Description

The magic, the excitement, the wonder of the true Peter Pan comes to life for the first time in this spellbinding fantasy that critics proclaim "a fun and fantastic tale!" (Daily Herald).Brimming with spectacular special effects and non-stop action, this all-new adventure is sure to be a family favorite for years to come!"One of the finest films of the year!" (Daily Gazette) ... Read more

Reviews (247)

flawless adaptation of this children's classic
I have a child. I have seen EVERY version of Peter Pan made -- many many times. Imagine my *delight* at seeing yet another version (sarcasm here) when the film came out in theaters. I have to admit, however, that I was immediately and continuously impressed by this superb adaptation of J.M. Barrie's classic children's tale, and bought the dvd as soon as it came out.

The cast is absolutely perfect. Jeremy Sumpter in the title role is wonderful, bringing a mischievous energy and boyishness to the part that has been amazingly and consistently missing (having been played by Mary Martin and Robin Williams). I'll also single out Rachel Hurd-Wood as Wendy and Jason Isaacs as Captain Hook/Mr. Darling for their great performances, but the entire cast is terrific.

The script is spectacular, exploring the subtext of the Pan story in a simple but profound way that puts film critics' shameless psycho-jargon to shame. It is the kernel of truth wrapped round a rousing adventure story -- replete with cruel pirates, brave Indians, sinister mermaids and loyal parents. Captain Hook's cruelty is evident, but takes place mostly off-screen and is never gory. This is a thinking (little) person's Peter Pan, certainly, drawing as it does on previously unexplored themes of the complexity of growing up, the consequences of our choices, and the acceptance of our children as they grow up, but it's also a gorgeous realization of Barrie's (and Wendy's) fantastical imagination.

DVD extras are quite entertaining and include: an alternate ending, deleted scenes, Jason Isaacs' video diary, "The Legacy of Pan" with Sarah Ferguson, and a number of micro-minifeaturettes on flying, sets, etc. Too bad it lacks a commentary track but otherwise lots of fun.

For Pan fans, highest possible recommendation;
for all others, see above.

An endearing tale of everlasting childhood
I just got done watching the movie adaptation for Disney's "Peter Pan" and enjoyed it immensely. I've never been a fan of the animated version but I absolutely loved this recreation of the classic story about the adventures of Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up, the intriguing storyteller and mother to the lost boys, Wendy, his pirate nemesis, Captain Hook, who seeks revenge from losing his right hand, which was fed to a crocodile that has since then continued to follow him with a ticking clock inside, wanting to taste more, and of course the magic that is Neverland. However, this new edition doesn't just focus on the greatness of staying young forever (or until you die) but it also shows the sadness of it too, giving this film more substance and meaning. It's definitely geared toward adult audiences who take pleasure in enchanting fantasies, like me, but it's certainly suitable and fun for the whole family.

Although this is based on the popular animation they are similar in plot yet details are slightly altered, giving this several interesting twists so that your uncertain as to what is going to happen next. The beginning even takes place before Nana (the dog nurse) captured Peter Pan's shadow, which I found to be very clever as I always wondered how that happened... Tinkerbell was dazzling as the jealous faery, the sets, or rather special effects were all magnificent, and the entire cast was superbly chosen. This is, in my opinion, one of the better films to come out of 2003 so come be a kid again and enter a world that shall bring that to the surface... That is until you wish to return home.

The Best Movie I've Ever Seen
I loved this movie! I watched it 9 times in five days. I cannot get enough of Jeremy Sumpter. The effects are amazing. I think you would have to be crazy to dislike this movie. It is by far better than Hook. I hated that movie. I was watching it and fell asleep. But P.J. Hogan's version of this classic story kept me wide awake.

An Excellent Adaptation!
I loved this movie! It really stayed with the storyline in J.M. Barrie's novel, but with a few wonderful extras. It was like the play comes to the bigscreen. I loved how the mermaids were portrayed, very creative. Jeremy Sumpter does excellent in his portrayal of Peter Pan, and his costume was very realistic. The soundtrack added to the magic and playfulness of the film. To see Peter and the Darling children fly the way they did was awesome and breathtaking. I can't stop watching this movie. I always felt that the story of Peter Pan was a love story between Peter and Wendy, and this movie reveals that with gentleness and wimsy. A wonderful movie all the way around.

Best movie I've seen in a REALLY long time!
Peter Pan is a really awesome movie! I'm right at that age where I think about guys a lot, so one big factor is that Jeremy Sumpter is really cute! But, I also really love the movie overall. It looks so real that sometimes I go off into huge dreams about visiting Neverland! The movie shows everything just as vivid and bright as I imagined!!! Great work, guys! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A romantic drama in the Masterpiece Theater vein, this John Madden film looks at the relationship between Queen Victoria and John Brown, a commoner who, though a servant, becomes her closest friend and confidant. As such, he proves the catalyst to bring her back into public life and out of her private mourning for the late Prince Albert. But the closeness of their friendship sets tongues wagging about the impropriety of what appears to be an affair between queen and commoner (an issue the film never directly addresses). The film's charm lies in the flinty give-and-take between the wonderfully starchy Judi Dench as Victoria and the robust Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, here playing it straight as a strong-willed Scotsman who comes to enjoy the power he wields by virtue of having the queen's ear. Antony Sher is also striking as Prime Minister Disraeli, in a performance that all but shimmers with unspoken malice. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (34)

I bet John Brown knows Victoria's Secret
MRS. BROWN was a great film about Victoria, one of the longest reigning monarchs in British history (1837-1901). The movie opens with Victoria (Judi Dench) in mournig over the death of her husband, Prince Albert. One of Albert's manservants is summoned to court to help the queen cope with her mourning by taking her on horse rides. When John Brown finally gets her out of the house to ride and also what to do. Being the Queen, she finds John Brown to be rude, but actually enjoys his company. She doesn't treat him as any commoner, but as an equal. This distressed Parliament who believes John Brown is controlling her both personally and politically. This was an excellent film and I highly recommend it.

Excellent movie, beautiful performances
I have always been intrigued by the life of Queen Victoria and Judi Dench's performance contributes to the continued mystique of her life. John Brown's friendship with her is a fascinating relationship that grows from the beginning and culminates into Victoria's best friend, the most loved of advisors. I was surprised to learn that Victoria is buried with a picture of Brown in her tombstone. I think that there was more to the relationship than just a deep friendship but the movie does respect their lives & does not intend to create a version of love that was never true. The film does liberty to both people & is in my opinion one of the most thought provoking movies ever made.

Intelligent and Sensitive, Beautifully Acted
MRS. BROWN is a film that is so exquisitely acted, so sensitive in its portrayal of grief and friendship and so lacking in artifice that it's almost impossible to find words glowing enough to describe it.

MRS. BROWN centers on Queen Victoria and is based on actual events. It opens in 1864, two years after the death of Victoria's very beloved husband, Prince Albert. Unable to pull herself out of mourning, Victoria lives in almost total isolation at Windsor Castle and her family, friends and staff have become her unwilling prisoners. Silence and grief are the rule at Windsor and even though several well-meaning friends and advisors attempt to bring the queen out of the deep depression into which she's fallen, it's all to no avail. Finally, in one last, desperate effort, Victoria's wonderfully loyal and caring secretary, Henry Posonby, sends for one of Albert's old stable hands at Balmoral, John Brown. Brown is a Highlander and Victoria, you see, subscribed to the belief that "all Highlanders are good for the health." Posonby can hope she's right.

Brown certainly shakes things up when he arrives at Windsor. Unlike Victoria's other servants, Brown doesn't coddle Victoria's depression. He's too smart for that and he knows that's not the way to get the job done. Naturally, Victoria is, at first, annoyed at Brown's loud and unpolished manner and her staff is horrified. Little by little, however, Victoria responds to Brown's affection and caring and a deep and lasting friendship develops between the two as Brown pulls Victoria back to life.

Although the friendship between Brown and Victoria develops rather slowly and, in the film, at least, there's no hint of it being anything other than platonic, palace gossips can't help but dub Victoria, "Mrs. Brown."

MRS. BROWN is primarily a film of friendship, but palace politics do play a minor role. Both Edward, the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Disraeli dislike Brown and try their best to have him sent back to Balmoral.

It is the growing friendship between Brown and Victoria, however, that really drives this film. Judi Dench is superlative in the role of Victoria as is Billy Connolly as John Brown. Even though this isn't a "romantic" film, there is definite chemistry between Dench and Connolly and their deep and sensitive friendship is totally believable and very moving.

I expected Dench to turn in a superb performance (she never gives anything less) but Connolly's exquisite performance as John Brown is an unexpected delight simply because he's far better known for over the top comedy. In MRS. BROWN, however, he plays the part of a coarse, uneducated, but deeply caring and sensitive Highlander, perfectly.

Antony Sher as Disraeli and Geoffrey Palmer as the loyal Henry Posonby certainly deserve mention as well.

While MRS. BROWN belongs to Dench and Connolly, credit has to be given to screenwriter, Jeremy Brock and director, John Madden for keeping MRS. BROWN low-key and for letting Dench and Connolly work their magic without throwing in even a hint of romantic scandal.

MRS. BROWN is a beautiful, exquisitely acted film that should appeal to anyone who loves quality and depth over formula and thrills. MRS. BROWN is one of my most prized DVDs and I couldn't recommend it more highly.

Expect for Excitement and you'll be Disappointed
Quite a lively account of Queen Victoria as a person since her husband passed away. There isn't too much drama or suspense. There is instead a lot of attention todetailssuch court life and etiquette costume etc. But it is neither as boring as one would expect from such movies.

Fiction can be duller than truth
This rather gloomy film tells the story of an imaginary love affair between Queen Victoria and her Highland servant John Brown. In reality, their relationship was much more intersting and lively than the soppy one portrayed in the film. john Brown had a brisk, no-nonsense manner of talking to the Queen which outraged everybody else, but which she loved. Moreover, Queen Victoria was a matriarch who ruled her entire family with a rod ofiron, you would never guess that from seeing the timid, shrinking creature she is portrayed as being in this film. And as for Henry Ponsonby (Geoffrey plamer), who is portrayed in this film as a miserable git, the one thing everybody always sazys about him is what fun he was, and what a wonderful sense of humour he had. you'd never guess it from this film. nor was there every any estrangement between John Brown and the Queen,as this film implies. he stayed with her until his death, and was as rude and outspoken at the end as at the beginning. this melancholy film does not do justice to any of the characters portrayed in it. However, if you like gloomy romances, you'll probably love it. ... Read more

Description

"As Time Goes By" stars Judi Dench & Geoffrey Palmer.Long ago Lionel, a dashing young British Army officer met Jean, a lovely student nurse and fell deeply in love.When Lionel was shipped off to fight in the Korean war the two lost touch.In the first episode of Series One they meet again and slowly begin to rekindle their romance. The wonderful series that ensues is simply a pleasure to watch. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Jean and Lionel finally get around to the next step
Volume 9 of the BBC comedy "As Time goes By" has one of the moments we have been waiting for since Lionel (Geoffrey Palmer) and Jean (Judi Dench) rediscovered each other forty years after the British postal service sent their love letters to each other astray and estranged the young lovers. Finally the show is getting away from Lionel's efforts to write a mini-series for American television based on the dashing young British Army office and a lovely student nurse and back to the present and Lionel and Jean living happily ever after, or, at least, as much as possible given all the other people cluttering up their lives. In the case of this trio of episodes, those people would be Jean's sister in law Penny (Moyra Fraser) and her bumbling husband Stephen (Paul Chapman):

Episode 27: As if having Sandy in the house along with Jean, Lionel and Judy is not enough, Penny shows up insisting she has to move in because Stephen is having an affair with his dental hygienist. This is stunning news to Jean and Lionel, not to mention Stephen. Meanwhile, Judy (Moira Brooker) has written off Alistair (Philip Bretherton).

Episode 28: The insipid American producer of Lionel's mini-series has hopped across the pond to scout locations. Lionel take him and the gang to see his family home (which might pass as his family home in the mini-series), where his father, Rocky (Frank Middlemass) and his eccentric wife, Madge (Joan Sims), has an unexpected offer for Lionel. In turn, this allows Lionel to do something he has been wanting to do for forty years.

Episode 29: Stephen's plans for a surprise 25th anniversary party for Penny go completely wrong. Fortunately Alistair, who has accompanied a reluctant Judy for the weekend, is around to save the day (or night in this case). Ironically, the only happy couple on the scene appear to be Lionel and Jean.

This series works best when Jean and Lionel take center stage and this volume gets them back towards the center spotlight. However, Alistair and Judy are never far behind at this point. Note: My number of these episodes goes from the beginning of the series, where as this video insists these are episodes 4-6. It does not say so but my research indicates these would be from Series 4 ("As Time Goes By" made it to Series 9). It only sounds confusing, so hang in there.

Entire Series of As Time Goes By
This is a superior series: excellent casting, superb acting, tightly directed with attention to details. All the characters stay in character throughout the series, like real people would. I have seen every series available several times, and enjoy them no matter how many times I have seen them. I can hardly wait for the 2002 series!

An Anniversary, The Proposal, and Alistair To the Rescue
Volume 9 of "As Time Goes By" features three of my favorite episodes of the wonderful British comedy series. Falling into the middle of the 4th season, this video contains things which are funny, touching, and quite pivotal.

"As Time Goes By", starring Judi Dench & Geoffrey Palmer, tells the poignant story of Jean Pargetter & Lionel Hardcastle, who were once lovers before the Korean War. That conflict separated them (Lionel went off to fight), and they lost contact. Years later, they meet again, and the series begins with the slow, but sure, re-kindling of their romance.

Episode 1 in this collection features a visit from Jean's sister-in-law (from her previous marriage) Penny, and her long-suffering husband Stephen. Penny believes Stephen to be cheating on her with his office secretary, but there is, infact, something else going on.

Episode 2 finds Lionel & Jean visiting Lionel's father in the country. His dad decides to give his rather large and desirable mansion to him, and so Lionel finally proposes marriage to Jean. NOTE: Where this would be a death-knell for most American series, this pivotal plot point only takes "As Time Goes By" in a different, even more beautiful direction.

Episode 3 showcases the classy skills of Jean & Lionel's friend Alistair. He comes to the rescue when the anniversary party which Stephen has planned for himself & Penny begins to unravel before everyone's very eyes. A well-scripted, well-acted episode.

If you desire to relax and curl-up with a nice, slow, charming television series about two (mostly) mature adults who are very much in-love, then by all means, begin watching "As Time Goes By" today. ... Read more

Description

"As Time Goes By" stars Judi Dench & Geoffrey Palmer.Long ago Lionel, a dashing young British Army officer met Jean, a lovely student nurse and fell deeply in love.When Lionel was shipped off to fight in the Korean war the two lost touch.In the first episode of Series One they meet again and slowly begin to rekindle their romance. The wonderful series that ensues is simply a pleasure to watch. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Lionel finds there are too many women in the house...
For Volume 8 of the BBC comedy "As Time Goes By" poor Lionel Hardcastle (Geoffrey Palmer) is confounded by the fact there are too many women in the house. Of course, there is Jean (Judi Dench), with whom he has moved in as the couple have rekindled their romance forty years after they first fell in love, and there is Judith (Moira Brooker), her daughter. But now Sandy (Jenny Funnell) has moved in as well, having finally broken up with her less than satisfactory boyfriend. She and Judith are looking a flat together, but the pickings are slim. Meanwhile, Lionel is constantly worried that somebody might be in the bathroom. Then there is Mrs. Flack (Vivienne Martin), who is supposed to be helping Lionel with his Hollywood script but who is driving him to distraction with her constant chatter. This video offers up three episodes from what I believe is the first half of Series 4:

Episode 24 (counting from the beginning) has Sandy moving into the Pargetter household and making Lionel extremely uncomfortable. Things get hot and heavy as Jean and Lionel push a bed around his "study."

Episode 25 has Lionel working on revising the first love scene in his romantic mini-series but getting no where because of the constant stream of commentary from Mrs. Flack (who has definite opinions about when a man should take off his sox in such circumstances). Not for the first time Jean and Lionel come to the conclusion that Mrs. Flack has to go. Meanwhile, Judith has grown tired of Allistair (Philip Bretherton) taking him for granted and shows him the door. Of course, Allistair is not used to being shown the door.

Episode 26 finds the situation with Mrs. Flack coming to a head and Jean coming up with a plan for getting rid of her without hurting her feelings. Unfortunately the plan hinges on Jean's ability to make a sound like a ringing phone. When Allistair asks Judith to move in with him rather than with Sandy, she turns him down. In a portent of things to come, Lionel suggests that Allistair should be thinking about the "m" word.

This trio of episodes falls somewhat into a limbo as the relationship between Lionel and Jean is sort of on cruise control and the happy couple is dealing with the problems of others in the house. Of course, all this makes Lionel uncomfortable, explaining, he does not mind being confided in, he would just prefer that it not happen while he is in his pajamas. While missing the initial charm of the earlier episodes in the series when Lionel and Jean were dancing around their obvious affection for one another, these are still pleasant enough character comedies with a very good cast.

A Mini-series In the Making
Volume 8 of "As Time Goes By" sees the start of the 4th season of the venerable British comedy, and a good focus on Lionel's attempts to write a script which could possibly become an American mini-series. For those of you unfamiliar with the basic premise of "As Time Goes By", following is a quick synopsis.

Jean Pargetter & Lionel Hardcastle were once lovers. They were separated by the Korean War (Lionel went off to fight), and they lost touch. The very first episode of the series finds the two reunited, and they attempt to re-kindle their romance. Slowly but surely, things progress, and a delightful, charming series begins to develop.

Episode 1 on this particular video finds Lionel in the midst of writing the script for "Just Two People", a proposed mini-series based upon he & Jean's very own love affair. The main focus of this installment is Sandy, Jean's secretary, who is on the outs with her boyfriend, and moves in with Jean, Lionel, and Jean's daughter, Judith.

Episode 2: Lionel is being nudged by the American producers to write a sex scene or two for the mini-series. Jean hasn't felt comfortable with the young, attractive secretary that has been working with Lionel, so she sacks her, and hires-on Gwen, an annoyingly talkative older woman who makes it impossible for Lionel to get any work done.

Episode 3 is a continuation of the writing of the mini-series/annoying Gwen scenario. Jean tries to devise a way in which to painlessly get rid of Gwen.

All three of these episodes are quite funny, very well-written, and keenly acted - what else would you expect from "As Time Goes By"? ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Kevin Kline took home an Oscar for his performance as a self-absorbed lothario who prepares for lovemaking by drinking in his own "manly" musk, but it would be hard to single him out as the best thing about the film. The fact is, the entire cast of this hilarious comedy is perfect: John Cleese as the conservative barrister defending a member of sexy Jamie Lee Curtis's gang, Ms. Curtis as the conniving crook out to grab the haul for herself, and Michael Palin as the stuttering, animal-loving hit man whose attempts to murder a little old lady only decrease the size of her poodle pack. Cleese cowrote the zingy script with British comedy veteran Charles Crichton (The Lavender Hill Mob), whose smooth direction balances Monty Python farce, hysterically tasteless gags, and an unexpectedly romantic subplot with style and confidence. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (81)

An Classic Comedy.
When a British Man by the name of George Thomason (Tom Georgeson) came up with the Perfect Crime with his Friend (Micheal Palin), George's Girlfriend-Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her another lover passing as her Brother-Otto (Kevin Kline) to steal a Fortune in Jewels. When his girlfriend and her lover-Otto double cross-George, who came up for the Idea. But when George is being sent to Prison and Keeping a secret, when he hide the Jewels. Then Wanda is trying to seduced George's Lawyer-Archie Leech (John Clesse) to find out, if he knows about the Jewels but Archie ended up falling in love with Wanda.

Directed by Charles Chichton (The Lavender Hill Mob) made a Clever, Outragerous comedy that become a Contemporary Classic. Written by Clesse and Director:Chichton came up with a sure winner, that never seems to run out of energy from the talented cast. Kevin Kline steals the film with his flamboyant Comic Performance that win him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. This was a Box Office Hit in the Summer of 1988. This film might offend some people. This is one of the most funniest movie, ever made. Clesse and Palin re-team together again from thier glory comedy days from the Monty Python's group. Clesse, Curtis, Kline, Palin, Maria Aitken & Cynthia Clesse re-team together again in the Uneven but Funny-Firece Creatures:(1997). Grade:A.

British humor for the American palate
Charles Chrichton's hiatus from the big screen had been interspersed with The Avengers after his direction of The Lavender Hill Mob. John Cleese in fact sought out Chrichton in hopes of a collaboration for A Fish Called Wanda. Starting out with only a rudimentary idea of the story, and Chrichton's request that he wanted "...to see someone steamrolled", the final result was a film that somehow struck a humorous chord all over the world. The film just somehow "worked", and it's been a cherished classic ever sense.

Kevin Kline as the violent, idiotic, and egotistic Otto indirectly steals the film, but it is John Cleese who is the genius behind the scenes. Utilizing the dry absurd whit perfected in Monty Python with co-star Michael Palin, the duo alongside sultry Jamie Lee Curtis evoke a dysfunctional yet harmonistic world of laughs, slaptstick, and that oh so familiar English congeniality that "bloody well works" in comedy.

For those longing for the complicit, balanced, and tight-fitting humor of the older English comedies, such as Alec Guinness in Our Man In Havana, and Alec again in Lavender Hill Mob, A Fish Called Wanda is a must-see. If only Hollywood knew what it was missing too.

Quite simply the best comedy film in decades.
This movie is, in a word, hilarious. I defy anyone to watch it and not have tears streaming down their face from laughter. It's one of those classic, uproariously insane comedies in the Monty Python style, just plain crazy funny. I am an animal lover but even the part where the poodles that get annihilated was hilarious and Michael Palin's reactions to that are beyond funny. This is one movie that is guaranteed to make you scream with laughter. I have seen it about a dozen times and it still makes me laugh till I cry.

Not Monty Python, but funny
I LOVE Monty Python AND John Cleese teaches part-time here at Cornell, so when he gave a talk and mentioned the plot of AFCW, I thought I'd check it out. It was great seeing a couple of the Python troup in a non-Python role. Be warned, although the movie is very funny (7.8 out of 10) it's not at all the same type of humour as Python.

My absolute favorite part, which doesn't give anything about the movie away, is near the end when John Cleese imitates an American accent. Usually we see comedians here making fun of British, French, and other foreign accents, so it was fun to see someone try to imitate us here in the States.

I'd say this is a MUST RENT no matter what and a MUST BUY for anyone who likes British humour and/or wants to see Cleese do something different.

Stands the test of time
I still remember the first time I saw that crazy heist caper called A Fish Called Wanda. My high school drama class went to see a sneak preview double feature of Wanda and Monkey Shines (which I will only go as far as to say that it was pretty awful) and I was floored.

I knew about Monty Python and has all the episodes that my PBS affiliate would broadcast, but was relatively unfamiliar with any work the troupe's members had done outside of the series (I don't even think I had seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail yet), except for a late-night cable run-in with Michael Palin's The Missionary, a mild sex comedy about a missionary and a home for fallen women.

I had no idea what to expect. Palin had always been my favorite Python (and still is), so I was very curious to see what he would do outside the Python realm. I got more than I bargained for.

Written by John Cleese from a story by Cleese and director Charles Crichton (various Ealing comedies including The Lavender Hill Mob), A Fish Called Wanda is a comedy about four crooks (Jamie Lee Curtis: Wanda, Kevin Kline: Otto, Tom Georgeson: George, and Michael Palin: Ken) who are all trying to double-cross each other by linking with other members of the group. Wanda in particular has the cards stacked in her favor, as she is--in one way or another--attempting to seduce all three men.

The humor comes from several directions. As the old lady is the only one who can ID any of them, George asks Ken to eliminate her. Unfortunately, he keeps killing her pet dogs instead--one at a time. As an animal lover, this leaves Ken in no end of distress. Very black humor, indeed. Meanwhile, Otto is trying to get information from Ken by pretending to be gay. Ken isn't either, but Otto doesn't seem to care. He continues to come on to him. (Kline won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar that year for his performance as Otto.)

Surprisingly, A Fish Called Wanda has stood up well over time. It is still one of the films that I continue to return to for dependable belly laughs. The promotional short for the film was one of the funniest things I saw that year and Wanda deserves a full DVD treatment. Until then, though, I guess I'll have to make do. ... Read more

Description

A young coffee salesman rises to the top, only to fall and rise again. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

watch this movie
I can't really describe how I feel about this movie. I would love to just make you watch it. I am writing this because I felt a need to write a review for the soundtrack, now on cd. I found myself constantly talking about how much I love this movie. The music is incorporated into the film directly. So much so that McDowell(Travis) and Price(Price) actually exchange words at one point(and in the middle of one of Price's songs). Price's personality is felt everywhere. At a middle point, Price's band rescues Travis from a mad doctor(see Brittania Hospital)and appear proper in the film. The film itself was based partly on the character from "If.." and partly on McDowell's own experience as a coffee salesman. It is the middle part of Travis's trilogy. In my review of the soundtrack, you will see how I feel that Price's soundtrack adds to the tone and personality of the film. As serendipitous as Travis's adventures are, you can see layers of humanity peel away. To say something definite about it would just ruin the plot and theme. There are alot of scenes that are mockingly anti-authoritarian. And some creepy "things to be" scenes. Also, there are cold political reality scenes that still resonate. All that said, it is really Travis' story. Just watch it. The talents are huge and the movie is bleak. You will never see another movie like this again.

Inspirational! Cynical! Wonderful!
My all-round favorite film. Favorite because of its scope, Brit humor and enduring power to pick me up when I am down. Malcom McDowell's expressions throughout are bildungsroman in action. Music is amazing, and heralded a life-long love affair (sadly from a distance) with Alan Price, a sort of music hall Randy Newman. Band/party sequences are fabulous! Movie endures beyond intellectual collegiate urge to deconstruct symbolism. I like it even better than Shirley Temple's The Little Princess, another fave. Better than Robert Altman. 'Course, I'm one of the few who like Ishtar (at least parts)....But then I also adored Bullworth.

lucky to say the least
I recently watched O Lucky Man again with a friend who was watching it for the first time, and I became accutely aware of the feelings I had when I first watched it. It was an exhilarating and inspirational experience. I envied my friend for a moment and then I got back to the picture...and I realized how much better this movie gets after repeated viewings. Wow!

But as so many have said here in these reviews, a DVD release (Criterion are YOU listening??) packed with extras is sooooo overdue. I've only ever seen this film on vhs and I'm salivating at the thought of seeing it on DVD...

It'll be like watching it for the first time...

O Lucky Viewers
Everytime I see pictures of the flemish painter Heironymous Bosch and then see Lindsey Anderson in this movie I think, gee he looks just like Bosch; kinda makes movies like Bosch paints as well. His loosely connected Mick Travis trilogy: if.., O' Lucky Man and Britannia Hospital often look like the typical Bosch tryptich, in which the left panel shows man's expulsion from a distorted forboding man's view of "heaven"; in if..'s case a British authoritarian boarding school, while the right side of Bosch's tryptichs show the twisted tortuous hell that man merits from his sins on earth; in Britannia Hospital's case, an insane asylum diguised as a government run hospital where death is certain from the most disgustingly violent experiments and sponsered by bureaucratic sadists. In the middle of these moralty paintings is the incendiary display of sins man commits. And it is here that we often find the most engaging bits of Bosch's work where so much happens in an instant as viewing a painting, which, actually takes years to see it all. O' Lucky Man is very much designed in this fashion even if it wasn't intentional. We get elements from this movie that may never be fully realized again in film; a dismal prospect indeed. Innovations actually abound with this revolutionary film. We have it's soundrack and score composer not only effectively weigh commentary on the movie's long suffering but affably earnest protagonist Travis (played with astonishing exuberence and charm by Malcolm McDowell), but that the singer (Alan Price, formerly of the Animals) even interacts with him in the film. As innovative and amusing as that technique was, the soundrack can still stand on it's own as one of the greatest and most relevant to a film plot ever written. Tell anyone who goes on a job interview or for that matter, hates their job to listen to the world weary idiosyncratic bliss in the song Poor People, a song that sticks forever in the souls of those who loved this movie like honey melting on hot toast crumpets. All in all, a very touching ode to smiling down disaster.
Many may twitch at the seemingly overindulgent symbolism going on and the lengthy running time and disjointed feel of this epic. They may also get confused by the hilarious running gag of the actors playing repeated roles. I found it fun beyond a roll in the hay to catch when each player shows up again and again several times over then bust out in laughter when Travis actually recognizes the lusciously charming Helen Mirren groupie character Patricia who showed up in episodes before his stint in jail, then looking at her talent agency clerk character with puzzling bewilderment a few moments later as if he had no clue. As Mick, Malcolm McDowell can come off as enthusiastic and gullible then believably struggle with frustration, cynicism, and finally dogged determination to be "good" then giving up only to be thwacked back into his trademark grin. The writing is all over his vastly expressive face and makes this one of his most unforgettable portrayals, completly abscent is the casual sadism that has garnered him praise but unfortunate typecasting down the road. This is a must see movie for fans of his villian work who want to see his range; simply brilliant work.
It is also a film that is astonishingly relevant to how capitalist societies still function. We're often amazed at how we havn't changed much from our need to divest in our homeland to rape another for the needs of the selfish. Granted the film is long and bitingly sardonic and perhaps that idealism causes a slower decay then Anderson might have imagined. Still, many of the films relevant lines about dying like dogs, radio commentary on Zen and revolution being the opium of intellectuals ring strong in the hearts of anyone who questions their existence and worth in the world. This seems to be the one true everyman type of film as surreal as it may be. There is just something so satisfying in just hearing the characters walking, which sounds strikingly like marching. And it happens almost everytime before our poor boy Travis gets a beating. It is a movie that has to be seen and heard repeatedly. Defintely buy this film. For anyone who cares, if you managed to tape the uncut British version of the film when it ran on some obscure cable stations back in the early 90s, you may have gold in your hands; the deleted 'My Home Town' suicide sequence is there. Yes, like a Boscsh picture, there is so much to see in this gem and we are all the luckier for having it in our lives.

YEAH
I give this movie 5 stars because they just don't make 'em like this anymore. Also, when I read comments where folks bash the 70's, I simply wonder,I mean WONDER-what are they comparing the 1970's to??? Today? WHAT? You have got to be kidding? O Lucky Man is a journeyman movie built with the rambling sober style so popular at the time. The soundtrack I found irritating BUT it's still classic and really the movie wouldn't be the same without it. Some of the images and scenes in this movie are simply in the very top of movie ideas, the very top. See this movie. And as far as dated, it is dated compared to Survivor, The Apprentice, Friends, The Reality Show, ad nauseum and all the rest of the Nothing Zone we call today's digital media culture offerings. Blah! Give me the ole rusty 70's any day of the week! ... Read more

Amazon.com

What's not to like about this follow-up to the touching and hilariousReckless? That made-for-TV film from Britain's GranadaTelevision concerned the unlikely but quite real love affair between OwenSpringer (Robson Green), a mid-30s surgeon who embraces his working-classroots, and Anna Crane (Francesca Annis), the late-40s estranged wife ofRichard Crane (Michael Kitchen), a prominent doctor and administrator in the hospital where Owen works. No ordinary medical soap opera, Recklesswas a comedy alternately subtle and unabashed, with a wonderful cast, a crisp and smart script, and a lively direction that made ER look stiff and contrived. This 1998 sequel picks up the saga, with Owen and thenewly divorced Anna happily living together in frequently carnal bliss and awaiting an imminent appointment at the altar. Richard, in emotional self-exile inIceland, crosses glacier and fjord to get back to London in time to throw a wrench (or two or three) in their plans. What ensues is near chaos, dirtytricks, and crossed alliances from sundry family members and friends, whichputs a terrible pressure on the couple and their unspoken fears. Smart, sophisticated, and sexy, this fine work doesn't slow down for a minute. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (2)

If you've ever dreamed about being swept off your feet ...
For a thinking (and older) woman, this is IT. It's a hilarious plot based on a very sound and subtle understanding of the choices you may have made at times in your life when you didn't have the confidence to ask yourself, "What is it that really makes me happy?" -- and what it takes to come back to those choices. The show is brilliantly and meticulously cast, from the principals to the minor roles. There are some shows that make you feel like you actually "lived" them -- that you got into one of the lives in the show and actually felt the emotions the characters are working though -- this is one of them.

This is the best show!
I saw the original Reckless Masterpiece Theatre, and it's fabulous! This one also is great. Who could resist the leading man, and the humor is hysterical. Smarty pants remarks abound. Buy it! Watch it! ... Read more

Reviews (242)

A well-oiled machine, but is it worthy?
Although it was originally planned that Pierce Brosnan would take on the James Bond mantle from Roger Moore in the mid-80s, the exhilaration of "Goldeneye" (his actual first Bond film) wears off rather quickly, I'm afraid.

You see, I've been spoiled by superior and definitive renditions of the Moore and Connery Bonds to be swayed by Brosnan's working class efforts. Or maybe the product placement is just too obvious in recent 007 films? Either way, this film is just a blip on the screen of an otherwise unstoppable series.

The pros: the sizzling Michele Yeoh as the latest Bond girl, who's both lethal and beautiful, in the best traditions of the genre.

***The proper use of henchmen--Gotz Otto revamping Robert Shaw's oversized killer who nevertheless is no match for Bond.

***And finally, the suitably grandiose (if unoriginal) world-domination plot that has since been missing in action.

The cons: Teri Hatcher--Bond girls have never been famous for their acting skills, but Hatcher looks and sounds out-of-place here.

***An unappealing villain--Jonathan Pryce doesn't have the charisma or the physical appeal to be a proper Bond villain (much less a memorably one).

***The title song by Sheryl Crow; easily one of the worst in the series. The outro closing torch number by K.D. Lang should have been the title cut; it's classic Bond fare.

***Product placement is far too obvious in this film; enough is enough, guys.

Overall, a briskly paced entry in the Bond canon, but it's not firing on all cylinders.

Good Action, Bad Plot
The movie playing last week was As a longtime James Bond fan I had to see Tomorrow Never Dies, or James Bond versus Jonathan Price.

A communications mogul (Price) sets up a communications satellite monopoly, which, unlike DeBeers and other monopolies, is allowed to operate in the United States. To further his power, Price is creating news and having the stories ready as the news happens. His ultimate goal is to start World War III and control all communications afterwards. He will do this by using his armada of communications satellites which will broadcast to a dying world where electromagnetic pulses have rendered televisions inoperable. Oh, I guess he didn't think far enough ahead.

Utilizing the common man's (or should I say scriptwriter's) lack of understanding Geo-Positional Satellites (GPS) he convinces a warship that it is in neutral territory and not in Chinese-controlled waters. Then, utilizing a stealth boat made possible by the theft of some stealth skin (you know, that ultra expensive stuff that becomes completely useless if it gets even slightly damp) and steals a cruise missile. Bond is aided by a Chinese agent (Michelle Yeoh) and they go to Viet Nam where the sunken ship is (oh, didn't they say it was sunk in Chinese waters?). There they confront many bad guys and helicopters that can hover sideways and whose blades can repeatedly chop through buildings with no bad effects.

OK, so the plot, if it can be called that, has a few problems. But it is an action film and plots in action films have less importance than how far the hero can fall. The bad plot is not necessarily because Ian Fleming did not write the story. After all, he did write DOCTOR NO about the madman trying to corner the guano market (the studio gave the madman nuclear capabilities and cut the guano completely from the story). But the movie is fun, nonetheless, with many great lines. While I can't say much for the new Moneypenny, the new M is fantastic.

Do You Believe What You Read?
Years after Ian Fleming's death the "James Bond" series rolls on, recycling the original stories for audiences who never read the original novels. Their villains were in turn Soviet KGB, then organized crime; now one of the most powerful publishers in the Free World! Is Fleming turning over in his grave? This film shows how a powerful publisher can create the news, and not just distort it (use your own example). [Will the viewers make the connection to the Real World?] "Eliot Carver" seems to be modeled after Robert Maxwell (was he the front man for powerful forces who stayed in the background?) There are changes to reflect modern culture and political correctness. James Bond still circulates among high-levels to gather information. But one scene shows him overindulging in vodka, as if to suggest a growing problem in an aging operative.

Bond is caught snooping in the villain's lair, but makes his escape despite the efforts of many guards (who are of various races for this equal opportunity employer, and also recalls Bond's enemies from past films). A former lover of Bond's is murdered (as in "Goldfinger"). The killer in the hotel room looks like he was recycled from "Doktor Strangelove". The car chase in the indoor parking lot recalls "Diamonds Are Forever", but is more spectacular. The skydiving to the wrecked ship recalls other films. Bond and Wai Lin (the female Chinese operative) are caught and brought before Eliot Carver (another recurring scene from Fleming's novels). The villain never delegates these tasks. Their escape shows the product placement of BMW and Land Rover (and reminds me of a Jackie Chan film). They escape the Heckler & Koch MP-5 firing villains. The attack scene in the shop recalls another Jackie Chan film, with its choreographed ballet of action. [Could this ever happen in the real world?] I suspect the scenes in Asia were for that market of film viewers.

The final scene in the "stealth boat" recalls many earlier Bond films. But Eliot Carver seems to be lacking in a villainous character, unlike the classic Bond villains. [Imagine Pee Wee Herman as Goldfinger?] The ending is full of sound and fury, symbolizing the defeat of the villain, his henchmen, and the Plan for World Domination. The earlier Bond films seemed to have had wittier dialogue. The most surprising thing about this film is its villain: a powerful businessman in the Free World, not a parvenu who attacks one of the British Monopolies and has links to the Soviets or the ChiComs.

There's no news like bad news!
The 18th James Bond movie. Since the release of DR. NO in 1962, the James Bond series had established a prototype for rip-roaring action and thrills, evil villains, beautiful women and amazing gadgets. However the definite contributing factor the ongoing success was the ability to change with times, thus making each idea, and each film special in its' own creative way. Bond is more than a Super Agent Spy, he is a hero for the ages, and as the tradition would continue for TOMORROW NEVER DIES, 007 now finds himself against the global communications industry. Hot off the success of GOLDENEYE, Pierce Brosnan once again delivers a dynamite performance as James Bond; confident, fearless, determined, charismatic, irresistible to women, and still with a thirst for dry vodka martinis. Under a clever Bruce Feirstein screenplay, two beautiful women are presented; Teri Hatcher as 007's one time flame Paris Carver, and Michelle Yeoh as tough Chinese Agent Wai Lin. With tried and true elements placed new and fresh, exotic locations in France, Thailand, Germany, Mexico and the United States, and a thrilling music score by David Arnold, TOMORROW NEVER DIES further punctuates the James Bond series even after a successful 35 year wake.

THE ASSIGNMENT: While on a routine voyage, the HMS DEVONSHIRE submarine was mysteriously attacked and sunk in the Chinese sea. The incident is quickly publicized on newspaper accounts thus stirring much controversy and alarm in MI6 headquarters. The culprit: Elliot Carver, a media obsessed megalomaniac, wants to realize his dream of world domination through means of TV, radio and newspaper media accounts. He buys influences, technologies and anyone capable of harnessing information to him, in order to create 'events' to be publicized by this media organization first while securing a monopoly on the world's media coverage. Great Britain and China are unaware of this and place themselves on full nuclear alert, while Carver awaits take over China as another media outlet, which will gain him full control of the Chinese government, following imminent armageddon. Bond quickly befriends Wai Lin, a suspicious, yet helpful Chinese Agent and locates Carver's HQ. Together they must stop the maniac and prevent World War 3.

THE VILLAINS: Jonathan Pryce as Elliot Carver, Ricky Jay as Henry Gupta, Gotz Otto as Stamper, and Vincent Schiavelli as Dr. Kaufman.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! BUY IT!

007 James Bond Tomorrow Never Dies - A great Bond film!
"Tomorrow Never Dies" is the eighteenth overall James Bond Film and the second wonderful film starring Pierce Brosnan in the lead role as James Bond. Of his first four films in that role I would definitely have to say that this one ranks up there with his first performance as Bond, James Bond. From the fast paced action sequences to the overall premise of the film, "Tomorrow Never Dies" entertains from the very first scene to last as everybody involved in the making of this film did exactly what they intended to do with a Bond film, which is making one to remember!

Performance wise, Pierce Brosnan furthers that which he started in "Goldeneye" by making the role his as he brings a darker and harsher yet capably witty tone to Bond that hadn't been seen in a Bond film since the first James Bond himself, Sean Connery. I would caveat that in that I thought Timothy Dalton accomplished that as well but as he was only allowed to do two films in the role I must be in the minority on that opinion.

As with all James Bond films, we're treated to a pair of new Bond babes in Teri Hatcher and international martial arts superstar Michelle Yeoh, both of which are incredibly beautiful and talented actresses. Although Teri Hatcher's role in this film is a very brief one, I would definitely have to say it was memorable. Michelle Yeoh's role in this film brings her right up there with James Bond himself as far as the action sequences go. It is most certainly interesting to see a Bond film turn into a Bruce Lee film in a particularly eventful sequence.

Director Roger Spottiswoode who may best be known for "Air America" or even "The 6th Day" does a great job with this film, solidifying his status as a quite capable director of action films.

The Premise:

This wonderful Bond film in reality has two great opening sequences as we're treated to the standard pre main title James Bond super action sequence which involves 007 infiltrating a Black Market auction of high tech military equipment and him stirring things up and then we're treated to a sequence in which the villain of the film is rousing things up between the British Navy and the Chinese Air Force off the coast of China which adds a wonderful dramatic element to the feel of the entire film.

What follows from there is one of the best Bond films to date as James Bond does what he does best, save the world from total disaster while getting a babe or two in the process...

I highly recommend this eighteenth Bond film to any and all fans of the series and to those who like great action films that actually have a plot as well. {ssintrepid}

Special Features:

This particular DVD is a bit threadbare when it comes to Special Features but in the end, what are these DVD's all about, the movie and it's a great one.

-8 Page Booklet Featuring Trivia, Production Notes and a Revealing Look at the Making of the Film.
-Original Theatrical Trailer ... Read more

Reviews (126)

An Extraordinary Experience
I found this movie to be BRILLIANT! Jodie Foster is outstanding in the role of Anna Leonowens - she is a beautiful mix of bravery, intelligence and Victorian elegance. Chow Yun-Fat is also outstanding in the role of King Mongkut - he emits a regal quality as well that of compassion and intelligence. The cinematography is out of this world and the directing exquisite. The dialogue is perfect, and it strikes just the right chord of polished writing. The musical score is breathtaking. The lush scenery and thick emotion is set to elegant, strong, and graceful music. It is forceful when it need be and then fades quietly into the background... at times supporting a scene with gentle rolling waves of ear pleasure. Oh and the costumes! They are completely amazing, and startling in their detail. From the majestic elephants to the smallest noble they are all cloaked in carefully chosen fabrics.

This movie in all its entirety affected me very deeply. The intense emotions of the characters are so expertly performed and directed that they feel incredibly real. These emotions, which course through "Anna and the King," create a moving, exciting, and anticipatory experience. I am very grateful to all of those involved in the making of "Anna and the King" for producing such a beautiful and extraordinary film. Anyone who is contemplating viewing this movie... do it. I only hope that you, too will have the pleasure of being able to fully indulge in this feast for the senses.

A true outstanding epic movie.....
This is a true outstanding epic movie. I'm really surprised why it wasn't hailed as greatly as it should have been. I personally hail it as one of the greatest movies of all time, a true classic in every sense. I've seen it totally ignorant of all the versions that preceded it and I've loved it with the very first few lines "She came unaware of all the suspicion that preceded her" " the first English woman I have seen". This story of two unconventional people in conventional times with all its historical facts and lush gorgeous background is capable of sweeping one's off his feet making him feel all that cultural and emotional struggle that Anna and the King seem to go through. Jodie Foster was lovely and extraordinary although I used to think that she is too modern-looking for such movies...I guess I was gravely mistaken. I think the movie's real surprise is Chow Yun-Fat who was truly amazing. He seems to be so much at home with all this kingly charm. He has such grace and overwhelming presence that would make him probably one of the most remembered kings on the screen. I can't help wondering if the original king was as charming as he was....and wouldn't be nice if all kings were like that? We would surly love them. And what of the palace? Do I dare and say more? I was totally amazed to know that they've built a replica of the original one...wow! I envy Jodie and Chow for being in such lofty surroundings. I think I would write a book if I were to describe everything I loved in this movie...but I must take my hat off to Andy Tennant for making such a masterpiece and for all the designers. Of course, I must not forget the movie's music and photography and the beautiful script that seems to linger in the mind forever for I would always remember that "when a woman has so much to say and doesn't say it. Her silence can be deafening.".

Simply a delightful story
After losing her husband in the jungle of India, Anna Leonowens embarks in a journey that will take her to Siam, where she will tutor the oldest son of King Mongkut. Her son, Louis, and two Hindu servants accompany her in this new endeavor. As soon as Anna sets foot in Bangkok, the difference between cultures surges as a predominant element that will remain present throughout the story. Even though the start is rocky, with Anna being called "Sir" for misogynist reasons and not being given the house she was promised but accommodation in the palace instead, the king discovers quickly the value of this woman that acts very different from what he is used to. That is why he decides that instead of tutoring his oldest son, she will be in charge of teaching all of his children...all 58 of them!

The movie evolves around three clear themes. First, the clash of cultures, which is enlightening and entertaining and as the movie evolves so does the acceptance and admiration each of the characters show for the positive points of the other's culture. Second, the relationship between Anna and the king, which starts as annoyance, moves to respect and continues developing from there. Third, the political atmosphere, which is characterized by attacks to Siamese people by Burmese armies, suspected to be supported by no other than the British Empire (the events unfold in 1862).

Although the movie is rather long, the events unfold at a pace that keeps the viewer interested at all times. The music fits the mood of the action perfectly well, and in the proper scenes it is so uplifting that it steals the attention of the viewer. Jodie Foster delivers a well-rounded role, but in my opinion the performance of Chow Yun-Fat is at a higher level. Finally, the scenery and the palaces where the movie develops are absolutely amazing.

Overall this is a highly enjoyable movie that will leave you thinking for a while about how every culture has its positive aspects and how, with a little patience, everyone can learn to appreciate this.

Had to watch for a school project...
I thought that this film was very beautiful in content...this film had some real substance to it, and the actors did an excellent job in the portrayal of the characters involved...lovely story.....

Absolutely classic
This is one of my favorite movies ever, it can be compared only to Gone With The Wind. It may be not historically accurate but nor was GWTW and it is still a classic. I love every part of it -- the portrayal of the two different cultures as equals, the love story, the beautiful scenery. I've seen it 4 times in the cinema even though I usually watch a movie twice, when it's in cinema and when it comes out in video.
I don't understand why this film wasn't a great success but I don't mind, at least we won't get three awful sequels and two TV shows based on it.

I also recommend the soundtrack, it is beautiful and suits the story well. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Jean and Lionel continue to try and live happily ever after
The idea that the cast of "As Time Goes By" gets together for a couple of months and makes seven episodes which constitutes an entire "series" (what we Colonials call a season) is rather interesting and certainly provides the rational for why Judi Dench would be a BBC sitcom star. Volume 11 in the "As Time Goes By" videotape series offers up the first half of Series 5 (if you think three is half of seven), out of a grand total of 9 series filmed between 1992-2002. Lionel (Geoffrey Palmer) and Jean (Dench) are finally married and working on living happily ever after. But if the reunited couple are finally settled down, the same cannot be said for the rest of the characters within their orbit.

Episode 1 has Lionel and Jean going out to the country home for rest and relaxation only to find there is none. Mrs. Bale (Janet Henfrey) is there to help with all of the guests who have popped in for the open house, but since Lionel and Jean did not know there was an open house on the first Saturday of the month it is all a bit much. This becomes even more true when Judy (Moira Brooker), Sandy (Jenny Funnell), and Alistair (Philip Bretherton) show up, followed by Penny (Moyra Fraser) and Stephen (Paul Chapman).

Episode 2 is the best of the bunch, with the sudden and striking appearance of Lionel's first wife, the long disparaged Margaret (Cardia Blackston). If Jean is surprised to discover that Margaret is nothing like what Lionel has been describing all these years, then Lionel himself is in a state of shock.

Episode 3 finds Lionel is bored and looking for something to do. Life can be anticlimatic after writing a book, scripting a mini-series, and getting married. Meanwhile, this bit with Alistair being chums with both Judy and Sandy threatens to come to a head, especially when both women confide to Jean that they are trying to set the other up with Alistair.

All things considered this is an average collection of episodes, which still makes them superior to most of what you are going to find on television. Now that Lionel and Jean are happily married something has to be done about Alistair and Judy. Beyond that there is the charm of watching Dame Judy play a woman who actually gets flustered and has an inability to find a polite way of saying "no." It is also nice to see Lionel getting more of a sense of humor; living with three women seems to be having a good effect on him. However, there are some interesting twists down the road regarding that quiet life in the country as well, as you will see in Volume 12.

I love this and long for More....
I found this series just as great as the others, its like drink a cool drink on a hot day. In this series it shows how they grow more to coping with their marriage, the girls and just everything. The only thing I hate is that I know there are lots more to come but it seems like pulling teeth to get the other series, volumes released. Whats is up with that! I would love to be able to write a comment on the final Series, but I guess we all will just have to wait and wait...

A Model Ship and a Ghost From the Past
"As Time Goes By" is the gentle, funny story of Jean Pargetter and Lionel Hardcastle, two people who used to be in love in the early fifties. When Lionel went off to fight in the Korean War, the two lost touch. They meet again 38 years later, quite by accident, and what is at first an awkward friendship slowly morphs into a warm romance.

Series 5 of "As Time Goes By", originally produced and aired in 1997, finds the show taking a slightly new direction, all the while retaining the warmth and charm that made it a favorite in the first place. A new set of characters are introduced, old regulars return, and a semi-new locale becomes more of a focal point. All of this comes together splendidly to bring us a fresh, funny, and delightful new series of episodes.

This video (part 1 of series 5) features some of its most quaint and poignant moments. Jean & Lionel have been given Lionel's father's house in the country. They go there to enjoy a quiet weekend, but things don't necessarily go as planned. In another episode we are treated to the unexpected arrivel of Lionel's ex-wife. There are laughs, but the episode is also sadly touching. After visiting with Lionel's ex, you'll see what I mean. In yet another episode, Lionel is bored, and takes up building model ships. The results are amusing, to say the least.

"As Time Goes By" was an endearing sitcom on British television for ten years. View this tape, and you'll see why. It is charming, warm, and humorous, all rolled in to one. If you haven't already gotten to know this series, then this is most certainly a great place to start. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Life takes some serious turns for Jean and Lionel
Volume 12 in the "As Time Goes By" videotape series of the charming BBC comedy provides the second half of Series 5 and the continuing story of Jean (Judy Dench) and Lionel (Geoffrey Palmer), who are now happily married and trying to enjoy living in the country at their weekend estate:

Episode 4 has Lionel and Jean returning to the country at 3 in the morning trying to avoid having the local crowd, but you know what sort of luck has afflicted this couple. Mrs. Bale (Janet Henfrey) tries to make them feel at home, but when she shows up with their injured gardner, Lol Ferris (Tim Wylton), it is clear there is something rather serious going on. Lol claims he fell down, but Jean insists he has been in a fight.

Episode 5 tells of the fateful day when the American mini-series based on Lionel and Jean's love story finally airs. The couple beg off on the offer from Alistair (Philip Bretherton) to hop on the Concorde to go to New York City to watch the show and enjoy the festivities, but Judy (Moira Brooker) and Sandy (Jenny Funnell) go along. Meanwhile, Lionel and Jean cannot sleep holding out hoping that the news from the Colonies will be good.

Episode 6 finds Penny (Moyra Fraser) facing surgery and pronouncing dire predictions of her demise. This means that Lionel not only has to comfort Stephen (Paul Chapman), but prepare him for life as a bachelor. Fortunately Alistair is there to help relieve the anxiety ("Ummmm").

Episode 7 finds Jean and Lionel returning to their country home to find that the other half of the village know loves them because of what happened at the infamous barbaque with the "Country Set." Apparently Rocky (Frank Middlemass) and Madge (Joan Sims) have been embellishing the tell so that it now has Lionel pitching a couple of that lot over the hedge. The episode also introduces the one thing missing from the live of the Hardcastles: a pet (named Roland).

There are a couple of episodes on this tape that are slightly more serious than we are used to from "As Time Goes By," but you will certainly hear no complaints at this end on that score. More importantly, the light bulb we have been patiently waiting for to go off in Alistair's head apparently has finally done so. Now if they would just release Series 6 (out of 9) on videotape we can hopefully move on to another joyous occassion and then we will just have Sandy to marry off.

Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree
"As Time Goes By" is the gentle, funny story of Jean Pargetter and Lionel Hardcastle, two people who used to be in love in the early fifties. When Lionel went off to fight in the Korean War, the two lost touch. They meet again 38 years later, quite by accident, and what is at first an awkward friendship slowly morphs into a warm romance.

Series 5 of "As Time Goes By", originally produced and aired in 1997, finds the show taking a slightly new direction, all the while retaining the warmth and charm that made it a favorite in the first place. A new set of characters are introduced, old regulars return, and a semi-new locale becomes more of a focal point. All of this comes together splendidly to bring us a fresh, funny, and delightful new series of episodes.

This video (the second, and last, part of series 5 on VHS) features a quick trip to the United States, a health scare, and one of the most cozy visits to a pub that I can remember. Jean & Lionel's love story was filmed as an American mini-series, and in one of the episodes on this tape, Sandy, Judith, and Alistair all fly to America to watch the premiere. In another episode, Jean's sister-in-law Penny thinks that she is dying. And the last episode of series 5 has a visit to Jean & Lionel's house in the country. They go to the local pub, and Madge (Lionel's step-mother) gives an absolutely charming rendition of "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree". Truly sweet.

"As Time Goes By" was an endearing sitcom on British television for ten years. View this tape, and you'll see why. It is charming, warm, and humorous, all rolled in to one. If you haven't already gotten to know this series, then this is most certainly a great place to start. ... Read more

Description

Following the success of Reckless, comes Reckless, the Sequel, weaving through the complex and emotional decisions that face Owen, Anna and Richard who are involved in this complicated love triangle.

The sequel opens as Anna (Francesca Annis) has divorced Richard (Michael Kitchen), and is now living with Owen (Robson Green). Anna and Owen have made an impetuous decision to marry--at the end of the week. The idea is to have the ceremony while Richard is out of the country, but he hears of their plans and flies back to England. Still in love with Anna, he is determined to save her from what he sees as a potentially disastrous marriage.

As Richard and family members arrive, there are many emotional issues and confrontations to deal with. Will Anna make her own decision to go ahead, change her life and marry Owen? Is marriage the best decision for Anna to make--after all, it is for life^E ... Read more

Reviews (2)

If you've ever dreamed about being swept off your feet ...
For a thinking (and older) woman, this is IT. It's a hilarious plot based on a very sound and subtle understanding of the choices you may have made at times in your life when you didn't have the confidence to ask yourself, "What is it that really makes me happy?" -- and what it takes to come back to those choices. The show is brilliantly and meticulously cast, from the principals to the minor roles. There are some shows that make you feel like you actually "lived" them -- that you got into one of the lives in the show and actually felt the emotions the characters are working though -- this is one of them.

This is the best show!
I saw the original Reckless Masterpiece Theatre, and it's fabulous! This one also is great. Who could resist the leading man, and the humor is hysterical. Smarty pants remarks abound. Buy it! Watch it! ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Funny, poignant, exhilarating: A test on your emotions
The Madness of King George is simply the best movie I have seen in many years. The first thing that attracted me to the movie was the costumes: they are impeccable. The set, costume, and makeup: there is no cause for complaints there and many, many reasons for praise. But the most remarkable thing about this movie is how well each actor fits his or her part, and the pace of this drama. First of all, the acting is wonderful, but this movie was also wonderfully casted. Nigel Hawthorne blew me away with his hilarious, deep and believable portrayal of George III. His madness was heartbreaking and painful for the audience and his sane George the Third was funny in such a way that you couldn't help but root for him. Rupert Everett was simply so detestable that by the end of the movie I couldn't watch any movie with him in it without feeling a little hostile. Helen Mirren is, as always, pitch perfect in her portrayal and absolutely beautiful as Queen Charlotte. The environment created by this wonderful ensemble cast makes the movie exciting and the kind of film that elicits a real emotional response. Who knew that you could feel suspense, pain, happiness and exhilaration from a costume drama about a dead king? As soon as you put this movie in your DVD player you will be hooked, entranced and entertained. If you are even a mild fan of historical dramas, give this movie a chance. It'll only take a few moments for you to love it.

Funny, educational, entertaining.
"The Madness of King George" is a fairly accurate portrayal of George III's battle with insanity and his son. George is sent to an institute where a Dr. Willis hopes to cure him by using discipline. As the mental state of King George seems unfit for a king, his son,the Prince of Wales, tries to pass a bill that will let him replace his father as king. But George prevails in the end and remains King of England. I thought this was an excellent movie. I have always found English history extremely fascinating, and I have always been interested in the rulers of England. I thought this movie did an excellent job of portraying the time and characters. Though there were a few anachronisms (an incorrect map of America; the year 1892 carved on a door even though the movie took place in the 1780's) I thought it was very accurate and very well-researched. And the costumes were very attractive and made the movie fun to watch. I also thought the actors did a wonderful job. Nigel Hawthorne did an excellent job, and he truly deserved his Oscar nomination. Hawthorne provided most of the comic relief in this movie, and he made King George quite an endearing character. Ian Holm did equally as well as Nigel Hawthorne. He has always been a master of facial expressions, and this added to his amusing portrayal of Dr. Willis. And though I'm not much of a fan of Rupert Everett, in fact, I quite dislike him, I must admit he was very good as the Prince of Wales, and he had the right attitude and personality in the movie to pull that role off. I did not care of Helen Mirren, and I feel that an Oscar nomination was wasted on her. Her "German" accent was not consistent, and her acting was good, but not great. I think this was a great movie. It was funny, educational, and most of all - entertaining. This is a movie that I could watch again, and still enjoy just as much as the first time.

Witty and Comical, Sad and Poignant
This marvelous film, THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE, was adapted from the stage play, THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III and takes place in 1788. It centers around King George III (of course) and his battle with, what doctors thought at the time, was insanity. (Today, it is generally thought that George was suffering from porphyria, a physical, rather than an emotional, illness.)

As the film opens, George, who's been ruling for thirty years (and lost the American colonies, by the way), is beginning to show sings of definite irritability, belligerence and instability as well as gastric distress. Although his wife, Queen Charlotte, is concerned (she is the mother of his fifteen children, after all), the Prince of Wales looks upon his father's seeming insanity as a chance to finally emerge from limbo and take over as regent.

Although THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE is often satirical and comic, it's also a sad film as almost everyone at court does everything they can to exploit poor George during his darkest hour.

George is a comic, but, at the same time, a very sad figure. He may seem to be leading everyone on a merry chase but in reality, he's miserable. He's losing control of both his body and his mind and the "cure," in this case, seems to be every bit as bad as is the disease.

THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE is a film that works on many levels. On one hand, it's an exploration of King George's descent into madness (whatever the cause) and on the other it's a witty and satirical study of court politics and intrigue. The tragedy of George's illness and the satire of court intrigue work wonderfully well together.

The acting in THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE is flawless. Nigel Hawthorne as George, gives a superb and demanding performance that must cover a wide range of emotions from competent king to incorrigible patient. The fact that he's so very unlikable, yet still manages to evoke sympathy from the audience is a tribute to Hawthorne's powers. Helen Mirren as Queen Charlotte is also wonderful and she portrays the deep love and devotion between George and Charlotte very convincingly. Ian Holm as the rigid Dr. Willis and Rupert Everett as the Prince of Wales are also excellent.

Sometimes pathos, and even tragedy, can best be portrayed with wit and comedy and this is the case in THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE. Despite its dark subject matter, it's not a film that delves deeply into any of the many topics it explores. And, that's definitely not a criticism.

The period costumes and the locations shots add much to this film and are perfectly chosen. And, I don't think one can properly comment on THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE without commenting on its score. Rather than composing something entirely original for this film, period selections, such as Handel's "Water Music" have been used, adding to the film's authentic feel.

THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE is, in my opinion, a flawless film, but, although everyone in it (and behind it) shines, the film really belongs to Nigel Hawthorne. He's so good, his performance alone is worth the price of the DVD.

a Fantastic Bittersweet film!
This is a triumph of acting. Nigel Hawthorne and Helen Mirren shine in this movie. While it has been criticised that Helen's German accent comes and goes, I think it was acceptable. Accents are just funny that way. And Mirren's acting makes up for it, especially in the "Do you think you are mad" scene after the Handel concert.
Ian Holm gives a superb performance as the determined little "mad doctor".
The costumes are stunning, the music (all Handel, George's favorite) gorgeous and brilliantly adapted, the story is bittersweet, at times painful, other times painfully funny! This movie is an underrated little gem.
Wish the DVD held more features such as behind the scenes or actors bios or something! It's seriously lacking in that department, but doesn't detract from a wonderful film!
Recommended for all Anglophiles.

The king is tortured by bumbling doctors¿ and its fun!!!
I saw this movie on a business trip in London when it first showed in the theaters and again recently on DVD. I enjoyed it very much both times and I recommend this DVD.

While I read a great deal of history, I don't read enough on this period to comment on the accuracy, but this book certainly FELT accurate. The costumes, scenery, bumbling doctors, scheming politicians and scrambling servants set a historical mood that's half the fun in this very enjoyable movie.

Of course, the screenplay is written for a modern audience, so we would, naturally, see irony in the bumbling doctors. Particularly ironic is one doctor's protestation that a doctor's work is of careful observation and should not be swayed by the color of the King's urine.

The scenes of Prime Minister Pitt in Parliament defending his king certainly reminded me of watching Tony Blair in action on CSPAN. I was also left with the impression that it's a lot more fun to be in British Parliament than in U.S. Congress.

One may expect to dislike the King, but in the end, one can't help but feel great sympathy for the man and not just because of the maltreatment he receives from his doctor's.

Overall, the movie was as enjoyable as I remembered it. Unfortunately, other than the trailer, the DVD did not give us any extras to enjoy. ...