Amazon.com

This film about Ethiopian distance runner Haile Gebrsellasie, who won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and is considered one of the greatest runners of all time, is a dramatization that often appears to be a documentary. Beautifully photographed, the footage shot in Haile's native land is often spectacular enough to make you think you're watching a National Geographic special. Haile's young life, such as a scene when his family is listening to a news report about warfare in Ethiopia and a report comes on about the 1980 Olympics, is portrayed with apparent accuracy, but not without a great deal of drama. There are many scenes of Haile running, past wildlife in the countryside or through crowded city slums, and while this gives what must be an accurate idea of him developing his athletic regimen, this is also not terribly dramatic on camera. Eventually, Haile is shown racing in Atlanta, valiantly overtaking all competition; his family back in Ethiopia is shown gathered around a television set, jubilantly watching his triumph. And while there's no denying that this is a touching and inspiring human story, the slow pace of the presentation tends to work against the inherent drama. --Robert J. McNamara ... Read more

Reviews (21)

An Enduring Story
Endurance is not a movie about distance running. While many people, especially runners, would disagree with this statement, a critical look reveals a simple, multi-layered film that deals with the universal story of a hero overcoming hardships and obstacles to achieve a dream.

What makes Endurance most satisfying, however, is that this is no myth. Haile's life is shown from childhood to adulthood through the use of simple, stark images that vividly portray the elements that melded together a man of uncommon focus, faith, and yes, endurance. We understand the how's and why's of Haile's development without being didactically bludgeoned by the director.

The use of Haile and his family as actors lends not only a certain authenticity to the semi-documentary look but also adds an endearing naiveté to the performances. We see people who have actually lived the roles they are playing. And Bud Greenspan's scenes of the 1996 10,000m Olympic final are surely the best filmed running sequences seen in a movie. The directors of Prefontaine and Without Limits, take note.

The musical score is also a wonderful complement to the film. Scenes of unabashed joy, crushing sorrow, and quiet solitude are enhanced, not overshadowed, by a mixture of African and Western music.

While runners saw the movie in droves when it was released, most people did not. Too bad. This is a beautiful film telling a wonderful and true story.

Not a movie about track and field, but..
I agree with a prior reviewer that the movie is not about really about running per se. It indeed is about the triumph of the human spirit as resides in incalcuable proportions in this dimunutive, courageous man from one of the poorest nations on Earth. Having said this, I wonder if only avid runners can truly appreciate his accomplishments (and the film's depiction of his truly poverty stricken, desperate childhood only makes them more awe inspiring). I don't know how to convey to non-runners just how obscenely difficult it is to run 4 minutes fifteen seconds for a mile, much less reeling off six in a row such as Haile did in his world record race. And his Olympic 10,000 meter race in 1996 (shown in the film) may even be more impressive -- maybe the most significant any Olympic track race of all time. His 4 minute 23 second average per mile performance in the heat of Atlanta (not in cool northern Europe where most all distance records are set), run just a few days after a qualifying race, and with no rabbits or pace setters such as in his world record races -- it is mind boggling. Yes, folks, even if you can, such as Haile, run a 3 minute 50 second mile, running 4 minutes 20 seconds or so does not feel like jogging, it does feel like you are running at a high intensity near sprint, and it does take a great deal of mental control and courage not to panic and mentally quit. The film is beautiful, it depicts his life accurately -- and I would recommend it -- but I can't get away from the astounding nature of his athletic feats.

Authentic Ethiopian Culture
Having lived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for 2 years, my husband & I can testify that this is a story which shows so well how people live in Ethiopia. We were thrilled to see the beautiful countryside, the city where we lived and worked, the Ethiopian music and the Amharic language we could only speak "a little". It was a thrilling story and beautifully portrayed. I recommend it to all families, students, & children. It exemplifies the determination of someone who has a dream and also shows the deep respect and love there can be even when there is disagreement.

Oscar bound
This remarkable documentary tells the story of the famed Shackleton expedition, a doomed attempt to reach the South Pole that turned into an incredible (and successful) 2-year fight for survival. Using both archival records and contemporary interviews, the director created an inspiring story of human endurance, courage, and valor.
The world could use a dose of all three of those qualities right now. This is a terrific and timely film.

True portrayal of success against the odds
I happened to hire this video by chance. I didn't know it was coming out. I am glad I picked it, especially as I grew up in the same rural lifestyle in Ethiopia. I was most impressed with the producers' accurate reflection of life in Ethiopia both in the rural area and in the city. They neither cleaned it up for western consumption nor exaggerated any event for dramatic impact. Running to school, helping with farm and other chores at a very young age on the farm, the beggars and crowding in the city were true reflections. I was surprised they were allowed by the local government, and the movie is rich and sincere for this lack of censorship.
On the whole, I applaud the producers for sticking to the rising-against-the-odds theme of presentation. In my opinion his first victory and how he got there is by far the most uplifting example of courage, determination and endurance. This is not to belittle his monumental later achievements, but they were achieved with good coaching, sponsorship and other spoils that come to all champions. Perhaps his later achivements could have been listed in text at the end before the accolade from Runners World.
I hope to buy a copy for my library. ... Read more

Description

"I have come to destroy you Doctor, once and for all?" The Earth is in terrible danger! The Master is back with an evil scheme to destroy humanity and silence the Doctor forever. His plan? To awaken the awesome power of the Nestene-a ruthlessly aggressive alien life form. Once mixed with plastic, they will form into faceless automatons, a willing army of destruction easily controlled by the evil Time Lord himself. This is the terrible threat now facing the Earth-the terror of the Autons. Aided by the Brigadier and his enthusiastic new assistant, Jo Grant, only the Doctor can combat their evil power, but first he must defeat the Master? Originally transmitted in color January 2nd-23rd 1971, this four part adventure starring Jon Pertwee was lost in its original form. Only a black and white version and an edited color American NTSC standard version remained until now when technology worthy of the Doctor himself has reconciled the two, synchronising them into one full color version. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

I am the Master... and you will obey me!
I am the Reviewer, and you will read this. You will read this... you will read this...

One year after the events of Spearhead From Space, the Doctor has to deal with the Autons again, because a surviving Nestene energy unit that the Brigadier loaned to a museum has been stolen by his arch-enemy, the Master. The Master, a Time Lord like the Doctor, plans to use the globe and a radio telescope to broadcast a signal to invite the Nestenes to victory where they failed before. He also commandeers a plastics factory run by the weak-minded Rex Farrell. Anyone whom he can't hypnotize, he dispatches in ruthless ways, as he does with Mr. McDermott and Mr. Farrell's father. The Doctor, meanwhile, gets a new assistant, the clumsy but adorable Jo Grant, and is drawn into the crisis upon hearing of a raid on a radio telescope research center. Thus begins the opening story of Season Eight, Terror Of The Autons, a classic of classics.

The scene of a Time Lord in a suit, bowler hat, and brolley appearing in mid-air with the noise of a materializing TARDIS borders on the surreal. He and the Doctor trade barbs, but the newcomer is here to warn him about the Master.

Katy Manning, as the cute, blonde, clumsy, and kooky Jo Grant, made her debut here and she's one of the reasons why the Pertwee era is my favorite in the series' history. The miniskirts would come much later, but this is a taste of this season and the ninth and tenth seasons. She accidentally ruins one of his experiments, and the Doctor, who calls her a "hamfisted bun vendor," for that mistake, demands that the Brigadier get rid of her. Jo proves herself worthy by procuring some much-needed parts for him. She eventually becomes one of his longest serving and most beloved assistants.

Roger Delgado is a suave villain and throughout his appearances, I found it hard to hate him. He was charming unlike Anthony Ainley's slimey and odious rendition. Pity he came out in only eight stories and died in a tragic car accident in 1973, thus barring any possible returns to Who.

The troll doll, which raised the ire of viewers, is an ugly thing, which makes it all the more menacing as it stalks the elder Mr. Farrell. The scene of fake policemen (Autons) ordered by the Master to kill the Master and Jo also got angry complaints from Scotland Yard. Gosh, how I love controversial programs, and those that portray policeman (even fake ones), as villains. Yes, I'm still judge the police over the Rodney King, Malice Green, and Amadou Diallo incidents.

It's interesting how our overwhelming dependence on plastic was made plainly clear, and how we'd be in a death trap if anything plastic could come to life and kill us. Strangled by my headphones, impaled by a flying CD,... and I hate to think what the toilet seat would do.

This is also the second of three stories whose colour episodes were lost and had to be recreated using a black and white PAL, a colour NTSC version, and synchronizing the two. The video has a film-like quality as a result, and gives it a nostalgic 70's look.

One of my favorite Who stories of all time, not only because of the return of the Autons, but the debut of Katy Manning as Jo Grant and Roger Delgado as the Master. Richard Franklin also makes his debut as Captain Mike Yates and a possible love interest for Jo, a concept that was never realized. And the late Michael Wisher, best known as Davros, makes his Who debut in this story.

I am the Reviewer, and you will watch this story... you will watch this story... watch this story...

Sequel to Spearhead... ushers in the Doctor's "Best Enemy"
The Nestenes are back and this time they are helped by one of the Doctor's own people, "The Master". The Master steals the last surving Nestene unit that a Museum loaned from UNIT HQ. The Master finds a nearby radio telescope the reactivate the Nestence unit, and then takes over a family owned plastic factory to make Auton bodies and other plastics for the Nestene to use in their attempt to take over Earth. When Doctor Who fans talk about the Master they always bring up Roger Delgado, and why not. Delgado's Master is a con-man, a talker, a man that shows his vanity(his weekness), and most imporantly someone who can completely control the minds of people (more less), including the Doctor's new companion Jo Grant played by Katy Manning. Delgado does not dispoint in his frist story as the Master and after watching it, you will say Delgado "IS" The Master. The attacks by the Nestene are much better in this story, ranging from the Autons who are more frighing in this story, to killer dolls, and plastic flowers, even the telephone cords are lethal. This is the last appearance of the Nestene, but it's the first of many confrontations the Doctor will have with the Master. If you love this kind of Doctor Who adventure, you'll love "Terror Of The Autons".

Don McCullen

Let a thousand flowers bloom!
If only Mao knew!

Combining a ride of almost Magical Mystery Tour proportions this third Doctor adventure combines the evil Master with the Nestenes to produce another action packed thriller.

Whereas the first Auton adventure made us look twice at dummies, I mean mannequins, in this story the plastic combining Nestene conciousness develops a whole new series of lines, including telephone cables, daffodils and oversized masks.

The Doctor and Jo and the irrascible Master provide an action packed adventure story which grabs the attention throughout. The plot is strong with few of the flaws which characterise a number of the Pertwee episodes and there is a sort of surreal side too which prompts the comparison with Magical Mystery Tour. The notion of the flowers that kill with their lethal plastic projectile to suffocate their victims is not that far fetched an idea especially in view of the assasination of the official in London by an assailant armed with a poisoned tipped umbrella.

This must be a strong condidate for transfer to DVD soon.

One of Pertwee's best.

"An old aquintance of yours has arrived, the Master"
This is such a great Doctor Who episode. In introduces the Doctors greatest and most hated enemy the Master. Roger Delgado gave such a great performance as the Master.The Doctor is also dealing with a new assistant the perky Jo Grant. Both filmed and acted so greatly this is one of Jon Pertwees best.It does drag a little at points but is still a great great episode. Were introduced to the Master and find out a little more of the powers the time lord uses such as mind control. powers that hte Doctor uses so seldom. For those Who dont follow Doctor Who as well this is a good episode to have. Only in early novels do you find where the real hate between these 2 comes in. It seems the master is responsible for the deaths of the Doctors wife and daughter. Since the time lords refused to bring the master to justice becasue they didnt want to get involved the Doctor took his grandaughter and stole a TARDIS and set out for earth(An unearthly Child). Thus beginning his travels. The Doctor has always respected the genius of the Master but deplored his evil ways and resents that he wastes his talent and existence on the persuit of evil. Thsi episode shows the Master for what he is . Only interested in controllling others and unleashing as much havoc as he can. His opposite is the Doctor Who wishes to help all he can although hampered by his morality and sense of fair play. But as shown over and over the Doctor is always able to just be slightly one step ahead of the master.

Doctor Who at its best!!
This episode is only second to "The Three Doctors" as being the best of the Pertwee Era as the Doctor. This episode has it all. It introduces a new assistant (Jo Grant) and also the Doctors arch nemesis( The master). Its an episode from beginning to end that is both enjoyable and a little scary. A fine performance by all. This episode marks what could be called the master series since he too becomes trapped on earth. If you like Doctor Who then this is a great episode to buy. It has cinematic quality to it. Great episode indeed. ... Read more

Description

Wouldn't it be wonderful to talk to animals? The Kidsongs Kids learn to chat with a chimpanzee, giggle with a guinea pig and discuss in rhinoceros. Elephants and eagles, buffaloes and beagles and many more animals join the cast of this animal adventure. With some music, magic and imagination you too will be singing and laughing along with favorites like "Hound Dog," "The Farmer in the Dell," "See You Later, Alligator," and more! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Love it!
My 18-month old and I really enjoy settling down with this video. He points out all the different animals and will make the accompanying animal noises. The songs are very entertaining and he'll even dance to some of them. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Tender Comedy
Very nice gentle comedy about miracles that leaves you wanting to see everything Tom Conti has ever been in. "Saving Grace" and "Miracles" have a similar feel to them. I liked this as I watched it, and it's grown on me since.

A thoughtful, gentle comedy
One video reviewer listed this as a "very minor comedy..." How sad that small, gentle and subtle movies such as this are so easiy dismissed. This movie has a charm and wit which is sadly lacking in the larger, blockbuster movies. Tom Conti and Helen Mirren know just how to play their characters who are complex, intelligent and confused. Their ability to show love for their profession as teachers and for their charming Scottish school children is beautifully understated. I loved this movie and I have watched it over and over.

Miracles in Scotland
This is an excellent film. Conti and Mirren shine as two teachers in a Catholic school in Scotland who are trying to decide whether or not to believe in miracles. Tom Conti is irreverant, funny and very likeable as a teacher who has some miraculous things happen to him. This film was made in 1986, but still shows Scotland at its beautiful best, and showcases two delightful actors. The supporting cast features familiar faces from other Scottish movies, such as "Local Hero." This is a definite must-see. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Goodnight Mister Tom - A Review of the Movie
I disliked Masterpiece Theater's film based on the book Goodnight Mr. Tom for several reasons. Firstly, the characters were not portrayed in the movie as I had imagined them while reading the book. Mrs. Beech is portrayed in the book as an over-religious, ill, debauched woman who abuses her son ruthlessly. However, in the film, instead of behaving mercilessly towards Willie, she tells him "what a beautiful baby he was," and even cooks him his favorite meal. Secondly, many crucial parts of the book, such as the play, were omitted from the film. The play was essential to Willie's development as a character; and it illustrated one of the most important themes in the book-life must go on no matter what. Lastly, important characters in the book, such as Carrie, were not in the movie. Carrie is a meaningful character because she is a feminist who teaches us to always stand up for what we believe in, regardless of what other people think. In conclusion, the film Goodnight Mr. Tom, failed to capture the essence of the novel, and I would not recommend it to anyone who has read the book.

True to the Book
I really enjoyed Masterpiece Theatre's film adaptation of the book GOODNIGHT, MR. TOM because it portrayed the characters just as I had imagined them. For instance, the book described Willie as a small, quiet boy, and in the film, he is portrayed by a boy who speaks little and is much smaller than others his age. In the book, Zach was described as an outgoing, "look before you leap" sort of boy; in the film he is portrayed by a boy who talks a lot, always wears red, and says things like, "You do know all about sex, don't you?" and, "He chews his food--I usually just put it in my mouth and swallow" (these are not exact quotes). Finally, Mr. Tom is described in the book as a gruff old man who is soft inside. Similarly, in the first few scenes of the movie, Mr. Tom responds to the vicar's questions in a series of one word answers, yet has a tender, sad look on his face when he hangs Willie's coat on the hook he'd constructed for his own son, who is now dead. Although the movie necessarily changes some scenes and leaves some out, I recommend it to anyone who has read the book since overall, it remains true to the author's characters and themes. I also recommend this movie to those who have never read the book, since it tells a dark yet heartwarming story about violence, loss, grieving and recovery as they pertain to both children and adults, to both child abuse and the second World War.

ENJOYABLE
goodnight mister tom was an enjoyable novel and video. it provided an insight into issues which are not as familiar and talked about as they should be. Good Night Mister Tom is a novel which focusues on the stresses and pressures faced by children affected by war, poverty and child abuse.
It deals with 9 year old William who is a victim of child abuse, and is taken in by a man in a country town of britain after his mother is unable to take care of him during the war. Mister tom provides the love and care william deserves by simply treating him as he should be .

A very happy ending
The video of Goodnight Mister Tom gives you an exellent feeling to what life was like in the second world war. The video doesn't give as much detail as the book does and it also misses out some important chapters such as the play and the holiday to "Salt-On-The-Mouth."
I think that both of these wonderful chapters mean a lot to Willie's learning because he learns to influence other parts and is progressing his literature. In my opinion the chapter the sea is a moving chapter where Willie learns to swim and he can draw and relax at his leisure.
In the book Willie's mother is a sick -minded, religious woman who beats her son regularly but in the video Willie's mother, Mrs Beech, says that her son was a beautiful baby and she cooks him his favorite breakfast.

It was O.K
My opinion of the movie Good Night Mr. Tom is that I don't like it. I don't like it because the movie changes alot of things and doesn't put them in the same order as the book did. For example, Mr.Tom's son's name was John Oalkey in the movie not William Oakley like in the book. Another example is when Willie was given his surprsie party. Mr.Tom went to get him from the church instead of Zach like in the book. Also, Mr.tom threw the belt away into his garden. And, in the book he just puts it away for safe keeping. These examples conclude that the movie is not like the book. ... Read more

Description

Sabotage! The TARDIS is breaking up! Thanks to the combined efforts of the treacherous Turlough and his evil master, the Black Guardian, the Doctor and his companions are in terrible danger. The outside world has begun to break through and Nyssa has disappeared. Can the TARDIS? fail safe mechanism save them all by docking with another ship? Unlikely, when the nearest vessel is a carrier of plague victims destined for the infamous Terminus, the time-bomb planet ticking at the center of the universe? Originally transmitted February 15-23, 1983, this four part adventure starring Peter Davison is the second in the Black Guardian trilogy which began with Mawdryn Undead. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

"You're a very brave person."
"Terminus" is a little dull, enjoyable, but dull. There's a nice creepy feeling when the crew of the TARDIS locks on to the Terminus ship. The Black Guardian/Turlough/"Kill the Doctor" sub-plot is a little intrusive , as it deserves to be its own story. Turlough and Tegan are left crawling through airducts most of the story, while Sara Sutton shines, she has a great send off(and some pretty panties). The Garm isn't that bad, but he moves too slow. The Direction and acting is a little lazy at times, but overall, an enjoyable and interesting script. There is one real hilarious scene, The Black Guardian: "Why have you not killed the Doctor?!" Turlough: "I haven't found him yet!" The Black Guardian gives him a stiff jolt of pain. Great design, love the Viking names.

Look closer, it is GREAT!
I too felt that this story was a dreary dissapointment for a long time, but when I bought the video and took a much closer look, I realised it is actually a subtle but very, very good story that is a vital part of season 20, which, after Arc of Infinity, becomes one of the most intelligent, thoughtful, atmospheric and mature seasons of Dr.Who ever made, rivalling Pertwee's Season Seven and Tom Baker's season 14.
Here, there is a truly exciting first episode as the Tardis almost gets destroyed by Turlough and his evil master, the Black Guardian and then arrives on a ship full of space-plague sufferers! Scary!
The next three episodes are then very low key and build up slowly to a truly amazing climax. As Turlough agonizes over whether or not to kill the Doctor and gets told by Tegan that he is "weird" (haha!), Nyssa sucumbs to the illness and is taken by the alien Garm, only to be cured. Meanwhile, the Doctor investigates the central mystery, that star charts indicate the ancient, ramshackle vessel of Terminus is at the very center of what the Doctor calls "the known universe".
With the help of a woman Space Pirate, the Doctor locates the dark, rusted and decayed control deck with a giant, long dead alien pilot at the helm. Here the Doctor theorizes that Terminus dumped a malfunctioning engine through a time warp and triggered the Big Bang which created the Universe. Suddenly, he finds himself faced with an ancient, out of control machine which is preparing to jettison a second engine, which may possibly cause a second chain reaction that could destroy the cosmos!
Far fetched? Yes! Mind bogglingly imaginative? Defintely! And it takes the help of a slave to stop the destruction of everything the Doctor knows and holds dear.
The final episode is truly gripping and there's a very moving farewell to Nyssa, before the evil Black Guardian tries one last time to pressure Turlough to "Kill the Doctor!"
No dodgy CSO, the Garm is not great, but only has a small role, and the whole thing has great atmosphere. Considering Mary Ridge directed this during a strike which reduced her shooting time to a bare minimum, the acting still convinces. All in all, damn good!

Nyssa is at her worst in her last story
This isn't the worst of the worst(that dishonor goes to all of McCoy's episodes combined) but it is pretty darn close. It is the worst of the Guardian Trilogy which have two other very good stories. This story is stupid, plain and simple. The sets are Ok in some places, but the acting and characters are stupid and the story lame. Even Davison, who usually does a good job was lacking in performance. The worst part of this whole Who disastar was Nyssa. And it was her finale too, she must've gotten tired. Her voice whined like an old woman through most of this. She was not her usual wise and collected self. The two worst were her and that Adric look-a-like guy with the gun(too lazy to go look at the tape for his name). He whined worse than Adric himself! This was not a good ending for Nyssa, and not a good center story to the Guardian Trilogy. The Center of the Universe being a dumpy base ship with Lazzars and the "engine" creating the Universe is probably the lamest, and lowest point in Dr. Who. If you want realism, sweep a floor and yell at teenagers in a department store all day,(reality TV) I want fantasy! The Doctor himself says the line "The Center of the Universe.." followed by a cut-scene of a grey corridor.(golly gee ma!) Warrior's Gate or Enlightenment being surreal and mysterious and more like I would have thought like the Center of the Universe. A Universe of possiblilties. Not a peice of metal with a few bumbs from the "company" running the place. Booring. Enlightenment is better. I only watch Terminus for continuety.

This is the least scientifically accurate Doctor Who episode
The premise that Terminus is at the center of the universe goes against our knowledge of the astrophysics. Astronomers have agreed for more than one hundred years that there is no such thing as the "center" of the universe. The script of Terminus carries such a thorough misunderstanding of the big bang and the notion of the expanding universe, that it is almost objectionably wrong.

Time travel, sonic screw drivers, regenerating time lords, daleks, cybermen---these are all theoretically possible within current scientific thought. However, saying that Terminus is at the center of the universe is like insisting that the earth is a flat square. It is just plain wrong and this, among other aspects of the script, takes this episode from the realm of science fiction to the realm of science misinformation.

Pity about the ending
Great idea to the story, just try to look beyond the holes in the plot. Definitely easy to do for any true Doctor Who fan. The thing that lets this one down is the farewell of Nyssa. Why couldn't they have ditched Tegan instead? Didn't really see much of her in this anyway, or Turlough. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Stomping out their usual cuteness and carbon copying Disney's grand animation style to a T, directors Don Bluth and Gary Goldman (AnAmerican Tail) create a successful musical comedy from the story of the lost Russian princess. Adapting the story of imperialism and revolution is tricky, and subsequently the film's opening is weak. Once Anya (voiced by Meg Ryan, sung by Liz Callaway) is a teenager and on her own (suffering from some degree of amnesia), the film is quite pleasing though never refreshingly new.

Twentieth Century Fox's big-money gamble to horn in on Disney's realm is worthy. The songs, especially the recurrent "Once Upon a December," by Broadway team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty are better than Disney's recent efforts. It's worth picking up the soundtrack. The mix of cell animation and computer work is vivid. The collection of vocal talent is also strong, from John Cusack (as Dimitri, who wants to earn the reward by bringing Anya to Paris) to Hank Azaria as an amusing albino bat. Kelsey Grammer helps turn a roly-poly sidekick into a warm and strong supporting character.

The biggest drawback is Bluth/Goldman's insistence on having a typical villain. Surprisingly, the story would be strong enough without one, and the undead corpse of Rasputin (Christopher Lloyd) is unneeded and unoriginal. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (153)

Not historicaly correct, but a great movie overall
When I first saw it in the theaters, I fell asleep. I'm not sure if the movie got to boring, or if I was just tired. But anyways, on to the movie:

Story: Anastasia, her grandmother, and the rest of the Romanov family are enjoying a royal ball in their palace. But alas, there's always a bad guy,.......Rasputin in this case. He says that Anastasia's whole family will die soon, and that happens (off screen of course). Well, everybody except for Anastasia and her grandma. Her grandma escapes to Paris. "Anya" falls off a train, hits her head, and ends up in an orphanage. 10 years later, two conmen named Dimitri and Vladamer are "collecting" girls that look/act like Anastasia. This is because Marie (Anya's grandma) is holding a grand reward of 10 million rubels for anyone who finds her lost granddaughter. And Anastasia? She is finally released from the orphanage. But instead of going "fishing" like the lady at the orphanage tells her to, she goes to St. Petersburg to find her family. Following her is the undead Rasputin (ha, and you thought he was dead). He's trying to get revenge since Anya lived. The rest of the story follows the journey's of Anastasia, and how she finds her grandmama.

As for the historical record? Well, Rasputin was actually a "friend of the family" as you might call him. He helped to cure little Alex, Anastasia's brother, from a fever. From what I've heard, I guess Anya's whole family (including her) was killed. Not a very happy ending is it? Of course, they can't let the kids know this, so it's all "re-arranged". As for Pooka (the dog), who knows if the Romanov family had a dog or not. Dimitri? He looks suspiciously like Alex dosn't he? And what about Bartok (the bat)? Of course, he is purely fictional. I have to admit that he seemed like the main character more than Anya, since he had the most "personality". Kind of a cute little guy actually.

Overall, it's fun, cute, and whimsicall. Sounds like a kids movie dosn't it? That's because it is!! But all in all, I think you'd enjoy it.

So Well Done You'll Think It's Disney!
Not to diss Fox and Dreamworks and other studio heads, but when you see a great animated film, you automatically think Disney did it. I was only 9 when I first saw this movie, and I really thought it was Disney. It's not historically accurate, but if it was, it wouldn't be a children's movie. Now they have it that Anastasia and her grandmother escaped the palace, but were seperated. Anastasia[Anya] falls, loses her memory, and becomes an orphan. She heads to St. Petersburg to find her family, and on the way she meets a dog, the boy who saved her life as a kid, though she doesnt know it, and the boy's friend. I agree that Anya's character was a bit self-centered, which I didn't like. She wants to find her family which is fine, but she acts a little spoiled at times. But overall I thought it was very good, the music was so awesome I had to go buy the soundtrack. Meg Ryan, John Cusak, and Kelsey Grammar are all very good and solid in their parts, but the best actor is Hank Azaria, who throws himself into playing Rasputin's batty sidekick. The clean jokes and gags he makes are clever and he never loses character for a second. It's a very good film that is not accurate to history, but you know what? A five year-old isn't going to know anyway.

An Alternate View of Russian History
At the end of last week I had the opportunity to see Anastasia. Due to the prevalence of magic and the changing of history, Anastasia does qualify as a fantasy film.

When the Russian empire falls (in a fortnight due to Rasputin's curse), young Anastasia escapes with her life but not her memory. An old member of the court and an old member of the palace staff look for a girl they can pose as Anastasia in order to collect a reward. The girl they pick turns out to be the genuine article. After some harrowing adventures made more difficult by the efforts of Rasputin from beyond the grave, Anastasia is reunited with her grandmother. Then, just as all obstacles and plot complications are out of the way of romance the final showdown with Rasputin occurs.

One of the main reasons I had wanted to see this film was that it was the first true challenge to Disney's animation empire. I was very surprised to find out that Don Bluth (All Dogs Go To Heaven and other dogs) was behind the film. Bluth seems to have finally figured out how to make a good film and Anastasia will hopefully not be the last.

There are a few faults (of course) with the overall plot and the dealings with history but if one accepts this as alternate history they are not a real problem. For one, Rasputin dies by accident (although he does drown). Anastasia is found and reunited with her family. The Russian Empire is likened to Camelot where all is good for everyone. Rubles seem to have worth outside of Russia. But if you can handle that, you should have no problem with the story. The only real problems I had with the production involved the musical numbers and the animation. There was some good music but it just wasn't as clear as it should be. Oftentimes one had to guess what the song was about. The problem with the animation stems from to jarring an interface between the computer animation and the cell animation. Hopefully these small problems can be eliminated in future projects.

So, overall I really enjoyed the movie. It was a fun story with some old cliches eliminated (Tracy thinks they too a close look at the success of Buffy The Vampire Slayer). The animation was beautiful, if jarring in a few spots. The characters were likeable and believable and were backed by some excellent voice talents. If you get a chance to see this one on a big screen you should take that opportunity; it's worth it. If not, get the DVD.

Anything is Possible in History & Animation.
This nice little story of the search for and recovery of the heir to the Russian throne. It is full of adventures to keep the children interested but includes many complicated plots and subplots going on at the same time for the adults to enjoy. When found, Anya was told she had the beauty of her mother, Alexandra; her father had been the last czar, Nicholas.

On the ship to France, curses were being thrown Anya's way by Rasputian. She feels like she is falling apart. A waif for many years, she is hoping to find her family and her destiny. At the Effiel Tower, we saw a beautiful dancing water show similar to that at the downtown park in Chicago in summer.

The elderly Empress with her white hair has reached the point of despair and will no longer interview any of the many girls who claim to be Anastasia. She had a cat with a fluffy tail. Her maid Sophia, the blonde bombshell with Dolly Parton attributes, informs them of the Soviet ballet and takes them on a fantastic shopping spree.

Dimitri had been a servant lad in the palace and had led the group to safety during the revolution. Now he has turned into a conman to find the heiress. He is pictured with my son Geoffrey's hair and even his smile. There is a model in Chicago who is Jeff's 'double' so it could have been based on him.

Out in the streets of Paris, there is dancing as in HAVANA NIGHTS cartoon style. At the Moulin Rouge shaped like a windmill we see the can can dancers' show.

On the way to the ballet, we saw a huge statue of Rodin's THE THINKER. Cinderella was the ending of the ballet; we did not see the beginning. When confronted with Anya, she wearily inquires, "How much pain will you inflict on an old woman?" Now, she had decided to end her days with a lonely life in peace. Dimitri carjacked the Empress to explain how and why he knows for sure this is the right Anastasia. "I know you've been hurt," he says, by his search for the young girl he had fallen in love with.

Anya had prayed, "Please let her remember me." It was the thing she wore around her neck which opened the music box which was the deciding factor. As we watched the music box dancers, we hear a lovely song, "Once Upon a December."

She had become bitter toward Dimitri when learning of his con game. "From the beginning, you lied," she'd proclaimed thinking he was just after the reward money. Upon learning that he had refused the fortune due to a 'change of heart,' we see a bittersweet "goodbye."

The mutt was a good mood-changer. He was so cute, as was the bat which Rasputian had who wished he would just 'get a life.' He got his own at the end of this movie.

Anya was lured into a maze built around a beautiful fountain by evil forces. She told Rasputain, the mad monk, "I'm not afraid of you." He'd declared, "What goes around comes around." She is saved by Dimitri who had returned to claim her as his own and they destroyed his evil by tearing up the lighted skull. Rasputain is turned into ashes after Dimitri had an encounter with a destructive Pegasus.

After she tells him that 'all men are babies,' they eloped. Isn't that romantic?! A perfect ending to a perfect beginning.

The short documentary, Anastasia: A Magical Journey, aided the viewer not schooled in Russian literature to understand what the whole thing was about. Long live the Romanovs.

A Gratifyingly Entertaining Movie
While this movie does have its flaws, it's worth watching, and is over-all rather pleasant.
The villain, Rasputin, is essentially unneeded and detracts from the movie. Christopher Lloyd does a fabulous job doing the voice for the role, but the character himself adds nothing to the plot, and his screen time is when you start to feel time dragging. Many of his scenes also make the movie unsuitable for young or sensitive children. While the majority of the movie would be entertaining for all ages, Rasputin's scenes tend to involve depictions of his rotting corpse that would've scared me as a child, and I find them unpleasant even now.
The rest of the movie is really rather well done. The animation, while not spectacular or awe-inspiring, is pleasant and has character. The dialogue is rather clever, and the voice actors do a very nice job delivering it. There's a great mix of fun, adventure, and humor, to go along with the sentimental parts that will touch your heart. The highlight of the movie is definitely its soundtrack. Even if the plot does nothing for you, the songs are beautiful. They could carry the movie on their own; fortunately they don't have to, and you'll find yourself wrapped up in Anya's search for family, acceptance, and ultimately love. ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Oscars for Wilde
There can only be one explanation for why this movie wasn't revered and esteemed world over. Society really hasn't changed that much since the times portrayed in 'Wilde.' But this isn't supposed to be a social commentary, but a grand ovation for what is, in my opinion, one of the best movies ever. To begin with, the performances of Stephen Fry and Jude Law are really quite extrordinary. Stephen Fry, in particular, manages not only to look unnervingly like Oscar Wilde, but to embody the wonderful (and complicated) character to an uncanny extent. I applaud Jude Law as well for choosing movies like this instead of (or perhaps as well as ^_^) the normal Hollywood teen fare. He really does give a frighteningly good performance, manic depressive to the core. Jennifer Ehle is also very good in the understated but understanding role of Wilde's wife. All in all, I was really blown away by this movie. Not only is it an incredible tribute to Wilde's wit, but also to his life, to the "love that dare not speak its name" and how it is as true and wonderful a love as any other. Sometimes painful, always powerful, Wilde is a rare gem.

Beautiful, you will want to visit Paris...
In WILDE, Stephen Fry (Jeeves in "Jeeves and Wooster") is the consummate Wilde. Jude Law plays his lover Bosie Douglas. Jennifer Ehle (Elizabeth Bennett in "Pride and Predjudice") plays Wilde's long suffering wife. Vanessa Redgrave and Tom Wilkinson also have important roles. What a cast.

The Belle Epoch is beautifully recreated as Wilde travels between England and France--clothes, interiors, architecture, grounds. You don't even have to understand the story to enjoy "being there" in the parks, homes, carrriages.

Oscar Wilde was a writer, best remembered perhaps for "The Portrait of Dorian Grey" although modern audiences may be more familiar with his stage play "The Ideal Husband" (recently made into a film with Jeremy Northern and Cate Blanchett) or "The Importance of Being Earnest."

Wilde was a homosexual in England in an age when one could and did go to prison for acting on instinct. (Nowadays in Saudia Arabia they take off your head.) Although the public became aware of his proclivities, Wilde remained one of Europe's most admired writers. Unfortunately, his term in prison for his sexual preferences may be remembered longer than his works which contain a wonderful drawing room humor many folks fail to grasp. This is a great film, and if you're an Anglophile you must add it to your collection. -- And Paris?? That's where Oscar is buried.

A well-made depiction of Wilde's life
Wilde is a beautifully made film, and I agree with the other customer reviews that found it an impressive portrait of the writer's life. As an expert on Wilde myself (I am writing my master's thesis on him) I would like to comment on some of the objections raised to its handling of his life by scholars and critics. Several scholars whose comments on the film I have read (they know who they are) have pointed out its factual inaccuracies, and have complained about its emphasis on Wilde's love life rather than his literary career. Admittedly, if the viewer wants a more scrupulous account of Wilde's life than is given by this film, she/he would be better off reading Ellmann's biography, on which the film is rather loosely based. Artistic liberties aside, I think we would all agree that the sight of a man making love is more dramatically interesting than the sight of him writing; the film's depiction of Wilde's intimate experiences, speculative as they are, serve to give us additional insight into who he was and the emotions that drove him. The film's greatest strength is its depiction of the neurotic relationship between Wilde and Douglas, which helps the viewer to understand how Wilde got into the jam he did.
I'm sure nobody can complain about the performances in the film, which are dead on, especially that of Stephen Fry in the title role; unlike many actors portraying famous people he not only acts as Wilde must have acted but looks quite like him, which adds to the film's feeling of verisimilitude. Unfortunately, since we don't have a DVD player yet, this review is based on my copy of the video. Hopefully, I'll be able to get the DVD later to examine the extras.

Stephen Fry's memorable performance as the tragic Oscar
My introduction to Oscar Wilde consisted of three disparate sources. First, I read "The Importance of Being Earnest," the wittiest play ever written in the English language. Second, there was Monty Python's Oscar Wilde sketch, where Wilde, James McNeil Whistler and George Bernard Shaw force each other to turn insults into compliments for the Prince of Wales. Third, there was the "Masterpiece Theater" mini-series "Lillie," in which Peter Egan played Wilde and where for the first time I heard the speech from Wilde's court case where he explains "the love that dare not speak its name." It is one of the most unforgettable declarations from the docket in human history and I think I just about have it memorized because it was really burned into my mind the first time I heard it.

When I watched "Wilde," my knowledge and understanding of Oscar Wilde was extended in several key ways. In playing the title role actor Stephen Fry makes Wilde seem less the dandy and more the kindly man he must have been to be put in the situation that caused his down fall. In contrast, Lord Alfred Douglas (Jude Law), known as "Bosie," might be beautiful of face but it is most decidedly skin deep. He is an ugly human being and when Wilde does what he does out of the goodness of his heart, the tragedy that it is for somebody who does not deserve it. I had not really thought much of Bosie before, but after watching "Wilde" I consider him a most despicable figure. Wilde was in prison within three months after the opening of "The Importance of Being Earnest," and the thought of what has been lost to literature and drama is rather sickening. It is only in the film's final scene that for the first time I found myself thinking of Oscar Wilde as a pathetic figure, and again it was because of Bosie.

I had long appreciated the irony that despite his homosexuality Wilde truly loved his wife Constance (Jennifer Ehle), but in Julian Mitchell's screenplay, based on Richard Ellmann's noted biography, I learn an even greater irony with regards to Wilde's downfall, namely that his physical relationship with Bosie had been of short duration and that they were not lovers at the time of the libel suit involving the Marquess of Queensberry (Tom Wilkinson). In that regard this 1997 film enhances the tragic aspects of the story. Of course, the essence of the tragedy is articulated by Wilde himself, who declares: "In this life there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants. The other is getting it."

Beautiful looking and sounding, and heartbreaking as well
This movie is everything about why I love the courageous, crisp, brainy and brilliant British media. Stephen Fry is a gem who could recite the phone book and turn it into a soliloquy on the cruelty of human history. His voice is marvelous, and he rolls his consonants around in his mouth like Jordan almonds -- all without affectation, somehow. Wilde's many quips and epigrams drop out of his mouth without the slightest artificiality, natural and thoughtless as dew rolling off a leaf. Jude Law's Bosie is terrifyingly unstable, and his beauty serves only to throw his instability into high relief. You can't take your eyes off of him while he's on screen at the same time you want to turn away and skitter under the cabinets to stop watching.

The rest of the supporting cast is magnificent (if only the American film industry permitted its great actresses to work past the age of 40, we might boast such luminaries as Vanessa Redgrave and Zoe Wanamaker someday as well as Helen Mirren and Judi Dench!), the directing is flawless, the costumes and set design stunning but never overstated. All of it is used only to support the story, and as beautiful as it all is, it never pulls you out of the story or distracts you, only providing a seamless and textured foundation for the action.

I admit, I'm somewhat amused at the reviewers who imagine that this film shouldn't have concentrated so much on Wilde's sexuality. This is the story of him as much his work -- and his work at any rate was quite informed by his sexuality, nebulous at best during a time when anything but rigid adherence to a particularly joyless version of heterosexuality was a sin and a crime. Beautiful as this film is (and delicious as it is to see so many gorgeous young British men running around au naturel), it breaks your heart with the realization that happiness and fulfillment in life, as well as success and self-respect, can be so profoundly influenced by nothing more significant than the year in which one was born. In a hundred years, what will people be saying about the great women, gays and lesbians, and other minorities who lived in our time? ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Love & Tragedy & All That Jazz. . .
This early vehicle for a young Catherine Zeta-Jones does justice to the complex Hardy novel despite the constraints of the television movie format. 'La Zeta' is perfectly cast as Eustacia Vye, a mysterious beauty with 'black hair and pagan eyes' who captivates the young men of the vicinity while the older country people regard her with suspicion as a witch who is not to be trusted. Eustacia has a reputation as a loose woman in the neighborhood--she dallies with another woman's fiance out of sheer boredom, even though she is tired of him. When dashing Clym Yeobright returns home after many years abroad in Paris, Eustacia sets her cap for him, with tragic results.

Fans who have followed Zeta-Jones' high-profile career in movies such as 'Entrapment', 'Traffic' & 'Chicago' will be interested to see her here, long before Michael Douglas and Oscar came calling, in her debut role outside of her native UK. She displays all the beauty and cool self-possession of the star she would later become. She's had her teeth capped since, and been otherwise glammed up, Hollywood-style, but all the fundamentals are there. The setting is breathtaking (shot on location in Northern England), and the simple yet vivid costumes Eustacia wears add to her characterization. Eustacia/Catherine is dressed simply but vividly in tones of scarlet, yellow and turquoise blue, setting her in sharp relief to the browns and grays of the landscape, and the dull clothes worn by the other characters.

The entire cast does a superb job, but this is really Zeta-Jones' show. Whether you're a Zeta fan, or a student of Thomas Hardy, this production should be on your shelf.

Attempt at Thomas Hardy almost reaches it.
Anyone who has read the novel will see that this movie is far truer to the storyline than average. Where the movie "almost" reaches success is in its portrayal of the characters. The egocentric nature of Eustachia is portrayed well until the death scene, when, from that point, she comes off as too much of the unforgiven, tragic, heroine. Wildeve's passion never quite attains to the pinnacle reached in the Hardy novel, Venn's homespun nobility isn't as evident, nor does Clym's "martyr complex" ever really emerge. The flick has much to recommend it however, especially in the first 2/3 of it. The setting is magnificent and appropriately stark, the subordinate characters (Grandfer Cantle, Susan Nunsuch, Mrs. Yeobright, etc.) are accurately displayed. This is one film in which I would recommend for the viewer to see the movie first before reading the novel. This would eliminate some of the sense of loss in the character displays and help one appreciate the "love-never-dies, beyond-the grave" finale.

Great
Ok i dont get the 007 thing but whatever. this movie was awesome!!! it was so sad!!!!! Catherine alone on that bridge will break your heart! i really felt bad 4 her throughout this movie, just because they "THOUGHT" she was a witch didnt mean they need to go and stab her in church! how mean! lol sry i love catherine zeta jones! lol well the movie was great, it was sad, and in the first minute a lil confusing but then you catch on after like 2 seconds.

Clive Owen could become the next "James Bond 007".
I saw this Hallmark television movie when it originally aired. I lost interest in the story because a character was said to be a witch. I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to watch this film. But Hallmark is a name the presents the best, quality films. Now, there is a reason to give this film a second look. Clive Owen who plays "Damon Wildeve" just might have a chance to be selected as the next James Bond 007 when Pierce Brosnan passes it on. Clive Owen might have to wait until the year 2008. The other reason is the female lead is Catherine Zeta-Jones is now a celebrity (she was unknown at the time) and became an Academy Award winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2003. Joan Plowright as "Mrs. Yeobright" is also in this film. I like the opening line in the film: "Deliver my heart from this fearful, lonely place. Send me a great love from somewhere or else I shall die, truly I shall die".

great for catherine fans
i only liked this movie because of zeta-she is great in it and young-24 yrs old ... Read more

Reviews (2)

great stuff but a crappily made
Belushi and Aykroyd are amazing no complaints about the skits except maybe some more.

The videotape itself is really crappy though. It plays in EP. In my opinion all factory made, store bought videos should be in SP. I have the video about 5 years and I have trouble playing it now. It plays like a video you've had for ten years that was taped in EP off of TV

SNL the funny years
Yes, this is what SNL should be. All you people who think SNL has been consistently funny the last 10 years (they've had their moments, but they are few and far between): buy, rent, borrow or steal these videos. Now. You will learn the truth. ... Read more

Description

Join the Kidsongs Kids on a magical trip to places where everyone and everything is silly. Meet a whale with a polka dot tail, a pig with a wig, and a goat in a boat. Dance along with a comical orangutan and a cute and friendly purple people eater who wants to be a rock star. Giggle along with a cast of silly characters and sing along with the fun. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

verry silly songs
hi my name is christian christian i love kidsongsv my 9 year older loves christian and kidsongs
you could get like play along songs and much more you kont have
ive know thare was 67 tapes in the lrc
weve got lots of tapes
get rules we can doles in dr winks ofice
i know we arec g5at
ive got lots of friends
thanks for viving christian'
iff yuo are have nig a party
co,me us

oh i almost forget yiu ahfe ti goet it

Corny, but it does the trick!
My 17-month-old is MESMERIZED by this video. I'm going to have to get a copy for our collection, because it is a favorite. Warning: The songs will get stuck in your head and disrupt your sleep.

Tyco brand - KIDS SONGS series
This video is lively totally & entertaining! My son at age 18 months could easily sit through the entire 30 min video. Songs include ones like "Down by the Bay" & "Mail myself to you."

My husband & I end up watching at least 1/3 - 1/2 of tape with our son because the songs are sung by children but redubbed later for better quality singers & acoustics.

I would by more Tyco Kid Songs such as "Ride the Roller Coaster" or "Trains, Bus' & Airplanes" ... Read more

Amazon.com

Barney and his pals take a trip to Grandpa's farm and find that a magical egg--which is due to hatch any moment--is missing. As opposed to the studio-bound television show, this feature film has a lot more visual diversity and is a bright, good-looking production. Barney fans will appreciate the broader production scale--even if they don't realize it. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Irritating Movie
This has to be the most crappiest thing I have ever watched. This is not for kids, this video contains: MODERATE GUNS & WEAPONS SCENES, MILD NUDITY/SEX SCENES, EXTREME SCENES OF VIOLENCE AND EXTREME PROFANITY. So don't let your child watch this hoopla.

It'll hold the kid's attention
When my oldest (now 7) was two, this video had just come out and we bought for her. She would watch it OVER AND OVER and beg for more! Trust me, it got really annoying after about the 100th time of them finding that stupid egg!

But she loved it and now her younger siblings do too. I recommend this if you're not easily annoyed by watching the same thing over and over!

The plot is all about Barney finidng and egg and the kids and he go on a journey to find out what it is.

Enjoyable but sassy pre-teens in the cast
We've had this video for a couple years and my daughter, now 5, has always enjoyed it. But today she used the phrase "whatever" to me and I racked my brain trying to think where she had heard that used. Well, it was this movie along with some other sassy phrases such as "Talk to the hand because the face isn't here". That kind of language is definitely not what you would expect from Barney and the kids are too impressionable at this age to have such a sloppy and sassy role models.

stupid
This movie is very bad. It contains a nude dinosaur called Barney. and some retarded guy named Trevor doesn't believe in Barney. So a big comet fell out of sky. That was huge suspence. When Barney fell from the sky, I bet he was yelling swear words and acting like a moron when he was getting down. This movie should be banned everywhere, everybody will return this movie for a big refund of $100. Then the cops will arrest people who still have this video. Worst movie ever. Everybody hates this.. even God, man, they should think of something better like Barney and Heavy Metal.

Inappropiate
I have seen bad stuff, but this is ridicilous. What a stupid plot, they find a dumb egg. [ Sacrastically : ] Wow. What a cool plot! Why don't they eat the egg. And a kid steps his foot in cow crap. This should be rated R for drug refrences, alchochol-slurping scenes, scenes of nudity, mild violence and advanced cursing. Even a Barney fan will hate this.

If you are lookin or buying for movies... don't buy this numbskull-written junk on DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

a viewer from Detroit
excellent movie! ... i also had first seen "naked obsession" on cable many years ago and for some reason it stuck with me. i have tried to locate it for the past five years, only to fall on disappontment. it was out of print! thankfully Amazon.com came to the rescue... And if your a fan of William Katt, (Greatest American Hero, The House), it's a side of him you don't see very often.

great all-around movie!
I saw this movie many years ago, and never forgot it. When I saw it on cable, it was called sunset strip. It is much better than most movies of this type. I have been looking for it under that name for many years. I just stumbled on it while looking for the actress in perfect fit (Maria Ford). Not just another sexplotation b-movie. Movie has a good story to tell, good acting (the actor that played Sam Silver was great). Never gets boring, just waiting for the DVD

Great all-around movie.
I saw this movie many years ago, and never forgot it. When I saw it on cable, it was called sunset strip. It is much better than most movies of this type. I have been looking for it under that name for many years. I just stumbled on it while looking for the actress in perfect fit (Maria Ford). Not just another sexplotation b-movie. Movie has a good story to tell, good acting (the actor that played Sam Silver was great). Never gets boring, just waiting for the DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent Movie, Non-biased
A quality drama of a unique portion of 20th century history. Fairly accurate in historical detail in describing the struggles of the reborn state of Israel. Despite all contrary odds and the concerted effort of four arab nations to annihilate the state of Israel, this young struggling nation under Golda's leadership not only survives but "blooms" in the desert.

Excellent movie and nonbiased!!!
A quality drama of a unique portion of 20th century history. Fairly accurate in historical detail in describing the struggles of the reborn state of Israel. Despite all contrary odds and the concerted effort of four arab nations to annihilate the state of Israel, this young struggling nation under Golda's leadership not only survives but "blooms" in the desert.

Excellent movie but bias
I salute the actors and the director but the movie did not show the suffering of the other side. The Movie was too bias to the isreali side without mentioning much about the palestinian side. I am not a palestinian but I think that the sufferings that they went through because of Golda should have been mentioned.... I still enjoyed the movie and I once again Salute Ingrid for her outstanding performance.

A Wonderful Tribute to Golde Meir and to Ingrid Bergman!!!!!
What a wonderful video!!!!! It portrays the real life of Golde Meir through her own words as the elderly woman who returns to her grammar school in Wisconsin. Ingrid Bergman's last role is deffinitely one of her very best! She is very believeable as the Prime Minister of Israel. It is historically accurate and educational! I recommend it highly for students! It shows the young Nation's struggle through the eyes of this courageous woman! A tribute to Golde, Ingrid and Israel!!!!! Shalom!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Phoebe Cates is the only paradise in "Paradise"
I'm not gonna lie, I rented "Paradise" and the only reason I rented it is because I heard that it showed Phoebe Cates nude. And it does show her naked several times, even more times than I was expecting it to. Unfortuanately, Phoebe Cates is just about the only good thing about this movie and it's definitely the only thing I'll remember from the movie. The only other possible good thing about the movie is that the monkeys can be funny.

"Paradise" isn't a 100% ripoff of "The Blue Lagoon," it's more of an 80% ripoff. The differences are the monkeys, that the two main characters (Phoebe Cates and Willie Aames) are consistently chased by an enemy, and they're stranded in the desert instead of on an island. Like "The Blue Lagoon," both of them discover sex and fall in love with each other.

I recommend anybody who just wants to see "Paradise" to see Phoebe Cates nude to buy the film because it's well worth it. However, if you're looking for a great movie to watch, I wouldn't recommend getting "Paradise" because it's only a mediocre movie, if it's even mediocre. For the movie, I give Phoebe Cates 5 stars and the movie itself 2 or 3 stars.

My first review was revoked!!!
My initial review of this movie was so harsh and damning that I'm sure that is why it was not saved. So, here I go again. I will try to contain the bile rising in my throat when I remember all the ridiculous things in this ludicrous film. The direction is laughable, the acting is horrible, the plotting...I won't go there for fear of saying something foul. Anyway, Phoebe Cates gets naked. That may be enough for shallow males but not for any man with depth of character. Avoid this film like the plague. The only use I can see for this movie would be a time slot on "Mystery Science Theater 3000."

A Desert of the Mind
This is a truly dreadful film, on a par with "Blue Lagoon" (the remake with Brooke Shields, not the rather decent original version with Jean Simmons), to which it bears more than a little resemblance. In "Paradise" Willie Aames replaces the equally callow Christopher Atkins of "Blue Lagoon," while Phoebe Cates replaces the equally vapid Brooke Shields. It would not be inaccurate to say that the principals in both films are equally talented actors and actresses. You remember Phoebe Cates, of course, who gave the most astonishing jaw-dropping dating advice to Jennifer Jason Leigh in the wonderfully goofy "Fast Times at Ridgement High." Both "Paradise" and "Blue Lagoon" have some common denominators: (1) the heroines seem to learn the facts of life from old Victorian medical books--never be stranded in the desert or on a desert island without them; (2) the heros become frantic from raging adolescent hormones; and (3) these woefully ignorant youngsters seem to become remarkable architechs when it comes to building comfy cottages from palm fronds.

The moronic excesses of this film surpass all expectations. Only in "Paradise" are the oases of the Syrian desert home to chimpanzees and Damascus a coastal city. Despite these absurdities, I would still give a slight nod to "Paradise" over "Blue Lagoon" because of the greater exposure given to the female lead in the former. The 15-year-old Ms. Shields seems almost chilly in "Blue Lagoon" compared to her antics at age 12 in "Pretty Baby." Ms. Cates has a rather more enticing smile and figure, which she displayed gladly in lieu of acting talent. (To her credit, her acting has grown since.) Most memorable in "Paradise" is the shower scene in the cave. I have visited this cave, located not far from Ashkelon in Israel, and I am sorry to report there are no showering maidens in it, nor even a stream of water cascading from the ceiling. Nonetheless, Ms. Cates' glistening display almost makes me forgive the studio these glaring inaccuracies. In fact, it is rather fortunate that they have put it in. Otherwise the film would have had nothing at all to recommend it.

movie fan in denver
This movie had all the real potential of being another "Blue Lagoon" but the execution is quite weak. It's a shame to gather all of the right stuff to do the film so poorly. While some of the scenery shots are really good the film quality is really grainy. The music soundtrack is interesting but comes off as herky/jerky (probably really bad recording equipment). The two main actors Aames and Cates have very good visual appeal but the film quality doesn't lend itself to quality viewing. Also, the entire acting crew should have had better coaching before attempting a full length feature film. Still the movie is fun and if you like movies like Blue Lagoon you'll probably like this one. Unfortunately the cinematrography and music don't match Blue Lagoon at all (hint, hint to the director and producer). Anyways just rent or buy this film for the fun and don't expect much more.

it is NOT Phoebe, BODY DOUBLE
Just to let all of the reviewers know who are going crazy over the beauty of Phoebe Cates, sorry but most of the time it is a body double! The two stars I gave this movie are for the few scenes that are actually her, namely the shower scene in the cave. The close-ups during love scenes and the swimming are indeed a body double, garunteed unless you can CLEARLY see her face, it is not her you are drooling over. You can look this info up in any book that talks about celebrity skin on film, such as the "Bare Facts" Guide to the movies. Sorry to dissapoint, but the movie is really stupid, and half of what makes it worth watching is just wool being pulled over your eyes. Once again, too bad. ... Read more

Reviews (4)