Amazon.com

This Western has become a modest cult favorite since its release in 1993, when the film was met with mixed reviews but the performances of Kurt Russell (as Wyatt Earp) and especially Val Kilmer, for his memorably eccentric performance as the dying gunslinger Doc Holliday, garnered high praise. The movie opens with Wyatt Earp trying to put his violent past behind him, living happily in Tombstone with his brothers and the woman (Dana Delany) who puts his soul at ease. But a murderous gang called the Cowboys has burst on the scene, and Earp can't keep his gun belt off any longer. The plot sounds routine, and in many ways it is, but Western buffs won't mind a bit thanks to a fine cast and some well-handled action on the part of Rambo director George P. Cosmatos, who has yet to make a better film than this. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (273)

Frontier justice
TOMBSTONE must rank as one of the best westerns in the post-Peckinpah/Leone era. This is due to many of the traditional elements that made the western genre a uniquely American genre, not to mention the disillusionment that the characters in Peckinpah's and Leone's films felt.

This film focuses on legendary Kansas lawman Wyatt Earp who hopes to stick with retirement from law enforcement by journeying with his brothers (Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton) to the Arizona mining town of Tombstone, along with Wyatt's good friend Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer). The trouble is, however, Tombstone is a practically lawless place. And when a group of outlaws known as the Cowboys begin to turn Tombstone's streets red with the blood of innocent people, the stage is set--not merely for the celebrated gunfight at the O.K. Corral, but the revenge that comes after Paxton is killed and Elliott wounded.

Much has been made of Kilmer's performance as Doc Holliday, and he certainly does a lot with the role. I myself think that the real star is the often underrated Russell, who looks virtually like a dead ringer for Wyatt Earp. So often, Russell's talents were underutilized by filmmakers. Here, he really shows his mettle as an actor. Powers Boothe and Michael Biehn, as the head honchos of the Cowboys, make for incredible heavies; and the legendary Charlton Heston has a cameo as well.

Well directed by George Cosmatos (RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART 2), scored by Bruce Broughton, and excellently photographed by William Fraker (BULLITT) on Arizona locations, TOMBSTONE is a must-see western, proof that there is still life in this genre if only Hollywood would return to it more often.

All-Star Western
Tombstone is an excellent western that spares no expense in terms of its starring cast.

The movie begins with the three Earp brothers--Wyatt, played by Kurt Russell; Virgil, played by Sam Elliot; and Morgan, played by Bill Paxton--journeying to a small mining town called Tombstone to, in Wyatt's words, "make our fortune." As an aside, I just want to say that Russell bears an uncanny resemblance to the real Wyatt Earp. If you don't believe me, then do a web search and check it out for yourself.

After crossing paths with a thuggish band of criminals known as "The Cowboys," Virgil decides to become town marshall, with Morgan as his deputy--much to the consternation of Wyatt. As a showdown with The Cowboys looms, Wyatt eventually throws in with them for the legendary Gunfight at the OK Corral.

Without a doubt, my favorite character was the doomed Doc Holliday, played flawlessly by Val Kilmer. Kilmer may have a reputation of being difficult to work with, but he nails the Holliday character and was deserving of an Oscar nomination (which he didn't receive). His smugness, wrapped in a Georgia accent, is truly a joy to behold. He has so many wonderful lines and scenes that they are too numerous to list here. As was historically accurate, Holliday also throws in with the Earps for the OK Corral shootout.

The movie goes on to detail the events after the OK Corral confrontation--including the murder of Morgan and the maiming of Virgil, and Wyatt's subsequent revenge against The Cowboys. Minor plotlines include Wyatt's interest in a stage performer, played by Dana Delaney; and Wyatt's wife's addiction to opium.

The all-star cast includes Michael Biehn as the sadistic Johnny Ringo--a mirror image of Doc Holliday; Powers Boothe, as Curly Bill Brocious, the self-annointed "founder of the feast" known as The Cowboys; Billy Bob Thornton, as the bullying Johnny Tyler; and Charleton Heston, in a cameo as Henry Hooker.

While the film may not be as historically accurate as some accounts, it certainly is enjoyable.

Absolutely riveting account of a well known story
This is probably the best telling of the Wyatt Earp/Doc Holliday saga I have ever seen. I have watched many movies about the legendary fight at the O.K. Corral, but none have been as enthralling as the characters in "Tombstone". Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer are more believable as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday than any other actors portraying those characters. The much praised John Ford Classic "My Darling Clementine" while a great movie, was riddled with inaccuracies even to the point of making Doc Holliday a surgeon rather than a dentist. "Tombstone" tried to stay as true to the actual characters as possible and in my opinion more than succeeded. On the heels of the slow, dragging Kevin Costner epic "Wyatt Earp", "Tombstone" is much faster paced and holds the viewers attention with drama, action and breathtaking scenery all the way to the tearjerking end. Well made movie that should hold it's own for a long time to come, I'm definately a fan.

"Not me, I'm in my prime"
Val Kilmers performance as Doc Holliday should have gave him the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1993.It was clearly the best performance to date of his carreer.Hollywood just seems to ignore and dismiss this type of movie. Kilmer steals the show from Kurt Russell,as Wyatt Earp.The powerful cast includes Micheal Biehn as Johnny Ringo, Sam Elliott as Virgil Earp, Stephan Lang as Ike Clanton, as well as Powers Booth, Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thorton,Michael Rooker, Billy Zane,Jason Priestley, and last but not least, Charlton Heston in a cameo appearance as rancher John Hooker.Again, Kilmer steals the show as Doc Holliday.His performance as a retired dentist that suffers from alcoholism and tuberculosis, is nothing less than masterful, first rate acting. Dennis Quaid played the same character in "Wyatt Earp" that came out about six months later, and this reviewer thinks his performance, while good, was not up to the same standard as Kilmer.There are many "one liners"that everone remembers and have become classic.A definite "must see" western that I would rate in the top five for all-time for this genre.

Who's your Huckleberry?
This is a fun movie. Kurt Russell is dead-on as a wiley Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer steals every scene he appears in as Doc Holliday. Bill Paxton is good as Wyatt's brother Morgan. Is there anyone that looks better under a cowboy hat than Sam Elliot? He plays brother Virgil Earp. Not so much a true narrative as a series of vignettes featuring the above characters (with the centerpiece Shootout at the OK Corral) the film is nonetheless a very entertaining look at these characters. Powers Boothe is menacingly bad as Curly Bill, the leader of the outlaw Cowboys.

Kilmer's Doc Holliday, in particular, is a load of fun. "I'm your Huckleberry" he taunts Johnny Ringo, and although I have no idea where this saying originated, Kilmer repeats it in this film to entertaining effect. Later on he is asked why he sticks his neck out for Sheriff Earp. "Wyatt Earp is my friend", he replies simply. The other man scoffs "I've got LOTS of friends". "I don't" says Doc.

This is the kind of movie that perpetuates the "Legend of Wyatt Earp", but it's also the kind of movie that grown men still quote liberally with big smiles on their faces more than a decade after it's initial release. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Deuce's Review of Silence of the Hams
Some people take comedies too seriously. The Silence of the Hams is a funny movie. Maybe not the funniest of spoofs, but it is worth watching. Another reason to watch this movie is too see
the great looking Charlene Tilton. I didn't particularly watch
Dallas, but I can see why it was a popular show and she was one of the reasons. Billy Zane is good as the monotone Jo Dee Fostar.
Dom Deluise is always Dom Deluise. I think my favorite actor in
the movie is Ezio Gregio. His bad or horrible Italian accent had
me cracking up.

The last review
I'm sorry, but the last review was hilarious. i hope it wasn't serious. this is obviously not "The Silence od the Lambs" this is just a horror movie spoof with very cheap and bad jokes. The reason i gave it 2 stars is because it's a horror movie spoof that came before "Scary Movie"

What was all the hype??
I read this was a great action thriller with a ton of suspense. It was terrible. I can't believe the Academy gives awards to flicks like this. I don't even recall seeing Jodie Foster or Anthony Perkins in any scenes either, what was that? Was Perkins pretending to be Delouise and was Foster Billy Zane or something. Ick! Anyway, terrible. I guess it's one of those "art" movies that are supposedly deep. I just thought it was stupid. The Hannibal sequel is much better and understandable! Stay away!! Don't believe the hype!!

Fun!
This movie is a load of fun to watch. It's campy and crazy and you have to watch it several time to pick up on all the nutty humor. I loved it!

This movie is terrible
You ever see a movie so bad it gives you a headache. Well this pile of junk gave my a terrible migrane just watching it, It is supose to be a parody of silence of the lambs. Mel Brooks parody of Bram Stokers Dracula "Dracula dead and loving it" is far superior and that is not saying much. This asinine garbage is painful to watch. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Has made-for-television feel but still makes an impact
Based on Richard Rashke's account of the only successful organised Jewish uprising against Nazis from within death-camp barbed wire, "Escape from Sobibor" is an admirable effort adapted for film. Despite its often melodramatic made-for-TV overtones (something cliche'd and rather inappropriate for such a weighty and sombering event in human history), the film captures the painful struggles, defiance against the ugliest of tyranny, and ultimate triumph of the Jewish prisoners over their oppressors. Unlike "Schindler's List," which unfortunately represented its Jewish characters in a one-dimensional and consistently passive light, this film presents us with strong, well-developed characters, from numerous backgrounds and levels of experience, who are justifiably angry and rebellious against the Nazis. The characters are well-acted, with all the passion, heart, spirit, and SOUL it undoubtedly must take to play such demanding and emotionally draining role! s. I recommend this movie fully; it will touch viewers with the spirit of sorrow amid triumph, and vice versa. END

The film of historic accurancy.
"Escape from Sobibor" is a grim turn inspirational film about the prisoners who, after careful planning, managed to escape from Sobibor. 300 died during the escape whereas the other 300 managed to live during and after the escape. The actors, especially Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Hartmut Becker, gave memorable & magnificant performances. Becker was telling & excellent in portraying one of the chief SS men in charge of the camp, sargeant Wagner. The actresses, especially Joanna Pacula, also played with upmost effectiveness & familiarity with the history behind Sobibor.

The film is historically as accurate as it can be, with scenes so telling of the torture of the prisoners hated due to dangerous & distorted ideologies. The picture, not as masterful as "Schindler's List", is well done nevertheless with artistry & sophistication. The acting measures up to the acting in "Schindler's List."

My only hope is that this video recording is not abridged, for the complete film is two hours & thirty minutes. If the video has the complete version of the film, my recommendation exists very strongly. If the abridged version exist, hesitations should occupy your mind.

Ask questions.

Excellent made-for-TV WW2 true story
This is the best made-for-tv movie (broadcast network) that depicts true events I have ever seen. Rutger Hauer and Alan Arkin are excellent as a Russian POW and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner who lead an uprising in a German concentration camp. It left me feeling "at least SOMEONE in a concentration camp stuck it to the Nazis." It also made me wish more had been able to. It's surprisingly graphic for a made-for-tv movie (I think it was on CBS); it shows naked women lined up to enter the showers (gas chambers). Just a word of warning to parents.

Surprisingly good movie
I have bought this one a year ago and didn't watch it till now. It was a big surprise as I didn't expect souch a touching movie to come out. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Amazing Portrayal of History
I have visited Nazi death camps in Poland. I found the information presented there to be dry and dull. But when I first saw Escape from Sobibor at a relatives house, I was intrigued, because I could actually see the information through the amazing acting of Alan Arkin. I was impressed how they were able to create a gripping story that appeals to all senses, yet still be able to follow the truth so closely. The emotions I felt while watching this movie was unbelievable, whereas the death camps I was bored and uninterested because I couldn't visualize the information. This movie is great for anyone, whether you are a history buff, like gory scenes, or anything. I would definitely reccomend this movie to anyone who asked me about it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beauty is only skin deep...
Disgusting little film about 2 aliens who skin human beings in order to walk among us unseen. The movie beautifully introduces the characters and the ol' boring town 'Tranquility' where all those strange killings take place. The 2 characters Anita Clark (Joanna Pacula) & her husband Sam (Peter Onorati) suspect what's underneath the newcomers' skin could be deadly!
Below average: Produced by schlock meister Roger Corman. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The glowering brutality that is aikido headbanger Steven Seagal's substitute for a star persona at least gives us a rancid taste of authenticity in this cookie-cutter action picture. This glum lug seems to really enjoy hurting people; he snaps limbs and shatters noses with visible relish. Pitted against a crew of Jamaican gangsters who invade his (white ethnic) Chicago neighborhood and threaten his family, retired DEA agent John Hatcher sets out to solve the case with robotic efficiency, kicking butt in just about every scene. Not quite as pudgy in this 1990 outing as he became a few films later, Seagal looks like the genuine, lethal article in the fight sequences, but like a hopeless amateur when he tries to act his way out of the waterlogged-paper-bag of a script. So what else is new? The one bright spot here is Basil Wallace, a mostly unsung actor who throws himself into the showy role of the Rasta gang-boss Screwface, a garishly scarred psycho with piercing ice-blue eyes. --David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Screwface is Dead!
You take a Jamaican druglord named Screwface and you take the funniest, laziest action star named Steven Seagal and you have ingredients to real comedy. Seagal shoots a woman in a rotten country and is ashamed to be a police officer. Hey, he shouldn't feel bad after she killed his partner. Well, Seagal goes back to America and looks for his family and friends. In town, a druglord takes advantage of children and sells them drugs. Oh, that doesn't fly with this genius. Seagal takes matters into his own hands when his niece is shot. Major bone snappage! The fight in the jewelry store is hilarious and Seagal fights Screwface in Jamaica! Eye gouges and decapitation. Distasteful! But, wait, there's another Screwface in Los Angeles, they're twins. What a plot twist. "Screwface is dead, so you can get the freak out of town!" Seagal gives this brother more pain with a back snap, gouge, and thrown down an elevator shaft. It was the most disturbing thing I have ever seen. Pure comedy.

Seagal at his best
Marked for Death is by far Steven Seagals best film. John Hatcher(seagal) has just retired from the Drug Enforcement Agency after his partner dies on a case. When a Jamaican Drug Posse marks seagals family for death, seagal realizes that he needs to pay them back, with interest. Seagal, teamed up with a jamaican cop and an old friend of his, to teach the posse that there's just some families that you don't mess with. If you don't like car chases, snapped arms and heads being chopped off, this movie isn't for you. Its's to bad they don't make action movies this great anymore.

NOT REALLY ALL THAT GOOD
A FORMER COP [STEVEN SEAGAL] GOES AFTER SOME LOCAL JAMAICAN DRUG DEALERS. THIS WAS AN UTTERLY DISSAPOINTING FILM, BEING THAT ''ABOVE THE LAW'' WAS SO GOOD. HAS THE USUAL SHOOTOUTS AND THE USUAL CAR CHASES THAT ONE WOULD EXPECT TO FIND IN A STEVEN SEAGAL MOVIE. DIEHARD SEAGAL FANS [WHICH IS WHAT I AM, TO A CERTAIN EXTENT] MIGHT LIKE IT. OTHERS SHOULDN'T EVEN WASTE THEIR TIME.

The last of his (non-Under Siege) good ones
As someone else said (probably on this website), S Seagal probably became a parody of himself faster than any other action hero of our time. Other than the "Under Siege" pairing, Marked for Death was, to my mind the last really great movie he did.

It is Seagal at his brutal best. As the Editorial Review says, he plays a disillusioned former DEA agent, who comes back home), to find his neighborhood being ravaged by a group of Jamaicans and their drug trade. Seagal cleans it up the situation as only he could: blasting a handful of the bad guys away with pistol and shotgun, and beating the rest savagely.

This movie, like his premier "Above the Law", has some of his technically most proficient Aikido, particularly after he crashes his car into a department store and then takes on about four adversaries in a randori, or challenge of one defender against multiple attackers.

Of course, it would not be some shattering news to reveal here that in the end, Seagal prevails over the leader of this drug posse, nicknamed Screwface (the name comes from a Bob Marley song). They fight with swords, bottles, and ultimately hands. But the climactic fight is equally brutal as it is final.

It was not nominated in the "Best Movie" category. It is not particularly thought provoking. But what it is is an action movie. And as that, it is worth the price of admission.

You want arms being snapped in two? Right here.
This was Seagal's third film, I believe, and he was really in his 'prime'. This flick has the kind of bone-crunching action you demand from the genre.

Seagal plays a cop taking on some scary Jamaican drug lords. They're into voodoo or something, Seagal gets his Mustang wrecked, and before the end, a lot of arms and wrists are going to be snapped like so many twigs.

What has happened to Seagal? In this movie his fight scenes are pretty good. They had perfected the Seagal film formula by this point and would follow it with the equally brutal Out for Justice. This was before the filmmakers had to extensively doctor the fight scenes with camera tricks like fast motion and telephoto lenses in order to disguise the fact that Seagal had become old, fat, and completely out of shape.

Seagal's last few films have gone straight to DVD and they are absolutely appalling, yes, even for a Seagal film. Marked for Death is a actually good for what it is. Compare it to something like Ticker or Out for a Kill and see how the mighty have fallen. Seagal's IHOP excesses have destroyed him. Watch Marked for Death to see him in all of his bullying, macho glory. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

TOTALLY AWESOME!
This has to be one of the best low-budget films of all time! Michelle Williams, Michael Dorn and Pat Morita are awesome! Jesse needs acting lessons, though he is sufficient for the film.

I don't think that many people will see this film. I rented it after I saw it in the video store. I have no idea why it is [$$] bucks..., maybe because it is hard to get, although I haven't tried looking for it hard.

This is a cool movie about a boy who travels through time to try and stop an evil plot by Dorn to destroy the Earth for a game. The game is kind of hard to explain. It is played for a life-giving substance called 'Blue.' Blue gives it's bearer eternal life, but if you stop taking it you die.

Pat Morita enlists Jesse to stop this game and save his parents from being prisoners of the game. The plot is very complicated, you'll just have to see this movie. It's one-in-a-million. I give it 5 stars.

The best movie
I love this movie even though it needed work it was a great science fiction film. The actors did good for being kids. It was great and the title just pulled me in.

Possibly the worst movie ever
What a mess! There was way too much that was not explained, for starters. The kid (Jesse) needs some acting lessons. Some special effects were OK, others were terrible - the outer space scenes were a joke, and when the bank blew up I swear that the guys on the balcony were in mid-air *before* the explosion *started*. Sheesh. The virtual game machines were ludicrous as well, and it was some coincidence that Jesse could just hop in and operate a seemingly complex control panel like an expert. Overall it was very difficult to follow, especially how the main characters memory appeard to be selective depending on what time they were in. The story had potential but the poor execution made it one of the worst movies I've ever seen, if the THE worst.

An incomprehensible mishmash
The kids can't act, the scenery is right out of "Mad Max", Michael Dorn is practically sleepwalking (he was better on ChIPS than he is here!) and Pat Morita should have stuck to standup comedy (they should have gotten the fabulous character actor Mako for this one). The only saving grace this movie has is Duncan Regehr, who is far too graceful an actor to be wasted like this. Unfortunately, he is not on-screen nearly enough. For Regehr fanatics, a better choice is any of the "Zorro" videos or "Monster Squad", where he plays an unbelievably evil Dracula.

Competant-but-flawed SF/YA, some surprising writing.
The Glickenhous family comes together here with a stewpot-of-everything for a decent time-manipulation story centering on Young Jesse being the only one who cares enough to convince a cynical Almost-badguy Pat Morita to help stop a future-based life-and-death-of-innocents-stakes time-manipulation competition from destroying his parents' lives. Flawed by a lackadaisical performance from Dorn, this study in how-to-produce-good-action-scenes-on-budget is great fun. Especially so the more you know your hero films. Hopping from a post-nuclear-war desert near-future to the far future to the late 1800's, it's use of remarkably good first and second-unit camera and stunt work and editing makes for remarkable emulations and dead-on copies of famous scenes and stylings. Stylistically accurate, dangerous and detailed scenes from Leone's mean Italian westerns, Mad Max, Dune, classic biker bar fights, and a stunningly accurate and exhausting Swiss spa location copy of the Bond ski chase (featuring the US free-style ski team) all come together for a demo-reel that would impress anyone. All this is tied together with the director's children in the lead roles and a story that isn;t as bad as it feels with the lethargy that seems to emanate from Dorn's tangible uninvolvement with whatever scene he's in. While Patently absurd at $80 for the tape, especially since the wide screen version is on LD, if it's comes to DVD at basic prices, it's easily worth having as an example of how to get a film done on budget and on time and give the kids a good ride. Easily worth the time and trouble to check this one out. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

very good movie
I've read the book and although it, of course, was much better, I enjoyed the movie. I regret that the movie leaves out a large section at the end of the book that I particularly liked. Additionally, the movie misrepresents my favorite character, namely KGB Major Pribluda. On the flip side, William Hurt is very good as Arkady. Lee Marvin well portrays the slimy sable-selling American Jack Osbourne, and Brian Dennerhy does well as a rogue New York City cop who doesn't give a damn about getting killed or killing people, as long as he can avenge his brother. I really enjoyed this film. Oh- the DVD especially is good, because in the movie it is difficult to make out what is happening in some of the darker scenes.

Murderer and Detective fight the coldest of wars
"Gorky Park" is based on the novel of the same name by Martin Cruz Smith. It's a flawed attempt, but otherwise excellent film. William Hurt plays the hero, Arkady "Arkasha" Renko, a righteous detective with the Moscow Militia, the Soviet capitol's local police force. His latest case involves three mutilated corpses discovered under a blanket of fresh snow in the woods of Gorky Park. Renko is barely on the scene when he's joined by KGB Col. Pribluda. "That could be you one day", the smiling killer tells Renko. With little doubt that the case "reeks of KGB" involvement, Renko at first seeks a way to dump the case, thinking it a trap laid against him by the KGB as revenge for Renko's earlier attempts to implicate the grinning KGB colonel in a multiple homicide. A dogged persistance won't let him drop the case, and he pursues leads that have nothing to do with the KGB - including a one-time student dissident (Joanna Pacula) whose name is scratched into the skates worn by one of the corpses, and Jack Osborne (Lee Marvin), a wealthy American tycoon with an interest in genuine Russian Sables. Soon, however, Renko finds himself the prey, when a mysterious American, who turns out to be a NYPD Detective (Brian Dennehy), arrives on the scene, convinced that his younger brother may be one of the victims and Renko one of his executioners. Unclear who he has to fear, especially when his men and his witnesses begin dying, and unsure who to trust, Renko goes practically underground, the American Detective his only real ally.

Flawed by a script that ambitiously tries to comprise all of Smith's multi-layered plot, "Park" makes a great go of it. With the help of the late and great Dennis Potter ("the Singing Detective", "Pennies from Heaven"), Michael Apted's superb cast goes a long way to realizing author Smith's vision. There is the amiably amoral Pribluda and Dennehy as the brutish Detective Kerwill. Joanna Paculla will break your heart while Lee Marvin is cheery as the rich American who smoothly reaffirms the Soviets' faith in the evil that is the United States. Hurt's duel of wits with Marvin (Renko wastes little time making the rich American a prime suspect) provides the most tension of the film. Renko tries to elicit Osbourne's response by comparing the murder of the faceless trio with the American's favorite hobby - a hunt for Sable. Their exchanges are key because they highlight Osbourne's amorality and his mastery over Renko and the systemic rot of the Soviet hierarchy. Even minor charachters like Alexi Sayle as Fedor Golodkin and Ian Mcdiarmid as Prof. Andreev are hard to forget. Golodkin is the cheerily slimy smuggler who informs on Pacula's charachter for the KGB while Andreev, a dry academician with no time for police forensics, reluctantly agrees to reconstruct identities of mutilitated corpses. Mcdarmid, for his screen time is also fun, especially when meeting Renko and the detective's high-mindedness for the first time. "I fear that you are not long for this world, my friend", the dry academician tells Renko, evoking the same foreboding Macdarmid displayed as Darth Vader's boss in "Return of the Jedi". I caught a TV cut of the film and the editing was horrible. Don't settle for the Bravo version - get this tape today.

A great spy flick !!!
Lotsa great performances here - William Hurt, Lee Marvin, etc. It's a gripping mystery that follows the efforts of Hurt as a Russian police detective tracking down vicious murders.

One of my favorite american movies about USSR
A murder mistery . In the middle of Moscow . 3 people are killed . One of them is American . Life smart Russian detective trying to figure it out ... and catch another American ( in Moscow ). But later he found out , that this one - is a COP from New York , looking for killers of his brother . You get everything in here : exellent actors , a plot , a culmination , love story , KGB , Russian militsia , Moscow views , a good guys and the bad ones too . What else do you need ? A good director ? They got that !
Highly recomended .

Not Very Entertaining/Interesting--At Least In the Beginning
This is a cold war crime/spy procedural set in Moscow, Russia, based on the book. Three bodies are found in Gorky Park with their faces and finger tips expertly cut off. Right after the police show up, the KGB arrives. I couldn't finish the movie because everything was so contrary to what I imagined Russian society to be like.
Everything and everybody was too polite, clean and proper, from the streets to the policeman's uniforms and the rivalry between policeman and KGB officer. I felt like it was done as a British, almost PBS style detective story. The actors even sounded British. I did like the very noble Russian detective, an idealist, but he seemed more like a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer than anything Russian. The bottom line is I was hoping for something that seemed more authentically Russian. ... Read more

Reviews (86)

John Bruno's Virus
... When I first saw the previews for this, I assumed it took place in space on board a ship taken over by an alien. Even the video box looks space bound. Wrong.

A boat crew loses their cargo in a typhoon (which do not necessarily spring up out of nowhere anymore, having lived through dozens of them in the Far East) and comes across a seemingly abandoned Russian space communications ship while waiting in the storm's eye. The Russian ship could be salvaged, and the crew decides to take it and redeem the millions of dollars they think they will get. Suddenly, a Russian scientist appears and tells them what happened. Apparently, and this was shown in the beginning of the movie, an alien lifeforce took over the Mir space station, then the ship in the water. It is electronic in nature, and uses humans for "spare parts" as it builds machine/human hybrids to do its bidding. A lot of things blow up after that, all headed toward the predictable finale.

Jamie Lee Curtis is the navigator, but is not given a lot to do except cough and call out other characters' names in dark corridors. One of the Baldwin brothers comes along for the ride. It's not Alec, and not that [one] from "Bio Dome," it is the middle one, I think. Donald Sutherland is the stereotypical mentally unbalanced captain of the American ship. He has some kind of strange accent that sounds Scottish one minute, and Canadian the next. The rest of the doomed crew consists of expendable minority characters and ... crusty cowards. Why is it only the white women survive movies like this? Joanna Pacula plays the surviving Russian scientist. She has done better.

The entire film is full of characters wandering down dark hallways, and "checking on" each other. People get separated, and the real gore comes about thanks to the machines.

The special effects are pretty incredible. From the opening space shots, to the typhoon effects, to the very gory hybrids, I thought they were the best thing about the film.

The cast here tries hard. The film looks expensive, and Bruno's direction is excellent. The musical score is a little clangy, and the cinematography (especially a closing sunrise shot) is lush.

There is just nothing underneath the surface of this film. Characters go tromping after noises they hear in the dark. The crew stumbles across a stash of guns that seems prerequisite in all sci-fi horror films. Jamie Lee Curtis is lusted after by the rest of the crew as she remains serious so she can be taken seriously. They even throw in a fake ending to get your blood rushing again after 100 minutes of yelling, gore, and explosions. ... .

What we have here is a spaceship movie that takes place in the ocean going ship concerning a computer virus ... . What we also have here is a lot of cliche dressed up with pretty pictures, an expensive look, and great effects. This is very similar to the straight to video "Proteus." We also have a film I cannot recommend.

This is rated (R) for strong physical violence, strong gun violence, very strong gore, and profanity.

Flawed, but not fatally
In an interview with one of the celebrity magazines, Jamie Lee Curtis listed two films she wished she had never made: "Grandview, USA," and 1999's "Virus." The two movies couldn't stand further apart in subject matter-"Grandview, USA" is one of those treacly coming of age films that appear on the scene every year or so. "Virus," on the other hand, is a huge budget science fiction film designed to bring in millions from audiences who favor bombastic effects over character development, logical continuity, and an intelligent script. While I think Curtis's statements about "Virus" a tad extreme, the movie surprisingly tanked at the box office despite its heavy reliance on shock and awe production values. When I recently viewed the movie on DVD, I more or less enjoyed the film. I did, however, come to understand why it ultimately failed at the box office. Curtis shouldn't fear any lasting damage to her career from "Virus," however. With her cult status from the "Halloween" franchise and her increasing forays into family comedy ("House Arrest," "Freaky Friday"), she should continue to rake in the bucks well into the future.

"Virus" begins with an eerie disaster. An amorphous, glowing cloud-like object from outer space invades the Mir space station just as the satellite's crew is about to transmit important information to a Russian ship on the ocean. The object, whatever it is, manages to send itself down to earth and directly into the boat's computer system through this transmission link. The ship's electronics go instantly haywire, with people screaming and running all over the place. Fast forward a few days to another boat on the high seas, this one a barge transporting merchandise through a storm. Helmed by a grizzly old tar named Captain Robert Everton (Donald Sutherland) and manned by a crew including Kit Foster (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Steve Baker (William Baldwin), the boat flounders in the rough waters and loses its cargo. Everton isn't popular with his crew; his steadfast refusal to cut the barges loose almost caused the entire boat to sink. It turns out Everton's entire life savings was bound up in that cargo, a fact that causes him immense distress until someone spots an abandoned boat a few miles ahead. Filled with sudden optimism over a lucrative recovery fee, Everton and his crew board the vessel. And wouldn't you know it? It's the Russian research craft we saw at the beginning of the movie.

The ship is in sorry shape, drifting in the ocean with no crewmembers and no power. Still, Everton recognizes the value of his find and figures the finder's fee should be worth millions. As long as no one on the boat is alive, the captain and his crew should collect the money. In the meantime, they have to turn the power back on and sail the ship into harbor. The trouble begins at this point. An unfortunate "accident" sends the research vessel's anchor plunging through Everton's boat. Now trapped on the Russian ship, the crew of the cargo boat discovers troubling evidence of a decidedly sinister series of events. The sole survivor of the disaster, a research scientist named Nadia (Joanna Pacula), tells Everton and company about an alien life form that took over the ship's power grid, a creature that used parts of the boat to build killer robots to wipe out the Russians. Since the first thing Everton did when he got on the boat is turn the power back on, the alien is once again on the loose. The organism tells the humans that it wants to wipe out all the people on earth because it considers them a virus. Neat. In the meantime, cloud creature consoles itself with turning Everton's crew into gruesome looking cyborgs. "Virus" turns into an extended chase scene through the bowels of the Russian ship as Curtis, Baldwin, and the dwindling others attempt to destroy the life form.

"Virus" is a predictable, by the numbers science fiction film. While the special effects work looks good (not great, unfortunately), and there is a bit of gore to liven things up, the character development falls flat. Sutherland slums his way through his role as the scheming Everton. Curtis tries hard but ultimately fails to muster much interest in her tough woman role. William Baldwin is, well, William Baldwin. If you went into this one looking forward to a great performance from him, you deserve the disappointment you will inevitably find. The rest of the cast serves as cannon fodder. This isn't to say I despised "Virus." There are a few things of interest if one looks hard enough. For example, I roared so hard with laughter over Sutherland's metamorphosis into a cyborg that I hurt myself. Everton tried to make a deal with the alien but quickly fell prey to its murderous designs. When we next see him, he's been turned into some hideous half machine, half human monstrosity, but he still has his captain's cap parked (and at a jaunty angle, too) on top of his head! Too funny! Why does he still have that hat on? Maybe the script thought the audience would fail to recognize him.

"Virus" tends more to the ridiculous than anything else, but it's not a lost cause. As long as you go into the film expecting to see a formulaic plot, you'll probably enjoy most of it. Supposedly, the DVD version has a ton of extras, but the disc I watched didn't have any on it except a trailer for the film. Would I watch "Virus" again? Probably, if it showed up on cable and I had two hours to kill. I wouldn't, however, buy it or rent it again. If you want great science fiction, rent "Aliens," "The Terminator," or a dozen other memorable movies. If you're just looking to slum for awhile, watch "Virus."

Cybernetics has never looked tastier...
A team of Russian cosmonauts encounter a strange, malevolent electrical being in space just before transmitting data down to a research vessel, the Vladislav Volkov in the South Pacific, and inadvertently wind out transmitting the being.

In the meantime, the tugboat Sea Star is struggling with a large cargo in tow and gets caught in Typhoon Leiah, with some spectacular special effects on the storm in this scene. After loosing the cargo they must head for the eye of the storm in order to repair their boat, and meet up with the abandoned and derelict Russian research vessel. The captain claims the vessel as salvage and sets alight the crew's dreams of big money in the salvage fees.

When they power up the Russian ship in order to bring her in, they unwittingly release the electrical being, starting up all the monstrosities it had already managed to create before being shut down by the remaining survivor of the Russian crew.

The visuals are superb on the cybernetic creations, gory and disgusting; and the suspense as the survivors struggle to best the living, intelligent being is palatable and thick. Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Sutherland, and William Baldwin give excellent performances, and the supporting cast as well. Derelict ship, creepy monster, lots of action, sexy heroine...and lots of blood and guts give this tasty morsel five stars on my list. Enjoy!

Won't Make You That Sick After All
Virus didn't exactly light up the box office, during its original theatrical run, back in 1999. It was panned by most critics as nothing more than schlock. While it's not a great sci-fi film, it is better than I thought it would be, and deserves a spot on anyone's rental list.

When a sea going tug boat is crippled by a typhoon, the crew has little choice but to ride it out. They soon discover a high tech Russian ship with a lone surrvivor aboard. The crew tranfers to the Russian vessel, where Captian Robert Everton (Donald Sutherland), Navigator Kit Foster (Jamie Lee Curtis), and Steve Baker (Billy Baldwin), soon discover that something deadly has taken over the ship's systems. They must now fend off attacks from "water warriors" who have manifested, to stay alive.

At first glance, the story sounds positively absurd, and it is. But thanks to director John Bruno, who won an Oscar for his effects work on James Cameron's underwater(logged) adventure The Abyss, and Curtis, the film stays afloat. Based on an original Dark Horse Comics story, the film moves at lightning speed, which helps mitagate some of its problems. Sutherland is also fun to watch, as he chews enough scenery, for two films. And I was very delighted to find the effects were darn good (Bruno's expertise came in handy) too.

The DVD extras are pretty much standard fare, given the response, the film got from folks. There's a by the numbers Electronic Press Kit (EPK) style making of featurette. You also get to see a couple of nice deleted scenes to go through. Production notes, the theatrical trailer, weblinks to Dark Horse, and film highlights top off the bonus material.

As I say, Virus doesn't light up the world of cinema, but it does have just enough to make it a decent rental. *** and a half stars

An underrated, action-packed thriller
I put off watching Virus for some time because of the general sense of mediocrity it seemed to generate in many viewers and, more importantly, the fact that it features not only Jamie Lee Curtis, who is not my favorite actress, but also a Baldwin brother (William). After watching it, though, I have to say that Virus is really not a bad movie at all. Certainly, there is a lot of Alien-type stuff going on, but there is plenty of action, a fair smidgeon of gore, and reason to hope that maybe, just this once, a Baldwin character might not survive to the end. Sherman "Is that Cuba Gooding, Jr.?" Augustus and Marshall Bell deserve a lot of credit for injecting some comedy and realism into this movie, but it is Joanna Pacula, in the role of Russian science officer Nadia Vinogradiya, who really steals the show, in my opinion. She certainly far outshines Jamie Lee Curtis, whose character has almost no depth whatsoever.

The trouble starts on Mir, as some sort of fast-moving cloud of energy takes over the space station and gets sent along for the ride down to a Russian scientific receiving vessel somewhere in the Pacific, where it puts on a light show to beat the band. Days later, a salvage boat led by the hopelessly annoying Captain Everton (Donald Sutherland in one of his lesser performances) tries to drag a barge through a hurricane; the boat makes it to the eye of the storm, where it discovers a large Russian ship dead in the water. The crews board the Russian vessel, finding no signs of the crew, and eyes start to widen at the thought of the money to be earned for salvaging this gigantic scientific ship. After they turn the power back on, they come to discover two life forms stowed away onboard, however. One of them is the ship's science officer Nadia Vinogradiya; the other is something not of this world. This alien life force needs electricity to function, and once the ship is powered back up it gets to work building all kinds of little robots who in turn build bigger robots, all of which work to destroy all humans on the vessel; in a nice little twist, man has become the virus to be eliminated. You can imagine what ensues. The humans fight to survive, giving the increasingly powerful alien life force a pretty good fight, even after their numbers start to dwindle and familiar faces in the form of Borg-like creatures turn their sights on the human intruders. I didn't care much for the ending, especially since all the wrong characters survived, but one British captain of another vessel delivers a classic six-line comment that did much to better my mood.

Virus is by no means a classic, but the film does deliver a suspenseful, pyrotechnic-laced good time. Jamie Lee Curtis in particular is put through the wringer, while Joanna Pacula is just terrific. I'm really not sure why many people hold this film in such low regard, as I found it both interesting and enjoyable. In my humble opinion, this is definitely an underrated motion picture. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

murder as a work of art
Writer director Kevin Meyer's TVM begins with the ritualised murder of a woman to the sound of Caruso singing La Gioconda and the killer painting her body. However after that it's downhill all the way. Meyer gives us Harry Hamlin as a slobby detective in charge of the case, who is unshaven - Hamlin's superior tells him he dresses "like a mechanic" - and presumably depressed after the death of his son and end of his marriage. This information unfortunately doesn't feed into the style of the murder, but rather allows Hamlin to indulge in a lazy performance which includes a tough guy hiss, which de-energises the film. Hamlin's unprofessionalism leads him into an affair with the wife of the case's top suspect, Joanna Pacula, who is another of a series of accented ladies who pronounce his surname Keaton as "kitten". Meyer's screenplay is so cliched that you can predict the oncoming dialogue, features the anomaly of the suspect thinking himself to be the devil but keeps crucifixes for protection, but also one funny line in "His prints were found all around the room which makes sense since he lives there". Meyer's pacing is sluggish, his treatment has repeated and tiresome points scored against Hamlin's partner John Mese who of course embodies everything Hamlin is not, and he gives Hamlin and Pacula some rather graphic sex scenes with Hamlin not Pacula as the object of desire. In spite of her fractured intonation, Pakula at least looks lovely, but it's West Side Story's Richard Beymer who steals the film in a small role as Pakula's colleague, though I could have done without Meyer giving him a shark's head in his office. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

...
After reading the reviews, I had to respond. I really enjoyed this movie. A lot of people seem to be missing the entire point of the movie (as well as the storyline). Apparently a movie with Billy Crystal must be all hilarity and no poignancy for people to enjoy it.

Maybe advertising is to blame, but I was lucky enough to not hear much about it when it was released. With no expectations in mind, I thought the movie was great -- and Billy Crystal does a decent job taking on a dramatic role. Muresan does surprisingly well with his role as well, concidering the horrible screen talents of other famous-sports-players-put-in-movie types. I would recommend this to anyone...as long as they don't expect Crystal in a stand-up-comedic routine.

Excellent!
My Giant is very funny! Billy Crystal is his usual self in this movie. The same comic personality like in all the rest of his movies. This is a wonderful movie. It also has drama. Very few movies possess the qualitites of making you laugh and cry, and making it work. This does though. If you are a Billy Crystal fan, you will love this!

Billy Crystal at his worst!
I love Billy Crystal! But I hated this movie! I will always hate it! How does a man so talented as a comedian go do a drama and expect to excell? It was a poor attempt at a movie!

Underrated comedy-drama
I think this movie suffered from a misleading ad campaign which made it look like a slapstick comedy. It's not.

It's adult comedy-drama, and a pretty good one. Crystal, the ultimate cynic, slowly becomes best friends with his giant, the ultimate innocent. And there are actually a fair amount of laughs along the way.

It helps to know that this picture was inspired by the late Andre the Giant, who worked with Crystal on "The Princess Bride." Giants' lives are never easy, and that's why this picture has to be serious as well as fun.

I have the feeling this picture may play better on video. If you like funny-sad pictures, check it out.

My Giant is more like a kids movie
I thought this movie sucked. Billy Crystal wasn't even funny. He tries to be funny in some scenes but the whole movie is just plain dumb. The only thing that I got excited about this movie was that tall guy. I heard he's 7'7 in real life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

what a ride
not a bad show if your in the mood for a show that take a little time to get going all about a woman that is seeing a congress man and has to break up with him but he did,t want to they fight and he gets killed she is in with some crooks trying to mess up the congress mans work and that are going to kill her she runs off trying to get out of the USA and pays a cab driver to take her across the USA you get the idea! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Where have I seen this all before... and after?
Ah, nothin' like an 80s-era U.S.-military-kickin'-some-Mid-East-Terrorist-butt actioner brimful of patriotic symbolism set to a military marchin-band fanfare soundtrack to keep me entertained for an hour and a half. Ya got Fred Dryer leadin' the way as a cross between Clint Eastwood's 'Gunny' Highway from 'Heartbreak Ridge' and Rambo-- though a lot closer to the former than the latter, and not quite having the acting ability of either. Then there's the whole hero-and-a-few-allies-storming-the-compound-where-the-hero's-C.O.-is-being-held-hostage bit that makes up the climax, and would be seen again & done a little better in 'The Delta Force' and 'Rambo III'. And if that wasn't enough, there's the usual array of implausible and gravity-defying action scenes. Like for example the chase scene that culminates in a manner that is fleetingly reminiscent of the almost-as-silly climactic tank-vs-doom-chopper showdown in 'Rambo III'. Or the hero and his troops sneaking into the terrorist compound on an open desert where there is almost no cover to be seen... in broad daylight!

On the upside, they made a token effort to ground the movie in reality, if only remotely so. A couple of the good guys do get killed, though not quite as many as the bad guys. Then there's the 'blood-pinning' initiation ceremony for a couple new Marines that would become a real-life scandal in the press over a decade later. Also of note is the suicide car-bombing of the U.S. Embassy scene, reflecting the kinds of terrorist bombings goin' 'round in the Middle East at the time, and are still happening to this day. Speakin' of the embassy-bombing scene: this is one of the few flicks where I've a character played by the late Paul Winfield (he's the U.S. ambassador here) actually survives all the way through the film! Talk about breaking character, hmm? Heh...

Anyhoo, if you're into such 1980s kick-@$$ actioners as 'The Delta Force' or the 'Rambo' trilogy, 'Death Before Dishonor' is worth at least a rental-if only to see Fred Dryer play a role other than Hunter...

'Late

Great Movie
I enjoyed this movie very much. the acting was strong and to the point at all times. The scene where SGT Ramirez is tortured and killed looks so damn real, i mean the make-up job is fantastic. This is really a great movie and i recommend it to anybody who likes a good action flick. Also a great score aswell

Excellent action movie.
Terrorists kidnapped his boss so it is up to Fred Dryer to rescue him. Excellent action sequences as this one is directed by Terry Leonard (stunt co-ordinator in many action movies). The lovely Joanna Pacula co-star as a journalist. After the Sep 11 event, watching movie about heroes kicking terrorists is a nice relief. It is great to see this B title appear on DVD. The picture and sound is quite nice. Worth getting it.

One word: Great
Fanastic , I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Great acting by the legendary , good looking Fred Dryer. It made me want to join the Marine Core.

Damn Good
Entertaining video , fun to watch. Good acting by the great Fred Dryer ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Has made-for-television feel but still makes an impact
Based on Richard Rashke's account of the only successful organised Jewish uprising against Nazis from within death-camp barbed wire, "Escape from Sobibor" is an admirable effort adapted for film. Despite its often melodramatic made-for-TV overtones (something cliche'd and rather inappropriate for such a weighty and sombering event in human history), the film captures the painful struggles, defiance against the ugliest of tyranny, and ultimate triumph of the Jewish prisoners over their oppressors. Unlike "Schindler's List," which unfortunately represented its Jewish characters in a one-dimensional and consistently passive light, this film presents us with strong, well-developed characters, from numerous backgrounds and levels of experience, who are justifiably angry and rebellious against the Nazis. The characters are well-acted, with all the passion, heart, spirit, and SOUL it undoubtedly must take to play such demanding and emotionally draining role! s. I recommend this movie fully; it will touch viewers with the spirit of sorrow amid triumph, and vice versa. END

The film of historic accurancy.
"Escape from Sobibor" is a grim turn inspirational film about the prisoners who, after careful planning, managed to escape from Sobibor. 300 died during the escape whereas the other 300 managed to live during and after the escape. The actors, especially Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Hartmut Becker, gave memorable & magnificant performances. Becker was telling & excellent in portraying one of the chief SS men in charge of the camp, sargeant Wagner. The actresses, especially Joanna Pacula, also played with upmost effectiveness & familiarity with the history behind Sobibor.

The film is historically as accurate as it can be, with scenes so telling of the torture of the prisoners hated due to dangerous & distorted ideologies. The picture, not as masterful as "Schindler's List", is well done nevertheless with artistry & sophistication. The acting measures up to the acting in "Schindler's List."

My only hope is that this video recording is not abridged, for the complete film is two hours & thirty minutes. If the video has the complete version of the film, my recommendation exists very strongly. If the abridged version exist, hesitations should occupy your mind.

Ask questions.

Excellent made-for-TV WW2 true story
This is the best made-for-tv movie (broadcast network) that depicts true events I have ever seen. Rutger Hauer and Alan Arkin are excellent as a Russian POW and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner who lead an uprising in a German concentration camp. It left me feeling "at least SOMEONE in a concentration camp stuck it to the Nazis." It also made me wish more had been able to. It's surprisingly graphic for a made-for-tv movie (I think it was on CBS); it shows naked women lined up to enter the showers (gas chambers). Just a word of warning to parents.

Surprisingly good movie
I have bought this one a year ago and didn't watch it till now. It was a big surprise as I didn't expect souch a touching movie to come out. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Amazing Portrayal of History
I have visited Nazi death camps in Poland. I found the information presented there to be dry and dull. But when I first saw Escape from Sobibor at a relatives house, I was intrigued, because I could actually see the information through the amazing acting of Alan Arkin. I was impressed how they were able to create a gripping story that appeals to all senses, yet still be able to follow the truth so closely. The emotions I felt while watching this movie was unbelievable, whereas the death camps I was bored and uninterested because I couldn't visualize the information. This movie is great for anyone, whether you are a history buff, like gory scenes, or anything. I would definitely reccomend this movie to anyone who asked me about it. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Has made-for-television feel but still makes an impact
Based on Richard Rashke's account of the only successful organised Jewish uprising against Nazis from within death-camp barbed wire, "Escape from Sobibor" is an admirable effort adapted for film. Despite its often melodramatic made-for-TV overtones (something cliche'd and rather inappropriate for such a weighty and sombering event in human history), the film captures the painful struggles, defiance against the ugliest of tyranny, and ultimate triumph of the Jewish prisoners over their oppressors. Unlike "Schindler's List," which unfortunately represented its Jewish characters in a one-dimensional and consistently passive light, this film presents us with strong, well-developed characters, from numerous backgrounds and levels of experience, who are justifiably angry and rebellious against the Nazis. The characters are well-acted, with all the passion, heart, spirit, and SOUL it undoubtedly must take to play such demanding and emotionally draining role! s. I recommend this movie fully; it will touch viewers with the spirit of sorrow amid triumph, and vice versa. END

The film of historic accurancy.
"Escape from Sobibor" is a grim turn inspirational film about the prisoners who, after careful planning, managed to escape from Sobibor. 300 died during the escape whereas the other 300 managed to live during and after the escape. The actors, especially Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Hartmut Becker, gave memorable & magnificant performances. Becker was telling & excellent in portraying one of the chief SS men in charge of the camp, sargeant Wagner. The actresses, especially Joanna Pacula, also played with upmost effectiveness & familiarity with the history behind Sobibor.

The film is historically as accurate as it can be, with scenes so telling of the torture of the prisoners hated due to dangerous & distorted ideologies. The picture, not as masterful as "Schindler's List", is well done nevertheless with artistry & sophistication. The acting measures up to the acting in "Schindler's List."

My only hope is that this video recording is not abridged, for the complete film is two hours & thirty minutes. If the video has the complete version of the film, my recommendation exists very strongly. If the abridged version exist, hesitations should occupy your mind.

Ask questions.

Excellent made-for-TV WW2 true story
This is the best made-for-tv movie (broadcast network) that depicts true events I have ever seen. Rutger Hauer and Alan Arkin are excellent as a Russian POW and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner who lead an uprising in a German concentration camp. It left me feeling "at least SOMEONE in a concentration camp stuck it to the Nazis." It also made me wish more had been able to. It's surprisingly graphic for a made-for-tv movie (I think it was on CBS); it shows naked women lined up to enter the showers (gas chambers). Just a word of warning to parents.

Surprisingly good movie
I have bought this one a year ago and didn't watch it till now. It was a big surprise as I didn't expect souch a touching movie to come out. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Amazing Portrayal of History
I have visited Nazi death camps in Poland. I found the information presented there to be dry and dull. But when I first saw Escape from Sobibor at a relatives house, I was intrigued, because I could actually see the information through the amazing acting of Alan Arkin. I was impressed how they were able to create a gripping story that appeals to all senses, yet still be able to follow the truth so closely. The emotions I felt while watching this movie was unbelievable, whereas the death camps I was bored and uninterested because I couldn't visualize the information. This movie is great for anyone, whether you are a history buff, like gory scenes, or anything. I would definitely reccomend this movie to anyone who asked me about it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

good thriller..
When I first saw it , it was scary, I liked the scene where the daughter get's brave and takes on the scary aunt..this movie is hard to find..Can't find it in the video stores.

Seemed a bit boring on tv
I've only seen the MONSTERVISION version on tv. I want the R version so I can see the scene where the blonde girl gets ripped up in the escolater. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

every breath
liked the movie very much, but give the soundtrack 5*+ would like to get the soundtrack but can't find it any where.?? could you help??

ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!
To say the absolute least this movie was by far the most suspense filled, chilling and exciting movie I have ever seen. And believe me, I have seen my share!!! I was searching the web to find the soundtrack because it is awesome too if you enjoy sensual jazz!!! I first saw this movie in 1994 while living at home in Chicago. It is now 1999 and I still get chills up and down my spine just thinking about it!!! It's deep and it truly keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!!! If I'm not mistaken, I believe I cancelled a date to finish watching this movie. Yes, it was that good and well worth it...even though he was gorgeous! By the way, did the actors receive any recognition at all for this movie? And please tell me how I can get the soundtrack, PRETTY PLEEEEEASE! I gotta' have it!

Sincerely Submitted,

Mavis L. Collins ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Has made-for-television feel but still makes an impact
Based on Richard Rashke's account of the only successful organised Jewish uprising against Nazis from within death-camp barbed wire, "Escape from Sobibor" is an admirable effort adapted for film. Despite its often melodramatic made-for-TV overtones (something cliche'd and rather inappropriate for such a weighty and sombering event in human history), the film captures the painful struggles, defiance against the ugliest of tyranny, and ultimate triumph of the Jewish prisoners over their oppressors. Unlike "Schindler's List," which unfortunately represented its Jewish characters in a one-dimensional and consistently passive light, this film presents us with strong, well-developed characters, from numerous backgrounds and levels of experience, who are justifiably angry and rebellious against the Nazis. The characters are well-acted, with all the passion, heart, spirit, and SOUL it undoubtedly must take to play such demanding and emotionally draining role! s. I recommend this movie fully; it will touch viewers with the spirit of sorrow amid triumph, and vice versa. END

The film of historic accurancy.
"Escape from Sobibor" is a grim turn inspirational film about the prisoners who, after careful planning, managed to escape from Sobibor. 300 died during the escape whereas the other 300 managed to live during and after the escape. The actors, especially Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Hartmut Becker, gave memorable & magnificant performances. Becker was telling & excellent in portraying one of the chief SS men in charge of the camp, sargeant Wagner. The actresses, especially Joanna Pacula, also played with upmost effectiveness & familiarity with the history behind Sobibor.

The film is historically as accurate as it can be, with scenes so telling of the torture of the prisoners hated due to dangerous & distorted ideologies. The picture, not as masterful as "Schindler's List", is well done nevertheless with artistry & sophistication. The acting measures up to the acting in "Schindler's List."

My only hope is that this video recording is not abridged, for the complete film is two hours & thirty minutes. If the video has the complete version of the film, my recommendation exists very strongly. If the abridged version exist, hesitations should occupy your mind.

Ask questions.

Excellent made-for-TV WW2 true story
This is the best made-for-tv movie (broadcast network) that depicts true events I have ever seen. Rutger Hauer and Alan Arkin are excellent as a Russian POW and a Jewish concentration camp prisoner who lead an uprising in a German concentration camp. It left me feeling "at least SOMEONE in a concentration camp stuck it to the Nazis." It also made me wish more had been able to. It's surprisingly graphic for a made-for-tv movie (I think it was on CBS); it shows naked women lined up to enter the showers (gas chambers). Just a word of warning to parents.

Surprisingly good movie
I have bought this one a year ago and didn't watch it till now. It was a