Reviews (40)

Two Wonderful Actors...One Playing The Other!
I wasn't really a Charles Chaplin fan when I saw this movie. I simply could not sit through a silent film. I found nothing special about them or in them, at that rather immature point in my film experiences. But I was (and still AM!) a huge Robert Downey Jr. fan, and couldn't wait to see his portrayal of the Tramp. I'll admit I WAS curious about this rather controversial fellow, Chaplin. I'd heard so many things about him and didn't know what was true and what wasn't. Was he a womanizer? Was he truly a communist sympathizer booted out of our nation for what certain parties in the government felt was the peoples' safety? So many questions, and such an enigmatic person, regardless of my feelings about the silent film genre. MY GOODNESS!!! The movie swept me away!!! Downey's portrayal of Chaplin's most beloved character The Tramp and his portrayal Chaplin the man were both superb, and that was certainly not an easy trick! (Which is even more obvious once you're read Chaplin's Autobiography upon which this movie is based...I read it soon afterward...and I also recommend it without hesitation! My 1st Edition hardback, a gift from my wonderful husband, is my most treasured in my collection!) I say not an "easy trick" to portray both, because they were totally different people! You'll see how shy he was in his "real life", and how, through his acting, he found a way to communicate with others that he never quite succeeded at in life, until very late when he met his beloved wife Oona. Since childhood his life was filled with hardship and heartbreak, and it's no wonder he had such difficulty with women! The man was a visionary when it came to movies; a genius far ahead of his time. Also, he was incredibly patriotic; as an immigrant from England, he truly loved this country for all of the freedoms we all so often take for granted, having never lived without them. The irony is that he was one of the many unnecessary and tragic victims of McCarthyism; and also a personal target of Hoover's rather "weird" agenda, who would it seemed, stop at nothing to get Chaplin out of the US at which he did of course succeed as we all know. There are other really wonderful parts of this film! It brings the silent stars to life for us. People like America's Sweetheart, Miss Mary Pickford, and that famous swashbuckler who was a dear friend of Chaplin's, Douglas Fairbanks. The three teamed together to form United Artists. Kevin Kline is DELIGHTFUL as Doug...you'll love his portrayal of Fairbanks, and the tale of their friendship is endearing to the point of tears from joy and sorrow. What this movie did for me personally? It opened my eyes. It showed me the value of the entertainment still to be found in the clever work done in silent pictures. It started my journey to learn as much as I could about Sir Charles Chaplin, whom I've found to have been a dear man, and a frustrated, perhaps even somewhat crazed genius so ahead of the times, that the very nature of his work was what consumed him. I dearly treasure my copy of this movie and his Autobiography! I also treasure the man who brought Chaplin back to life for us all...God Speed Robert.

Brilliantly Executed with A Terrific Cast!
Sir Charles would've been very pleased. This film stars Robert Downey, Jr. as the legendary Little Tramp, and is directed by Richard Attenborough. Many other actors including Dan Aykroyd, David Duchovny, Kevin Kline, James Woods, Anthony Hopkins, Marissa Tomei, and many others. What I find lacking in this film is that it didn't cover enough of Chaplin's life, however, may I suggest that you first read his autobiography. (Titled My Autobiography, which I purchased here at Amazon!) Then watch the movie. The ending is one of the most touching things I have ever seen on film. Robert Downey is magnificent, and must've have studied Chaplin's every move.

Robert Downey Junior - The Bad Boy at His Best
If you're anything like me, the almost semi-annual relapse and recovery of Robert Downey Jr. has been an interesting periodic feature of the morning news. After a while one begins to question why does Hollywood put up with him when there is no shortage of talented actors desperately trying to make it in Hollywood? Why would producers and studios, who are so financially dependent on their productions going off without a hitch, take yet another chance on Robert Downey, Jr? Then I saw Chaplin, and I understood.

The intensity and power of the Robert Downey's performance in this film is the stuff of Oscars and true movie legend! It's both a beautiful performance and a beautiful film!

Somehow Sir Richard Attenborough got out of Downey the kind of performance that can sustain a career, and a legend. But Sir Richard's mastery didn't stop there. He got spectacular performance out of everyone, including a young, pre-X-Files David Duchovny. (I know I misspelled that. But you know who I mean.)

In summation, Robert Downey's performance is every bit the equal of James Dean's in Giant, East of Eden or Rebel without a Cause, and maybe that's what we should keep in mind. For unlike Dean, another self-destructive personality, Robert Downey has not driven off the cliff yet, and hopefully he never will.

"Talkies!!!"
This is a lush production with a great cast of fine actors. Once in a while some of the actors cross the line into melodrama, but the remainder show up and their work is extremely talented. But the star of this film is Robert Downey, Jr. who steals every scene he is in either with subtlety or a dead-on impression of the late, great Charlie Chaplin. Director Richard Attenborough carries the huge production all the way with moments of inspiration that the actors feed on like mana. This is an interesting biography of the true comic genius, Charlie Chaplin.

A Dazzling Cinematic Experience...
Charles Chaplin was one of the pioneers in film who brought us classics such as The Kid (1921), Gold Rush (1925), Modern Times (1936), and Great Dictator (1940). His many successes are still to this day considered masterpieces which he created, acted, directed, and edited. He had a brilliant eye for what the human mind was observing and he could make comedy out of almost anything. However, despite Chaplin's great sense of humor the recurrent theme in his life seems to be surrounded by sadness and loss where his escape was to help others feel a sense of joy. Chaplin is a brilliant cinematic story that has a fantastic cast and where the lead as Chaplin is managed brilliantly by Robert Downey Jr.. In addition, the story weaves in moments out of Chaplin's life where he got his ideas in an ingenious manner which displays the superb directing in the story. When the audience sees everything put together they will experience a dazzling cinematic experience. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

I liked this movie
The first time I saw this movie I wasn't sure about it. After watching it many times since I find that I really like this movie. I have read books about Grey Owl, and I am glad the movie did not focus on Grey Owls battle with alcohol. It would have diminished the character. I thought this was a romantic movie that I enjoy watching over and over. As for Pierce Brosnans portayal of Grey Owl, excellent!!! This was quite a stretch for Mr Brosnan. I think his Bond, Remington Steele and Thomas Crown roles are pretty much in character for him. I think he had to work hard at this role and I feel he did an excellent job. I loved it when he showed the softer side of Grey Owl, I just fell in love with that character. Pierce looks good with long hair, or short hair, he would probably even look good bald. The man is #1 in my book. I did feel that the role of Anahareo could have been done better. I have never seen Annie Galipeau in anything befor. She is beautiful but this role was not for her. I agree with another review that her acting went from sometimes good to sometimes, well lets just say it was hard to watch. I don't think she complemented Pierce, the chemistry was not there. I feel sorry for Mr Brosnan because from what I have read he put his heart into this movie, and the movie industry thumbed their nose at the movie. If a movie is good it does't need sex and violenc to enhance it. This was a good movie that can stand its own. Lets hear it for Grey Owl and .

Not all Gems Sparkle Like Gold.
When I first sat down to watch GREY OWL, I thought to myself, "You've got to be kidding. Pierce Brosnan as an Indian?". It didn't seem to fit. Of course, I grew up watching Brosnan as Remmington Steele so him in any role other than one of class seems out of place. However, as I was swept into the world of the movie, I actually began to believe that Brosnan was Grey Owl, aka Archie. He seemed a little different than other Native-Americans, but not so different that he seemed totally out of place. By the time the movie ended and after I had done a little research about Grey Owl, I felt Brosnan had done a wonderful job and had been perfectly cast.

GREY OWL is a film directed by Sir Richard Attenborough and tells part of the story of Grey Owl, aka Archie, a Canadian Indian who began a conservation crusade to protect the native wildlife of Canada in the early twentieth century. However, Grey Owl has a secret that once revealed threatens everything he has fought to perserve.

The movie itself is engaging and has a great story to tell. It's filled with beautiful images of nature and has a strong message. GREY OWL is a film that is often overlooked, but after watching it, I am reminded that not all gems sparkle like gold.

A Surprise Gem
I rented this video on a whim; I'd never heard of Grey Owl and had more than a little difficulty picturing Pierce Brosnan as a believable Indian. I was transfixed by the story of Grey Owl, and pleasantly surprised by Brosnan's excellent portrayal of this complicated but important figure in conservation. It's a movie I've since purchased, and one I enjoy every time I watch it. Having done a fair amount of reading of Grey Owl's works after my first viewing, I've learned this is a moderately accurate portrayal of a complicated figure. It doesn't reveal all of his warts, but the focus of this film is rightly not just Grey Owl as a person, but his conversion and ultimate contribution to conservation. The public has a tendency to view heroes (or anyone) in black and white terms, and is notoriously uni-dimensional in their views of such people. Grey Owl (ironically, given his name) suffered that same fate. It's a story well worth watching and watching again. The cinematography alone is a treat for the eyes.

ABOUT TIME
Having read all Archie's books, Anahareo's book "Devil in Deerskins" and all of his publisher's (Lovat Dickson) books, I liked the movie. About time Gery Owl was reintroduced to the world! As stated in other reviews Pierce was a little 1940's movie Indian but he did all right. Essentially accurate it's difficult to tell a man's life in 2-3 hours. Attenborough is good with biographies but Hollywood is not in the business of making historical documentaries; movie "histories" are good for peaking one's interest--then go out and read about it yourself!

Wow - great autobiographical flick!
I didn't know much about the story of Grey Owl much less that this story was a true one! I just bought it since I'm so much into indiginous people's history and stories and this didn't disappoint in the least!

The story is a true one of an Englishman that moved to Canada at an early age and took on the role of a people he was fascinated with and becomes a trapper. He later grudgingly finds a special person who helps him strive to be more and he becomes one of our first environmentalists. I normally don't like to tell the story or give much away but I feel this is essential so you know what you are getting. In addition, many may wonder why in the heck Pierce Brosnan is playing the role of a Native American like I did!

The message is a great one and despite the deception, Grey Owl's story is an extraordinary one. The DVD is excellent as it has some historical film you can view of the real Grey Owl in the earlier part of the last century. That alone makes this DVD an exception purchase.

I wholeheartedly recommend it but cannot give 5 stars as I don't see it best in class for it's genre. However, it's among the better ones I've encountered for sure! It's an excellent addition to my DVD collection. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Chaplin - A Genius Remembered!
So much has been made of Chaplin and what he did in the prime of his career...this collection takes its audience into the early world of Chaplin...giving us a glimpse of things to come. Watch the cultilvation of the Tramp character come to fruition...step by step...frame by frame...short by short. A peek at a true genius and how that genius developed into the world's most recognizable movie superstar! ... Read more

Reviews (85)

What Price Love?
This review refers to the DVD(HBO) edtion of "Shadowlands"...

With every viewing of this touching and true romance, I become more appreciative of what a fine film this is. Had I written a review after the first time I watched it, I probably would have gone 4 stars. The first time around, I really got to know C.S. Lewis and Joy Gresham thanks to the deep and moving performances of Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. After that it was joy spending more time with them, really getting to know their story, and taking in the magnificent work of Director Richard Attenborough and the photography of Roger Pratt.

The story is a bittersweet tale of a mid-life romance that is all to short. C.S. Lewis, the famous writer of children's stories, lives the quiet life of a proper gentleman. He's a professor at Oxford,devout Christian,set in his ways, never married and is repsected by all that know him.When Joy Gresham a divorced, Jewish, Communist, brash New Yorker, with a young son enters his world,things as he knows them are about to change.They develop a friendship and soon she starts to melt the icy wall he has built up around his perfect world. To the shock of all those that know him well, Lewis finally lets his emotions be a part of his life. It is only when Joy becomes terminally ill with cancer, that he realizes the full depth of his love for this woman and her son, and must learn to deal with the pain as well.

I can't think of anyone else who could be C.S. Lewis. Hopkins is a virtuoso. One look at his eyes and we know the depth of his feelings. Winger is an impressive of a match for him as Gresham was for Lewis. She knows how to grab your heart and keep it("Terms of Endearment"). I must also mention the talented young Joseph Mazzello who turns in a remarkable performance as Douglas, Joy's son. William Nicholson has turned his stageplay into a beautiful screenplay, and the music by George Fenton flows with the story.

The DVD is a nice presentation in widescreen, that takes in the splendor of the scenery and sights of England. The tech info here states that the sound is in Dolby Dig 5.1. It is not.(This appears to be the only edtion) The sound is in DD2.0 Surround, and although the dialouge is a little low, the surround sound is very good. Special features include a "Behind the Scenes Featurette" and excerpts of interviews with the stars, the filmmakers and a now grown Douglas Gresham.

The story is a true love story.Five Stars for one that reminds us that to love and to be loved is worth the price of the pain it sometimes brings......enjoy....Laurie

Anthony Hopkins is the (almost) perfect CS Lewis
This is the story of CS Lewis's life--at least, his later life. Lewis, the brilliant intellectual, the revered Christian apologist, the man who seemed to have answers to everything, was living a calm and adequate life with his brother Warren. All of that changed when an American woman named Joy came along. Suddenly, Lewis (Jack, as he's called) finds he does NOT have the answers, and that there has been something missing from his life all along. This film is a story of the love that Lewis found, lost, and found again.

This movie is well-made, and very accurate as to the period and setting. Anthony Hopkins's performance is stunning--he seems to fit Lewis perfectly. I have always had a picture in my mind of how Lewis would look and behave, and Hopkins comes about as close to my mental image as is reasonably possible.

That having been said, Debra Winger's acting is absolutely horrid. Her accent is bad, her mannerisms are annoying, and she is simply not convincing in her role as Lewis's love. Also, I did not like that the movie ignored such great friends of Lewis's as Owen Barfield and JRR Tolkien (even if these men played a less significant part in his later life).

I would have liked to see these men, as well as others, in the movie, but was disappointed. Despite these shortcomings, however, Shadowlands is a pretty good representation of Lewis's life, and you can't beat Hopkins's brilliant acting when he plays the Oxford fellow. If you're a CS Lewis fan, this movie is worth seeing.

Is it about Lewis?
The movie was done well. The cast was magnificent. The scenes of the Oxford Campus were beautiful. The story drew me in. However, it did not present Lewis very well. First, it presents Lewis as being rather naive about suffering. He kept giving the same sermon over and over and implies that did not really understand suffering. This is not so. His mother died when he was very young. He was a soldier in World War 2. His close friend, Charles Williams, died around this period of his life. Second, the movie left the viewer with the impression that Lewis left his simple Christianity and grew into a better understanding of the world. He truly suffered when Joy died as the book, "A Grief Observed" describes beautifully, but he did not leave the faith.

I like the BBC version better. It is closer to the original play.

I recommend the movie, because it well done. However, I do not recommend the movie as a way to learn more about C. S. Lewis. It is a beautiful, fictional love story.

TIMELESS, INTENSE ROMANCE WITH LOADS OF OLD-FASHIONED VIRTUE
You should certainly see Joss Ackland's version of this film, which was a BBC production and hence true to the original play etc. Come to think of it, you may also want to read the original play itself by Hanff (which is on my wishlist but I have not yet read.)

Nonetheless, the thrilling chemistry between Debra Winger and Anthony Hopkins is very, very hard to resist and I wholeheartedly recommend this supposedly "Hollywood" version. It's ranks for me in the same genre as "The Remains of the Day" and "84 Charing Cross."

To begin with, how immaculate the casting is: Debra Winger plays an uninhibited and witty American poetess, while Anthony Hopkins plays a reclusive British middle-aged scholar at Oxford.

They meet over tea. She is in a withering marriage, but in her bull-in-a-china-shop American fashion, she arrives like a fresh wind to rock his musty ivory-tower existence.

As the film progresses, her crudeness (only exacerbated by Winger's awkward NY accent) is soon peeled away to reveal a heart of gold and a life-affirming sense of humor. For instance, while escorting her around Oxford, Hopkins haughtily says, "I do not really go in for seeing the sights." In response, she says, "So what do you do, walk around with your eyes shut?"

Such sprightly but tender moments evoke the screenplay's stirring underlying message -- pain is an inevitable ingredient of love. If you are looking for a somewhat weepy but always warm and wonderful romantic film, this is one of the best you'll find.

the hollywood-ized version of an interesting love story
When I discovered this movie was being made I was so excited. Unfortunately I spent most of my viewing time thinking, it didn't happen that way and WHERE IS HER OTHER KID?!?

But, if you know absolutely nothing about CS and Joy Lewis' life together and know nothing much about CS and Joy Lewis at all, you will enjoy this movie. It is a well-made, Hollywood love story. The acting is excellent and the storyline is compelling. Just keep in mind that this is NOT how it really happened and PLEASE go read for yourself the true story.

Oh, yeah, don't forget the Kleenex. It's a three box-er. ... Read more