Description

The story of a young man?s amazing journey from a slave prison to the very inner sanctum of Egypt?s Pharaoh ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Gripping and accurate ...the ending will bring you to tears!
As a teacher of ancient history with a doctorate in Biblical theology, I can say--without hesitation, this account of the Joseph story is as good as it gets! Although some of the sexually explicit (though historically accurate) scenes should be screened from the very young, this film is an ideal platform from which teens can search out characteristics of moral uprightness in a character of whom the Bible has not one negative thing to say! Kingsley (as he did in 'Moses') steals the show, and Mercurio does an admirable job as Joseph. Especially capable are the actors portraying Joseph's wicked brothers, with Vincenzo Nicoli sterling is his performance as the wicked Simeon. Having watched the film dozens of times with adults--as well as with my middle-schoolers in the classroom, I can say that the greatest of Bible stories is captured in all its power, pathos, and glory. Although creating a few anachronistic vignettes (such as Joseph's 'foreshadowing' Christ's "My God, my God..." speech from the Egyptian prison), the film also captures all of the great ironies of the Joseph story. When Mercurio tenderly reveals himself as the second most powerful man in the ancient world--to the brothers who hated him as a youth, the words 'I am Joseph' will not fail to bring even the most calloused heart to tears. As my students synthesized the thirty or so characteristics of moral goodness extant in Joseph into an essay, one asked why no such heroes existed today. The question revealed both the effectiveness of this presentation, and the dearth of role models in our society. 'Joseph' is both gripping in narration, and brilliant its direction. It is faithful to Scripture and well-acted. It is THE finest of the TNT productions to date, of which only one ('Jacob') was a failure. Everyone will appreciate this wonderful story of forgiveness, but those those who are looking for the 'hidden things of Christ' cannot miss the poignant messianic threads which are so skillfully woven through the life of Joseph. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

"The Joseph story as it was meant to be told!"
This account of the Joseph story is as good as it gets! I teach ancient history and civilizations, and have an earned doctorate in theology. I say this only to lend perspective to this review.

This film is Biblically accurate, well-acted, and the producer and director are to be praised for the sound Biblical reasearch!

Although some of the sexually explicit (though historically accurate) scenes should be screened from the very young, this film is an ideal platform from which teens can search out characteristics of moral uprightness in a character of whom the Bible has not one negative thing to say!

Kingsley (as he did in 'Moses') steals the show, and Mercurio does an admirable job as Joseph. Only Leslie Ann Warren (Potipher's wife) seems to strain as an actor, nevertheless, her performance detracts little from the drama. Especially capable are the actors portraying Joseph's wicked brothers, with Vincenzo Nicoli sterling is his performance as the wicked Simeon.

Having watched the film dozens of times with adults--as well as with my middle-schoolers in the classroom, I can say that the greatest of Bible stories is captured in all its power, pathos, and glory. Although creating a few anachronistic vignettes (such as Joseph's 'foreshadowing' Christ's "My God, my God..." speech from the Egyptian prison), the film also captures all of the great ironies of the Joseph story.

When Mercurio tenderly reveals himself as the second most powerful man in the ancient world--to the brothers who hated him as a youth, the words 'I am Joseph' will not fail to bring even the most calloused heart to tears.

As my students synthesized the thirty or so characteristics of moral goodness extant in Joseph into an essay, one asked why no such heroes existed today. The question revealed both the effectiveness of this presentation, and the dearth of role models in our society.

'Joseph' is both gripping in narration, and brilliant its direction. It is faithful to Scripture and well-acted. It is THE finest of the TNT productions to date, of which only one ('Jacob') was a failure.

Everyone will appreciate this wonderful story of forgiveness, but those those who are looking for the 'hidden things of Christ' cannot miss the poignant messianic threads which are so skillfully woven through the life of Joseph. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

a man of character and faith
Though this interpretation of Joseph's life has been substantially embellished, the heart and soul of the story remain intact, and is ultimately quite faithful to the Biblical account covered in Genesis Ch. 33:18 through Ch. 46:30.
Much of the acting is marvelous, especially Ben Kingsley as Potiphar, whose part has thankfully been enlarged, because he is riveting in every scene he is in.
Martin Landau is also excellent as the patriarch Jacob, who mourns the apparent loss of his favorite son, Joseph.
Australian actor/dancer Paul Mercurio ("Strictly Ballroom") is good in the lead, and others in the cast include Leslie Ann Warren as Potiphar's lying wife, the always beautiful Dominique Sanda as Leah, and some fine character actors playing Joseph's brothers, notably Michael Attwell (Judah), and Vincenzo Nicoli (Simeon).

Included in this film, and intrinsic to Joseph's life are the stories of Tamar and Judah, and the horrific tale his sister Dinah, both done effectively.The only parts that are less than first-rate are the scenes in Pharoah's court; almost campy in costuming and acting, they can provide some amusement in the midst of all the drama. Stefano Dionisi is a most unlikely and modern looking Pharoah, and has the ultimate babe for a wife, the pulchritudinous Monica Bellucci. The entire film though, is always mentally and visually entertaining, and has much spiritual content. As with so much of the Old Testament, there are allegories that run through its narrative that point to the New Testament, and the story of Joseph has much of this symbolism.

Filmed in Quarzazate, Morocco, with its exotic ancient structures and landscapes, the cinematography by Rafaele Mertes is wonderful; this is a way above average production for television, and a film about a man who "does nothing against his conscience even on pain of death" is worth watching again and again.

Great Movie
I truly enjoyed this film. I think it was superbly done, however, I did not agree with the scene between Joseph and Potipher's wife. I think it was a bit too sexy and it was not necessary. This scene does not make it suitable for younger audiences and I think that is a shame because it is such a great movie. However, that was the only scene where I saw Hollywood getting carried away.

Excellent biblical account and well done!
Thoroughly enjoyed this depiction of the life of Joseph and learned much by viewing the movie! Even though I have read the biblical account, seeing it come to life in the movie filled in things in the story that I missed in the biblical account.

Sometimes it's nice to read the bible story first and then follow it up with seeing the movie.

Movie very well done! Highly recommend! ... Read more

Description

Academy Award(R)-winner Denzel Washington (Best Actor, TRAINING DAY, 2001) gives a victorious performance in this stirring and uplifting film. REMEMBER THE TITANS is a rousing celebration of how a town torn apart by resentment, friction, and mistrust comes together in triumphant harmony. The year is 1971. After leading his team to 15 winning seasons, football coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton) is demoted and replaced by Herman Boone (Washington), tough, opinionated, and as different from the beloved Yoast as he could be. How these two men overcome their differences and turn a group of hostile young men into champions, plays out in a remarkable and triumphant story full of soul and spirit. You and your family will never forget the Titans. ... Read more

Reviews (209)

You will remember the titans...
No matter whether you're a fan of sports or not, Remember the Titans is an incredibly inspiring film.
Based on a true story, it is set in 1971 at TC Williams High School, a school that is about to intergrate white and balck students for the first time.
The school's football team meet pre-season, and the separate white and balck groups must learn to get along under the guidance of Coach Herman Boon (Denzel Washington).
What follows is a remarkably touching and powerful story, that mixes tragedy and success.
Great acting by all involved, especially the black members of the cast, who are funny and add something else to an already 5-star film.
For movie fans of all genres, Remember the Titans is a great movie that will inspire you and having you watch it again and again. This is the greatest sports film ever made, and it is sure to have watching intently from beginning to end.

A MOVING STORY OF HEROIC DETERMINATION
Denzel Washington is Coach Boone, a black football coach who finds himself in unfamiliar territory when he is appointed head coach of a high school team in its first year of intergration. When the fomer coach Yoast agrees to be his assistant it seems that turmoil and not determination will rule the squad.

Boone's determination to win is only outmatched by his drive for racial harmony within the team and coaching staff. By forcing his players to interact he creates bonds and friendships. Throughout all of this he knows he must win or his tenure as head coach will be short lived. He must not only battle the racial tension in the team, but in the town as well. Only his sheer will can guide his team to the promised land.

The movie is an outstanding piece of cinema. It adresses a social issue with raw emotional power. It teaches a lesson without screaming it in your face. The acting is without a doubt full of some of the best performances of the year to not have been recognized by Oscar and the likes. While Denzel Washington and Will Patton are phenomenal the show is stolen by the members of the team. Watch this film and you will get the point. An emotional five star film worth watching again and again.

Hands down, one of the greatest movies I ever watched.
Believe it or not, I never even heard of this movie until recently. I'm not a big sports fan, or a sport movie fan so when my boyfriend brough this over to watch, I was less than thrilled.

However, once it started, I was captivated by it.

The movie is made even better based on the fact it is based on a true story. The jist of it is this... Herman Boone, played by Denzel Wahsinton perfectly, takes over as new head coach at a high school that has been desegregated. Naturally, the town has mixed reactions.

We watch as Boone, uses tactics that neither the players, the parents, the townsfolk or even his assistant coaches like to force the players to not only become a team but also respect each other as people. We watch as friendships form, and as a team forms.

Eventually we watch as the winning football team, and essentially Boone brings the town together.

This movie brings something to the table for everyone. I laughed, I cried, I even cheered during the games. A must see!

A CLASSIC FOOTBALL MOVIE
this movie is not only very compelling but also has good morals involving racism ,alcohol, and it rele shows how people of different backgrounds can come together when circumstances get rough. this movie is probally for ages 10 -and up because its a lil slow if you are too young to understand the concept of racism and football if you like good drama movies or football movies watch this movie its a legend itself as the titans were in the movie. a small town highschool breaks the color barrior having both whites and blacks on one team some players accept it and others dont and there black coach (denzel washington who plays an excellant part ) gets threats but still coaches his team to victory REMEMBER TO WATCH THIS MOVIE

We need more family movies.
I thought this was a great movie. It was a movie that my kids could watch with me. However, the one thing racism)they are trying to conquer in the movie, still lives on today. I would recommend this movie to anyone. It was a great movie. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Entertaining But Somewhat Uneven
LASSITER is a movie about a jewel thief in London during the years just before World War II. After an arrest he is pressured by British law enforcement and the FBI into attempting to steal a horde of gems from the German Embassy.

The film is a fairly entertaining romp but there are problems with the script and some of the actors seem to be miscast. The movie does have many excellent sets and Tom Selleck gives a strong performance as Lassiter. The supporting cast includes Jane Seymour, Laura Hutton and Bob Hoskins. Hoskins is particularly good in the role of Inspector John Becker.

Another movie that deserves a DVD release
This little known movie stars Tom Selleck as an American jewel cat thief in pre-World War II London. It's a great movie and has an incredible supporting cast including Bob Hoskins as a police officer doggedly on the title characters trail.
With OTT Nazi's as the villains this movie truly is a great ride and a DVD release is long overdue.

Lassiter
naive and childish but elegant and oh-so pleasing
bob hosckins - excellent scoundril ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Two inept cops who frame An Innocent Man
This is the story about two inept cops who frame AN INNOCENT MAN named Jimmie Rainwood(Tom Selleck). The two plain clothes police officers deviously plant drugs inside Jimmie's home,also using his mailing address. The cops spot a shadow of what looks like a pistol,but is actually a hair dryer. Jimmie was drying his hair after taking a shower. After other officers discover the drugs in Jimmie's home,he is arrested,arraigned,convicted and sent to prison for six years. After Jimmie is released,he and a few friends scheme to incarcerate the drug-planting cops. The cops end up in jail. Jimmie's buddy(F. Murray Abraham),who's still in prison,says at the end of the film,"Ain't life a motherf---er?". This film was not as great as THREE MEN AND A BABY and HER ALIBI,but I loved it.

AN EXCELLENT SELLECK MOVIE
As long as I can remember I've always immensely enjoyed/loved Tom Selleck movies. This is defintely one of his best(as well as 'Her Alibi'). This is a very enjoyable prision movie with a range of emotions. This film as always been on my DVD wishlist so I'm very excited that it's finally on DVD. I highly reccomend this film, you won't regret it.
By Justine Ryan

An Entertainingly Uncomfortable Film
Even though you know what's going to happen to Tom Selleck's character, and you know that the ending will be happy, watching the process is enjoyably discomfiting. This is a plot film -- stuff keeps happening to the main character, things he appears utterly incapable of controlling, and everything spirals right into disaster. Great Friday night fare. Make a lot of popcorn and savor it.

an excellent movie
Very entertaining movie. The characters are all great, the plot and the suspense are terrific.

Best Selleck Drama
I always like Tom Selleck movies. Some are actually very entertaining. This is by far his best dramatic role. I was very impressed how well he played the part of a framed Airline crew chief Jimmie Rainwood. F. Murray Abraham gives a great performance as one of the prison inmates, Virgil Cane, that befriends him. It has all the elements for some good drama, bad cops, drugs, decent and really bad convicts, attractive loving wife, and motive for revenge.

David Rasche and Richard Young do a fine job as the crooked detectives that frame him. I have recommended this to many people since many Selleck fans are not even aware of it. Whether you like Selleck or not you will enjoy this film if you like movies like "The Fugitive","US Marshals", and "Shawshank Redemption". It is being released on DVD soon and you can bet I pre-ordered a copy. ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Fourth Mistress!!
Gong Li is one of the best actors in asian cinema. Her performance in "Raise the red lantern" won her various awards. She also stared in "ju dou" another excellent film by the same director. Ju dou has one of the best endings i ever seen in a film, It's a sad and tragic story, but beautiful.
Raise the red lantern opened me up to asian drama films and i've been in love with them ever since. It also has one of the best endings i've ever seen in a film, probably the best ever. The cinematography is too good to be true. The story is also tragic, but beautiful. I hope they finally release this wonderful film on DVD soon, a special edition or criterion edition.

Strong and willful...and helpless
Well its impossible not to give this film five stars because it is an example of consummate craft both in acting and directing but there is something about this story which I find a bit unsavory. Of course the whole story of a man having four 'wives' who are really not any more than kept women or concubines is unsavory but even so this vision of harem life is especially disturbing as the women in this harem all turn out to be either petty or downright vicious. Perhaps this infighting is inherent in this kind of situation but the infighting in this case becomes deadly and the film leaves you feeling like many films from the new Chinese cinema leave you feeling and thats that old China was bad for women. This is probably true, it is probably also true that old feudal China(and its really not so very ancient history, this picture takes place in the 1920's) was good only for a handful of powerful feudal lords. But there is another message in this film and thats that willful women get punished. That is another unsavory aspect of this film. The Gong Li character was willful and proud before she ever entered the compound as wife number three and yet she came of her own free will. Much is made of the fact that she unlike the other wives was educated and has a brain and will of her own but nonetheless she becomes as petty as the others. The film is very powerful as it is but it just rings false to me that the Gong Li character would not find a way to continue cultivating her mind and become a stronger and stronger presence as she gained age and wisdom. In other words I think a willful woman would not allow herself to be undermined by others so easily. But she does so and she simply becomes another victim that loses her identity in bits and pieces until she is nothing but a walking shadow. It almost seems that Zhang Yimou is just reaffirming all our suspicions about backward old China. Of course to a westerner the most valued thing is individuality so it almost seems Yimou is catering to our own fears in the telling of this story about identity robbery. It is a captivating story and it is impossible not to admire the consummate craftsmanship with which it is put together but there is something inconsistent about the psychology of that main character and though it may be true that women had no official powers in old china it is also certainly true that women did exert their influence in unofficial ways but the Chinese to this day(Zhang Yimou included)do not tell stories about powerful women who are not punished. In Shanghai Triad Gong Li plays another kind of willful woman who also unintentionally brings about destruction and again she meets a similar fate. Its a strange kind of role she plays in both films. She is willful and cruel and selfish and yet somehow we don't blame her for it and she wins our sympathy in the end because she is ultimately rendered helpless.

A domestic drama
This is an exquisite film in every detail. Beauty is in every frame. Were it not so well made, I would describe it as a slow-moving domestic drama: Jane Austen with claws. I couldn't quite accept Gong Li as a Chinese woman of the 1920s. She looked a little too tall, well fed, and healthy: a modern look that showed through the gorgeous costumes and scenery.

Gong Li is the Best Unknown Actress in Movies
If there were any fairness in Hollywood, Gong Li would have won the Academy Award for Best Actress for any one of her many movies. Besides being drop-dead gorgeous, she is an exquisite actress of the first order. The opening scene, a close-up of her face as she resigns herself to her nihilistic future, will convince anyone of this fact. Raise the Red Lantern is a thinking, engrossing movie that dispenses with special effects and overwhelming scores and concentrates on story and acting. Zhang Yimou is famous for delivering biting criticism of the oppressive, delusional aspects of Chinese society. Raise the Red Lantern shows one very strong, independent woman's attempt to overcome thousands of years of historic oppression in early 20th ca China. Women are collectables for rich men, mere objects of possession. The horrific backstabbing and betrayal is among the women themselves as they vie for most-desired-object status. When the human need for dignity and respect surface, the repercussions are catastrophic.

The plot has been well documented, although this is one of those movies where the less you know going in the better. Suffice to say the first thing you'll want to do once the movie is over is to watch it again.

It is disappointing to see a number of very mediocre movies receiving 4 and 5 stars simply because they shun the standard Hollywood formula, as if mainstream automatically equals bad and independent automatically equals good. The mediocrity of these films becomes apparent when compared to indy films of the highest caliber, such as Raise the Red Lantern. Highly, highly recommended.

Another all-time favorite
The plot doesn't develop quickly. Let's get that out of the way. But director Zhang Yimou deftly handles the plot, actors and camera, really tightening the screws on the dramatic tension. It's just a gradual tightening. But once you're involved, the story is hypnotic. Just don't go in expecting Hollywood-style editing, set pieces or storytelling cliches. This is a quiet story with great acting and amazing visuals for such a basic set and basic story. Haunting and unforgettable! You'll love it. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

"The best Exodus film to date...but not quite 'Joseph'....."
Ben Kingsley has to be one of the finest Hollywood--as well as biblical, character actors in the world today. His Moses spans the life of the hero from youth to the old man most people think of when the name of Moses is mentioned.

This film is the best version of the Exodus story to date. It is far superior to 'Ten Commandments', which stressed the spectacular at the expense of the accurate. This TNT version--while not quite as good as 'Joseph', is extremely accurate in its depiction of ancient Egyptian history. It stresses the Egyptian background of Moses' life, and doesn't just portray him as simply Hebrew alone.

How nice to see Moses pictured as a highly trained soldier (which he surely was) in growing up in the Pharaoh's court! Especially novel is the portrayal of Moses' lisp, which could be a very accurate interpretation of the Biblical narrative's 'slow of speech'. While a bit more emphasis could've been placed on the fact that the plagues were specific judgments upon Egyptian gods, the film does a fine job in nearly every other respect.

The next to last meeting between Moses and the Pharaoh ("MY name resounds in all the earth--and I let YOU live"!) is exceptionally well written, and the final meeting is wonderful. Moses speaks volumes in his silence! The parting of the Red Sea is pretty darn good (though the crossing is mysteriously speedy--even for an epic!), and the fact that the Hebrews crossed it 'on dry ground' is an excellent addition which most miss in the Bible, not to mention the film! Great job, here!

The 'pillars of fire' which hold back the Egyptians are depicted as lightning, and this part is a real highlight! The film assumes Ramases and Mernepta are the major Pharaohs of the period. This might cause a little confusion to more conservative believers who place the Exodus earlier (1445 BC), and the Pharaoh as Thutmoses III. It will be especially confusing to 'Prince of Egypt' admirers, since Ramases there is Moses' friend, instead of the Pharaoh-father.

All in all, this is a film well worth watching. Unlike 'Joseph' however, which never had a dull moment, 'Moses' is considerably less interesting after the crossing of the Red Sea. But it does fair justice to the Bible, and the acting is superb. One could hardly ask too much more from Hollywood!

Finally!
Finally...a film about Moses that is about as realistic as you will get. I LOVED this version. It so vividly portrayed the trials and tribulations of Moses and a nation of people who followed him to the Promised Land. I was very impressed with the reality of the stage settings, costumes and portrayal of the realities of day-to-day living in those times. I got a very real sense of how it must have been for Moses to lead a group of people who were afraid, insecure and homeless...people who constantly, doubted and challenged Moses' relationship with God.
Very accurate from a Biblical standpoint as well - the director did not take too many liberties with this film.
There are so many great things about this movie I can't put it all into words. I've seen several versions of the Exodus, but this one is the best yet! I originally saw this movie on the TBN cable channel and I loved it so much, I'm buying it for my personal library. I HIGHLY recommend this video!

the journey to the promised land
Though this television production doesn't have the epic grandeur of "The Ten Commandments", it is a marvelous telling of the story of Moses, with some superb acting; there are a few liberties taken to flesh out the script, but the heart of the Biblical account is intact, with a memorable portrayal by Ben Kingsley as the prophet who was "clumsy with words" but led his people to freedom.
Other terrific performances come from David Suchet as Aaron, Sonia Braga as Zipporah, and Philip Stone as Jethro, and as the "bad guys", Frank Langella, who with his sonorous voice makes an effective Pharaoh, and Maurice Roeves as Zerack, the man who is a continual kvetch.

Filmed in sub-saharan Quarzazate and Agadir, Morocco, it is visually beautiful, with the excellent cinematography by Raffaele Mertes; I like the neutral palette, and the artifacts and costuming that give it an authentic look of ancient times. Added to the atmosphere is the wonderful score by Marco Frisina.
The effects are good, from the parting of the sea to the tablets of the law, and other than a short sequence of violence (which includes a swift depiction of sacrificing an animal) after the golden calf incident, it is family friendly. Total running time is 184 minutes.
This is a film that stands up to a lot of repeated viewing; it is so full of eternal truths, and content that is applicable to our lives today.

My favorite Moses
I thought this was the best of films I've seen about Moses. I liked the way he was portrayed as an ordinary man who was chosen and called by God. He had to grow into greatness and he had to grow in his faith. I found his transition from ordinariness to greatness over the years and through many difficult circumstances and difficult choices to be inspirational.

Films I've seen in the past about Biblical characters have often tended to come across as a bit formal or contrived feeling. I thought the portrayal of how the people lived had a more natural look and feel to it, instead of looking more like actors simply trying to portray past ways of living.

The film gave me a better sense of what Moses and the people of Israel went through in their journey from slaves to free people reaching the Promised Land. There were many difficult choices to make and some chose unwisely. I was touched by the portrayal of Moses' grieving when the people rebelled and God dealt with them.

It brought tears to my eyes at the end when Moses, before he died, was standing on the top of the mountain looking down at the Promised Land. I thought it was an excellent portrayal of Moses and his fulfillment of God's destiny for him.

More complete, but less exciting
This film covers more of the Moses story than any other film I have seen. Although there are a few inaccuracies, they are few compared to most Hollywood films and generally don't make any substantive change to the Biblical text. One problem with the film is that the crowd scenes just don't do justice to the reality. Scholars estimate there were about 2.5 million Hebrews in Egypt who made the exodus. I doubt if there are any scenes in this film which show more than 50. The film could be greatly improved if they could add computer generated people to build the crowd scenes. This is one thing The 10 Commandments could do well. The second problem, is that the film just isn't as exciting as The 10 Commandments. Perhaps that comes from being more accurate. Overall, it is a good film which does an excellent job at covering the events. ... Read more

Description

A computer expert moonlights as a successful jewel thief. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Warren Oates chases jewel thief O'Neal with amusing results.
Ryan O'neal plays a computer programmer who after a divorce decides he is tired of his programmed life and becomes a cat burgler, leaving chess moves at each robbery as his calling card. Warren Oates plays the insurance investigator obscessed with bringing him in. Jacqueline Bisset plays the love interest who tumbles to Ryans life of crime but loves him anyway. This film has aspirations of being in the same league as To Catch A Thief and How To Steal a Million but doesnt quite make it. However this film isn't without it's fair share of charm. Especially in the interplay of cat and mouse between O'Neal and Oates. But just which one is the cat, and which is the mouse? ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Top-Notch Adaptation of Danielle Steel's Better Novel
When I was 13, I began reading Danielle Steel novels. Most follow the same path and offer few variations. So when Jewels was released, I did not buy it right away. Then I saw the miniseries on TV and knew it HAD to be part of my library, both video AND book library.

Why? For one, Anthony Andrews is the perfect fit for his role. For fans of Andrews, one only has to remember that he played King Edward VIII in The Woman He Loved and what an excellent job he did in that role. He was also stunning in The Scarlet Pimpernel and Ivanhoe, and period pieces seem to suit this well-trained actor. Annette O'Toole is also well-cast as the strong-willed American woman who falls in love with the man in line for the crown (granted, he is 13th in line for the throne).

The story provides all the Steel conventions, but it does not seem old-hand when staged in this movie. Even if you are not a fan of Steel's work, the story is compelling.

Other Danielle Steel adaptations pale in comparison to Jewels. This is by far the best adaptation of her work. The blossoming of love, the separation of war, the agony of loss, the trials and tribulations of parenthood, the reinvention of one's self, the survival of one family. Great entertainment!

A Great family story
I really enjoyed Jewels. This movie demonstrates courage, strength, and love. Jewels shows how a family can go through a rough time yet it can overcome any obstacle.

A Great Mini Series...
I will admit to having a fondness for the tv movies adapted from Danielle Steel's books. Jewels, in particular, is one of my favorites and I have only one question. When are these great stories coming out on DVD. I have quite a few of the videos but would gladly toss them over for DVD replacements. I heartily IMPLORE the powers that be to release all her movies on DVD format. And I wouldn't mind seeing more of her books adapted into movies. She writes such fun, adventurous love stories!

Bradley Cole
The Guiding Light star was great in his whole, ten or so, minutes of the movie. It was fun to see him as a "bad boy"

A wonderful story...So many decades, characters, events!
The amazing thing is my husband loved this one, too! We hated to see it end! ... Read more

Reviews (77)

A classic
I don't want to make a bigger deal out of this movie than it deserves. It's not a world-changer and the ending is a bit predictable, but it is a wonderful and charming coming of age story and an honest look at small-town America. And cycling and Italians play central roles -- a plus for an American cyclist living in Italy, like me.

But having an affinity for things Italian or for bike racing is not necessary in order to enjoy this 25-year-old classic. What is necessary is an appreciation for small things and memories about the mysterious period between adolescence and adulthood. If that describes you, then chances are you'll enjoy this touching film.

Amid the praise I should say that the DVD package is only average: the original trailer and teaser are there, but it would have been nice to have some commentary from director Peter Yates, some of the actors, or from critics who were fans of the film. A "Making of Breaking Away" mini feature would have also been a welcome addition.

One note: Breaking Away is a very American film, and so I'm not so sure how much of it will hit home with foreign viewers.

Inspiring Coming-of-Age Quirky Heartwarming Film
This is the story of four boys who have just finished high school and who live in Bloomington, Indiana. They are trying to figure out who they are and who they could be. They run up against the animosity of the college kids who look down upon the townies or "Cutters" (Bloomington is also a rock quarrying town) as inherently inferior.

The main character is irrepressible Dave Stohler (Dennis Christopher) who decides that he wants to be an Italian international bicycle racing star, even though he has never been out of his home town and doesn't happen to be Italian. He pours himself into the role of becoming Italian and becoming a star-quality cyclist. His loving parents are bewildered and worry if their son will ever be normal. He doesn't want to be normal; he wants to be outstanding.

This movie does a wonderful job of blending comedy, character development, and action. After watching it, you feel like you were there and you knew these people. I was inspired by this film to look for other Dennis Christopher movies (e.g., "California Dreaming") but none even approached this one. "Breaking Away", with the multiple meanings to its title, is one of the most likable movies I've ever seen. A great pick-me-up if you're down in the dumps.

Remember Being 18? You Will...
Watching "Breaking Away" is like visiting an old buddy in a familiar town. The film is about four friends who have graduated high school and aren't quite sure whether to embrace adulthood and the future or to shun it and cling instead to their childhood identities and each other. There is a great deal of warmth and gentle humor throughout the film, and the performances are winning.

Mike (Dennis Quaid), the leader of the group, clings to his friends as reminders of his days as high school quarterback and fears they will prove to be his best. Moocher is eager for adulthood and is planning to marry his girlfriend. The only problem is he cannot keep a job! Cyril (Daniel Stern) is resigned to the fact he may never leave Bloomington, but remains buoyant regardless. Dave Stohler is the main character, he knows exactly what he wants to be, an Italian Cyclist. There is only one problem- he isn't Italian! Dave learns through a young woman he meets and eventually through his father that simply being Dave is more than good enough, and that he must embrace his natural talents and the future. There have been countless "coming of age" pictures, but this one is the most enjoyable!

DVD: The production values of the DVD leave something to be desired and therefore I only give the product 4 stars. The lack of 5.1 surround is a disappointment, as well as the quality of the video. A commentary track featuring the four leads would have been an interesting addition. The only extras are a couple of trailers.

Wide appeal.
This film has wide appeal. At the outset it really seems to be one of those movies that were made specifically to cater to rising trends of the times -- in this case, the bike boom of the early 70's. And yet, even though our protagonist rides a Masi, this film has few things in common with other flicks like Torque, The Fast and the Furious, Top Gun, Wildstyle, Quicksilver and others that feebly attempt to elevate their respective scenes to almost mythical underground status by building stories and jargon completely around the sport or subject itself. Initially I watched Breaking Away because I was into bicycles. But bicycles in this movie surprisingly take somewhat of a backseat in relation to its main thrust; this film could be said to be not just about coming of age in small town America but more about taking pride in your own cultural identity while finding the courage to pursue your own dreams. And however cliche it might sound, the struggle is a real one, especially concerning the 'vicious cycle' that exists in our supposedly classless American society. And this I think, has a far more timeless appeal than a kid going around thinking he's a professional italian cyclist, however charming it may seem.

A classic
A sleeper that made the grade and graduated into the realms of Classic Flicks, Breaking Away is one of those wonderfully uplifting and subtly patriotic movies that champions small-town America. Steve Tesich won the screenplay Oscar for this semi-biographical story about four 19yo kids who can't quite decide what to do with themselves after high school. They live in Bloomington, Indiana, where the guys from the university look down on the townies and make derogatory comments about their rock quarrying forebears. One of them drifts, then runs, into the world of Italian bicycling, much to his used-car-salesman father's dismay and embarrassment.
You'll feel yourself pulled into rising excitement as the marvelous finale hoves into view, and, though sorry to see the film end, you'll hit the rewind button with a big smile on your face. ... Read more

Description

Somewhere in the great wlsewhere there is a higher calling, a nobler ambition. Don Quixote is sure because he's read so in books about chivalry. But aged Quixote is not merely content to read. So he adorns himself in armor, takes up a makeshift lance and rides off to set the world right. Peter Yates directs from a script by John Mortimer and serves up a dreamy array of special effects both subtly and grandly scaled. Why would Quixote engage windmills in battle? Better yet, why not? To see the world through his eyes is to embrace life as the fullest adventure. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Don Quixote is not the Man Of La Mancha!
When my Man Of La Mancha tape got stuck in my VCR and ruined, (it was pretty worn as I have watched it dozens and dozens of times) I found it very difficult and expensive to replace. SO- I decided to get the 'new' Don Quixote movie and see if maybe I would like it just as much. Well, John Lithgow is really good in it, and the scenery is nice, and maybe it does follow the book a little more, but I just didn't care too much for it. I found it a bit boring, I missed the singing and I missed the passion with the imaginary Dulcinea. Maybe I am just too accustomed to Man Of La Mancha (even with all the flaws the critics point out) to be able to appreciate anything else, but in my opinion if you have seen the Braodway version of Man Of La Mancha and the movie with Peter O'toole- you are too spolied already to appreciate the new version of Don Quixote!

a Good Movie..
I have to admit i am not a big fan of John Lithgow, BUt in this version of Don quixote, He played the part of a delusional schitzophrenic perfectly. this story follows the book fairly well, alot better then youd expect. it would make an o.k. family movie but you can bet your money that your kids would get bored. i say that because it doesnt have the Flash and Glitter like so many of todays kid shows. if you have read the book, seen the play (Man of LaMancha) then this is a must for you. superb acting, superb visualisations of the illusions, and overall a good Flic.

Good Preformance
I have to admit i am not a big fan of John Lithgow, BUt in this version of Don quixote, He played the part of a delusional schitzophrenic perfectly. this story follows the book fairly well, alot better then youd expect. it would make an o.k. family movie but you can bet your money that your kids would get bored. i say that because it doesnt have the Flash and Glitter like so many of todays kid shows. if you have read the book, seen the play (Man of LaMancha) then this is a must for you. superb acting, superb visualisations of the illusions, and overall a good Flic.

Good Movie
I really had wanted to watch this when it was on TV, but I missed it. When I saw the video was available, I immediately purchased it. I am a big fan of John Lithgow and this part was perfect to showcase his unique talent. This movie was a pleasure to watch and is a movie that your whole family can watch together. The scenery was incredible and the movie was very enjoyable. While I haven't read the book, I think this movie is worth anyone's time. It's a nice break from all the action/horror/teen sex movies that seem to fill the theatres any more. Highly recommended!

don quixote
a well thought out movie that generally follows the book fairly well. funnie and exciting ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A HOILDAY CLASSIC.......
Two of the beloved stars team up for a funny/romantic story (Since Victor/Victoria). Catherine (Julie Andrews) and Robert (James Garner) get stuck in a snowstorm in an cabin on Thanksgiving. I won't tell you the rest because I don't want to spoil the ending. Giving that this was the highest rating tv hoilday special the year it aired (1999 I think), you will see why it is a classic! This is a most have on dvd/vhs in you collection and you won't regret it.

Two Special Stars
This is absolutely one of my favourite films! It's really charming and touching. The two stars, Julie Andrews and James Garner are terrific together (as they've been earlier, both in The Americanization of Emily and Victor/Victoria). They have something special... Something that really show us what love really is about! One Special Night is a film I watch every holliday - just because of it's wonderful script and stars. See it! You won't be disapointed!!!

One of my favorite holiday movies
This is by far one of my favorite holiday movies! I just caught it again (for the third time) on Lifetime, on Thanksgiving night and it was a wonderful way to wind down Thanksgiving and begin the Christmas season, as the movie takes place on Thanksgiving and ends on Christmas morning. Julie Andrews has long been a favorite of mine and I was excited to see her reunited with James Garner. It is obvious that they have worked together previously and their chemistry is perfect as two "strangers in the night." It is charming without being overly sentimental and is just a pleasure to watch because it is so well written (you really get to know these characters within a 2-hour span)and it leaves you wanting to know more about them, more about their past and their future together. Do yourself a favor, make a cup of tea and sit down and enjoy this most enchanting holiday movie.

One Special Night
Julie Andrews and James Garner couldn't have been matched more perfectly for the roles they played in "One Special Night". It is by far one of the best holiday romance movies to come along in years. It has a special quality that can only be attributed to the charm of the actors.

I made a copy of the movie from one of the two different TV showings and have watched it over and over again, including most recently as a hint of the holidays start to ring throughout the air.

I recommend it as a wonderful movie to view and add to any collection.

Wonderful Entertainment
A wonderful tale in classical Julie Andrews style. Julie Andrews and James Garner make a great team in this heartwarming holiday tale about second chances in life. They're two unlikely people who get stranded overnight in a snowstorm and discover that love CAN come again. I taped it when it was on TV and have watched it many times since. The tape is a must-have part of anyone's holiday collection. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (10)

EXCELLENT MOVIE/Guaranteed to shed a tear!!!
Definitely a wonderful movie and one of my personal favorites, Eleni, brings to the screen the true story of a boy whose family suffered terribly during the Greek Civil War 1946-49, but who managed, thanks to his mother's love, to get safely to the USA and raise his own family in peace. It is a movie about war, hunger, suffering, but most importantly courage, honor, sacrifice, and how Love-motherly love, can overcome and prevail even in the most difficult of situations. A great movie indeed which will surely bring tears to one's eyes! Needless to say, both Kate Nelligan and John Malkovich are superb in their roles as mother and son!
The previous "reviewer's" comments are not even worth elaborating on...

So close to the truth-dramatic dynamite
I saw this film while living in Greece and having had visited many such villages in northern Greece, it was completely mesmerizing. The portrayal of the Greek people at that time and the cultural differences were astonishingly true.

At its first showing, it was picketted and closed after one day only to reopen two days later away from the city center, which was when I saw it.

It completely absorbed my interest and I felt a new sympahthy for the people who lived through those times (many of whom I knew).

It;s a great movie and should be more widely shown!

Great Movie "Eleni"
I loved this movie, I have been looking for it for a long time, when will this be coming out on DVD.

absolute garbage
one of the worst movies ever made. it actually glorifies a traitor to the Greek people who supported the fascists in the civil war. unbelievable and shameful.

Powerful. Unforgettable. TRUE story.
It is 2:00 a.m. and I cannot sleep after watching this movie.

Mothers love their children but in our decadent, face paced, greed driven society I so often find myself off course, yelling and snappish at the slightest thing. In other words, God forgive me for not conveying that love and for taking our time together for granted.

This movie takes place during the Greek Civil War in the late 1940's. God help us to cease all wars and fighting. 28,000 children were taken from their homes and sent to work in communist camps.

This story shares the sacrifice and love of a brave woman and truly devoted mother, Eleni. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Peter Yates's 1968 cop drama has its existentialist pretensions, but there is something seductive about its strained seriousness and Steve McQueen's intentionally stoic performance as a San Francisco police detective on the trail of a murderer. A couple of key action sequences boost the film's stature, the most memorable of which is a vertiginous car chase that Yates almost approaches as a dance. Jacqueline Bisset provides window dressing as Bullitt's girlfriend--worried about how much his job strips away his humanity--and Robert Vaughan is almost reptilian as an opportunistic politician. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (104)

Bullitt Hits The Mark
1968's Bullitt is best known for its classic car chase scene that is still considered by many to the best of all time. The movie is worth watching for that scene alone as Steve McQueen's fastback Mustang chases down a Dodge Charger for a tense ten minutes through the streets of San Francisco. Even without that memorable scene, Bullitt is a classic 60's film. Mr. McQueen's performance as steely police detective Frank Bullitt is one of his best and the forerunner of the anti-heroes that would dominate films of the 70's. The plot revolves around a seemingly routine job for Bullitt and his men to protect a mob informant (Pat Renella) who is set to testify before a Senate subcommittee. When two hitmen break into the safe house and fatally wound the informant and injury another detective, Bullitt begins to have questions and takes up investigating the case on his own with the help of fellow detective Delgetti (Don Gordon). Fighting them at every turn is ruthless and ambitious senator Chalmers played with unctuous smarm by Robert Vaughan. Jacqueline Bissett co-stars in one of her first roles as Bullitt's girlfriend and Robert Duvall has a bit part as a cabbie. Director Peter Yates crafts a gritty look to the film and editor Frank Keller won the Academy Award for his superb work.

Steve McQueen scorches the streets of San Francisco
Arguably the best crime film of 1968, and certainly one of the most influential films of the genre...."Bullitt" established new directions in the mood and style of crime thrillers, and firmly established McQueen as one of the key anti-hero stars of the 60's. Based on the gritty novel "Mute Witness" by Robert L. Pike, this was the first, and only, time McQueen portrayed a police officer (albeit a maverick one) in his movie career. In 1968 Steve was then riding high on the success of his previous crime film, "The Thomas Crown Affair", and "Bullitt" just propelled his star even higher into the heavens !

The plot is tight, economical and well crafted....taciturn, moody Detective Frank Bullitt (McQueen) is charged with the protection of a key witness vital to an upcoming trial involving Mafia connections. Whilst hidden away in a supposed secure location, the witness and his police guard are brutally gunned down by unknown assailants. The heat is turned up on Bullitt by his tough Captain (Simon Oakland) and the manipulative, opportunistic politician Walter Chalmers (Robert Vaughn) to come up with the right answers fast ! Between the draining investigation, Bullitt struggles to maintain his relationship with his cultured, sensitive girlfriend, Cathy (Jacqueline Bisset)

Primarily coming from a TV series background, Englishman Peter Yates (directing his fourth movie) did a commendable job as director on "Bullitt"...producing a complex, intense crime thriller with a unique style that would ultimately influence many other films. Yates would later to go onto direct Robert Mitchum in the excellent "sleeper" crime film "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" !

And of course "Bullitt" is reknowned for it's now legendary car chase between Frank Bullitt's 390 GT Mustang and the two hitmen in their black, Dodge Charger 440 Magnum barrelling through the city streets and highways of San Francisco....just don't pay too much attention to how many times they pass that slow-moving, green VW Beetle !!

The DVD transfer is excellent in both sound and picture quality, and the Limited Edition Set with the extra goodies (Single sheet poster, shooting draft, lobby cards etc.) is a real bonus for keen film fans !!

One of my favourite cop thrillers....McQueen sizzles on screen !!

Put on a Sweater
This detective drama aimed to be the essence of cool, and succeeded, in fact it's a little too cool, can somebody turn up the thermostat? Barely anybody in the picture is allowed to show any genuine emotion, although one of the hoods looks a little upset before he's shotgunned. Director Peter Yates apparently planned to tell the whole story with action and came up with a near-classic. In fact his spectacular staging of McQueen's car pursuit of two Mob assassins is usually blamed for the countless imitation car chases that have blighted American movies ever since. It's certainly one of McQueen's signature roles, but why give him a hokey name like Bullitt?

McQUEEN COOL!
Ignore the paisley pajamas, Steve McQueen was an icon of cool and BULLITT is the proof. Peter Yates has a smart thinking man's cop drama, bolstered by (yes) the best chase scene on film. Great locations in San Francisco. Superior acting by McQueen, Robert Vaughn as a sinister U.S. Senator and Don Gordon, as McQueen's partner. Why didn't Don Gordon become a bigger star?

The good, the bad, and the pretty
"Bullitt" is highly regarded by many for either "the chase", or the drama.

The good and the bad: True, there is a high-speed car chase in part through the hilly streets of San Francisco. Is it "the best ever" chase? Depends on how you look at it. Plus - It was very high speed. Plus - It had a cool-looking Mustang fastback vs a big GTO. Negative - They pass the same VW 4 times, and another car 2 times (why? if not intentional, then very poor continuity) Negative - double-shifting or not, there are about 97 too many gear changes, and some of those are at top speed on the flat stretch near the end. Neg - the bad guys lose too many hubcaps. Still, it's fairly exciting. However, though not car vs car, I think the chase in "The French Connection" is as good if not better.

As for the drama, some of it seemed a bit drawn out. Lt. Frank Bullitt is supposed to protect the state's witness "Ross" against the Chicago "Organization". Ross and one cop are shot, and Ross is later killed in the hospital, where Bullitt is hanging out. Bullitt does not want the prosecutor who gave him the assignment (Robert Vaughan) to know Ross died, so he will have time to find the killers. Turns out Ross may not be who the cops think he is, and this leads to a good foot-chase across the airport runways and the airport itself.

Some of the police procedure as portrayed in the movie is rather shoddy - such as handling a lot of evidence, then asking for it to be fingerprinted, etc.

The pretty: Bullitt has a girlfriend played by Jaqueline Bisset, who gives him grief for his callous attitude. This sets up the final scene of the movie where Bullitt ambiguously questions his existence. Otherwise, her appearance in the movie is useless.

Good acting by McQueen and Vaughan. Look for Robert Duval, Georg Sanford Brown, Norman fell, Simon Oakland and a few other names.

The jazzy score by Lalo Schifrin sounds like a bad TV movie. Wide-screen movie has decent picture and sound quality. DVD extras include a short behind the scenes documentary, text-based cast/crew/location info, list of awards, and a trailer.

In short - Not the best cop movie, not the best McQueen movie, and not the best chase. Watchable but not a stand out. ... Read more

Reviews (136)

From Russia With Love
From Russia With Love is certainly an excellent OO7 film to date and is Connery's third best in my opinion, I like Thunderball and Goldfinger slightly better. The plot is that SPECTRE is bent on getting the LEKTOR, a top-secret decoding device. They plan to offer it to Bond from a young girl. SPECTRE plans then to kill OO7 and take the LEKTOR for themselves. The acting is excellent. sean Connery is in top form as the dashing British agent OO7, and few Bond girls are better than Daniela Binachi's Tatiana Romanavo. Robert Shaw and Lotte Lenya are superb villains, especially Shaw as Rosa Klebb and Donald "Red" Grant. Kerim Bey is wonderful as Pedro Armendariz. The action includes OO7 being chased by a helicopter, the famed "gypsy camp" scene, an incredible and long hand-to-hand fight aboard the Orient Express between Connery and Shaw, and a good boat chase near the end. The gadgets include Bond's attache case, Grant's garoutte wire watch, and Rosa Klebb's switchblade shoes. The script is very good, the cinematography is dark and brooding, and the settings are nice. The only problem is I didn't like the song that much but I loved the score. Overall, everything from the acting to the dark atmosphere, to the good DVD quality make this film a terrific OO7 film and a welcome edition to your DVD library.

Beautiful looking DVD
James Bond is given the opportunity to obtain a Russian Lektor decoding machine but he needs the services of a beautiful Russian defector, Tatiana Romanova (Daniella Bianchi) to help him steal it from the Russian Embassy in Istanbul. The British think it's a trap, but one worth taking as they are desperate to get their hands on the Lektor. It is indeed too easy to be true - but the treachery and manipulation comes not from the Russians, but from a totally unexpected quarter.

The story may appear simplistic but if you let your concentration lapse you'll miss key information to understanding the plot. Because there is more dialogue it helps to own this movie so you can watch it again. Everything becomes much clearer after a repeat viewing. This was the first 007 DVD I bought because it's one of my favourite Connery Bonds. It features ice-cold assassin Red Grant (Robert Shaw), and one of the best bond girls ever ('James, will you make love to make all the time in England?'). Pedro Armendáriz fits the role of 007's ally Kerim Bey very nicely.

From Russia With Love doesn't overwelm you with a main villain's secret fortress blowing to pieces, nor does it have a heart-pounding car chase scene. The real action is between the characters and within the story.

This series deserved better.
It is hard to imagine that only the 2nd 007 flick would be one of the worst, but this one is just so horrible! The romance plot is laughable and badly acted, Connery and Bianchi don't even have any chemistry. A ton of scenes in the film don't make any sense either--- the gypsy camp sequence for instance. It has NOTHING to do with the plot, yet a good deal of the film is spent here. It's almost as if the filmakers had 2 scripts, couldn't decide between the two, and just used them both, resulting in one huge convoluted mess. Perhaps this was because they were trying to get the movie out in only a year after Dr. No came out. A shame--- had they given FRWL more time and not rushed it, it could have been something really good.

the second young bond and the best of them all
fighting gypsies (one of whom is the delectable martine beswick) in scantily clad clothes, a beefcake blonde assassin robert shaw, a killer old hag with poisioned shoes, the most beautiful blonde imaginable wearing a choker, and connery's ultra cool bond non chalantly smoking his way through half the fim.
what more can you ask from terence youngs second bond flick and the best bond of them all.
from russia with love.

Number 2 yet full of firsts
The second installment of James Bonds adventures starts with the post gunbarrel pre-title chapter which in this movie sees an expert assasin take out what appears to be our intrepid agent untill it is revealed that it is a stage set up.

Q makes an apperance with the first of many gadgets that Bond will call on during his lifetime. We also get to see his Bentley before it's famous replacement in the next film. The three modes of transport (air,sea,rail) and exotic locations are to the fore and of course, the Bond Girl, this time Lotte Lyna. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

"The Romancing the stone of the '90s!"
This is one of the best movies out there that has been overlooked by many people. It is a story of an apprentice wine-merchant,(Penelope Ann Miller), who discovers a bottle of wine that belonged to Napoleon called "The Year Of The Comet". The adventure starts when the bottle gets stollen and they have to chase after it.

This movie has been compared to Romancing the stone, and I think that is a fare comparison. If you buy this movie, you will love it.

Excellent "Girl" movie that guys like too!
The plot line is very amusing with a significant amount of action. The chemistry between the lead actors is great. Excellent movie for when you don't want a "shoot em up" action movie or a sappy romance that would put a guy to sleep. We don't buy a lot of tapes but this one is a must. Strong competition to "Romancing the Stone".

The best romantic movie without overt sexual scenes.
This is the first entertaining movie i've seen in a long time. Penelope & Tim are both funny and appealing I would like to see more of these types of films. I love intriguing chase movies.

Great funny romantic adventure!
I love this movie! It is such a great date flick! It's got some funny lines, quirky characters, and adventurous plot. I have lent this movie to all my friends and they love it!

Terrific romantic comedy!!
Tim Daly and Penelope Ann Miller have great chemistry in this different, but great comedy. The plot of this movie is something I have never seen before, which, in my opinion adds to it's value. If you like romance with a twist of laughter, I strongly recommend "Year of the Comet". ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Year of the Comet
I love this film - pure escapist comedy with romance and love of wine starting with mad dash across Scotland (beautiful scenery) - a perhaps unlikely pairing of Penelope Ann Miller and Tim Daly (of TV's Wings fame) works surprisingly well and Louis Jordan as the villain is a charming addition (he never could sing). Not well received by the critics, but a great time and a must see for wine lovers everywhere!

A CUTE ACTION / ROMANTIC COMEDY WITH CHEMISTRY!
A NICE BOY MEETS GIRL, HELPS GIRL, RESCUES GIRL, LOSES GIRL, AND FINALLY A HAPPY ENDING! THERE IS REAL CHEMISTRY BETWEEN DALY AND PENELOPE. THE PLOT IS INTERESTING IF A LITTLE FLAWED, BUT THIS IS A MOVIE THAT WHILE IT MAY NOT WIN ANY CRITICAL ACCLAIMS IT IS WORTH SEEING! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Funny clips from their TV show
This tape is of an Abbott and Costello TV show. It is a collection of famous skits and musical numbers, like a variety show. Interestingly, it also includes the commercials! My 11-year old son is discovering the old comedians for himself and is enjoying the classics, like the Marx Brothers, Abbott and Costello, Charlie Chaplin, and the Stooges. Highly recommended for those who enjoy the classics.

Timeless
This video is timeless. Abbott and Costello is always entertaining. I highly recommend this video to anyone.

Sound quality very poor
I heartily agree with the other reviewer: the sound quality really detracts from the enjoyment of the material. I couldn't find another source, so I bought this anyway. The Hall of Fame in Cooperstown has a very clear sounding tape, but they don't sell it in their gift shop.

Classic!!!!
I really enjoyed seeing the "Who's On 1st?" routine for the first time. I also like seeing the commercial for Palmolive and Colgate. It's so weird to see how simple everything was back then compared to today.

Who's on First from Sterling Entertainment Group
The content is great, but the poor quality is a distraction to this fine content. I know this is an old film, but the quality of the audio is awful....a constant hiss and static. Also the program is recorded on EP...they've jammed 104 minutes on a very short tape, so the video image is at its worst. I hope to find this classic from a better distributor. Don't buy this - you'll be frustrated. ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Elegant and Powerful Communist Propaganda
This movie is a visual feast. The Chinese government spared no expense in creating it; all-star director Yimou Zhang apparently had everything at his disposal: a super star (Jet Li), an excellent supporting cast, unlimited costume expenses, and the full array of Hollywood digital imagery. More than just action and elegant Chinese cultural imagery, this film is a bold statement to the world: China is once again its cultural center.

Unfortunately, money does not always buy happiness. Despite the beautiful imagery, the story is brazenly unoriginal, taking its principle technique from Kurasawa's 1950 breakout film Rashomon, and much of its wuxia energy from Ang Lee's Taiwanese sensation of 2000, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. To the simple-minded, I think it fails as an action picture, and to the sophisticated, its moral push is far from certainly digestible. Neither do any of the actors succeed in endearing themselves to us. Its greatest strength is its beautiful imagery.

I recently watched Alexander Nevsky, the famous Soviet propaganda film. Viewed today, its intent is obvious and clumsily applied. I watched Ying Xiong, or "Hero", well into the second hour before I realized that I was watching a modern version of that same old communist template. What are the messages here?
A) Look Out: China is bigger than life and is ready to take its rightful place as the center of the world.
B) All under Heaven: union is not bad, it is in fact noble and unselfish, supporting the common good (Cantonese Hong Kong and Mandarin Taiwan take note).
C) The National Government is working for the common good: "They call me a tyrant", the emperor says scornfully, as he laments the fact they ignore the burdens he must bear for their own good.
The film tries to appeal to the values of common decency in order to support these latter two points: killing is wrong, selfish grudges are wrong, excessive resentment is wrong, etc. It seems to accept and mildly promote individualism, although not allowing it to trump collectivism.

I admit that even as an American, I cannot quickly digest these complex moral questions and make an immediate assessment as to their worthiness. For a Chinese person, I assume this film has been even more powerful. The pride evoked from its bold nationalist statement may further push them towards accord. Hence its value as propaganda has probably been quite strong. I think that ultimately the value of this film as a classic will be decided by the prevalent answer to these moral questions, and my suspicion is that history will not look favorably on the direction in which it pushes viewers to think.

An intimate epic
"Hero" is a very ambitious film, attempting to combine quiet introspective philosophy with visually stunning action and pageantry. It is like an intimate epic. The scope is grand to say the least, with full armies on the march as well as intense and magical personal duels, all of which serves as decoration to the Buddhist philosophy being put forward.

It is very beautiful, and this is probably the first thing to be noticed. The various elements, actors, scenery and colors all combine to create a visual splendor. It is a very painterly movie, a feast for the eyes. Specifically, color is used to create moods and to differentiate the various storylines. If the visuals are painterly, then the Martial Arts are dancerly, along the same line as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," to which inevitable comparisons must be drawn. The actors are equally beautiful as well, and "Hero, truly a feast for the eyes, could probably be enjoyed in this manner, without any dialog.

Storywise, it is a variation on the familiar "Rashomon" theme of "what is the truth?" The same story is told and re-told, each time moving closer to the purity of truth, and with truth comes enlightenment. This is an intimate tale, a quiet verbal duel between an Emperor, so fearsome and lonely than no human can approach within one hundred paces of him, and a nameless subject, who might just be a true hero. Between them, a story is told of epic engagements, artists and warriors, and what is actually worth fighting and dying for.

I won't spoil too much of the story, as part of "Hero's" strength and insight lies in discovery. That is not to say that it is full of surprises and twist endings, but rather that, like all Buddhist insight, the answer of the movies riddle lies as much in the viewer as in the actors.

rebuttal to JUSTAREADER & Other Naysayers
Western movie studios like to spoonfeed the story to the audience and have an ending that provides closure. Asian movies tend to be more ambigious & leave the conclusion more open-ended to allow the audience to walk away "thinking" about the consequences of the actions of the movie characters.

The wire kung fu is meant to be an expression of the inner turmoils that play within the character's heart and mind. Suspending your belief in reality would have to take place to accept the incredibly artistic fight scenes in this movie or just about every other action movie ever made like Spiderman or ID4. At least enjoy the beautiful camera work and use of colors in this movie instead of thinking about "too many pretentious but self-indulgent thought-to-be poetically beautified scenes".

The "peking opera styled slow talking dialogue" is used effectively in my opinion. JUSTAREADER may not be a fan of this type of dialog but everybody has their own opinion.

Zhang Yimou used the story of the Qin Emperor only as an outlet much like Passions of the Christ. Many will not agree with the portrayal of the Qin Emperor in Hero or the portrayal of Christ in Passions but it made its point.

I agree that the Qin Emperor is not as "benevolent" as Hero suggests but this is a fictional story meant to convey the conflicts of the characters - the sacrifices made for self and country and the eternal question "does the ends justify the means"?

Boring movies don't move the audience and just passes 2 hours of their lives. It's the reaction I get after attempting to watch Dreamcatcher, Road Trip, or Day After Tommorrow.

Great movies provoke a reaction from the audience. This is a great movie with great visuals and cinematography. It got a reaction out of the "love it" and "hate it" camp! It wasn't a simple "love it" or "hate it" review.

Some of the best movies and music are derivatives of others. Example: Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith just borrowed from the blues and garage rock; Hero borrows from Rashomon; the list can go on and on forever. So to call Hero an unoriginal movie is an oxymoron because every movie copies from earlier movies.

Not all westerners are "simple-minded". People who just want simple Kung Fu movie or action movie with no plot will be bored to death and will find the movie "too complicated for westerners." For those of us who want something more than movies like Garfield or Starsky & Hutch will more than likely enjoy Hero.

Must see
This is a truly beautiful film. I own the import version and this film delivers on all scores. Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung give outstanding performances as the two lovers Flying Snow and Broken Sword. Jet Li is fantastic as Nameless.
If you love Hong Kong cinema this is a must see

too poetically unfocused, too complicated for the westerners
this is a very dark but also very pretentiously directed and performed swordsmanship movie. the chinese philosophy would put off mucho western viewers, 'cause the values in the orient and what we got in the west are totally different, i.e., the ends justify the means, or the means justify the ends. to not to assassin a tyrant and allow him a great opportunity to conquer all the other small feudal warlords and unify the whole china, in a larger vision, might save more peoples' lives than letting all the warlords killing each other and their subjects year after year....so what's the choice of the way-too-deep philosophic assassin in the last second and to face a doomed consequence? the director has tried too hard to express his own montage philosophy, his own interpretation of what should be done and only by himself in such genre to surpass the crappy oscar winning crouching tiger had achieved only one thing: a somehow and somewhat boring staged show instead of an exciting movie, with too many slow motion scenes, too many wired suspension, too many pretentious but self-indulgent thought-to-be poetically beautified scenes, with a too narrow minded and one-sided chinese philosophy delivered in a peking opera styled slow talking dialogue to grandize the butchering tyrant of all time in ancient china who later became the only role model of the modern time chairman mao, conquered all the warlords and took the advantage of generalismo chiang kai-shek's enduring war against the invading japanese of the world war II, and later the pathetic and horrible cultrual revolution in china, the rude-awakening of the chinese holocaust.
this is somewhat a mediocre and even a quite lousy film made and should not be made by the legendary chang yi-mou. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Princesses, kitties, and mermaids are the order of the day in thisthree-episode installment of the Pokémon video library. First up, Mistyand the villainess Jessie go head to head, or tiara to tiara, on Princess Day towin a collector's set of Pokémon dolls. First it's a beauty contest andthen a Pokémon battle in "Princess vs. Princess." Next, Team Rocket'smaladjusted Pokémon, Meowth, is mistaken for another, more heroic Meowthby a little boy whom the kinder, gentler Pokémon once rescued in "ThePurr-fect Meowth." Finally, Misty and the boys head back to her hometown to lether three sisters exercise her seahorse Pokémon in their gymnasium pool,only to get caught up in their underwater theatrical production in "The MistyMermaid." Jessie and James (in a balletic tutu!) show up, and the play turnsinto a Pokémon battle with Brock and Ash joining the aquatic show. Theplay's ending disappoints neither its audience nor the phalanx of Pokémonfans out there. (Ages preschool and older) --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Enjoyable series but too expensive
Pokémon is the story about Ash Ketchum and his friends, Misty Williams and Brock Harrison. Ash's goal is to become a Pokémon Master. Misty's goal is to be "the best at everything" but, more specifically, a Water Pokémon Master. Brock's goal is to be the world's best Pokémon breeder. Pokémon are the animals that inhabit their world. They come in many different species (mouse, cat, dog, etc.) and types (electric, grass, water, fire, etc.). Each Pokémon trainer trains his or her Pokémon to battle other Pokémon and win badges to compete in Pokémon Leagues. Ash, Misty, and Brock must deal with Jessie, James, and Meowth of the evil Team Rocket, who want to steal Ash's first Pokémon, Pikachu, and usually other Pokémon as well. This Japanese animation series is an advertisement for the Pokémon video games, and the episodes' plots are usually simple, but this is actually an enjoyable series. Common themes are friendship, not giving up, parting ways with a dear friend, and other good morals. Parents and guardians that are concerned about the violence need not worry. Yes, the kids have their pets fight each other, but they also must learn to take care of and love their pets. Girls will find a strong female role model in Misty. Overall, this is a fun, simple, warm-hearted, rather repetitive series. However, despite how much I like the anime, the DVDs are not worth your money. Each episode is probably less than twenty minutes long, and there are only three episodes on each DVD. You would be paying the price of this DVD for around one hour of Pokémon. That's ridiculous. They don't even include the Japanese vocal tracks with English subtitles or the fun music videos from the TV airings. You can rent these same English-dubbed episodes on VHS. If you really want this series on DVD, my advice to you is to buy the movies and the special, "Mewtwo Returns", and wait for box sets of the series.

Go Misty
Finnally 2 whole shows about Misty. As you may know Misty is one of the main charecters. She sometimes is sort of mean but shes 100 times better than Team Rocket.
Our hero Meowth is OK.
I rate the ones about Misty 100000000000000000000000000 out of 10. I rate our hero Meowth 5 out of 5.

Princess Vs Princess -- The Purr-fect Hero -- Misty Mermaid
"Princess Vs Princess" is a good episode for Misty and Jessie. I assume this Princess Festival thing is a Japanese holiday that we don't get in America. For a historical note, this is when Jessie catches Lickitung. Anyway, it seems the deciding factor in the princess contest is a Pokemon battle, for which Jessie has borrowed Weezing and Misty has borrowed Vulpix (always cute) and some of Ash's Pokemon. Surprise, surprise, Jessie does not win, though she would have if Psyduck were more obedient. Anyway, good episode for Misty or Team Rocket fans. I don't know what it has to do with Meowth specifically except that he is briefly in the battle and reminds Jessie that she still has Lickitung after the rest get defeated. "The Purr-fect Hero" -- One of Meowth's episodes, although it doesn't focus on him as completely as "Go West Young Meowth" does. It's another Japanese holiday, which we are calling "Kids' Day." I like cats, so it was nice to have an episode featuring another Meowth that acts more catlike. Team Rocket's disguise for this episode is magicians, with James as the lovely assistant. An above average episode in my opinion. "The Misty Mermaid" -- Good if you like Misty and her sisters, I guess. James's, uh, costume, uh... this is not my favorite episode. But if you don't mind James wearing pink frilly stuff (at least he complains about it a little), well then... I really don't see what this episode has to do with Meowth. One thing I like about this episode is that Arbok is really, really formidable. IN the water, the water Pokemon's element, it is winning (!) against about seven water Pokemon at once (!) until the lousy Seel goes and evolves and Arbok finally loses. Go Arbok! So, Lickitung was great in the Princess festival episode, and Arbok is great in the mermaid episode. Jessie has really great Pokemon.

TEAM ROCKET ROCKS !!!!
LONG LIVE TEAM ROCKET! See Ash die. DIE, ASH, DIIIEEE! See Misty die. DIE, MISTY, DIIIEEE! See Tracey die. DIE, TRACEY, DIIIEEE! As EVERYONE knows, TR is THE BEST!!! TPTWFDTUAPWONTDTEOTALTEORTTSAJJTRBOATSOLSNOPTFMTR Stands for TR motto! I dont have to type it all out...yay. Anyway- Ash should be stabbed 50 times, then burned, then simmered in water, then get all of the remains broken on a tree and stomped on!!!! DIE! Misty should be burned at the stake. SHES EVIL I TELL YA! EVIL! Tracey should have his sketchpad burned, his head cut off, his arms cut off, burned, simmered in water, thrown into a tree, and the remains should be stomped on. DIE!! DIE ALL OF YOU, DIE!!! I am a ROCKETSHIPPER, ANTI PALLETSHIPPER, GENKISHIPPER, YAMASHIPPER, AND MEOWSHIPPER! ARE YOU?? Ask me about Rocketshipping! Enuf with the ads- one last note. DIE, ASH, DIE!

The impurr-fect hero
Here's something from the you've-got-to-be-kidding department: Meowth, for once in his life, has to play the hero for kids who need entertainment. Big deal. ... Read more