Reviews (342)

Great Original Movie (and VHS); POOR DVD
Re-release of a previous review so those who read nearby reviews NOTE the difference between VHS (excellent) and DVD (POOR): Waited in great anticipation for the DVD release of this one. The Last of the Mohicans is a great movie enhanced with terrific music. The VHS widescreen version in THX is a wonderful piece of entertainment. Unfortunately, this Director's Expanded Edition has destroyed the flow and continuity of the original. In Director Michael Mann's attempt to supply us with his "definitive vision of the film" via his own editing, he has ignored the professional editors and provided us with a substandard version of what was a fine film. Several of the added clips have no musical sound track at all and come across as painfully awkward - making the viewer fully aware he/she is watching actors in front of a camera rather than immersing us in the action. There is even a series of scenes in the original (and VHS) that has a vocal music piece overlaid that has been completely omitted from the DVD. All in all, I was very disappointed in the DVD after having distinctive and memorable images etched in my mind from the original theater and VHS releases.

Enchanting!
I just recently viewed the movie for the first time during my U.S History class. Since then I have watched the movie five times in as many days. The movie is historically accurate for the most part when dealing with the war itself. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful and the music chosen was neutral for the time period and accented the major events of the movie. The ability of the movie to convey the wordless love between Uncas(Eric Schweig) and Alice(Jodhi May) was absolutely amazing. The cast was well chosen, even if Madeleine Stowe(Cora Munro) had an on-again-off-again accent. Wes Studi(Magua) played the avenging Huron to perfection creating understanding of his wishes to kill Munro, but yet a frightful savage. As for Daniel Day-Lewis(Hawkeye) I don't feel I can say anything that hasn't been said before. The scene I found the most emotional was during the fight between Magua and Uncas, and then when Alice is making her decision. Great acting, historical accuracy, a wonderful soundtrack and breathtaking scenery made this movie overly enjoyable and emotional. I recommend it to most people, however those who have no desire to try and understand the history behind the movie or the subtle pieces that are expected to be picked up on probably shouldn't watch this movie. Also if you expect an exact replica of the book you won't find it in this movie. END

good but could have been better
My biggest complaint with this movie is that story was changed and not for the better. In the original novel, Cora(played by Madeline Stowe) was in love with Uncas(who is the last of the Mohican tribe) and Hawkeye was just some old guide, along for the ride. Also Cora's sister Alice is in love with Duncan, the English officer. In this movie there is a major turnaround. There is a love triangle-Duncan is in love with Cora who is in love with Hawkeye, who is young and attractive, and Alice has feelings for Uncas(and there is no character development for either one of them). I think perhaps the producers had a problem with an interracial angle although in this day and age you'd think Hollywood has gotten over it. I guess not. None the less, I liked the film-the story was still compelling enough, battle scenes were impressive and I loved the soundtrack(I own it, as a matter of fact).

Fabulous
The movie has the same title as James Fenimore Cooper's novel, but about the only elements that are the same would be the French and Indian War setting and the names of the characters. But don't be disappointed! This is one gripping movie.
There are many, many powerful scenes.

An Absolute Best!!
This is a wonderful movie, and I can't say enough about it.

I first seen this movie when I was in high school. I remember my boyfriend forcing me to see this film. I complained during the whole ride to the theater. But, after the first ten minutes I was hooked like a fish.

The haunting, visual landscapes are breathtaking, Daniel Day-Lewis is wonderful, and the secondary characters are very good. Essentially, this is a story of change. The Last Mohican represents a changing of lives and cultures. Additionally, the story of the French-Indian war is moving.

I cannot list a full synopsis of the movie because there are so many different back stories and themes. There is love, intrigue, deciet, family values, war, and death...and all of it is rolled into one.

Everything about this movie is fantastic and very moving. You need to see it for yourself to see what I am talking about. Or, you can listen to the some of the reviewer's recommendations that say this movie is boring and long.

I won't kid you there is some slow points, but this isn't an all out action flick.

Ultimately, this movie is for people who love real, moving movies. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of Ridley Scott's most wrong-headed films, this one (like all of his movies) looks fabulous and sounds utterly ridiculous, almost from the beginning. His first mistake was casting the wonderful Gerard Depardieu as Columbus and forcing him to speak English, which Depardieu does with decided difficulty. After spending way too much time on the ocean with Columbus's three ships (you kind of wish they would sail over the edge of the world), they arrive in the West Indies, only to turn around and sail back. The rest of the film deals with the not particularly comprehensible politics of Columbus's venture, which leads to the violent slaughter of trusting natives by a band of cardboard villains. Depardieu, who radiates sympathy, looks like he's at sea with this material. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (89)

great cinema!
Ridley Scott directed this incredible motion picture about the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Not only is the film about his voyages but it also works quite well as a character study about Columbus. The Columbus depicted here is full of kindess,passion and warmth. He also can be a little selfish,arrogant and at times sarcastic during this film. Gerard Depardieu plays Columbus and he does a great job portraying him. I don't have a problem with him being from France. Afterall Columbus was European and so is Depardieu. The supporting cast is zestful with some excellent performances. Armand Assante was good playing Sanchez. So was Michael Wincott who played the evil Moxica. Also the score for this film was done by New-Age musician Vangelis. And his score is remarkable. Both the movie and the soundtrack go hand in hand. But this film is an acquired taste. Some might be turned off by it's subject matter. And some might be lured in by it. If Columbus interests you and you like films that look and sound good. This is the one you've been waiting for. The rest is common sense.

Stunning film, historically accurate
This is a must-see cinematic landmark of the 90's. There will NEVER be another Columbus movie to top this one. Gerard Depardieu is perfect as Columbus, his French accent helps illustrate the man's foreigner-out-of-placeness in mediaeval Spain. Depardieu's portrayal is very deep and thought-provoking, his eyes say it all. Every word is full of meaning, there is a sad sincerity to Columbus' character here; his intentions in the New World were beautiful, however, due to peer-pressure in the Spanish courts, he is too weak to stop the Conquistadors from marauding this fragile Paradise. Depardieu's character really shows how much Columbus was more of an explorer than a governor, but never got around to fulfilling his dreams due to his short-sightedness and stubborn disposition in relation to the Spanish nobles and those in power. The film is extraordinarily accurate in historical details, from the setting in the time of the harsh Inquisition, the costumes, and the characters in the film. Sanchez (Armand Assante), to history known as Gabriel Sanchez, grand treasurer of the crown of Aragon, was instrumental in convincing Queen Isabella (Sigourney Weaver) to finance the quest. Columbus actually sent him the very first account of his First Voyage to the West Indies on the way back home. Pinzon (Tcheky Karyo) was also the captain of the Pinta, as depicted in the film, and his ties to Santangel in the film are accurate (due to a debt he owed to the Crown through which Santangel was the financial mediator). The role of Adrian de Moxica (portrayed by Michael Wincott in grand form), Columbus' political nemesis during most of the movie on the island of Hispaniola, was also accurate. This movie's cinematography and the wonderful soundtrack by Vangelis are gorgeous and haunting, frightening at times. This is a great film, and ranks with "Blade Runner", "Alien", "Thelma&Louise", and "Gladiator" as Ridley Scott's best. Go to your local video shop and rent it right now.

Stunning!!
This movie is incredible! The score by Vangelis is
breathtaking. I can't believe this has not been
released on dvd. One of Ridley's best!!!!

Realistc or Idealistc Conquest?
We could clearly see that there were many occurrences that the writers left out in Conquest of Paradise. Here, we see an idealistic version of what occurred after Christopher Columbus discovered the New world. The writers produced a cross-word puzzle that, us, the viewers were able to put together before the climax of the movie developed with intensity. I enjoyed the money greatly, yet I was expecting to se the other side of the Conquest, the horrible side. I wanted the rest of the audience to understand that the results of the conquest was not as pleasant as we have told our children. In Conquest of Paradise Gérard Depadieu is portrayed as a hero, or so we are led to think, yet we don't have a chance to see the other version of the story. I was expecting to see how the indigenous culture basically came to be extinct; how their religion was disregarded and Christianity was implemented. We don't see this in this movie; we only see one side of the dilemma.

Ridley Scott's best film
Ridley Scott, best known for such films as Gladiator and Black Hawk Down, is well-known for creating movies that are visually stunning. A trained graphic artist, Scott has an understanding of composition, color, and lighting that few other directors come close to mastering. What Spielberg does for pacing and narration of stories that can be followed by all, Scott does for visual magic. And 1492 is arguably Scott's best work.

Unfortunately, this movie did not receive the popular nor critical attention that it so rightly deserved. There are many possible reasons for this: at the time it was introduced (1992) there was another Columbus film that was really bad. I'm sure many of the negative reviews of that film didn't help ticket sales for this one. Secondly, the political correctness of the time had cast Columbus into an unfortunately negative image. The Columbus in this movie is neither the hero nor the villian extremists wish to make him out to be, so the film does tend to alienate both extremes in its attempt to portray Columbus as that one kind of historical figure many people seem to have a problem with: a human being.

The film itself does have its flaws. The script is a little awkward, as is the pacing. But on the visual and technical side, this is a film that powerfully transports the viewer to that time. Every scene seems obsessed over. The costumes, the position of the sun, the light, even the food. You can feel the cold, the heat, the dust.

Even the music is wonderful. Most of it is electronic based, composed by Vangelis who is best known for his theme to the movie Chariots of Fire. Some have complained this is a bad mismatch, as electronic music wasn't around in Columbus' era. However, neither were contemporary orchestras that drive the scores to many historical movies. While at first unusual the soundtrack for this movie is a perfect fit, serving to powerfully infuse Scott's brilliant visual composition with just the right emotional vibration.

Gerard Depardieu would not have been my first choice for this role, but his performance is certainly very impressive. While it's not the Columbus I was expecting, it is a wonderfully human performance. Many have griped about Depardieu's accent, claiming he's difficult to understand and feeling it's not sufficiently Italian. However, keep in mind that Columbus was from Genoa (and remember where that is). As all of the Spanish characters are speaking English in this film, Depardieu's French accent stands out from everyone else in the same way that Columbus' accent most likely stood out from his Spanish companions 500 years ago. What some people seem rather bothered by I actually found rather fitting.

So what do we have here? A movie that's visually stunning and a technical masterpiece, but a little awkward in the script. If you've been impressed by the visual aspects of other Ridley Scott films, notably Legend, Blade Runner, and Black Hawk Down, be sure to see this. Put aside your prejudices, forget historical authenticity, and simply enjoy one of the most visually impressive films available.

(I was originally going to give this movie 4 stars in recognition that it does have some flaws. However, the visual qualities of the film so make up for the shortcomings that I had to move it up to 5.) ... Read more

Reviews (519)

The most fun movie ever made about serial decapitation.
Visually stunning, deliciously creepy and loads of fun, Tim Burton and Andrew Kevin Walker's adaptation of "Sleepy Hollow" is a spooky treat. Squeamish detective Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate a strange, gruesome series of murders. There, he must pit his scientific methods and cool rationalism against a foe who may not be of this earth.

Burton seems to be having the time of his life amid the gloomy, fog-shrouded forests of Sleepy Hollow; his trademark giddy weirdness is benefitted here by absolutely breathtaking cinematography and production design. Christina Ricci, usually a spirited actress, seems a little out of it as Katrina Von Tassel (perhaps her corset was too tight?) Johnny Depp delightfully plays against type as a sissy-boy hero who faints at spiders, backed up well by Marc Pickering as his plucky sidekick. The Horseman is also great fun as a villain. Headless, he's played by Ray Park with the same vicious swagger Park gave Darth Maul. Christopher Walken, playing the headed version, sports a white fright wig and teeth you've got to see to believe. Watch also for great cameos by the likes of Martin Landau and ex-Dracula Christopher Lee.

The action is spirited, the atmosphere creepy and absorbing. The graphic gore is mostly over-the-top silly, but is also treated with sensitivity and restraint when it needs to be. If you're looking for a fun action movie with atmosphere and eye candy to spare, "Sleepy Hollow" should be your destination.

Tim Burton's finest
It's been a long time since Tim Burton has actually directed a film that was successful, with disasterous hits like Mars Attacks! and Ed Wood, I was suprised that Paramount would let him make a production with such a huge budget. Sleepy Hollow is an extremely well made film, the set pieces are hauntingly beautiful, good special effects, a film score by Danny Elfman, and a long list of first rate actors. It's one of those movies that takes you on an adventure(something that I havent experienced in a while, going to the movies)This is a very uncommon film; Extremely inventive, a work of art, and also has a good story. Johnny Depp plays a variation on Ichabod Crane, Christina Ricci plays young Katrina Van Tassel, along with Christopher Walken, Christopher Lee, Miranda Richardson, Ian McDiarmid, and Casper Van Dein. It has splashes of violence, dark humour, gore, drama, and suspence. What more can you ask in a film? Buy this movie and you wont be dissapointed. It's rated R for gore and a scene of sexuality, but nothing that should frighten the kids, I personally think it should have received a PG-13 rating due to the absence of profanity, nudity, or drug content. Besides it is a classic novel by Irving Washington this is an American Folk Tale that I think shouldn't of been taped with an R rating (such a harsh rating for a movie based on a fairy tale). It is rated PG-14 in canada though so dont let your teenagers miss out on this one.

another good film by tim burton.but it has NO child like sid
you know the drill on this one i hope.the story is way off,but the movie is quite good anyway.johnny depp is the star,ichabod crane.this is his best movie.the kids will get scared.this is timburtons only horror film and all others are kid-friendly.i think it is the best of many,many versions of this story including one by disney.a lot of people say they dont like it due to its inconsistencies with the book and that they just werent scared.i say ive never seen a film a hundred percent like the book and why would you want to be scared?entertainment is the idea not fright.if you go to church,youll want to skip this one also.demons,murder,witch craft etc.if the lights are off and your surround sound is blasting,this sounds incredible.a witch and a preacher type get busy but no nudity.johnny depp doesnt deserve any awards but this is the best movie he happens to be in.people give this movie a bad rap for a lot of stupid reasons.the real deal is its good.ive never seen a bad tim burton film yet and ive seen almost all of them.

A Classic Take On a Classic Tale
In the trend of other Tim Burton films, the complextion of the film is creamy, and satisfying. It tells the common veiwer about Sleepy Hollow, yet puts new tantalizing details in the middle of well known scenes. It finally answers the reader of Washington Irving's book where this terror came from, and why it hunts and why it is indeed "headless". The cast is believable, yet the only weak point is Christina Ricci, who seems to be trying to hard to pull off her role. The cinematography is brilliant, something only Tim could do. It becomes dark at the right moments, and is bright and sugar-sweet when it tells the back story of Johnny Depp's mother, and once again is dark as it learns her fate. This film is not only wonderfully thrilling, but comedic in points where you would think it couldn't. Shall I say, they involve blood squirting, staining, spraying and squirting some more. Johnny Depp is a wonderful pick for this movie, as he gives us exactly what we want from anyone playing Ichabod Crane, plus a little bit more. Have fun, yet do not laugh for too long, or it will surprise with it's random and scary turns.

Sleepy Hollow Is a Genuine Fright-Fest
Tim Burton's films, often praised for the intensity of their mood, bring with them a glimpse of the darker side of the human psyche. His characters are often dis-jointed, dark, but at their core, always human. Often, his films are as centrally located around an individual, quite often the title role of the story....such examples include the title characters of films like "Edward Scissorhands, Jack Skellington of "A Nightmare Before Christmas", and Bruce Wayne in "Batman". It is his central character that the story seems to evolve around, and it is often seen from that perspective, providing the audience a narrative thread that they can relate to throughout the film. The same is true of "Sleepy Hollow".

Loosely based on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving, Burton's "Hollow" is seen from the perspective of Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp (formerly seen in Burton's "Edward Scissorhands")), a New York detective/criminal investigator who is sent to the farming community of Sleepy Hollow to investigate the decapitations of several of the local townsfolk.

Burton weaves elements of the original "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" into his story, while creating backstory to further develop all the characters, from the families in Sleepy Hollow, to Ichabod Crane, even to the Horseman himself, centralizing the narrative of this story around Crane's investigation into the murders. While in Sleepy Hollow, Crane quickly learns of a conspiracy that seems to exist amongst the principals of the townfolk. With the aid of Young Masbeth (Marc Pickering), whose father was murdered by the Horseman, and Katrina Anne Van Tassel (Christina Ricci), Depp's love interest and daughter of the town's acting governor, Crane's investigation quickly leads him on a hunt that will take them to the very heart of evil, as they learn the fate of the Horseman, a Hessian Mercenary sent to fight in the American Revolution before falling to the sword when betrayed by two mysterious little girls many years before.

Filled with rich imagery, lavishly created special effects, and plenty of genuine frights, "Sleepy Hollow" promises to bring thrills, chills, and plenty of scares. Moreover, though, the story uses horror to aid the story, not replace it. Unlike so many horror movies released in the past ten years, Hollow does not rely on gore to create thrills, but instead, (as with most of Burton's work), it uses subtle mood, growing tension and human vulnerability to really bring the story home in a way that is both terrifying and immensely engaging.

Rated R for violence, gore and brief sexuality, this is not a film for the young. However, for anyone looking for a good scare with a great story, this is the film for you. (NOTE: This film is a departure from the original story by Irving.) ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Christopher Hampton's Carrington
A young female artist falls in love with a known homosexual and the two spend their remaining years in each other's lives. No, this is not a romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts, but "Carrington" is an emotional drama that is a triumph for Emma Thompson and Jonathan Pryce, and less than perfect for writer/director Christopher Hampton.

The film is good. It takes place in the years 1914-1932 in England. Thompson is Dora Carrington, a troubled artist who falls for homosexual writer Lytton Strachey, played by Pryce. Strachey is a bit of a dramatic, suffering from "old age" and other infirmities, although he would be considered a young man. Strachey is first attracted to Carrington, thinking she is a young boy thanks to her pageboy haircut and lack of makeup.

The two fall in love the only way they can: unphysically. They share a bed, but have no real sexual relationship and pursue the kind of physical love they cannot find with each other. Virigin Carrington falls for an angry artist who cannot understand their four year relationship with no sex. She is simply not attracted to his body, but gives in anyway, finding she does not enjoy sex anyway. She breaks it off with him, using her impending cohabitation with Strachey as a reason. She then brings home uptight army soldier Ralph, played by Steven Waddington. He is a man's man who does not understand all these artists and conscientious objectors (to WWI), but beds Carrington and, the film implies, Strachey. Ralph and Carrington marry and Ralph brings home friend Gerald for Strachey to "get to know." Gerald then suddenly falls in love with Carrington. The two have an affair. Strachey finds and loves a younger man named Roger, and Carrington dumps Gerald, later finding a guy with a boat who really likes his sex on the high seas. Ironically, he is not sexually attracted to Carrington, the very reason she broke up with the angry young artist. Strachey and Carrington end up back together in their strange living arrangement, and both meet their fates.

Thompson and Pryce are so good here it hurts. The main problem I had was with Hampton's choice of subject matter. He based the film on a book about Strachey, titled the film after Carrington, and I kept noticing a real lack of focus as to the film's main character. Hampton also writes Strachey like he is a poor man's Oscar Wilde, coming up with pithy sayings in between heartbreaks. Carrington comes across as flighty and confused, but we do not see how disturbed she is until after Strachey's death, and Hampton could have elaborated on that a little more. More scenes about Carrington and Strachey's work might have helped as well. The two hour movie feels like compressed images from a long running soap opera. Why should the viewer care so much about these characters?

Hampton the director is wonderful. In one scene, Carrington sits on a stump and, through a giant bank of windows, watches her husband and his live in mistress, Carrington's own new lover, and Strachey and Roger, all getting ready for bed. Hampton keeps the scene sad without becoming voyeuristic, as Carrington seems to be silently questioning all these men who have brought her to this place in time. Carrington's death is also handled tactfully.

I would recommend "Carrington," but with the reservations about the script. I definitely would recommend it on the performances alone, if nothing else.

This is rated (R) for mild physical violence, mild gun violence, profanity, some female nudity, brief male nudity, strong sexual content, strong sexual references, and adult situations.

Jonathan Pryce - never better
If you care at all about great acting, you must see this film. The story of Lytton Strachey and Dora Carrington, two characters you will never forget, will stand as one of the great love affairs of the last century. That their's was not a sexual affair, only serves to expand our understanding of what love is and can be. Emma Thompson equals or betters all of her previous film work, while Jonathan Pryce is a revelation as the openly gay Strachey. If you are a fan of Merchant/Ivory, or Terence Davies, or Marleen Gorris, you will love this handsomely crafted film biography.

Loyalty, devotion, and respect personified...
Carrington, a female painter, falls in love with the gay author Lytton Strachey, and together they create a relationship without boundaries. This boundless love leads Carrington into several love affairs with other men, but it does not wreck Carrington and Lytton's strong affection for one another. Unconditionally Carrington displays her devotion and respect for Lytton who is reciprocal in his loyalty to their relationship. However, the other men in Carrington's life are not as understanding as Lytton as they demand something in return for their love for Carrington. It is these demands that prevent Carrington from developing her other relationships as she has done with Lytton. Carrington is a fabulous narrative of Dora Carrington's life as it displays her life along with her strengths, which offers a good cinematic experience.

Pity about the Nyman soundtrack
Here is a competent film which focuses on the unusual Bloomsbury relationship between Carrington and Strachey between the Great war and 1932.
The two principals are exceptionally fine, especially Pryce as Strachey whose movement, mannerisms and acerbic gentleness establish wonderfully this memorable eccentric. Several supporting roles are capably done.
Unfortunately I found the film seriously undermined by Michael Nyman's music, which is obtrusive, jagged and insistently repetitive. On three occasions it makes way for the supremely beautiful slow movement of the Schubert string quintet, but the aural abuse returns each time, including during the credits.

music

Definitely a Contender
This film is definitely a contender for the worst film of all time. At the very least its in the top ten. Emma Thompson is a fine actress, perhaps one of the best of her generation, but even she can't make Dora Carrington interesting. Similarly to the much under-rated Jennifer Jason Leigh failed to ignite Dorothy Parker and the Vicious Circle, Thompson just can't make this film take off. Ultimately it is a film about the private lives of two boring, self-absorbed artists. There isn't much for the audience here and even a patient viewer won't be rewarded by the acting. Fine acting without a story is a bit like wine without a bottle. Ultimately just a waste. I gave it one star, and I think that's fair, after all it did have one star: Emma Thompson. Pity she wasn't given any real dramatic material to shine with. ... Read more

Description

This suspenseful psychological thriller features hot young stars Thora Birch (GHOST WORLD, AMERICAN BEAUTY), Desmond Harrington (GHOST SHIP), and a hip, edgy cast!When Liz Dunn (Birch) and three of her prep school friends decide to bail on their scheduled weekend field trip and hide in a long-abandoned bomb shelter, they expect to party and hang out.They don't expect someone to lock them in!As anxious hours turn into desperate days, fear and insecurity erupt uncontrollably as their spontaneous adventure turns into a bloody fight for survival!Also starring Keira Knightley (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM) and Embeth Davidtz (THE EMPEROR'S CLUB, BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY) -- you'll find yourself bolted to your seat as the electrifying tale unfolds through Liz's tormented eyes! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

suspenseful thriller
Thora Birch leads this able cast in her portrayal of a young, twisted romantic teenager willing to kill for love. I thought the movie was paced perfectly and shot with just the right amount of tension and suspense. Nick Hamm did a brilliant job with all of the actors and Kiera Knightley's first film is a definite must see.

It's a GREAT movie
This is a really neat, dark movie. The acting is great as well as the makeup. The cinematography is sooooooo amazing. It creates an atmosphere that has yet to be matched in cinema today...alright maybe not but it's is still pretty spiffy. The twists and turns are fun and the scenes between the teenagers are interesting to watch as you laugh and cry and become terrified. As I said before, the acting is great. Thora Birch is one of the brightest stars right now and this movie doesn't take anything away from her resume. Keira Knightly is gorgeous and this is a fairly shallow role for her but it got her noticed.
It's a complex plot, with three or four sides of the story leaving the audience to decide for themselves before their own theories are blown out of the water. I'd highly recommend this if you are a fan of, especially Thora Birch, any of the cast members or if you like psychological thrillers that are geared towards a younger audience. It's slick and fun.

An interesting mystery thriller
The movie begins with Thora Birch's Liz wandering around looking a bit of a mess after apparently surviving something unpleasant until she is able to find a 'phone and call for help. Something unpleasant turns out to be an illicit party that went badly wrong when she and three classmates from her expensive private school found a hideaway in an old abandoned underground bomb shelter in which to hang out and misbehave and from which they were then unable to escape. Help when it arrives comes in the form of lots and lots of cops, the disappearance of these four kids having meanwhile occasioned a large measure of official anxiety. In particular it consists in Embeth Davidtz's Philippa, a police shrink whose job is to debrief Liz and figure out what happened. Eventually she succeeds in eliciting from Liz a version of events but she's clearly immediately aware that it's some sort of fantasy and what really happened had to be far far nastier. As indeed we discover...

This is quite a nice little thriller. It's extremely well acted by everyone concerned especially by Birch, Laurence Fox, Kiera Knightley and Desmond Harrington as the four kids who find themselves incarcerated. And it's genuinely disturbing both in the horrific events that unfold in flashback and in its picture of the sheer awfulness of the social world of the upper forms of an extremely posh school and the frightening capacity of obsessive romantic love to becomes twisted into something dangerously close to madness. The best bits are those that deal with what happens before and during the children's ordeal in the "hole". The parts that deal with the aftermath as Liz is debriefed and then confronted with the classmate she has incriminated are less convincing and less powerful and the ending doesn't really work. Well worth a look, though some scenes call for a strong stomach.

zero star
What a sick sick sick movie, couldn't sleep after I watch it, super demonic man!

A OK movie
This movie was very good and it had a good storyline but they should have taken out all the swearing and some nudity. But in all, it was a good movie. ... Read more

Description

Casper Van Dien plays the fearless Lord of the Apes in this action-packed adventure crammed with exotic locales, amazing animals, bold exploits and special effects.Year: 1998Director: Carl Schenkel Starring: Casper Van Dien, Jane March ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A MUST for all Burroughs fans!
This is what Disney's version should have been. As well as those dreadful Weismuller movies. What a relief to see a movie Tarzan who actually speaks in complete sentences! And it was written and produced by people who actually READ the original novels. Casper Van Damme was the best Tarzan I've seen on screen, he actually made me believe him as a jungle man who had a taste of civilization. I always hated the old movies that made Tarzan look like an idiot who couldn't even talk. I also appreciated the absence of Boy and Cheetah. (no Terk either) The effects were stunning as well. Tarzan actually swang through the trees without all that silly vine nonsense. Good pulp entertainment done in the spirit of the original novels. Burroughs would have been proud.

Sluggish jungle excursion
I would like to be more enthusiastic about this movie than I actually am .As an avid Burroughsian ( Edgar Rice,that is and not the unedifying William Burroughs,whose books can only be enjoyed by those of dysfunctional social tendencies)I was pleased to see a movie adhering so relatively closely to its fictional original.
Casper Van Dien is a quite capable actor and,lack of inches not withstanding,physically right for the part
Yet it never quite got going for me .The problem I think lay partly in the acting.Jane March is a dull Jane and the villains not sufficiently menacing
So it was that the story of Tarzan's bid to foil a planned raid on the lost city of Opar never became the tale of derring-do and excitement it could and should have been It simply failed to involve me at any stage
Put it down to some dull acting and slack writing.I remain convinced that there is room for a good live action Tarzan livelier than this and miles away from the ponderous parade of piffle that was Greystoke.

Ruined by Magic and Fantasy
I watched "Tarzan and the Lost City" hoping to see something resembling the original Edgar Rice Burroughs novels. The movie portrays Tarzan much like the original character but it has lots of magic and fantasy which makes it very unlike the original books. It is not at all plausible and it completely failed for me.

One movie that came close to the original Tarzan novels was "Greystoke" The Legend of Tarzan Lord of the Apes" which was far more mature and believable. One of the producers of "Greystoke" wanted to make a sequel and after 14 years, apparently "Tarzan and the Lost City" was the result. Unfortunately, it's no "Greystoke."

Early in the movie I started to worry about plausibility when Tarzan received a message telepathically from a Zulu shaman, or whatever he's supposed to be, that the Zulus were in trouble. At that point, I thought it was the movie that was in trouble. But telepathy is far more plausible than what happened in the second half of the movie.

After Tarzan receives his message, he resolves to return to Africa. A silly lovers' quarrel ensues. I had to side with Jane in this dispute. She never told him not to go. All she wanted was for him to stay a few more days so they could have their wedding and, I assume, consummate their marriage. Considering that it took 6 weeks for Tarzan to reach his destination in Africa, would a few more days make that much difference considering that his pending marriage was at stake?

Subsequent scenes are pretty good until the movie suddenly plunges head on into complete fantasy, and all plausibility goes out the window. The TV series, "Tarzan the Epic Adventures", which aired in 1996-97 was based largely on the original Tarzan novels but it was loaded with magic and fantasy which destroyed plausibility and ruined the show for me. "Tarzan and the Lost City" did likewise.

Though this movie portrayed Tarzan much like Burroughs' original character, for some reason the filmmakers mixed in some elements of later versions of Tarzan. Tarzan's chimpanzee side-kick, for example, although he thankfully was not called Cheetah. Another unfortunate example was Tarzan's pathetic yell which was an embarrassingly bad imitation of Johnny Weismuller's yodel. The yell was a ridiculous concept in the first place. The closest thing to this that Edgar Rice Burroughs described was the victory cry of the male ape when he made a kill. It was never described as anything like a yodel and it was never anything but a victory cry. But Tarzan's yodel in the movies was able to magically impart whatever message Tarzan wished to convey. It meant "Jane, I'm home!" or "Jane, I'm coming to save you!" or "Will the nearest herd of elephants please stampede this village and set me free?! And gorillas, feel free to join in!" But this Tarzan does the yell for no apparent reason.

When we get to Opar, we see a somewhat impressive pyramid. One character in the expedition sees people walking on the steps of of the pyramid and says, "Who the Hell are they?" The chief villain, Ravens, replies, "Let's go find out." But we never do find out. We see them in strange masks lining the steps of the pyramid but we never learn anything about them. We think, "Who are these people? What are they doing? Do they do nothing but pound on drums all day? Why don't they seem to notice the expedition that is walking right past them?" So later, when one of Tarzan's friends exults in the fact that Opar is again safe, I think, "Who cares?" Ravens meets his fate soon after arriving in Opar but I have no idea what was going on in that scene except that it was bizarre and completely unbelievable.

Casper Van Dien is not a bad Tarzan. His only shortcoming, no pun intended, is his short stature. Tarzan was supposed to be about 6'3''.

Tarzan and the Lost City had some good elements, nice scenery and cinematography, but it had a lot of ridiculous elements which ruined it.

Tarzan as a late 20th-century environmental warrior
On the plus side of the ledger for "Tarzan and the Lost City," the 1998 revival of the Tarzan character, is the fact that somewhere along the line screenwriters Baynard Johnson and J. Anderson Black actually read some of the original Edgar Rice Burroughs stories. This is because when this Tarzan (Casper Van Dien) is not in the jungle he really is John Clayton, Lord Greystroke, articulate, well read, and fluent in several languages. Of course, this time around his intended, Lady Jane Porter (Jane March), is English and not American, but consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.

The film starts days before the wedding when way off in darkest Africa bad guy Nigel Ravens (Steven Waddington), stumbles upon the legendary lost city of Opar. This time around instead of being the forgotten mining colony of Atlantis, Opar is the cradle of civilization (keep in mind that ERB would have thought it was the Fertile Crescent). When Ravens and his thugs start throwing their weight around in Opar, the old shaman sends a mystical message to Tarzan, who comes running back to the jungle. Of course Jane follows her beloved because if anybody is going to get rescued in this film by Tarzan it is going to be her. Above all, Tarzan seems to be a champion of the environment, which is not exactly news to anybody who read the original novels.

Casper Van Dien has the sculptured bronze body for Tarzan, which director Carl Schenkel reminds us of time and time again with lingering camera shots. However, nobody in this film is really motivated to do any serious acting, including the guys in the ape suits. It suddenly strikes me that all the Tarzan novels and Tarzan movies that have come out in the last 100 years have merged into one giant story where bad white men come into the jungle and Tarzan stops them, rescuing Jane along the way. You can change why the bad guys have come into the jungle (gold, slaves, animals, etc.) and change the damsel in distress from Jane to somebody else, but it is the rare Tarzan adventure that violates this formula (e.g., "Tarzan's New York Adventure" turns the jungle into the Big Apple and has Tarzan traveling there to rescue Boy, which would be the exception that proves the rule).

To be fair, this film is aimed at kids, who could still be intrigued by the idea of Tarzan and not know what they are missing in terms of the character's rich legacy. There is lots of action, which is always a good thing in a Tarzan movie, and the scenery is pretty good. Not quite as good as "Greystroke: The Legend of Tarzan Lord of the Apes," but still way above average for a Tarzan movie. The violence is acceptable for kids, although the final fate of the villain might be one of those scenes too intense for small children. If the standard is all the Tarzan films that have come before, then this one is average and in color.

WHY IS THIS ON DVD instead of GREYSTOKE?
This film was lame, WHY ISN'T GREYSTOKE ON DVD? The Greystoke film is far better than Tarzan and the Lost City, so why can't Warner Bros. do everyone a favor and release Greystoke on DVD? ... Read more

Description

Ray is an aging ex-socialist who has become a bankrobber after seeing the demise of socialism in 1980s Britain. Teaming up with a gang of other has-beenish crims, he commits one bank job too many. The gang dissolves in a murderous flurry of recriminations. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Nice soundtrack
I didn't remember the movie, but listening to this soundtrack I wanted to rent it again.....

great british film!
i saw this movie last night and thought it was fantastic. carlisle and winstone are great, and live up to their usual standards. the movie is kind of like 'reservoir dogs' as it deals with a hiest gone wrong, and the paranoia which follows. it also reminded me of a 'fawlty towers' episode in that every thing that could go wrong did go wrong, except there was no real humour in it. the pace of the movie worked really well, and i would say, in hindsight of my comparing it to 'reservoir dogs', that the characters were much deeper and thus the viewer is more emphatic towards their fate. a nicely suprising flick. watch it. and look out for the character julian, played by blur's damon albarn.

Face
Antonia Bird brought us Priest, Ravenous and now brings us Face, I think her best work yet. It's a gritty thriller, placed in London about a group of armed robbers on the worst day of their lives. Only few will survive that day. Our main character Ray, played superbly by Robert Carlyle, is beginning to have second thoughts about life as a criminal. He was raised by his mother in a labor/left wing environment and has a hard time combining his background with his life as a gangster. We should also mention Ray Winstone, who plays Dave, Ray's main sidekick. Ray Winstone is the main antagonist in "Nil by mouth", another very gritty movie about life in Britain after Thatcher, where poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence go hand in hand. As in that movie, only Ray Winstone could have played the role of Dave in "Face". His portrayal of Dave is excellent, and as he gets himself more and more into trouble, you can see his character crumble. All in all it's one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time and I think that if you like the style of movies like "Nil by Mouth" or the "Cracker mysteries", you will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (342)

Great Original Movie (and VHS); POOR DVD
Re-release of a previous review so those who read nearby reviews NOTE the difference between VHS (excellent) and DVD (POOR): Waited in great anticipation for the DVD release of this one. The Last of the Mohicans is a great movie enhanced with terrific music. The VHS widescreen version in THX is a wonderful piece of entertainment. Unfortunately, this Director's Expanded Edition has destroyed the flow and continuity of the original. In Director Michael Mann's attempt to supply us with his "definitive vision of the film" via his own editing, he has ignored the professional editors and provided us with a substandard version of what was a fine film. Several of the added clips have no musical sound track at all and come across as painfully awkward - making the viewer fully aware he/she is watching actors in front of a camera rather than immersing us in the action. There is even a series of scenes in the original (and VHS) that has a vocal music piece overlaid that has been completely omitted from the DVD. All in all, I was very disappointed in the DVD after having distinctive and memorable images etched in my mind from the original theater and VHS releases.

Enchanting!
I just recently viewed the movie for the first time during my U.S History class. Since then I have watched the movie five times in as many days. The movie is historically accurate for the most part when dealing with the war itself. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful and the music chosen was neutral for the time period and accented the major events of the movie. The ability of the movie to convey the wordless love between Uncas(Eric Schweig) and Alice(Jodhi May) was absolutely amazing. The cast was well chosen, even if Madeleine Stowe(Cora Munro) had an on-again-off-again accent. Wes Studi(Magua) played the avenging Huron to perfection creating understanding of his wishes to kill Munro, but yet a frightful savage. As for Daniel Day-Lewis(Hawkeye) I don't feel I can say anything that hasn't been said before. The scene I found the most emotional was during the fight between Magua and Uncas, and then when Alice is making her decision. Great acting, historical accuracy, a wonderful soundtrack and breathtaking scenery made this movie overly enjoyable and emotional. I recommend it to most people, however those who have no desire to try and understand the history behind the movie or the subtle pieces that are expected to be picked up on probably shouldn't watch this movie. Also if you expect an exact replica of the book you won't find it in this movie. END

good but could have been better
My biggest complaint with this movie is that story was changed and not for the better. In the original novel, Cora(played by Madeline Stowe) was in love with Uncas(who is the last of the Mohican tribe) and Hawkeye was just some old guide, along for the ride. Also Cora's sister Alice is in love with Duncan, the English officer. In this movie there is a major turnaround. There is a love triangle-Duncan is in love with Cora who is in love with Hawkeye, who is young and attractive, and Alice has feelings for Uncas(and there is no character development for either one of them). I think perhaps the producers had a problem with an interracial angle although in this day and age you'd think Hollywood has gotten over it. I guess not. None the less, I liked the film-the story was still compelling enough, battle scenes were impressive and I loved the soundtrack(I own it, as a matter of fact).

Fabulous
The movie has the same title as James Fenimore Cooper's novel, but about the only elements that are the same would be the French and Indian War setting and the names of the characters. But don't be disappointed! This is one gripping movie.
There are many, many powerful scenes.

An Absolute Best!!
This is a wonderful movie, and I can't say enough about it.

I first seen this movie when I was in high school. I remember my boyfriend forcing me to see this film. I complained during the whole ride to the theater. But, after the first ten minutes I was hooked like a fish.

The haunting, visual landscapes are breathtaking, Daniel Day-Lewis is wonderful, and the secondary characters are very good. Essentially, this is a story of change. The Last Mohican represents a changing of lives and cultures. Additionally, the story of the French-Indian war is moving.

I cannot list a full synopsis of the movie because there are so many different back stories and themes. There is love, intrigue, deciet, family values, war, and death...and all of it is rolled into one.

Everything about this movie is fantastic and very moving. You need to see it for yourself to see what I am talking about. Or, you can listen to the some of the reviewer's recommendations that say this movie is boring and long.

I won't kid you there is some slow points, but this isn't an all out action flick.

Ultimately, this movie is for people who love real, moving movies. ... Read more

Description

In the sixteenth century, the king of England jeopardizes his reign when he ignores his wife and openly carries on an affair with his male lover. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

14th Century Gay-Bashing á la Derek Jarmam
Definitely Derek Jarman's most refined film. That said, refined for Jarman is bizarre for most.

Based VERY loosely on Christopher Marlowe's play from 1592, however, should be viewed in its own light / right. Whereas it does tend to capture the wonderful Marlow language, this is no "Shakespeare" here! It's a brilliantly acted ensemble piece, set in Jarman's abstract vision of the world, with a core message that is as valid today as it must have been shocking then.

Jarman "paints" his film - as he always did - not in any logical manner or order, but like a mosaic of images, creating a whole and a statement - a strong statement about intolerance in this case.

This one might even be palatable for non-Jarman fans.

Give in to the senses, forget common sense
First off, I have to say that this movie should not be viewed as a rendition of the Marlowe play, but as its own creation. If you are expecting a faithful adaptation, you will be disappointed. However, if you come to it without prejudice, it is an impressive cinematic work of scope and vision.

Jarman's directing style is not for everyone--plot continuity or story structure is not very important to him--but he crafts each scene of the film with such care and skill that the sensuousnes of the cinematography becomes the central point. The film is presented as a gallery of images: every shot is a painting. Everything is subordinated for the effect of these images: the narrative is presented in a series of symbols and allegories, switching between times, places, reality and fantasy, until it all blends together in a wonderful cascade of pure visual exhiliration. This movie is first and foremost an aesthetic experience: watch it for the sake of watching it, enjoy first and alalyze later.

Should you wish to analyze it after all, you will find that the seemingly aimless or irrelevant images are actually an integral part of the story, carefully distributed throughout. There is meaning in everything that is presented in the film, from the extraneous vision of an Apollo with a golden snake, to the huddle of Rugby players Edward's son stumbles upon during his midnight forays. It is telling that the final scene has the Queen and Mortimer sitting inside a cage, caked in flour, while the son (wearing a suit and his mother's earrings and listening to a walkman) dances on top. Jarman goes with the maxim "a picture is worth a thousand words," and prefers to tell his story through abstract yet meaning-laden images.

Another approach that Jarman has to the play is taking literally the figurative language of it. Many of the images come from the words the characters say, adding new dimensions to the language. Thus, when in the play, Edward's actions are compared to that of a butcher, during those scenes in the film, he is literally a butcher: coat, knife and all.

There are also elements that are outside the play, such as the gay rights protests that form a background but necessary part of the movie. Injecting new interpretations to the text, Jarman's work is a comment on boith the modern and the ancient problems that intolerance causes. Substance is something this film has a-plenty, convention is something that it does not. Don't expect logic or an easily (if at all) understandable story, but do expect an aesthetic experience that you will remember.

Simply amazing
I came across this film by chance, and it was on a German channel - yes, overdubbed. Even if my first watching was robbed of its original language, I was completely won by the director's mastery in creating such rich images unsing practically no 'background' at all. This simplicity puts characters forward and also makes the film look like a dream, a story --- as they should be told, leaving enough space to listeners/ viewers to imagine their own settings for the plot & its protagonists. It's at the same time thrilling and sad, sensual and merciless - a fantastic experience in all.

Painfully Boring....
...That's pretty much the best way to describe it. Not only was I 'sleeping' through the entire thing, just waiting for something to develope. but I can't even tell you what the whole point to the plot was. Even if I was in gradeschool again, I could not give a single summary on this thing. It went way too fast, the characters underdeveloped as were the relationships, (there was no sense of what was driving them). Overall it lacked depth and familiarity. The 'english' prose couldn't even help out this one!

Gay Bash
This film is very good at catching Marlowe's wordplay and the actors here are all well known and great at their craft. The problem I had with this was Jarman's use of contemporary issues to illuminate the story of England's openly gay monarch. Better correlations could have been drawn from then to now, not putting pro-gay protestors in the background. Show us how Edward II's treatment by his family and subjects contributed to the kind of gay bashing that still goes on today, hundreds of years afterward. I slightly recommend this film. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Definitely NOT Hollywood - I liked it.
This is NOT Shakespeare's Hamlet prince of Denmark, but an attempt to get closer to the tale on which Hamlet was based (as written by Saxo Grammaticus). It suffers (if that's the word) from being quiet, thoughtful, introspective and shot on a human scale, in a pallette of muted colours. For those who want knights in armour and Schwarzenegger lookalikes takin' out da bad guyz wit da sword uv justiss, don't bother. The costumes are pretty accurate for the period, and despite the comments of one reviewer, armies at that time often actually were only a few score men. It's the SIXTH century, not the sixteenth!

For those who would enjoy a serious attempt to present a slice of historical life, it will be a welcome change from the usual formulaic dross that normally fills your screens.

Hamlet - NOT
This isn't Shakespeare's Hamlet, but a film based on the tale that became Hamlet. Many things are good - a young Hamlet (18-ish Christian Bale), young, vibrant, powerful warrior king (30-ish Byrne), extensive scenes in England showing Hamlet becoming a hero (all off-stage in the play). And it ends happily - yeah!
On the downside, it's set in rough-and-ready 6th century Denmark, which isn't that pretty to look at. The staging seems static and lifeless and it takes forever to get going. Once Hamlet wakes up, things start moving along to a satisfying end.
The premise - great actors doing an early Hamlet with age-appropriate casting - sounds great, but somehow it just doesn't deliver.
I'll rent this video, rather than buy it.

Royal Defeat
I agree with the reviewer who thought of this as a comedy. It really is kinda humorous. Certainly not what you would expect from "Hamlet". If you have low expectations and enjoy watching the usually talented cast- go ahead. The sauna scene is no big deal. Don't get your hopes up. The women are well padded; dimpling and all. The best scene is when Gabriel Byrne grins from ear to ear and looks real mental. He rarely grins in other films! Darnit.

How could a movie with this fine cast be so horrendous?!?
I was expecting a fine film, given the excellent cast and the sponsorship of so many European film groups. As it turned out, I finally found that the only way I could endure watching this film to its conclusion was by treating it as a comedy -- laughing at the unbelievably stilted dialog, the tacky costumes and sets, the population of Jutland and the English "armies" that consisted of no more than 30-40 people each, and just about every other aspect of this abysmal film. I am sure that there are more convincing productions by amateur theater groups, and there may even be better high school productions.

Helen Mirren
She's a great actress. And she has a real-woman beauty rare by Hollywood standards.

But the most important thing, unmentioned by other reviewers, is that she takes a sauna. Worth the price of admission. If you're in to that sort of thing, that is. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Life among the Bloomsbury group in post-Victorian England, as seen through the relationship between writer Lytton Strachey (Jonathan Pryce in a well-wrought, if mannered performance) and painter Dora Carrington (Emma Thompson). Carrington won't give herself to any of the men in her life (including her husband)--at least not emotionally. Instead, this woman has found her soulmate in Strachey, a homosexual who, in fact, has a crush on Carrington's husband. They try to maintain a friendship outside their various romantic liaisons but keep winding up with each other. Still, despite an intriguing performance by Pryce and a cooler, less accessible one by Thompson, this film never quite takes off. Once you get the point--that this is a love that will never be consummated--you begin to wonder if, in fact, there is a larger point to be had. There isn't. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Christopher Hampton's Carrington
A young female artist falls in love with a known homosexual and the two spend their remaining years in each other's lives. No, this is not a romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts, but "Carrington" is an emotional drama that is a triumph for Emma Thompson and Jonathan Pryce, and less than perfect for writer/director Christopher Hampton.

The film is good. It takes place in the years 1914-1932 in England. Thompson is Dora Carrington, a troubled artist who falls for homosexual writer Lytton Strachey, played by Pryce. Strachey is a bit of a dramatic, suffering from "old age" and other infirmities, although he would be considered a young man. Strachey is first attracted to Carrington, thinking she is a young boy thanks to her pageboy haircut and lack of makeup.

The two fall in love the only way they can: unphysically. They share a bed, but have no real sexual relationship and pursue the kind of physical love they cannot find with each other. Virigin Carrington falls for an angry artist who cannot understand their four year relationship with no sex. She is simply not attracted to his body, but gives in anyway, finding she does not enjoy sex anyway. She breaks it off with him, using her impending cohabitation with Strachey as a reason. She then brings home uptight army soldier Ralph, played by Steven Waddington. He is a man's man who does not understand all these artists and conscientious objectors (to WWI), but beds Carrington and, the film implies, Strachey. Ralph and Carrington marry and Ralph brings home friend Gerald for Strachey to "get to know." Gerald then suddenly falls in love with Carrington. The two have an affair. Strachey finds and loves a younger man named Roger, and Carrington dumps Gerald, later finding a guy with a boat who really likes his sex on the high seas. Ironically, he is not sexually attracted to Carrington, the very reason she broke up with the angry young artist. Strachey and Carrington end up back together in their strange living arrangement, and both meet their fates.

Thompson and Pryce are so good here it hurts. The main problem I had was with Hampton's choice of subject matter. He based the film on a book about Strachey, titled the film after Carrington, and I kept noticing a real lack of focus as to the film's main character. Hampton also writes Strachey like he is a poor man's Oscar Wilde, coming up with pithy sayings in between heartbreaks. Carrington comes across as flighty and confused, but we do not see how disturbed she is until after Strachey's death, and Hampton could have elaborated on that a little more. More scenes about Carrington and Strachey's work might have helped as well. The two hour movie feels like compressed images from a long running soap opera. Why should the viewer care so much about these characters?

Hampton the director is wonderful. In one scene, Carrington sits on a stump and, through a giant bank of windows, watches her husband and his live in mistress, Carrington's own new lover, and Strachey and Roger, all getting ready for bed. Hampton keeps the scene sad without becoming voyeuristic, as Carrington seems to be silently questioning all these men who have brought her to this place in time. Carrington's death is also handled tactfully.

I would recommend "Carrington," but with the reservations about the script. I definitely would recommend it on the performances alone, if nothing else.

This is rated (R) for mild physical violence, mild gun violence, profanity, some female nudity, brief male nudity, strong sexual content, strong sexual references, and adult situations.

Jonathan Pryce - never better
If you care at all about great acting, you must see this film. The story of Lytton Strachey and Dora Carrington, two characters you will never forget, will stand as one of the great love affairs of the last century. That their's was not a sexual affair, only serves to expand our understanding of what love is and can be. Emma Thompson equals or betters all of her previous film work, while Jonathan Pryce is a revelation as the openly gay Strachey. If you are a fan of Merchant/Ivory, or Terence Davies, or Marleen Gorris, you will love this handsomely crafted film biography.

Loyalty, devotion, and respect personified...
Carrington, a female painter, falls in love with the gay author Lytton Strachey, and together they create a relationship without boundaries. This boundless love leads Carrington into several love affairs with other men, but it does not wreck Carrington and Lytton's strong affection for one another. Unconditionally Carrington displays her devotion and respect for Lytton who is reciprocal in his loyalty to their relationship. However, the other men in Carrington's life are not as understanding as Lytton as they demand something in return for their love for Carrington. It is these demands that prevent Carrington from developing her other relationships as she has done with Lytton. Carrington is a fabulous narrative of Dora Carrington's life as it displays her life along with her strengths, which offers a good cinematic experience.

Pity about the Nyman soundtrack
Here is a competent film which focuses on the unusual Bloomsbury relationship between Carrington and Strachey between the Great war and 1932.
The two principals are exceptionally fine, especially Pryce as Strachey whose movement, mannerisms and acerbic gentleness establish wonderfully this memorable eccentric. Several supporting roles are capably done.
Unfortunately I found the film seriously undermined by Michael Nyman's music, which is obtrusive, jagged and insistently repetitive. On three occasions it makes way for the supremely beautiful slow movement of the Schubert string quintet, but the aural abuse returns each time, including during the credits.

music

Definitely a Contender
This film is definitely a contender for the worst film of all time. At the very least its in the top ten. Emma Thompson is a fine actress, perhaps one of the best of her generation, but even she can't make Dora Carrington interesting. Similarly to the much under-rated Jennifer Jason Leigh failed to ignite Dorothy Parker and the Vicious Circle, Thompson just can't make this film take off. Ultimately it is a film about the private lives of two boring, self-absorbed artists. There isn't much for the audience here and even a patient viewer won't be rewarded by the acting. Fine acting without a story is a bit like wine without a bottle. Ultimately just a waste. I gave it one star, and I think that's fair, after all it did have one star: Emma Thompson. Pity she wasn't given any real dramatic material to shine with. ... Read more

Reviews (519)

The most fun movie ever made about serial decapitation.
Visually stunning, deliciously creepy and loads of fun, Tim Burton and Andrew Kevin Walker's adaptation of "Sleepy Hollow" is a spooky treat. Squeamish detective Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate a strange, gruesome series of murders. There, he must pit his scientific methods and cool rationalism against a foe who may not be of this earth.

Burton seems to be having the time of his life amid the gloomy, fog-shrouded forests of Sleepy Hollow; his trademark giddy weirdness is benefitted here by absolutely breathtaking cinematography and production design. Christina Ricci, usually a spirited actress, seems a little out of it as Katrina Von Tassel (perhaps her corset was too tight?) Johnny Depp delightfully plays against type as a sissy-boy hero who faints at spiders, backed up well by Marc Pickering as his plucky sidekick. The Horseman is also great fun as a villain. Headless, he's played by Ray Park with the same vicious swagger Park gave Darth Maul. Christopher Walken, playing the headed version, sports a white fright wig and teeth you've got to see to believe. Watch also for great cameos by the likes of Martin Landau and ex-Dracula Christopher Lee.

The action is spirited, the atmosphere creepy and absorbing. The graphic gore is mostly over-the-top silly, but is also treated with sensitivity and restraint when it needs to be. If you're looking for a fun action movie with atmosphere and eye candy to spare, "Sleepy Hollow" should be your destination.

Tim Burton's finest
It's been a long time since Tim Burton has actually directed a film that was successful, with disasterous hits like Mars Attacks! and Ed Wood, I was suprised that Paramount would let him make a production with such a huge budget. Sleepy Hollow is an extremely well made film, the set pieces are hauntingly beautiful, good special effects, a film score by Danny Elfman, and a long list of first rate actors. It's one of those movies that takes you on an adventure(something that I havent experienced in a while, going to the movies)This is a very uncommon film; Extremely inventive, a work of art, and also has a good story. Johnny Depp plays a variation on Ichabod Crane, Christina Ricci plays young Katrina Van Tassel, along with Christopher Walken, Christopher Lee, Miranda Richardson, Ian McDiarmid, and Casper Van Dein. It has splashes of violence, dark humour, gore, drama, and suspence. What more can you ask in a film? Buy this movie and you wont be dissapointed. It's rated R for gore and a scene of sexuality, but nothing that should frighten the kids, I personally think it should have received a PG-13 rating due to the absence of profanity, nudity, or drug content. Besides it is a classic novel by Irving Washington this is an American Folk Tale that I think shouldn't of been taped with an R rating (such a harsh rating for a movie based on a fairy tale). It is rated PG-14 in canada though so dont let your teenagers miss out on this one.

another good film by tim burton.but it has NO child like sid
you know the drill on this one i hope.the story is way off,but the movie is quite good anyway.johnny depp is the star,ichabod crane.this is his best movie.the kids will get scared.this is timburtons only horror film and all others are kid-friendly.i think it is the best of many,many versions of this story including one by disney.a lot of people say they dont like it due to its inconsistencies with the book and that they just werent scared.i say ive never seen a film a hundred percent like the book and why would you want to be scared?entertainment is the idea not fright.if you go to church,youll want to skip this one also.demons,murder,witch craft etc.if the lights are off and your surround sound is blasting,this sounds incredible.a witch and a preacher type get busy but no nudity.johnny depp doesnt deserve any awards but this is the best movie he happens to be in.people give this movie a bad rap for a lot of stupid reasons.the real deal is its good.ive never seen a bad tim burton film yet and ive seen almost all of them.

A Classic Take On a Classic Tale
In the trend of other Tim Burton films, the complextion of the film is creamy, and satisfying. It tells the common veiwer about Sleepy Hollow, yet puts new tantalizing details in the middle of well known scenes. It finally answers the reader of Washington Irving's book where this terror came from, and why it hunts and why it is indeed "headless". The cast is believable, yet the only weak point is Christina Ricci, who seems to be trying to hard to pull off her role. The cinematography is brilliant, something only Tim could do. It becomes dark at the right moments, and is bright and sugar-sweet when it tells the back story of Johnny Depp's mother, and once again is dark as it learns her fate. This film is not only wonderfully thrilling, but comedic in points where you would think it couldn't. Shall I say, they involve blood squirting, staining, spraying and squirting some more. Johnny Depp is a wonderful pick for this movie, as he gives us exactly what we want from anyone playing Ichabod Crane, plus a little bit more. Have fun, yet do not laugh for too long, or it will surprise with it's random and scary turns.

Sleepy Hollow Is a Genuine Fright-Fest
Tim Burton's films, often praised for the intensity of their mood, bring with them a glimpse of the darker side of the human psyche. His characters are often dis-jointed, dark, but at their core, always human. Often, his films are as centrally located around an individual, quite often the title role of the story....such examples include the title characters of films like "Edward Scissorhands, Jack Skellington of "A Nightmare Before Christmas", and Bruce Wayne in "Batman". It is his central character that the story seems to evolve around, and it is often seen from that perspective, providing the audience a narrative thread that they can relate to throughout the film. The same is true of "Sleepy Hollow".

Loosely based on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving, Burton's "Hollow" is seen from the perspective of Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp (formerly seen in Burton's "Edward Scissorhands")), a New York detective/criminal investigator who is sent to the farming community of Sleepy Hollow to investigate the decapitations of several of the local townsfolk.

Burton weaves elements of the original "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" into his story, while creating backstory to further develop all the characters, from the families in Sleepy Hollow, to Ichabod Crane, even to the Horseman himself, centralizing the narrative of this story around Crane's investigation into the murders. While in Sleepy Hollow, Crane quickly learns of a conspiracy that seems to exist amongst the principals of the townfolk. With the aid of Young Masbeth (Marc Pickering), whose father was murdered by the Horseman, and Katrina Anne Van Tassel (Christina Ricci), Depp's love interest and daughter of the town's acting governor, Crane's investigation quickly leads him on a hunt that will take them to the very heart of evil, as they learn the fate of the Horseman, a Hessian Mercenary sent to fight in the American Revolution before falling to the sword when betrayed by two mysterious little girls many years before.

Filled with rich imagery, lavishly created special effects, and plenty of genuine frights, "Sleepy Hollow" promises to bring thrills, chills, and plenty of scares. Moreover, though, the story uses horror to aid the story, not replace it. Unlike so many horror movies released in the past ten years, Hollow does not rely on gore to create thrills, but instead, (as with most of Burton's work), it uses subtle mood, growing tension and human vulnerability to really bring the story home in a way that is both terrifying and immensely engaging.

Rated R for violence, gore and brief sexuality, this is not a film for the young. However, for anyone looking for a good scare with a great story, this is the film for you. (NOTE: This film is a departure from the original story by Irving.) ... Read more

Reviews (342)

Great Original Movie (and VHS); POOR DVD
Re-release of a previous review so those who read nearby reviews NOTE the difference between VHS (excellent) and DVD (POOR): Waited in great anticipation for the DVD release of this one. The Last of the Mohicans is a great movie enhanced with terrific music. The VHS widescreen version in THX is a wonderful piece of entertainment. Unfortunately, this Director's Expanded Edition has destroyed the flow and continuity of the original. In Director Michael Mann's attempt to supply us with his "definitive vision of the film" via his own editing, he has ignored the professional editors and provided us with a substandard version of what was a fine film. Several of the added clips have no musical sound track at all and come across as painfully awkward - making the viewer fully aware he/she is watching actors in front of a camera rather than immersing us in the action. There is even a series of scenes in the original (and VHS) that has a vocal music piece overlaid that has been completely omitted from the DVD. All in all, I was very disappointed in the DVD after having distinctive and memorable images etched in my mind from the original theater and VHS releases.

Enchanting!
I just recently viewed the movie for the first time during my U.S History class. Since then I have watched the movie five times in as many days. The movie is historically accurate for the most part when dealing with the war itself. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful and the music chosen was neutral for the time period and accented the major events of the movie. The ability of the movie to convey the wordless love between Uncas(Eric Schweig) and Alice(Jodhi May) was absolutely amazing. The cast was well chosen, even if Madeleine Stowe(Cora Munro) had an on-again-off-again accent. Wes Studi(Magua) played the avenging Huron to perfection creating understanding of his wishes to kill Munro, but yet a frightful savage. As for Daniel Day-Lewis(Hawkeye) I don't feel I can say anything that hasn't been said before. The scene I found the most emotional was during the fight between Magua and Uncas, and then when Alice is making her decision. Great acting, historical accuracy, a wonderful soundtrack and breathtaking scenery made this movie overly enjoyable and emotional. I recommend it to most people, however those who have no desire to try and understand the history behind the movie or the subtle pieces that are expected to be picked up on probably shouldn't watch this movie. Also if you expect an exact replica of the book you won't find it in this movie. END

good but could have been better
My biggest complaint with this movie is that story was changed and not for the better. In the original novel, Cora(played by Madeline Stowe) was in love with Uncas(who is the last of the Mohican tribe) and Hawkeye was just some old guide, along for the ride. Also Cora's sister Alice is in love with Duncan, the English officer. In this movie there is a major turnaround. There is a love triangle-Duncan is in love with Cora who is in love with Hawkeye, who is young and attractive, and Alice has feelings for Uncas(and there is no character development for either one of them). I think perhaps the producers had a