typical Hollywood fare. Most people who enjoy good comedies would like this movie. Every minute there is something funny happening. It appeals to young and old audiences; it appeals to men and women. You get slapstick and you get romance, all delivered with just the right touch of humor. Don't miss out on this excellent film.

Strange FR-Hollywood combination
I watched The Visitors and, as I just relocated to Chicago, decided to rent Just Visiting. While the main idea was kept, sadly this film has been twisted and emerged as a strange French-Hiollywood combination. The ending w/ all the police chasing, isn't that a bit too Hollywood-like? And Reno's reaction upon hearing Clavier's 'freedom' speech is too bland...

I second everyone's opinion that the FR version is way better and funnier. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Preposterous story but fine acting and cinematography
This 1999 Merchant-Ivory production is set in India in 1954. A wealthy British woman gives birth to a small baby. As she is not able to breastfeed, the hospital nurse, named Cotton Mary, who proudly proclaims that she is half-English herself, makes the woman dependent upon her and moves into the rich woman's house as a servant. Cotton Mary never tells the mother how she is feeding the baby, but the viewer watches Cotton Mary take the baby in a boat each day to visit her own crippled sister who is a wet nurse and lives in a house which the British refer to as an "alms house", where disabled and aged elderly people live.

The plot is ridiculous. How can a mother show no interest at all in how her baby is being fed? Certainly a tiny baby needs to be fed more than once a day. And certainly, they had baby bottles and formula in 1954. The woman's husband, who is a philandering and uncaring journalist doesn't care either. And their older daughter who is about eight years old keeps the secret of these clandestine feedings.

There's more to the story of course. There are the snobby British colonials and the legacy of colonialism. There is the trusted Indian servant who is forced out of his job because of the lies of Cotton Mary. There is Cotton Mary's niece who has an affair with the husband. But mostly the film is about Cotton Mary herself and her descent into mental illness.

The story is awful but the film still had a few things going for it. One was the great acting job of Madhur Jeffrey cast as Cotton Mary. Another was the setting and excellent photography that transported me to a time and place in India that Merchant-Ivory does so well. But the story itself is preposterous and much too long and boring.

subtle and well-acted satire
From the outset, I offer two cautions: the film is primarily satire, not the tepid bourgeois drama one typically associates with Merchant Ivory and, two, the steamy picture on the cover of the DVD has little to do with the main plot of the film.
These cautions are important because if you really like those earnest, self-important, plodding PBS telenovellas like The Jewel in the Crown, you are unlikely to be happy with this sharp and original work. Madhur Jaffrey gives a first-rate performance with the sort of creative adventurousness one usually associates more with live theater than commercial film. Cotton Mary is not likeable, though she is funny; it took guts for Jaffrey and Merchant not to sentimentalize the situation. It almost certainly cost them box office. But this is thoughtful film making and gutsy, hard as steel satire. This is something other than the usual soft hearted and soft minded claptrap usually cranked out about postcolonial India.
One quibble: it could have been shorter by at least 20 minutes. For instance, the whole Charley's Aunt business could have been eliminated without any serious loss in content.

Cliche drivel
I've watched all the Merchant Ivory productions of note including "A Room With a View", "Howard's End", and "Remains of the Day". Within the first half hour of "Cotton Mary", I couldn't believe the venerable house of Merchant Ivory let this one out the door! The usual subtlety, nuance and visual emotiveness of the actors is missing. Madhur Jaffrey offers an unimaginative performance as an Anglo-Indian stuck in the limbo of two cultures with a history of antagonism and admiration betweem them. Greta Scacchi barely drifts throught the entire movie as a naive and weak-willed wife. There is so much potential in the basic storyline but it is rendered into a soap-opera version of what should have been a poignant and bittersweet story.

For those looking for a more sensitive treatment of the Anglo-Indian dilemma, look for "Jewel in the Crown", a multi-episode Grenada production which appeared in PBS in the late 1980s. It will soon be available on DVD. Don't waste your time with "Cotton Mary".

The remnants of colonialism and its people
The movie takes place on the Malabar Coast in 1954, years after India gains its independence from Britain. Cotton Mary, a hospital aide and Anglophile takes over the care of a sickly white infant sending it to her wheelchair-bound sister to breastfeed. Mary decides upon herself to take over the English household of the infant's family playing on the mother's fatigue and blindness to what is going on around her (her husband's infidelity, for one thing); pilfering her wares and framing on Abraham, a long time servant to the woman's family; and telling tales of her family to impress the white people who are smug to her stories and the people of color. Her scheme soon becomes too much for her to bear when she confronts the issue of race and class and herself individually. In the end she nearly loses the respect of her family, who believed that they would one day meet the lady of the house. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Rethinking what might have been...
This 1997 film stars Vanessa Redgrave as Mrs. Dalloway, the Englishwoman introduced in Virginia Woolf's 1925 novel. The book used stream of consciousness to create an interior monologue for her heroine and the film is true to that, a voice-over narration letting the viewer know her interior thoughts as she goes about preparing for a party in 1923.

Mrs. Dalloway is now in her sixties, but there are flashbacks to an earlier time, when she was a young woman being pursued by beaus. She has made her choices now and has married a cabinet member and leads a comfortable life as his charming wife. In her youth she rejected the suitor who looked for adventure in India as well as the tentative hint of a friendship with a woman, which might have gone further. When both of them show up at her party, her memories surface. There's also a sub-story of a young man who has been shell-shocked from combat in The Great War and the theme of suicide runs strong throughout the plot. Even though he and Mrs. Dalloway never meet, it is clear why this character was introduced. And it is also interesting to note that Virginia Woolf herself committed suicide in 1941 at the age of 59.

Casting is excellent, acting superb. Everything is understated but yet very very clear. I also loved the cinematography and the setting of a very proper London in 1923, especially the costumes. The theme is universal as we all do look back on our lives and wonder what might have been. Also, at only 97 minutes long, the video was exactly the right length. Definitely recommended.

The original version of The Hours
If you are a fan of either the novel or film The Hours, then reading and watching Mrs. Dalloway is a must. The Hours was Virginia Woolf's original title for Mrs. Dalloway. Michael Cunningham cleverly took that title and turned into a novel that matches Mrs. Dalloway for its shear beauty. But this is a movie review and I can tell you that Vanessa Redgrave is brilliant in the title role. She should have been nominated for an Oscar at the very least. A day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, planning a party, remembering her life and loves. It's a lovely adaptation from Woolf's novel. And of course begins with "Mrs. Dalloway decided she would buy the flowers herself." Buy this yourself. You won't regret it.

Speechless
Having watched Mrs. Dalloway after having looked for it for at least three years, I can only say that I am breathless: True to Virginia Woolf's narrative, attentive to every detail, and with such subtlety is this movie made that I could find no better gift than this movie to a lover of Virginia Woolf's works. Vanessa Redgrave astounds with her incredibly moving performance, with a dignified emotiveness as only she can deliver- true to the bird-like Mrs. Dalloway.

Fans of explosions and other short-attention-grabbers need not apply, this is prime literature jumping onto the movie screen!

A beautiful adaptation of the novel
Vanessa Redgrave gives a fine performance as Clarissa Dalloway in Marleen Gorris' adaptation of the Virginia Woolf novel. It tells the story of one day inthe life of Clarissa Dalloway as she readies her house for a dinner party later in the evening. Throughout the day, she remembers people and events from her past that had a lasting effect on her. But, during her party, the news of a suicide causes Mrs. Dalloway to step aside and to wonder if she's given up anything with her own life's path.

Ms. Redgrave's performance is subtle and really shines during the party sequence. Her facial expressions alone show what a fine actress she is. Other great performances in the film are Rupert Graves as Septimus, a soldier suffering from a late onset of shell shock, and Alan Cox, as the young Peter who was desparately in love with the young Clarissa.

Not many extras on the DVD. But the film is self is definitely one to watch.

A Graceful Adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway
MRS. DALLOWAY, the film, has a jolting beginning: the battlefield of WWI with a scene revealing Septimus Warren-Smith in abject terror that his friend Evans is about to walk into a mine explosion, a recurring memory for this character throughout the film. One wonders how MRS DALLOWAY could start there - until the story gradually unfolds. Then this seeming idiosyncrasy is shown to be just one more bit of evidence that the screenwriter is very in tune with the meadering writing style of Virginia Woolf. What a joy to see a novel of such sophisticated complexity be adapted into a movie that is fluid, rich in characterization, thoroughly grounded in the technique of how Woolf mixed memory with present reality in her telling such an indepth history of a woman a bit out of synch with her world, all in one day in June, 1923, as she prepares one of her beloved parties. Indeed, this film suggests that life is a 'party' where new acquaintances are made, old acquaintances are at times tolerated for social reasons, and the entirety of one's past can be summoned by the surprise appearance of signifcant people. This film is blessed with the presence of Vanessa Redgrave whose Mrs Dalloway is wholly credible. But the integration of Clarissa Dalloway's past with her present is so adroit that all of the characters in the present are greatly enhanced. Her love of Peter Walsh and of Sally say a lot about Virginia Woolf's ability to define the inner aspects of her character. Oh, and by the way, the beginning of the film introduces the thread that runs throughout - Septimus elects suicide as an answer to his life's questions, and we are left wondering if this might not be a viable thought running through the mind of Clarissa Dalloway as she reflects on her life choices at the end. A brilliant cast of characters, in every role, dressed to perfection and photographed in echt, period England further enhance this wonderful film. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Reviews (93)

A true-life account...NOT an attempt at defamation.
I own the film "Not Without My Daughter," and have viewed it many times. I've also read both of Betty Mahmoody's books. Frankly, I'm amazed at the terrible reviews of the movie by those who obviously feel the movie was a blanket attack on Islam. Without having visited Iran myself, I can't say whether the scenes of Tehran are likelife. But the story itself was based on a true-life account of a woman who escaped her husband who held her hostage in a country she didn't want to live in. THAT'S ALL. It was not an attempt at blaming all of Islam for this woman's bad marriage, but rather her husband ONLY, as an individual man. Moreover, many or even most of the characters in the movie are portrayed as sympathetic and caring. The only "bad" characters are those who attempt to hold a woman and child in a country against their wills.

If you read Betty Mahmoody's books, you will see she has wonderful things to say about the value and beauty of Islam, and encouraged her daughter to celebrate her Islamic heritage back in America. Betty apparently had and maintained many Arab friends in the US after her return from Iran. I don't know what more she could do to get the point across that she appreciated Islamic culture and its people, and was only against people of any country or culture who try to abuse the rights of others.

The point of the movie, to those who obviously refuse to "get it," is that Betty Mahmoody and her daughter were forced to stay in a country against their wills. They were kept there by threats of violence or real acts of real violence. The movie is NOT about Islam. It's about an abusive man who happens to be a Muslim. And it depicts that the consequences of that man's actions on his wife and daughter.

Superb movie, and completely TRUE!!
This is one of my favorite movies. This fact based story is as close to the real thing as possible, I can personally vouch for that.

I was in Iran for almost 2 years before the Shah was kicked out in 1979 and I can tell you that every aspect of Iranian life you see in the film is absolutely true. Anyone who thinks otherwise is really full of BS, and I got a few other words for you.

This is a heart felt story of escaping evil for a mother's love of her daughter. There is nothing wrong with thie movie at all. I would recommend it to everyone, it's a real tearjerker. And the most telling part is that the whole thing actually happened.

racist attack on Iranians and Muslims generally
This film is a real low. A complete racist attack on Iranian people and Muslims generally, and part of the propaganda that has been used to justify the West's new crusade and assault against the people of the Middle East. Sally Field should be ashamed to have been associated with this film. They might as well have commercials for the Pentagon and big oil companies throughout the movie. Full of stereotypes and total lies, it glorifies a woman who kidnaps her daughter and takes her out of Iran illegally, depriving her husband of custody unlawfully and unjustly. Unbelievable!

One of my favorites!
Don't get me wrong, this is not a "feel-good" movie of any kind, as a matter of fact it is downright disturbing and horrific, especially taking into account that it is a true story, and that many other women and children are probably in the same condition right now. I have read several reviews and I'm a little disappointed by all of the "I want to hear Dr. M's side of the story" and "she must have made this up--it couldn't have really happened" and "this movie is anti-Islamic" sentiments. Whether you like it or not, whether you agree with it or not, this is one woman's true story of being held against her will by her outrageously domineering and abusive husband in a country she does not want to be in. It has little to do with Iran or Islam, except for the fact that fundamental Muslims believe in and savagely defend that a woman has no rights without her husband. I applaud Betty for doing what is right when she got back here to the US, which is speak out about her traumatic experience, and try to help those in similar situations. Otherwise, how would we even know that such horrors exist? I guarantee that with all of the post-9/11 Koran-kissing going on, a movie such as this would never be made today. I'm thankful that it was made at a time when people weren't afraid to hear the truth. For some reason this movie regularly comes to mind when I hear someone complaining about women's rights in this country...unfortunately sometimes we don't realize how good we have it. If you choose to read Betty's books, do so only after seeing this movie...then you won't be able to whine that "the movie isn't as good as the book"...

Neat movie but a letdown for fans of the book
I originally saw the last three quarters or so of the movie on TV. I enjoyed it a lot and was more excited when I found out it was based on a true story and a book. I read the book and loved it. It is now one of my favorites. I then saw the movie again but in its entirety, on the DVD. It is a good movie overall. However, it falls short compared to the book in several areas:
The trailer-The trailer showed on the DVD is one of the most attention grabbing I have ever seen. If I had seen it in the theatre without knowing anything about the book, I would have been one of the first in line to go see it. However, trailers are made simply for publicity and I might be disappointed since I had already read the book when I saw it. The movie was less exciting than the trailer made it out to be.

Length-This movie was way too short. I know the movie could not have included all the details of the book, but even an extra 50 minutes bring it in at two and a half hours could have filled in plenty of holes without making the plot drag.

Details-Again, some stuff had to be truncated but I think they could have done a better job. For me to elaborate on every detail would take up too much space and would be of little interest to those who haven't read the book. The biggest hole was the evolution of Moody's character. In the book, Betty spends much time giving flashbacks on how they met and how such a loving husband and father could have turned into the man he did when they arrived in Iran. I found that in the movie, Moody seemed to evolve without any explanation. The book starts the flashbacks in 1974 whereas the movie starts immediately in 1984. There are aloso minor holes such as how Betty and Mahtob had passports when they escaped since Moody had taken them. In the book this makes perfect sense as the Swiss Embassy re-issued new passports to Betty and Mahtob unbeknownst to Moody. I know this may seem like a minor detail but I am sure it annoyed more than one movie buff and this was one oversight that could have easily been corrected. There are other things such as characters' roles and even names from the book being changed for the movie.

Don't get me wrong. This was a good movie. But being a huge fan of such a rich and detailed book, I guess I feel that no movie version could have properly chosen exactly which details to include in the movie. If they had to make a film version of the book, it might have been a better idea to make a mini-series that could have elaborated more on plot details.

But in any case, read the book!!! It may look long but you will get through it fast and not be able to put it down in the process.

By the way, to respond to the criticisms of both the movie and the book being biased, she was held against her will in a foreign country for no justifiable reason. End of discussion. ... Read more

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