Reviews (5)

the man who prevailed
This film is an earnest telling of chapters 25 through 33 of Genesis, and starts when Esau sells his birthright to his twin brother Jacob for a bowl of pottage (red lentil stew), and then gets maneuvered out of his father's blessing by his mother Rebekah. She knows Esau doesn't listen to God's voice, and his two Canaanite wives are a wearisome thing in her life, so Jacob is sent off to her brother (who has daughters), some 400 miles away, where Jacob falls in love with the attractive Rachel...and once there, "everything he touches, flourishes". It is a narrative of great faith and perserverance, and the relationship between Jacob and Rachel is touching and sweet.

Most of the story follows biblical lines, with a few additions; one of them is inexplicable to me, because it is the only part of the film that could be upsetting to children; it shows Jacob on his journey, fleeing a man he thinks is Esau seeking retribution (it is actually Esau's brother-in-law), when his donkey has a fatal fall from a hillside. It is odd that they would embelish the story with such an unpleasant event, because otherwise the sheep, goats and camels are wonderful, and would be enjoyable viewing for children.
The story ends as Jacob, his wives and children (the sons who would become the twelve tribes of Israel), servants and flocks arrive at Shehem. The story is continued in another film of this series, "Joseph", which is superior to this film, and highly recommended.

The cast:

Matthew Modine is fine as Jacob, Lara Flynn Boyle an excellent, lovely Rachel, and the ever beautiful Irene Papas is a marvelous Rebekah. Sean Bean (Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) is very good as Esau, and Giancarlo Giannini is Rebekah's devious brother Laban.
The score by Marco Frisina adds to the atmosphere, and the cinematography by Ennio Guarneri, though often darkened with a lot of shadows, is nice when using the sub-saharan landscape around Quarzazate, Morocco, where this was filmed; it well depicts how one would imagine the primitive life of ancient nomadic shepherds could be.
Total running time is 94 minutes.

Inspiring Entertainment for the Whole Family
"Jacob" is not one of the better productions from the excellent Turner Bible Collection. Nonetheless, it is inspiring entertainment, solidly based on the Biblical account of Jacob. There are portions of the narrative that are brilliantly captured, while other aspects of the story are poorly handled. I would still highly recommend the movie as quality entertainment for the entire family.

pretty ordinary!
This is a fairly ordinary film about the life of Jacob. Set in Morocco, It has very stark desert scenery as a backdrop, pehaps a reflection on the barren period of Jacob's life as a luckless, penniless 'slave' to the greedy and cunning Laban. I did NOT like the actress who played Rachael. I would have expected a shepherdess of that period to be portrayed as a strong resourceful woman, with perhaps an air of Oriental mystique i.e. just her eyes showing at that first meeting at the well. She looks 'wimpy', like, just stepped out of her air-conditioned tent? Considering the casting of the later Lube Productions in this series, they mis-cast in this one! Laban, however, as the villain of the story, is acted well. As the cunning and conniving Uncle he holds the plot together. His ultimatum to the two daughters to 'swap' places is a convicing scenario of how it might have actually happened. Ok, it's not the best film in the world, but if you like Biblical dramas, it would be worth getting.

Great Video
Great casting, acting, directing, scenery, etc. I was recommended this by a girl from Reno, NV. I'm so glad she did. In the past, when I used to read the Bible passage about Jacob, aka Israel, and Esau, aka Edom, arguing about their birthright over a bowl of lentil stew, I always had difficulty picturing it in my mind. The movie easily cleared this up for me by doing an excellent job of taking me back in time and re-enacting this scene. Regarding the actors and actresses, their personalities and appearances seemed perfect for the parts, especially Jacob played by Matthew Modine and beautiful Rachel played by Lara Flynn Boyle. Whether or not the cast and crew were made up of Bible believers, I think the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had His hand in helping with this movie.

Fantastic
I saw this movie right after I had read the story. It stayed so true to the Word. Outstanding cast! Anyone could enjoy this story.And it is truly a family movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Andrei Konchalovsky's expansive television mini-series production of Homer's epic poem gets off to clumsy start as he tries to squeeze the Trojan War into a mere half hour, but once the arrogant but honorable Odysseus (strikingly played by Armand Assante) and his loyal crew begin their doomed voyage home, this film turns into a fantastical adventure. Integrating often-stunning special effects with inventive art design, Konchalovsky achieves a beautiful look on a limited budget as he follows the 10-year ordeal of Odysseus from his battles with the Cyclops and the magical Circe (Bernadette Peters) to his secret homecoming and his confrontation with the treacherous Eurymachus (Eric Roberts). Isabella Rossellini appears as his spiritual guide, the goddess Athena, with Greta Scacchi as Odysseus's faithful wife and Vanessa Williams as the seductive Calypso. The rest of the cast includes Geraldine Chaplin, Jeroen Krabbé, Christopher Lee, and Irene Papas. The production was shot on location in and around the Mediterranean, making for a lush, lovely visual experience. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (156)

Wow, what a EXTRAORDINARY movie!!
I have just finished watching the movie, The Odyssey. It was good in many different ways. It had a lot of actors in it and many of them played their part very well. My favorite character would have to be Penelope (Greta Scacchi). She had a hard time handling the fact that her husband, Odysseus (Armand Assante), was gone at war and may never return home. The fact that her husband left right after their son was born was upsetting as well. She made a promise to her husband that when their son grew into a man, she would have to choose a new husband. After the Trojan War ended, Odysseus yelled to the gods that he didn't need their help after all, when he actually did use their help. The god of the sea, Poseidon, heard him and put a curse on him that he couldn't go home to Ithaca. Odysseus went through many extraordinary adventures and many didn't creatures while trying to get home. One of these strange creatures was Cyclops, Poseidon's brother. Cyclops (Reid Asato) is a giant with one huge eye in the middle of his forehead that loves to eat humans. Odysseus and his men floated down to the island where Cyclops lived and Cyclops asked Odysseus what his name was and Odysseus said that it was nobody. While Odysseus and his men were there with the Cyclops they gave him the gift that they had brought, which was wine. After some cups, Cyclops started to lay down and fall asleep. Once they thought that he was asleep, they took a large stake and jammed it into the Cyclops' eye. The Cyclops immediately jumped up and started to run around yelling, Nobody hurt my eye. The men escaped quickly, but the Cyclops ate the fiddler. The men that were left, left the island and floated along some more for many more adventures. In conclusion, I thought that this movie was great! It used a lot of facts from the epics by Homer.

Movie Review for THE ODYSSEY By Phil
THE ODYSSEY is based in the book THE ODYSSEY by Homer. It tells the exciting tale of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, who, on the day of his son's birth, was called to fight in the Trojan War. However, the movie is not about Odysseus fighting in the Trojan War. The real plot begins when Odysseus begins his journey home after the war. As the war ended, Odysseus happened to anger a very vengeful god named Poseidon, who is the god of the sea. Poseidon decided to make Odysseus' journey home as miserable as possible. Now Odysseus must make it home to Ithaca while avoiding Poseidon's wrath. During his long, hard journey, Odysseus and his crew encounter many strange creatures. Some creatures are friendly and try to help Odysseus and his men. Others are not friendly and try to destroy Odysseus and prevent him from reaching Ithaca. Here are some of the main characters: Odysseus:The mighty king of Ithaca and main character of the story.(Armand Assante) Penelope:Odysseus' beloved wife who waits patiently for his return.(Greta Scacchi) Athena:Odysseus' guardian god who guides him in times of need and gives him helpful advice.(Isabella Rosselini) Circe:Odysseus was unlucky to run into this woman. After someone drinks her magical honey wine, she turns them into swine.(Bernadette Peters) Calypso:Another unfourtunate accident of Odysseus' was running into Calypso. She kept him on her island for two whole years!(Vanessa Williams)

THE ODYSSEY has a very strong visual impact on the audience that watches it. It is full of action and suspense and the special effects are amazing, especially the scene where Poseidon was speaking to Odysseus through the waves. Also, the acting and costumes were realistic. The actors talked and wore clothes that were worn in that time. The soundtrack is also realistic to that time, The music on the soundtrack is mostly old Greek music.

Overall, I give THE ODYSSEY five stars.

Best Odysseus I've Seen
Armand Asante does an excellent job as Odysseus. As with all movies, there will be some significant differences from the original Homer. After having seen the recent release of Troy, I'd have to say The Odyssey is a better movie. If you prefer to watch a movie that remains faithful to the original classic with good casting/acting, this is for you. If you want cool special effects and big name stars in a story that is loosly based on a classic tale...then see Troy.

Still compelling after 3000 years.
Homer would have endorsed this rendering of his tale. Full of wonderful special effects, gorgeous Mediterranean vistas, and gods and goddesses who look their parts, this movie is still driven by personalities. The casting was brilliant: Armand Asante is all that one could wish in an Odysseus -- engaging, passionate, mature, heroic in every dimension. Isabella Rosellini and Greta Saachi are perfect in their roles as Athena and Penelope, respectively. Telemachus is a classical adolescent only child, and Antichea, Odysseus's mother, dominates each of her scenes. While this production is eye-candy from beginning to end, the visual appeal cannot distract from the timeless humanity of its characters. There is a reason that Homer's story still reaches us after 3000 years, and this telling does justice to its ancient material.

A great story
In my English class, on the last weeks of school, our teacher said she wanted us to watch a movie that will be educating for years to come and pulled out The Odyssey. At first the whole class seemed dull by the ideal of the movie but from the beginning, we were stuck.

The story has an amazing plot, and the actors are pretty good. Some of the special effects were kind of lame but that wasn't the movies fault, it was their budget. This is really good for a TV miniseries.

From the spooky lair of Syclla to the amazing Island of Ithaca, this movie really portrays the story well. It's very enjoyable, and I'm going to have to order the movie to keep! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This lush, perfectly cast 1969 drama concerns both a doomed, royal loveaffair and a pivotal moment in British history. Based on Maxwell Anderson's 1948 play, Anne of the Thousand Days concerns the mess that surroundedKing Henry VIII's decision to rid himself of his first wife, Catherine ofAragon (Irene Papas), and marry the young Anne Boleyn (Geneviève Bujold).Anglophiles know what happened next: Henry (Richard Burton) solved hisproblems with the Vatican's condemnation of divorce by having himself named head of the Church of England (see also A Man for All Seasons), whileAnne's perceived problem conceiving a male heir made her vulnerable to plotsby the nefarious likes of Oliver Cromwell (John Colicos). Director CharlesJarrott does a splendid job bringing all of these intrigues to life, though the storyis ultimately about Anne, a naive young woman who prepares herself tonavigate some of the dangers of Henry's court. Bujold and Burton never gave better performances, and this strange, tragic chapter in the history of the kings of England has never been more compellingly told on film. --TomKeogh ... Read more

Reviews (43)

....And My Blood Will Have Been Well Spent
This movie, based on the 1948 play by Maxwell Anderson, owes much of its success to the popularity of the Tudor England film genre of the mid-to late 1960s, of which it is a part.
It is a fine, gracefully portrayed, albeit sometimes inaccurate account of the life of the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. In the title role, Quebequoise Genevive Bujold is the quintessential Anne Boleyn, whose slight French accent comes nicely into play, as Anne had just returned from the French Court when she first appears onscreen. Bujold gives a lot of strenghth and dignity to the role, happily without the neck tumour and extra digit on her right hand like the real Anne. One major accuracy portrayed in the film is that Anne originally wanted nothing to do with Henry.
Richard Burton is a beefy-looking Henry VIII, a bit slimmer than most actors I've seen in the role. With his lovely, lyrical Welsh accent, he captures much of Henry's nuances and temperment, and the scene of him dancing the galliard with Anne is particularly seductive.
Valerie Gearon captures the sense of betrayal and frustration that must have been experienced by the real Mary Boleyn when the King casts her aside, and her story is an interesting footnote in this drama. Sir Michael Hordern, as Thomas Boleyn comes across as both an amoral man willing to sell his wife and daughters into the King's concubinage to advance his position, and also as someone who is a bit intimidated by Henry.
Anthony Quayle's Cardinal Wolsey is a cold, impersonal schemer, and immoral churchman who acts as the King's procurer. Terence Wilton's spurned Harry Percy looks to have been a more suitable match for Anne, but unfortunately, the King thwarted their plans for marriage.
John Colicos'Cromwell is the ultimate snake-in-the-grass lawyer, who succeeds in making the King's power absolute, which would ultimately be to his own detriment.
Solemn Irene Papas bears little resemblance to the real Catherine of Aragon, but emphasizes the spurned Queen's piety and firmness in the face of her ordeal. Nicola Paget as her daughter, Mary has a brief scene at her deathbed. But in reality, when Anne became Queen, the only condition under which Catherine could see her daughter was if she admitted that her marriage to the King was invalid. So mother and daughter never saw each other again.
Another point of interest in the movie was when Anne asked that the lives of Henry's adversaries be spared, she gives birth to a living child; later, when she does the opposite, she gives birth to a still born son.
Things soon come to a head for this noblewoman who became ensnared in the King's lair originally through no will of her own, but who suffered greatly when she finally accepted Henry when the King becomes enamored of Jane Seymour, and Anne becomes a political liabity. The reenactment of Anne's arrest on trumped-up charges of treason is not accurate. But the scene of Anne's final moments with Elizabeth is very poignant.
Gary Bond's Mark Smeaton is a pityable charcter as the court musician tortured into a confession of adultery with Anne. Michael Johnson's George Boleyn, Anne's wrongfully convicted brother, displays a certain gutsiness when he tells off Cromwell during the trial for his life. As was the case with his impregnated daughter, Mary, we see Thomas Boleyn once more turn his back on a teary-eyed daughter in order to keep the King's favor during the trial.
The final confrontation scene between Anne and Henry is fictitious, but it provides a great piece of acting. The speech Anne made before her execution is mercifully deleted; there is no place for her to praise the King who was having her executed in this production.
One wonders about the significance of the theme of Anne's Thousand Days in the years just after the 1,000-day Kennedy Administration ended tragically.
Placed in historically accurate settings, filled with regal pomp and splendor, and costumes in colors that were fashionable at the time of its release, "Anne of the Thousand Days" enthralls a viewer with its story, and Anne's prediction of her daughter's glorious future in her abscence reminds us that destiny, even in the face of the scheming brutality of a powerful King, can be greater than any of us know.

Wonderful Performances! Warning: Spoilers
Now, if Henry VIII had looked like Richard Burton, it might have been a little more tempting to be his queen. Both Bujold and Burton are lovely onscreen whereas, their real life counterparts were not. But we can't very well have a Hollywood movie with plain looking leads can we? This a beautiful movie to watch, and both of the leads play their roles very well. The chemistry between them is electrifying and the roller coaster ride that was Henry and Anne's tempestuous relationship is well portrayed here. Yes, there are inaccuracies, but who cares? Once you get engrossed in this film, it won't matter. Bujold brings the fiery and cunning Anne Boleyn to life in a believable and honest way. She is not shy about exposing Anne's faults. Her jealousy, nagging, teasing, and enormous ambition are all laid bare here. And this just makes her human, a real person rather than a footnote in a history text. That is why it is all the more heartbreaking when the film reaches it's tragic end. The last scene shows a small Elizabeth, later to become Queen Elizabeth I, with a voice over by Bujold proclaiming that one day her daughter would be queen, and her blood "will have been well spent." It is a very touching end to a pleasing film.

Applause, applause - now please get this on DVD
A nicely done docudrama regarding the relationship between King Henry VIII of England and Anne Boleyn. Much of the filming was done on location, which adds to the " atmosphere. " Mr Burton played Henry as a strong, but majorly flawed person, as he should have. Ms Bujold was lovely, more than competent and held her own against some of the finest actors of that time. The story is as old as air, but with a twist - it really happened and it changed the course of England. How far would a man go to secure a son ? An heir ? This film lays it out beautifully and it is a eye feast and makes one want to learn more about the woman who helped bring about great social and religious change and also gave birth to one of Englands' most dynamic rulers, Queen Elizabeth I. It holds up very well.

A Wonderful Film
Just thought I would add my comments to those already here. As a small child before Hever Castle was open to the public I spent many happy holidays with friends who were in service to Lord and Lady Astor, and who lived in the Staff Quarters in the Tudor Village adjoining the Castle.

In the absence of Lord and Lady Astor the Castle and the Gardens were my playground - I had complete freedom to roam all over the Castle, and used to enjoy walkng His Lordship's dogs in the grounds.

When the film was released I was delighted to see the places I remembered so well. It's a fine film and I would recommend it to everyone

Movie Freak
A Sensible statement is worth repeating:

Another viewer stated:

PLEASE, September 2, 2003
Reviewer: A viewer from Dayton, Ohio United States
This is gonna be short and sweet. Loved the movie, it is one of my all time favorites. But would one of the studios please, please put THIS MOVIE ON DVD! I think it is about time. My tape is deteriorating fast and I won't buy it again unless it comes out on DVD. Thank you.

--------------

It's now, May 8, 2004, and I still look for this movie on DVD.

Now, I will add my two cents, and say; please, please, please! Put this movie on DVD! Genevieve Bujold was absolutely robbed of an Oscar for Best Actress in this film. When Ms. Bujold is delivering that final speech, you want to stand up and cheer for her as an outstanding actress. Those of us who love period epics have this one in our library, now we want it the way it ought to be seen, i.e., in widescreen, in all it's spectacular glory with all those wonderful words, costumes, lush settings, and incredible acting by an incredible cast. So what do you say? GIVE IT TO US ON DVD ALREADY! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. There, now I've begged enough. I feel much better now that I got that off my chest. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hayley Mills was well on her way to adulthood when she found intrigueand chaste romance on the island of Crete in this 1964 Disney attempt atHitchcock in one of his lighter moods. That means the principals do wind up in a hearse trapped on a narrow street by celebratory but ominous maskedparaders. And that seemingly good guys can and do turn out to be bad guys andvice versa. But it's Disney and Mills, so there are no deaths in thismystery, although gunplay and some scariness do earn it a PG rating. Based onthe Mary Stewart novel of the same name, this 118-minute film finds Mills andher aunt visiting a Cretan village on holiday. In the face of hostility fromtheir innkeeper's brother (Eli Wallach), the pair befriend a fellow Brit. Theyoung man's escapades with jewel thief Wallach draw a beguiled Mills into asometimes perilous adventure involving a harrowing ride upon the sails of awindmill, hiding out in an underground crypt, and a showdown with acheetah-loving millionairess (the scene-stealing Pola Negri) aboard heryacht. Probably a little too sophisticated for those under 8. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Hayley in her element
Hayley Mills stars in the Disney thriller THE MOON-SPINNERS, a sinister and menacing story set against the dramatic backdrop of the island of Crete.

Nicky Ferris (Hayley Mills) and her aunt (Joan Greenwood) are travelling through Europe. Her aunt is a music historian from the BBC and is recording folk songs from the remote villages.

They travel into Crete, staying at the Moon-Spinners Inn, run by a kindly lady (Irene Papas) and her young son. However, some shady dealings are being done, with the owner's brother (Eli Wallach) heavily into astrology and smuggling.

Nicky finds herself thrown into a world of espionage and theft, and finds the love of her life.

Also featuring Pola Negri in a rare film appearance, THE MOON-SPINNERS is one of Hayley Mill's best Disney films.

EXCELLENT MOVIE
I first read the novel "Moon Spinners" by Mary Stewart and enjoyed the book thoroughly. When I saw that there was a movie based on the novel I was a little skeptical, but Disney usually does a great job so I decided to give it a try. If you like Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, you will definitely enjoy this movie. Hayley Mills is wonderful as usual and the movie contains great suspense and mystery with just a touch of romance. I liked it so much, that I purchased the movie so that I could watch whenever I wished.

Now I want to go to Crete and have an adventure!!!!
The Moon-Spinners has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. Hayley Mills is the all-american girl....err...except for the fact that she's English (it makes no sense, but it is completely true). She gives a genuine performance and most girls can relate to her. I will not deny that this movie is completely cheesy, but it is all in the best way. This movie has everything; adventure, romance, drama, mystery, and is set in the beautiful isle of Crete. The love story is unique and original and will make you smile all over. This movie was acclaimed for being Hayley Mill's first onscreen kiss and I have to admit that it's a good one. I love how this movie embodies the essence of crete, with the beautiful beaches and little villages. I recommend this movie to people of all ages.

I love this movie, but...
I will not buy the DVD until I can get it in a W-I-D-E-S-C-R-E-E-N Edition!!! What good is beautiful Crete if it's panned, scanned,sliced, diced, and squashed? I want the whole picture, not 2/3rds!

Great movie! Full of exitment and adventure!
I think this is a wonderful movie that can be seen again and again! The acting is very good and there are some exiting moments to add suspense.
Hayley Mills and Peter McEnerny are both exellent in their roles and the acting of Irene Papas and Eli Wallach was also very good. You should get this movie and watch it with your children, it will be a great experience! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Audrey 's worst film!!!
How Sheldon's wonderful novel was turned into such a bad (and very boring) movie is a mystery. Good cast (Hepburn, Mason, Schneider) wasted...Buy the book instead!!!

Suspenseful, Sexy, Mason/Gazarra Worthy Adverseries
James Mason and Ben Gazarra were still virile and energetic enough to pull it off as two middle-aged adverseries for the eternally charming Audrey Hepburn. Enjoy it for what it is, a straightforward, by-the-numbers suspense thriller with plenty of '70s fashion and atmosphere. The ending, where Hepburn must decide to believe either Mason or Gazarra, is great. Mason's 1978-79 performances in "The Boys from Brazil" and "Salem's Lot" and here made for a notable trifecta of quality acting.

Chic cast with dark secrets in Audrey Hepburn shock-drama
I had the good fortune as a teenager to sit through "Bloodline" each day or night for the week it ran in Freeport, Illinois. Later, when I ran away to NYC, I watched it again on my first little screen in a tiny, sloped theater-in-a-complex. I scoured Central Park for one of the scenes shot there against a graffiti-dusted bridge. Ahh... It was my last fix for a while on what chic is, what perserverance, trust and fabulous Parisian locales can do for a lost soul... Then I ran away to France. It would a few more years before I made it to Paris, but when I did I searched out Hotel de Crillion, Maxim's, Notre Dame. The Sydney Sheldon book was a bore compared to the film. Seeing these great international actors together -- Romy "Shrew in Silk" Schneider and Irene "Show me your back!" Papas, for example -- gave me a great shot of what it must be like to tread life's waters in Gucci and Bulgari (back when Gucci didn't seem so silly (watch out! is Chanel next?)) This film, about the Roffe Pharmaceutical heiress (Audrey Hepburn)tagged for murder because she won't go public with the stock market, has a great soundtrack, with lovely resolution, and if you can get the album or CD you'll catch a funky tune not used in the film. All those bits of different languages, different people: "Kennst du dieser Mann?" "They make cheese!" "Poland? This time of year?". What about that tacky snuff-murder sidebar (Roffe's film stock is being used to discredit the company)? You have to admit that that bald man is a hotty. I am in a whirl of support for this little picture and I'd see it again and again. Sometimes the best teachers in life are lurking in the cinema. It's not just about art! Look at Audrey's friendship with her Dad's aide, Beatrice Straight. What about that "senseless" death when Audrey goes back to get earrings? The cool unfolding opening credits and shocking change in music? And I could write a book on all that absolutely fabulous Givenchy clothing!!! The velvet applique and crystal-studded gown she wears to meet Gazzara (another hotty) at the "Guess who?" restaurant? How about the OD green wool cape as she meets about a new formula that can save Roffe? How about her chic sweater and cords as she crawls across the imbricated roof of that villa in Sardinia? Reprising the Jewish ghetto in Cracow? Horses and syringes? The ubiquitous tied-up silk robe Audrey wears? Count me in! This was one of her best "adult" roles. She got a million bucks to do it, it gave her family even more security, and I say she infused the project with inestimable elan. It is a satisfying and slightly sickening love story. Long live Audrey Hepburn! (May she rest in peace.)

Very bad Movie
This was a very disappointing movie. Both James Mason and Audrey Hepburn, both very great stars, were totally miscast for the content of this motion picture. The explicit sex scenes were a total distraction from the plot, and not needed at all. Sidney Sheldon needed to know better. I can understand why Ms. Hepburn wanted out of this movie, when she learned what was to be filmed, but her contract bound her to this film.

Perfectly dreadful in every way...
I disliked everything about this film, from the wretched plot to the cheesy props to the flimsy acting. I was a fan of James Mason until I saw this movie. The plot is contrived, confusing, and dull. I cannot recommend this film to anyone. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Greek Tragedy Brought to Moving Life
This is the last film in director Michael Cacoyannis's Greek Tragedy trilogy after his early Sixties "Electra" (featuring Irene Pappas in the title role) and his early Seventies "The Trojan Women (which starred Katherine Hepburn, Vanessa Redgrave, Genevieve Bujold and, once again, Irene Pappas - as Helen of Troy).

All three movies are based on the works of Euripides - who was born approximately 484 BCE and died circa 406 BCE. Out of all the ancient Greek tragedians his work has arguably the most relevance to a contemporary audience as it eloquently demonstrates the causes and nature of human suffering especially in circumstances of war or multiple murder - subjects that we have become disturbingly familiar with in recent history without perhaps having full understanding of the painful emotional consequences involved.

"Iphigenia" is considerably more low-budget than the visually impressive second film in the trilogy and yet it has it's own considerable emotional power. Like the first film of the three it is spoken in Greek with English subtitles. As the film opens the Greek army is waiting at Aulis for the winds to pick up in order that they may sail to Troy. But they have been waiting many months and no such winds have arrived. The troops have become restless and are on the verge of mutiny. Agamemnon - the commander in chief - has sought advice from the Oracle at Delphi as to the best solution to this problem. To his shock and horror the answer returns that in order to sail to Troy and be successful in the ensuing war he must sacrifice his beloved daughter Iphigenia.

Initially Agamemnon refuses to perform such a deed. He attempts to seek any way out that he possibly can. But eventually he is persuaded by his brother Menelaus (the abduction of whose wife Helen sparked the Trojan War) that it is a tragic but necessary solution to their impasse.

Agamemnon decides to lure Iphigenia to Aulis on the pretext that she is to marry Achilles. But little does he know that Clytemnestra (played by Irene Pappas), his strong-willed wife, has decided (against his expressed instructions) to accompany her daughter to the proposed wedding.

The first half of this film is rather unimpressive. You have the feeling you are watching a fairly cheap Greek tv movie. And yet, from the point where Iphigenia (played by a marvellous swan-necked, androgenous young Greek actress) meets Agamemnon, her tortured father, the film really takes off. Clytemnestra finds out her husband's terrible intention and attempts to recruit Achilles as her ally in order to save her teenage daughter's life. But the wily Odysseus, with his demagogic influence on the Greek army, stands in their way.

The final twenty minutes of the film have as much emotional power as any play or movie I have ever seen. The sheer heartbreaking dilemma of the characters is conveyed in a stunningly convincing manner. At the screening I attended many people were on the verge of tears during this concluding section. I would unreservedly recommend this film to anyone with the slightest interest in either Classical History, Greek Tragic Theatre or an emotionally fulfilling cinematic experience.

Superb acting.
A beautiful film - I should be very grateful if someone could let me know where I can get the video. E-mail: christina.o'shaughnessy@unece.org

Many thanks

a legend, but only a few seem to have seen it!
tell me where I can get it, please

Extraordinary in every way
I saw this movie when it was first released and I will never forget it. A pinnacle of moviemaking; utterly profound. I too would love to know how to get a copy of it.

This was an incredible movie!
I would also love to know where to find it. My email is cailin@members.student.com ... Read more

Reviews (45)

One of the great war films of the 1960's
The Guns of Navarone is an excellent WWII adventure based on the novel by Alistair MacLean. It tells the story of Captain Keith Mallory and a team of expert saboteours who must destroy two radar controlled guns on the Mediterranean island of Navarone. If they do not succeed in their mission, 2,000 Allied troops on the island of Kheros will be killed unless they can be picked up before a German invasion. This movie is full of adventure as the team climbs a 400 foot cliff, battles German patrols all over the island, disputes among themselves, and so much more. This movie never slows down from beginning to end as the team tries to make their way into the small island fortress containing the guns. Boosted by an excellent Dimitri Tiomkin score similar to his score for The Alamo, this is a great movie with plenty of action and an excellent cast.

Gregory Peck stars as Captain Keith Mallory, who must lead the team on their mission. He is his usual good self in the role. David Niven and Anthony Quinn are both excellent as Corporal Miller, the logical explosives expert, and Colonel Andrea Stavros, a Greek guerilla fighter who has a past with Mallory. The rest of the team includes Anthony Quayle as Major Franklin, Stanley Baker as Brown, the expert with machines and knives, James Darren as Papadimos, the ruthless killer, and Irene Pappas and Gia Scala as two underground fighters on the island. James Robertson Justice and Robert Harris also make brief, but very effective, appearances early in the movie. The special edition DVD includes production notes, widescreen presentation, theatrical trailers, a documentary, commentary, and several featurettes. This is an excellent WWII adventure with great action and a perfect cast. If you like the movie, check out the novel by Alistair MacLean. Don't miss The Guns of Navarone!

Great Guns...
The Guns Of Navarone is a classic WW II adventure story. Based on the novel by Alistair MacLean, the story follows the adventures of a group of Allied commandos on a mission to destroy a pair of Nazi cannons emplaced into the side of a cliff, on the Greek island of Navarone. The long and winding tale would be the first of MacLean's many novels to reach the screen, and remains one of the better adaptations of his works.

After an air strike fails to destroy the guns, it is decided that an undercover attempt to destroy them will proceed. The team is headed by Major Mallory (Gregory Peck) a renowned mountaineer. The rest of the group includes, Colonel Andrea Stavros (Anthony Quinn), explosives expert Corporal Miller (David Niven), Major Franklin (Anthony Quale), Pvt. Pappadimos (James Darin) and Pvt. "Butcher" Brown (Stanley Baker). The first leg of their journey is by sea into dangerous waters patrolled by the Germans. The group barely manages to get ashore on Navarone, before their boat is broken on the island's rocky shore. Their next step is to scale a sheer cliff, at night and in a driving rain. Somehow, they make it to the top, but not without casualties, as Franklin suffers a broken leg on the climb. From there, the group treks through the mountains with the wounded man, pursued by the Germans. They make contact with two members of the local resistance, Maria (Irene Papas) and Anna (Gia Scala), and proceed to the town of Mandrakos where they are captured. Escaping from the Germans, and now dressed in German uniforms, the group arrives in the town of Navarone, and prepares for their ultimate challenge, the destruction of the guns. It's no easy task, and the group is badly shaken by internal problems. With new resolve, they forge on taking the story to its explosive climax.

For screen adventure in classic tradition, don't miss this one. For the time, this was the height of action and adventure filmmaking. Now, over 40 years old, you may not believe that this film won an Oscar for best special effects. The transfer to DVD of the restored print is excellent for a film of this age. Extras include an informative documentary as well as some behind the scenes featurettes shot during the making of the film. They add to the enjoyment and appreciation of this war epic. Director J. Lee Thompson's commentary track, is sporadic and delivered in a halting speaking style, which may be a bit slow for some. Bear in mind that Mr. Thompson was probably about 85 years old at the time, recalling events that happened 40 years before.

Gregory Peck leads the way!
This was one of the first war movies I ever saw & even after watching modern masterpieces like Saving Private Ryan this is still one of my very favorites. This classic WW2 flick has it all: suspense, awesome & believable characters, great action (of course!), humor, & even romance. The three main stars are Gregory Peck, David Niven, & Anthony Quinn. Peck is perfectly cast as the leader of the group of commandos, & I've always thought he was great playing officers in war films (Pork Chop Hill, MacArthur, Twelve O'Clock High, etc.). Niven is both fun & annoying as the uptight Brit who constantly challenges Peck's authority. Quinn is a real treat as a deadly Greek who holds a grudge against Peck for a past "incident". This movie has many unforgettable scenes: Quinn taking on an advancing German column of troops with his sniper rifle, the confrontation with the traitor, & the incredible climax. I agree with other reviewers that they don't make 'em like this anymore! Whether you love war movies or are new to the genre, this is a definite must!

Amazing Barrage & Fast-Paced Stories Within A Story
I remember first seeing The Guns of Navarone when I when I was about 10 years old. I was totally enraptured from word-go. It is still one of my favourite films. The action is non-stop. We learn about all of the key players; finding out that, even though they are on the same side, they have deeper conflicts between/amongst themselves - more so than with the common enemy. Eventually, they are forced to drop their differences and unite to destroy one of the most threatening weapons against the Allied Forces: The Guns of Navarone. High-tech (for that era) guns invented by the Germans. Not only do you find conflicts within this team of saboteurs, you find friendships that form among them as well. Even though this film isn't true to the book, by Alistair MacLean, it is still excellent none-the-less. I find it rather difficult to give details of an almost 3-hour epic, without giving away too much information; I want the viewers to be caught up with this stories-within-a-story, as I was. The elements of surprise are truly stunning. I also experienced that my watching The Guns of Navarone several times, I see and/or hear new things that I missed before. The details are subtle as well as obvious. An all-star cast of Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn, Stanley Baker, Anthony Quayle, James Darren, Irene Papas, Gia Scala, James Robertson Justice, and Richard Harris. The music by Dimitri Tiomkin is wonderful. It's well worth having. This VHS tape is not only wide-screen, but it also has a series of short documentaries of restoration, the film itself, and theatrical trailer. I highly recommend this.

Intriguing war movie
Action filled war movie, great story, great cast. Concerns a commando team small enough to allow growth of character for most of the members, but large enough to have a few killed off, adding to the intrigue. Plenty of unexpected turns to maintain the interest, even though the viewer assumes from the beginning that the "objective" will be attained. Unexpected romance ads spice to the dish. The "effects", great for 1961, are still sufficient to carry the story.

Great performances by Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn. James Darren of music and surfer movie fame does an especially good job in an action role. ... Read more

Reviews (104)

Tragedy & love, drawn from history, on a sunny Greek isle!
For pure entertainment, it's hard to beat a love story wrapped in a war story. As a war story, Captain Corelli's Mandolin is a failure. As a love story, it's barely there, but the combination is greater than the sum of the parts. The story is rich; it's historical, and the cinematography of a sunny Greek island will give any movie a lift.

Set in World War II, the Italian army, under the control of the Germans, occupies the Greek Island of Cephallonia. The islanders are not intimidated in the least, by the Italians. They regard them as hopeless, spineless cowards and the most pathetic excuse for soldiers. These soldiers are not real fighting men anyway. They are musicians in uniform. Despite the intrusion of the Italian occupiers, these musicians bring a love of music and an enjoyment life, where they can find it, to the war stressed town.

Penelope Cruz plays Pelagia, a medical student and daughter of the village doctor. She has a boyfriend in the village, Madras, who is involved with the Greek resistance. Nicholas Cage plays Captain Corelii, the ranking Italian officer on the island. He of course, works on charming the initially hostile Pelagia away from Madras. The romance is a little frustrating. It's stretched out over the length of the film without enough romantic, "Action, " along the way.

I've always liked Nicholas Cage. By the formulas of Hollywood, he was not perfectly cast as the Captain. His posture is awkward. He's not slick, not a classic romantic type. But the rough fit gives the film some of it's charm. Penelope Cruz doesn't seem perfectly cast either, but by some magic, she made a Penelope Cruz fan out of me. On the down side, Cage's accent is horrendous, by the way, and varies throughout the film. It doesn't hurt the film, but both Cage and Cruz seem far too old for the roles they play.

I thought the portrayal of the German officer, Captain Weber, by David Morrissey, was exceptional. He is not characterized as the stereotypical, Teutonic tyrant. With very little screen time, I felt his characterization was human, complex, sympathetic and conflicted.

Christian Bale's acting, as Madras, is also excellent. As a member of the Greek resistance and as Captain Corelli's rival for Pelagia, he has every reason to do him. Observe his non-verbal behavior.

In contrast to the Greek islander's initial view of the Italians, in the end, Captain Corelli and his band of musicians turn out to be courageous men of conviction. The musicians fight, and die, for the love of life, humanity and the love of a woman. By contrast the Germans fight and kill, for all the wrong things. And when it came to life and love, it is our German officer, so capable of life and love, who becomes the spineless coward.

How sad it was to read in the film's afterward that the German military executed thousands of Italian soldiers on Cephallonia in 1943. How sad it is that so many films today entertain people with faked violence, exaggerated a thousand fold; yet, we remain ignorant where it was a reality. By contrast, the makers of Captain Corelli's Mandolin had to minimize showing the historical violence so it would not obliterate the love story. In the movie there is just violence enough to shock and inform us.

The film was based on a historical novel of the same name, by the way. If you want to know more about the historical incident upon which the movie was based, just search on the Internet for Cephallonia. It is one of the three Ionian Islands, which also happen to be the birth place of Greek philosophy. Today, the Greeks have a shrine there for the executed Italian soldiers. The actual execution sites and places where the bodies were dumped are marked and preserved. Many Greeks and Italians pray at the sites.

Dazzling....
I will not write a review about this movie from an expert critique's stand point. Nor will I give you a summary of the plot as others have done.
I will simply tell you this: this movie touched me deeply on an emotional level.
Nicolas Cage plays an uncanny role as the compassionate and music loving captain of a small group of Italian soldiers on the Greek island. He falls in love with the beautiful Pelagia (superbly acted by Penelope Cruz) who is torn between her hidden desire for the Captain and her loyalty to her finance Mandras (Christian Bale)who ignores her to take partake in the Greek resistance.

Well thats a very brief summary there...(sorry I've contradictd myself) But the rest of the movie is pure beauty and emotion.
The scenes on the actually island are breathtaking, the music by Stephen Warbick (Shakespeare in Love) simply fabulous and heartbreaking,and the acting by Cruz,Cage was perfect despite Cage's somewhat not so perfect accent. I also have to add great support by Christian bale and especially John Hurt who I thought should ve been nominated for an oscar for supporting role.

I think this movie can be summed up by one tiny scene where the Italian and German soldiers along with the local Greeks are at terrace in the evening drinking and debating on war and justifying their point of view. The argument gets heated until one Italian soldiers gets up and says poignantly :
"its such a beautiful night.....I want to fall in love"

could have been a good movie with a different set of actors
I can't stand either Nicolas Cage or Penelope Cruz so I was prepared to hate it. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated but it wasn't great either. Nicolas Cage is a terrible actor and his fake Italian accent was getting on my nerves in a major way. All the Italians in the movie joke around and sing-that all they do. I also couldn't see how they(N and P) fell in love. One day they just were. Yeah, right. I have to add one more thing and its about Penelope's looks. I think with right clothes and makeup she can look decent but in this movie she looks downright horrid. Her hair is done in the most unflattering hairdo on the planet and her clothes look as if she robbed the scarecrow. Whether the look was intentional or accidental is a mystery. The ending was incredibly stupid. He leaves Penelope until the war is over and then doesn't come back until two years later because he feels guilty about coming between her and her fiancé. Give me a break

Pizza and Chianti for this slow-mo tearjerker
A confession: I did not read the book. From what I can gather from reviewers, those who did read "Corelli" were sadly disappointed by Hollywood's hatchet job. Whaddja expect?

As for the besotted grognard that I am, and not having been contaminated by prior perusal of that sensitive and romantic novel, I found the DVD "Corelli" to be a passable evening's entertainment, not great, but OK. I happen to be a Nicholas Cage fan, although he is showing signs of overexposure in real turkey movies ("e.g. "Windtalkers") but still shows brilliance in films like "Matchstick Men." He is best when playing eccentric characters ("Raising Arizona") and does less well when confined. "Corelli" is somewhere in between. His Italian accent is OK but along the lines of the old faux Italian restaurant operator in the ad, "Chianti for everybody!" I found Penelope Cruz to be an unconvincing Greek, but how many convincing Greeks are there between Irene Pappas and Anthony Quinn?

The story line is plausible. We see a happy and prosperous Greek fishing village where Penelope Cruz and her physician father live high on a hill above the town. A swarthy but otherwise illiterate young fisherman yens for Cruz but she is hesitant (this is about all we get to know about the dark handsome fisherman, who eventually runs off to join the partisans). Suddenly, the war intervenes and the Italians arrive to take over the town, assisted by a few Germans who are, at this point, non-assertive. (Italy attacked Greece from Albania in the fall of 1940, got pushed back into Albania, and was ultimately bailed out of its embarrassment by German forces in the spring of 1941.)

I suspect that in the book, the Italians are more complex; here, Corelli's artillerymen would rather sing opera and drink wine than tend to their guns. Corelli's guileless charm ultimately wins over Cruz (she likes him, she likes him not) and a young German liaison officer who senses that his Italian allies are great drinking buddies but unreliable. Flash forward to 1943: Italy capitulates to the Allies and attempts (mostly unsuccessfully) to switch sides; Corelli's troops are forcibly detained by the German occupation forces. I will not get into the resulting tragedy, but I liked the treatment of this volatile period for the Italians in WW2. I will not describe what happens to Corelli himself, save that I began to draw uncomfortable parallels to another tear-jerker, "The English Patient."

I found the earthquake scene near the end of the movie stupid. Was this to draw a connection between the natural disaster and manmade disaster that was WW2? Hit me over the head. And why does Corelli stay away so long after the war? It's like the Rafe (Afflick) character in "Pearl Harbor", who disappears while flying overseas with the RAF, and then after many months all he can pen to his girlfriend is a hastily scrawled note, "I am alive." Is the man illiterate? Was he in a coma? They did have telephones. Or Western Union.

OK, so a typical Hollywood romantic war-date movie, worthy of a pizza and some cheap Italian plonk.

Good movie ... if you have not read the book
If this movie had been an original screenplay, I would think it brilliant, lovely, and wonderful. However, I read the book first (which I absolutely adored) so the story was set in my mind. The movie cut so many scenes that I thought were completely necessary to the plot, and added silly Hollywood scenes in their place. The film relegated major characters in the book (like Carlo Guerccio) to one or two lines in the film. In my opinion, this was a big mistake by the screen writers.

Cage and Cruz played their respective parts well in this film. Cage was funny and quirky like Corelli's character is described in the book, and Cruz honed in on Pelagia's quiet, reserved nature. Christian Bale looked surprisingly Greek in the movie, playing Pelagia's fiancé, Mandras. Although his character in the novel was the complete opposite in the filml, he played the part well. Dr. Iannis was intelligent, kind, and loving, and his character in the film translated the same way.

In conclusion, the movie is good and beautiful, but it pales in the light of the novel. Read the book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you think Zorba the Greek is a simple-minded homage to a manwith a zest for life, then you haven't seen the movie. Basil (Alan Bates),a reticent British writer, comes to the Mediterranean island of Crete torevive a mine his father owned. On the way, he meets a Greek roustaboutnamed Zorba (Anthony Quinn) and hires him to help, little suspecting thatZorba's exuberance will lead him to some dark and troublingplaces--frankly, if the last 30 minutes of Zorba the Greek arewhat it means to embrace life, some viewers will want to shut the door inlife's face. But there's no denying the movie's ambitious scope andimplacable force, even as it paints an alien and disturbing portrait oflife in a Greek village. On top of that, gorgeous cinematography and oneof the greatest film scores ever give this movie almost demonic energy.--Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (26)

A celebration of the human spirit, even if you are not Greek
Since I am leaving today for a trip to Greece I figured I should watch "Zorba the Greek" since this 1964 film is considered the quintessential "Greek" film. I have to admit my first reaction was to be glad I was not going to Crete, because the way the locals treated the beautiful widow (Irene Papas) and Madame Hortense (Lila Kedrova), the old prostitute, were outright horrific. But this is why people like us and young Basil (Alan Bates) need to meet up with somebody with a zest for life like Alexis Zorba (Anthony Quinn).

Basil is an Englishman of Greek extraction who goes to Crete to check out a mine he has inherited. Zorba attaches himself to Basil, ostensibly as a cook but clearly as a guide to the joys and tragedies of life. In terms of Quinn's performance the only thing you can really say is that before there was Robert Begnigni there was Zorba the Greek when it comes to Mediterranean men who provided inspirational madness. As Zorba tells Basil: "Dammit, boss, I like you too much not to say it. You've got everything except one thing. Madness! A man needs a little madness, or else...he never dares cut the rope and be free." +

When they arrive on Crete it becomes clear the mine is not going to pan out for anybody. They move in with Madame Hortense, who is wooed by Zorba, who insists Basil go after the beautiful local widow. After these tragedies all that is left is Zorba's plan for bringing trees down from the top of the mountain, an endeavor obviously equally doomed to failure. This is why in the end there is only one thing a man can do, and it is in this cathartic conclusion that any and all sins of this film are absolved.

"Zorba the Greek" is written and directed by Michael Cacoyannis, based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis. The film won three Academy Awards: Lila Kedrova for Best Supporting Actress, Best Art/Set Direction, and Best Cinematography. Quinn did not win the Oscar for what is clearly his most memorable role in a long and distinguished film career, but that is usually the case with actors and their greatest roles. Marlon Brando did not win for Stanley Kowalski and Quinn did not win for Alexis Zorba. What is a man to do in the face of such a fate but dance?

¿Will you teach me to dance?¿ .... plz
Basil, a young English writer of Greek ancestry, meets an older, free-spirited Greek peasant named Zorba on the island of Crete. While Zorba pursues a relationship with Madame Hortense, an aging French courtesan, the inhibited Basil summons up the courage to court a young widow. When Hortense comes down with pneumonia, the impoverished locals descend upon her like vultures, as she lies dying in Zorba's arms. Later, Basil inherits a mine, and he and Zorba plan to reopen it and use their earnings to help alleviate some of the area's poverty.

Winning seven Academy Awards, this classic black and white film also starred Irene Pappas and Lila Kedrova and was based upon the Nikos Kazantzakis novel.

Must see movie.... Excellent cinematographie!

Full Screen Idiocy
Why on earth are they releasing the DVD for this great film in Full Screen. Haven't people gotten used to wide screen yet? I don't want to see 65% of a film when the director meant me to see 100%. The company releasing this needs to have its head examined.

Foxy scam!!!!!
The note is for the studio who, not only doesn't show any respect for intellectual & artistic property, but, as well, is selling only half of this movie, since the original format is 2.35:1. The full screen being an added option is understandable; not proposing the original screen ratio is inexcusable, whatever the price.

From A Greek About A Greek
Definatly a great movie to watch, but it really portrays the backward Greece of several decades ago. The movie portrays Greeks in a somewhat harsh and distorted way, sometimes painting a very bad picture.

After reading many of the reviews it seems as if people still think the Greeks are wearing togas, worshipping the Gods and spending all day studying philosophy. This isn't the case, it hasn't been for over fifteen hundred years and if that is what you are expecting, then find out more about modern Greeks before watching this movie or you will be very surprised. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Alexander Ramati's The Assisi Underground
The story of Italian priests hiding Jews in the Chapel of St. Francis and Cloister of St. Clare should have been given better treatment than this poorly done film.

Slashed by almost an hour from its original release, Cross plays a young priest asked by Bishop James Mason to hide some Jews in the monastery and cloister at Assisi. He does, while making friends with thoughtful Nazi Maximilian Schell, as the town commandant. Jews are almost discovered, the war ends, everyone gets a little mention about what happened to them at the end of the film.

The film's pace here is dull. The film is nothing more than Nazi extras asking for identification papers and Cross looking like the cat that ate the canary. I half expected him to wink at the camera everytime a Nazi goose stepped into frame. Cross also often forgets his Italian accent. Mason's idea of an Italian accent is to add an "uh" syllable at the end of every word, such as "We-uh must-uh help-uh the-uh Jews-uh." Most of his speeches are completely devoid of understanding, I thought I was listening to pig latin.

The Jews here are not shown as victims so much as that they have been inconvenienced by World War II. They do not come across as stoic and bold, but spoiled and complaining. In one embarassing scene, Cross, loved by all Jews who meet him, does a magic trick, compliments a painting, and comforts Jews like he is the activities director at an adult day care facility.

Maximilian Schell comes off best as the Nazi officer torn between his obligation to the Third Reich and his upbringing as a Catholic. Not enough of his inner turmoil was explored.

The film also features a horrendous soundtrack that sounds like bits and pieces of other war films just thrown into the sound mix. There are a couple of battle scenes, one with obvious stock footage, but this is not good.

"The Assisi Underground" was made by the guys at the old Cannon Group studio, and that was the first mistake if you are familiar with their product. I cannot recommend this film.

This is rated (PG) for gun violence and mild profanity.

Great Movie About The Italian Resistance During World War 2
This is a great film about the Italian - Catholic resistance movement during the NAZI occuppation of Italy. Like its coutnerpart "The Scarlet and the Black" with Gregory Peck and John Gielguld, this movie features an excellent cast that includes Ben Cross and James Mason. When I first saw this movie on television I knew I had to have the video for my library and to share it with others. The others by the way, loved it, also calling it a great movie.

I thought it noteworthy that the movie points out that the Italian Resistance helped save all but 2 percent of Italy's Jews - just the opposite of what happened in all the other Nazi occupied countries. Since I have heard my people called cowards and turncoats all my life, this was especially welcomed.

The Assissi Underground
Although not filled with hi-tech footages and action packed scenarios, The Assisi Underground is based on a small group of Catholic monasteries and convents in Italy that forms an underground railroad that only rivals Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad of the 19th Century.

Ben Cross plays a young catholic priest who shows us through his eyes the struggle to keep Italian Jews at bay from the clutches of the Nazi regime that has infiltrated Italy. His ease and care of his charges is charming and thoughtfully played. The young priest finds a godsend through a colonel in the German army who is also a humanitarian, and in seeming unknowing ways helps the priest execute his mission.

Slow at times, this film integrates real WWII film and newspaper clippings to keep time with the events of WWII. Ben Cross's performance speaks multitudes of the anxiety and anticipation of the Third Reich's actions during its occupation of Italy.

History enthusiasts should find it intriguing. Although not filled with hi-tech footages and action packed scenarios, The Assissi Underground is based on a small group of Catholic monastaries and convents in Italy that forms an underground railroad that only rivals Harriet Tubman's Underground Railroad of the 19th Century.

Ben Cross plays a young catholic priest who shows us through his eyes the struggle to keep Italian Jews at bay from the clutches of the Nazi regime that has infiltrated Italy. His ease and care of his charges is charming and thoughtfully played. The young priest finds a god-send through a colonel in the German army who is also a humanitarian, and in unseemingly ways helps the priest excecute his mission.

Slow at times, this film integrates real WWII film and newspaper clippings to keep time with the events of WWII. Ben Cross's performance speaks multitudes of the anxiety and anticipation of the Third Reicht's actions during its occupation of Italy.

History enthusiasts should find it intriguing. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This rousing, explosive 1961 WWII adventure, based on Alistair MacLean's thrilling novel, turns the war thriller into a deadly caper film. Gregory Peck heads a star-studded cast charged with a near impossible mission: destroy a pair of German guns nestled in a protective cave on the strategic Mediterranean island of Navarone, from where they can control a vital sea passage. As world famous mountain climber turned British army Captain Mallory, Peck leads a guerrilla force composed of the humanistic explosives expert, Miller (David Niven), the ruthless Greek patriot with a grudge, Stavros (Anthony Quinn), veteran special forces soldier Brown (Stanley Baker), and the cool, quiet young marksman Pappadimos (James Darren). This disparate collection of classic types must overcome internal conflicts, enemy attacks, betrayal, and capture to complete their mission. Director J. Lee Thompson sets a driving pace for this exciting (if familiar) military operation, a succession of close calls, pitched battles, and last-minute escapes as our heroes infiltrate the garrisoned town with the help of resistance leader Maria (Irene Papas) and plot their entry into the heavily guarded mountain fort. Carl Foreman's screenplay embraces MacLean's role call of clichés and delivers them with style, creating one of the liveliest mixes of espionage, combat, and good old-fashioned military derring-do put on film. In 1978, the sequel Force 10 from Navarone was released, but MacLean fans will prefer to check out the action-packed thriller Where Eagles Dare. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (45)

One of the great war films of the 1960's
The Guns of Navarone is an excellent WWII adventure based on the novel by Alistair MacLean. It tells the story of Captain Keith Mallory and a team of expert saboteours who must destroy two radar controlled guns on the Mediterranean island of Navarone. If they do not succeed in their mission, 2,000 Allied troops on the island of Kheros will be killed unless they can be picked up before a German invasion. This movie is full of adventure as the team climbs a 400 foot cliff, battles German patrols all over the island, disputes among themselves, and so much more. This movie never slows down from beginning to end as the team tries to make their way into the small island fortress containing the guns. Boosted by an excellent Dimitri Tiomkin score similar to his score for The Alamo, this is a great movie with plenty of action and an excellent cast.

Gregory Peck stars as Captain Keith Mallory, who must lead the team on their mission. He is his usual good self in the role. David Niven and Anthony Quinn are both excellent as Corporal Miller, the logical explosives expert, and Colonel Andrea Stavros, a Greek guerilla fighter who has a past with Mallory. The rest of the team includes Anthony Quayle as Major Franklin, Stanley Baker as Brown, the expert with machines and knives, James Darren as Papadimos, the ruthless killer, and Irene Pappas and Gia Scala as two underground fighters on the island. James Robertson Justice and Robert Harris also make brief, but very effective, appearances early in the movie. The special edition DVD includes production notes, widescreen presentation, theatrical trailers, a documentary, commentary, and several featurettes. This is an excellent WWII adventure with great action and a perfect cast. If you like the movie, check out the novel by Alistair MacLean. Don't miss The Guns of Navarone!

Great Guns...
The Guns Of Navarone is a classic WW II adventure story. Based on the novel by Alistair MacLean, the story follows the adventures of a group of Allied commandos on a mission to destroy a pair of Nazi cannons emplaced into the side of a cliff, on the Greek island of Navarone. The long and winding tale would be the first of MacLean's many novels to reach the screen, and remains one of the better adaptations of his works.

After an air strike fails to destroy the guns, it is decided that an undercover attempt to destroy them will proceed. The team is headed by Major Mallory (Gregory Peck) a renowned mountaineer. The rest of the group includes, Colonel Andrea Stavros (Anthony Quinn), explosives expert Corporal Miller (David Niven), Major Franklin (Anthony Quale), Pvt. Pappadimos (James Darin) and Pvt. "Butcher" Brown (Stanley Baker). The first leg of their journey is by sea into dangerous waters patrolled by the Germans. The group barely manages to get ashore on Navarone, before their boat is broken on the island's rocky shore. Their next step is to scale a sheer cliff, at night and in a driving rain. Somehow, they make it to the top, but not without casualties, as Franklin suffers a broken leg on the climb. From there, the group treks through the mountains with the wounded man, pursued by the Germans. They make contact with two members of the local resistance, Maria (Irene Papas) and Anna (Gia Scala), and proceed to the town of Mandrakos where they are captured. Escaping from the Germans, and now dressed in German uniforms, the group arrives in the town of Navarone, and prepares for their ultimate challenge, the destruction of the guns. It's no easy task, and the group is badly shaken by internal problems. With new resolve, they forge on taking the story to its explosive climax.

For screen adventure in classic tradition, don't miss this one. For the time, this was the height of action and adventure filmmaking. Now, over 40 years old, you may not believe that this film won an Oscar for best special effects. The transfer to DVD of the restored print is excellent for a film of this age. Extras include an informative documentary as well as some behind the scenes featurettes shot during the making of the film. They add to the enjoyment and appreciation of this war epic. Director J. Lee Thompson's commentary track, is sporadic and delivered in a halting speaking style, which may be a bit slow for some. Bear in mind that Mr. Thompson was probably about 85 years old at the time, recalling events that happened 40 years before.

Gregory Peck leads the way!
This was one of the first war movies I ever saw & even after watching modern masterpieces like Saving Private Ryan this is still one of my very favorites. This classic WW2 flick has it all: suspense, awesome & believable characters, great action (of course!), humor, & even romance. The three main stars are Gregory Peck, David Niven, & Anthony Quinn. Peck is perfectly cast as the leader of the group of commandos, & I've always thought he was great playing officers in war films (Pork Chop Hill, MacArthur, Twelve O'Clock High, etc.). Niven is both fun & annoying as the uptight Brit who constantly challenges Peck's authority. Quinn is a real treat as a deadly Greek who holds a grudge against Peck for a past "incident". This movie has many unforgettable scenes: Quinn taking on an advancing German column of troops with his sniper rifle, the confrontation with the traitor, & the incredible climax. I agree with other reviewers that they don't make 'em like this anymore! Whether you love war movies or are new to the genre, this is a definite must!

Amazing Barrage & Fast-Paced Stories Within A Story
I remember first seeing The Guns of Navarone when I when I was about 10 years old. I was totally enraptured from word-go. It is still one of my favourite films. The action is non-stop. We learn about all of the key players; finding out that, even though they are on the same side, they have deeper conflicts between/amongst themselves - more so than with the common enemy. Eventually, they are forced to drop their differences and unite to destroy one of the most threatening weapons against the Allied Forces: The Guns of Navarone. High-tech (for that era) guns invented by the Germans. Not only do you find conflicts within this team of saboteurs, you find friendships that form among them as well. Even though this film isn't true to the book, by Alistair MacLean, it is still excellent none-the-less. I find it rather difficult to give details of an almost 3-hour epic, without giving away too much information; I want the viewers to be caught up with this stories-within-a-story, as I was. The elements of surprise are truly stunning. I also experienced that my watching The Guns of Navarone several times, I see and/or hear new things that I missed before. The details are subtle as well as obvious. An all-star cast of Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn, Stanley Baker, Anthony Quayle, James Darren, Irene Papas, Gia Scala, James Robertson Justice, and Richard Harris. The music by Dimitri Tiomkin is wonderful. It's well worth having. This VHS tape is not only wide-screen, but it also has a series of short documentaries of restoration, the film itself, and theatrical trailer. I highly recommend this.

Intriguing war movie
Action filled war movie, great story, great cast. Concerns a commando team small enough to allow growth of character for most of the members, but large enough to have a few killed off, adding to the intrigue. Plenty of unexpected turns to maintain the interest, even though the viewer assumes from the beginning that the "objective" will be attained. Unexpected romance ads spice to the dish. The "effects", great for 1961, are still sufficient to carry the story.

Great performances by Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn. James Darren of music and surfer movie fame does an especially good job in an action role. ... Read more

Reviews (156)

Wow, what a EXTRAORDINARY movie!!
I have just finished watching the movie, The Odyssey. It was good in many different ways. It had a lot of actors in it and many of them played their part very well. My favorite character would have to be Penelope (Greta Scacchi). She had a hard time handling the fact that her husband, Odysseus (Armand Assante), was gone at war and may never return home. The fact that her husband left right after their son was born was upsetting as well. She made a promise to her husband that when their son grew into a man, she would have to choose a new husband. After the Trojan War ended, Odysseus yelled to the gods that he didn't need their help after all, when he actually did use their help. The god of the sea, Poseidon, heard him and put a curse on him that he couldn't go home to Ithaca. Odysseus went through many extraordinary adventures and many didn't creatures while trying to get home. One of these strange creatures was Cyclops, Poseidon's brother. Cyclops (Reid Asato) is a giant with one huge eye in the middle of his forehead that loves to eat humans. Odysseus and his men floated down to the island where Cyclops lived and Cyclops asked Odysseus what his name was and Odysseus said that it was nobody. While Odysseus and his men were there with the Cyclops they gave him the gift that they had brought, which was wine. After some cups, Cyclops started to lay down and fall asleep. Once they thought that he was asleep, they took a large stake and jammed it into the Cyclops' eye. The Cyclops immediately jumped up and started to run around yelling, Nobody hurt my eye. The men escaped quickly, but the Cyclops ate the fiddler. The men that were left, left the island and floated along some more for many more adventures. In conclusion, I thought that this movie was great! It used a lot of facts from the epics by Homer.

Movie Review for THE ODYSSEY By Phil
THE ODYSSEY is based in the book THE ODYSSEY by Homer. It tells the exciting tale of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, who, on the day of his son's birth, was called to fight in the Trojan War. However, the movie is not about Odysseus fighting in the Trojan War. The real plot begins when Odysseus begins his journey home after the war. As the war ended, Odysseus happened to anger a very vengeful god named Poseidon, who is the god of the sea. Poseidon decided to make Odysseus' journey home as miserable as possible. Now Odysseus must make it home to Ithaca while avoiding Poseidon's wrath. During his long, hard journey, Odysseus and his crew encounter many strange creatures. Some creatures are friendly and try to help Odysseus and his men. Others are not friendly and try to destroy Odysseus and prevent him from reaching Ithaca. Here are some of the main characters: Odysseus:The mighty king of Ithaca and main character of the story.(Armand Assante) Penelope:Odysseus' beloved wife who waits patiently for his return.(Greta Scacchi) Athena:Odysseus' guardian god who guides him in times of need and gives him helpful advice.(Isabella Rosselini) Circe:Odysseus was unlucky to run into this woman. After someone drinks her magical honey wine, she turns them into swine.(Bernadette Peters) Calypso:Another unfourtunate accident of Odysseus' was running into Calypso. She kept him on her island for two whole years!(Vanessa Williams)

THE ODYSSEY has a very strong visual impact on the audience that watches it. It is full of action and suspense and the special effects are amazing, especially the scene where Poseidon was speaking to Odysseus through the waves. Also, the acting and costumes were realistic. The actors talked and wore clothes that were worn in that time. The soundtrack is also realistic to that time, The music on the soundtrack is mostly old Greek music.

Overall, I give THE ODYSSEY five stars.

Best Odysseus I've Seen
Armand Asante does an excellent job as Odysseus. As with all movies, there will be some significant differences from the original Homer. After having seen the recent release of Troy, I'd have to say The Odyssey is a better movie. If you prefer to watch a movie that remains faithful to the original classic with good casting/acting, this is for you. If you want cool special effects and big name stars in a story that is loosly based on a classic tale...then see Troy.

Still compelling after 3000 years.
Homer would have endorsed this rendering of his tale. Full of wonderful special effects, gorgeous Mediterranean vistas, and gods and goddesses who look their parts, this movie is still driven by personalities. The casting was brilliant: Armand Asante is all that one could wish in an Odysseus -- engaging, passionate, mature, heroic in every dimension. Isabella Rosellini and Greta Saachi are perfect in their roles as Athena and Penelope, respectively. Telemachus is a classical adolescent only child, and Antichea, Odysseus's mother, dominates each of her scenes. While this production is eye-candy from beginning to end, the visual appeal cannot distract from the timeless humanity of its characters. There is a reason that Homer's story still reaches us after 3000 years, and this telling does justice to its ancient material.

A great story
In my English class, on the last weeks of school, our teacher said she wanted us to watch a movie that will be educating for years to come and pulled out The Odyssey. At first the whole class seemed dull by the ideal of the movie but from the beginning, we were stuck.

The story has an amazing plot, and the actors are pretty good. Some of the special effects were kind of lame but that wasn't the movies fault, it was their budget. This is really good for a TV miniseries.

From the spooky lair of Syclla to the amazing Island of Ithaca, this movie really portrays the story well. It's very enjoyable, and I'm going to have to order the movie to keep! ... Read more

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