Reviews (8)

Cinderella story in Paris
I first saw this on Disney Channel (when they didn't have commercials) and the title was "If The Shoe Fits". There were a few scenes cut out for slight nudity and dubbed dialogue for slight profanity. My favorite character is the "fairy Godmother" who acts likes she's lost. The movie as a whole might be a little corny and predictable, but I still enjoy it.

cute and mild
I thought I saw all of rob lowes movies. I was surprised to see this one. This movie was mildly funny and cute in a 1980's way. I am a long time fan of jennifer grey and rob lowe so this was a surprise to see. He's a fashion designer looking for something more (in fashion and life) and jennifer grey is looking for her home made fashions to be discovered. Through in some magic and you have a very cute film.

Save Your Money
After watching this on tv tonight, I now have a new "worst movie I've ever seen in my entire life (an honor previously awarded to "Parasite" from the 1980s). I would only recommend this movie if you wanted to watch something so bad it makes you laugh. Yes, I realize it is supposed to be corny. However, even taking that into consideration, the acting and writing reach a new low. Rob Lowe's fluctuating pretentious accent and mannerisms in particular are truly dreadful to the point of being comical. And the writers make his character so shallow and despicable that you really are hoping by the end that Jennifer Grey's character realizes he's a jerk and runs away by the end of the movie - that is, if you make it that far. The only reason I can come up with that this movie has high ratings up until now is that these few people are the only ones who actually made it to the end of the movie. Save your money. And if you really feel the need to watch Cinderalla, buy or rent the Disney version or Ever After.

It's time to get mushy
This movies is an authentic story of traditional hollywood romanticism. Rob Lowe makes a well deserved performance as the condecending, arogant fashion designer Francesco Salvitore as Jeniffer Grey plays the poor little shy Kelly Carter who is a brilliant fashion designer but is not recognized for her work buy Salvitore(Lowe). This movie makes you mush up all over. With Yes it is a corny, and predictable plot but just looking at Lowe's beautifull blue eyes, is enough to make you want to sit throught the entire movie. With Rob Lowe's handsome and flirtasious good looks, who wouldn't want to sit through 2 hours of corny yet satisfying entertainment.

romantic and funny
hello, when i first saw this movie i was very into it, and im not really into movies until i saw the movie STROKE OF MIDNIGHT. it was very touching about a women that is so worried about how she looks and she really likes her boss, but she help open his eyes about the world it was very romantic and funny i loved this movie im getting this movie on amazon.com because i love this movie so much i hope they make a STroke of midnight 2!!!!!!!!! that would be a good idead ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Bean in his element...
This series is amazing! A must for any true fan of Sean Bean. If you loved his portrayal of Boromir in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, be prepared for more daring-do and fantastic sword play! This series is set in Napoleonic times, and Bean plays a soldier in the British army. He's definitely earned his heartthrob status in the role of Richard Sharpe. But the secondary characters are nothing to scoff at, either. A great cast and a killer storyline, romance, betrayal, spies, intrigue and a few of the odd comical elements combine to produce a feature length episode you'll have to own. For history buffs, Bean fans, LOTR fans, or anyone interested in a marvelous storyline.

EXCITING STUFF
this is actually the first episode of Sharpe's that i've ever seen, and i found it lots of fun, filled with action and Sean Bean. The production quality is great. The casting is very good as well, especially in Sharpe's company. Must admit that i came to this series as a fan of Mr. Bean, and am in no way disappointed.

Sword of Honor
One of my favorite Sharpe books and definitely one of the better adaptations, even though the action is transferred from Salamanca to the ficitious(?) Villafranca and the romantic subplot involving a novice nun is best forgotten. Sharpe is assigned the task of tracking down Colonel Leroux, who is after Wellington's chief spy, El Mirador - a task complicated by the fact that Sharpe isn't even told who El Mirador is. Sharpe must also contend with an old enemy returned and a traitor to be uncovered, even as he is gravely wounded during the assault on Villafranca, and hovers between life and death...

Sharpe's Sword is great from beginning to end - never skipping a beat, even if there is that annoying nun in the background. Sharpe, Harper and the rest of the supporting cast are in fine form, and a top-notch set of guest stars including Jack Spears, Father Curtis and Colonel Berkeley round it off. Leroux is suitably slimy and deadly, and the climatic sword fight one of the more brutal I've seen in the series. All this, and Sir Henry Simmerson (from Sharpe's Company) too. And of course, Harper dipping into grail lore by forging Sharpe a new sword out of loyalty and love. A must-watch. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hercule Poirot visits his old friend Captain Hastings at an archeological dig in Iraq and uncovers a multitude of secrets. The plot has all the makings of a soap opera: an impostor, drug addiction, jealousy, forged letters, theft, and of course, murder. But Poirot's sophistication, as expertly portrayed by David Suchet in a crisp linen suit, helps Murder in Mesopotamia to rise above melodrama most of the time. Poirot has his own poignant drama woven into the plot: he was originally invited to Baghdad by the Countess Vera Rosakoff (whom viewers may remember from "The Double Clue" in Agatha Christie's Poirot, Vol. 5) but she is not at her hotel when he arrives. Poirot's dejection at her continued absence makes an apt framing device for this tale of a murderer driven by passion. Lively acting and an exotic, sun-drenched set enhance this video adaptation, making it as sinfully enjoyable as a good dose of juicy gossip. --Larisa Lomacky Moore ... Read more

Reviews (9)

In The Land of Two Rivers
Thank GOD for George W. Bush for standing up to the Butcher of Baghdad, Saddam Hussein. Yes, intelligence for going into Iraq was flawed but Bush had it in his heart that he wanted Hussein GONE, he wanted the people of Iraq to be FREE. No more torture chambers and mass graves. The nation will remain in chaos for some time but maybe hopefully the status of the nation will become that of a decent, upstanding, democratic and free nation the way it was when this movie, Murder in Mesopotamia, took place. Hussein was the real criminal madman, Bush is not. Anyone who thinks differenty must have their head checked. Iraq will be restored to prominence in the Middle East, a place where archeological expeditions can take place, where great stories can be written such as this one by Agatha Christie. Under Hussein the nation was at a dead end. Thanks to Bush we can look forward to great things in Iraq. I recommend this movie.

Whodunnit? The Writers, That's Who
Although they take some liberties with Poirot and his eternal sidekick Capt. Hastings, both David Suchet and Hugh Fraiser do justice to the characters. But purists have a point when they complain about unnecessary fiddling with Agatha Christie's plots. It's hard to improve on perfection, and this BBC adaptation of MURDER IN MESOPOTAMIA, one of Christie's most fiendishly cunning constructions, proves the point.

Capt. Hastings does not appear in the Christie novel, which presents us with the tale of a seemingly impossible murder at an archeological dig in Iraq. In order to accommodate his presence, one character has been eliminated and another has been significantly reduced. With careful scripting, direction, and acting, the change might have been pulled off--but sad to say, no such thing occurs.

The script is unexpectedly weak, and to add insult to injury the writers have also "tweaked" the plot in a failed effort to cover the problems they have created by fiddling with the story in the first place. The direction lacks focus, and most of the actors seem miscast and extremely unhappy about it. When all is said and done, MURDER IN MESOPOTAMIA is little short of a mess.

Even so, Suchet and Fraiser manage enough charm to carry the project; they are always entertaining to watch, and I give the film three stars largely on that basis. But if you've already read the book, you'll be disappointed--and if you haven't read the book, you should, and immediately.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

Mesopotamia Murdered
Long before that criminal madman George W. Bush, there was a second American invasion of Iraq: not by jingoistic soldiers seeking non-existent weapons of mass destruction, but archaeologists who care far too much for the past of a country where human civilisation arose to let the museums be ransacked. That archaeological expedition was the subject of Agatha Christie's MURDER IN MESOPOTAMIA (1936), a detective story that, although presenting several interesting characters, a splendidly drawn archaeological dig, and a tense atmosphere, suffered from a solution matched in sheer improbability only by John Dickson Carr's IT WALKS BY NIGHT (1930).

The latest Suchet adaptation, however, is barely faithful to the book. Instead of two murders ingeniously committed and equally ingeniously solved, the viewer is presented with a series of ridiculous sub-plots: to wit, Poirot's infatuation with the Countess Rossakoff (cheap love interest to satisfy the Mills & Boon / Harlequin public); and a completely irrelevant murder not found in the original book. Instead of a problem rationally set out for the reader to solve, there is precious little detection, but a great deal of fluff: simpering performances, hysterical fits, and a plethora of cliches. This sort of thing is embarrassing; and certainly not up to the level of the L.W.T. productions.

Archaeology with a Twist
Both my sister and my mother have read almost every mystery that Agatha Christie ever wrote, but I never thought to start. Then I sat down one evening to watch television with them, and I was at once enchanted. It was an episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot on A&E. The David Suchet Poirot films (both full length movies and short films) come from this series. I enjoyed that first show so much that I watched the series religiously until it went off the air.

I started reading some of Agatha Christie's mysteries this year, and I firmly believe that David Suchet is the best portrayal of Hercule Poirot that ever was. I have seen other notorious actors, such as Peter Ustinov and Tony Randall, play the part, but they do not achieve the full embodiment of the persona (both physical and psychological) that David Suchet does.

MURDER IN MESOPOTAMIA has an interesting plot that centers around something very in tune with the interests of the time in which it is set. Then the western world was fascinated by the archaeological digs occurring in Africa, Egypt, and the Middle East, and this story helps to show that fascination with a little mystery twist. However, the twist isn't so little, so Hercule Poirot comes to the rescue. Quite in tune with his character, Poirot merely wants to catch the murderer; he searches for cold, hard facts, but finally, he must work the little gray cells until they reveal the true answer. I think that David Suchet portrays Poirot in the desert quite well; he acts exactly as I suspect Poirot would when visiting the great outdoors. Additionally, Captain Hastings visits us again and serves as a nice, comedic foil for the great Poirot.

I highly recommend any of the David Suchet Poirot films to anyone searching for an interesting, exciting mystery to watch.

Unearthing the Truth at an Archaeological Dig
Before the Murder on the Orient Express, there was the Murder in Mesopotamia. As a team of archaeologists labors away at an ancient Tell, the leader's wife has her head smashed in a room which no one else could have entered or left. Poirot, who has come to the dig for a visit with his old friend, Capt. Hastings, becomes entangled in the investigation. During the course of the investigation suspicion falls on every single member of the team. The solution is both logical and satisfying, and it accounts for all the loose ends quite nicely. Poirot's identification of the murderer followed a precise and inexorable chain of deduction leading unerringly to the murderer. His reconstruction of the modus operandi was also a tour de force of logic. Given the facts he had to work with, his solution provided the only way they would all fit together.

Christie spins an entertaining yarn, and she may have been very knowledgeable on the subject of murder, but she betrays absolutely no understanding of the mechanics of perpetrating real-life murders. When I first read the novel, found the killer's modus operandi to be so complex, so dependent upon others unwittingly doing just exactly as expected, and so likely to miscarry even if everyone followed the script, that no intelligent murderer would attempt it. Watching the murderer carry out the plot on the TV screen confirmed my assessment. Only a lunatic would have attempted such a murder.

This BBC TV production starring David Suchet is excellent. It follows Christie's plot faithfully, changing only three particulars of the plot. 1. In the movie, Suchet is in the Middle East chasing after the love of his life, the beautiful but corrupt Countess Rosakoff. In the book he was simply on vacation. 2. In the movie, his friendship to Capt. Hastings brings him to the archaeological dig. In the book, Hastings does not appear. 3. In the book, when Poirot announces his solution, he prefaces his remarks by saying that he doesn't have a shred of evidence to back it up. The killer then obligingly confesses. Not really likely. In the movie, he simply announces his solution without highlighting its highly speculative nature, and the killer confesses. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A nice tape
The crew of Moonbase Alpha receives a surprise when an alien spaceship enters orbit around the Moon, only to crash-land on its surface. When the alien crew is revived from their suspended animation, they find that they were bound for Earth when their computer recognized the now renegade Moon. The aliens are determined to continue on to Earth, and Commander Koenig (played by Martin Landau) realizes that the death of an alien crewmember means that one of the Alpha crew can accompany the aliens (led by Captain Zantor, played by Christopher Lee). But, one crewman, Commissioner Simmond (Roy Dotrice), decides that he *must* be that one who returns to Earth, and he will net nothing stand in his way.
[Color, originally aired in 1975 (season 1), with a running time of 60 minutes.]

As a childhood fan of the Space 1999 (both seasons), I was overjoyed to have this tape fall into my lap. J2 Communications produced the tape I have in 1990. There are no little 'extras' on the tape, but it does have the episode in a reasonable quality. I am very glad to have this tape, and highly recommend that you get it! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent
With Moonbase Alpha about to pass close to a planet, Piri, an Eagle (small, short-range spaceship) is sent to investigate, but its strange disappearance marks the beginning of a series of mysteries, including a series of strange results from the Moonbase computer. When Commander Koenig (played by Martin Landau) meets a beautiful woman (Catherine Schell, who later played Maya!) who claims to be the servant of the Guardian of Piri, she informs him that the purpose of the Guardian is to make people "perfect." When the Guardian takes control of the Alphans, it is up to Commander Koenig to save his people from becoming mindless, and ambitionless, inhabitants of a sort of land of the lotus-eaters. [Color, originally aired in 1975 (season 1), with a running time of 60 minutes.]

As a childhood fan of the Space 1999 (both seasons), I was overjoyed to have this tape fall into my lap. J2 Communications produced the tape I have in 1991. There are no little "extras" on the tape, but it does have the episode in a reasonable quality. OK, admittedly the episode is reminiscent of Star Trek's 1967 episode This Side of Paradise, but it is an excellent episode, and quite fascinating to watch. I am very glad to have this tape, and highly recommend that you get it! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Worth watching
If you've never seen any of the Sharpe films, you may want to view the previous chapters to avoid confusion. Sharpe runs into old enemies and new in this one. Obadiah Hakeswell,a name from Sharpe's past, (as portrayed by Pete Postlethwaite)almost steals the limelight from Sean Bean.(See SHARPE'S COMPANY for their first "reunion") Hakeswell kills Theresa, Sharpe's wife, near the end of the film, in a short but brutal scene. I for one would have liked to have seen Theresa give Hakeswell a royal arse kicking first, then have Obediah's treachery bring about her demise. (Maybe have Theresa poised for the kill, only to have Hakeswell blindside her) The plot is a tad silly at times, but it IS based on historical fact. Some of the characters come across a little hokey, but are patterned on real persona. And of course there is the menacing Major Duco, (admirably played by Feodore Atkins) who somehow is always foiled by Sharpe. If you like a little "skin" mixed with your swashbuckling, we have Elizabeth Hurley, (who plays a whore to a British Colonel) before she became Austin Power's love interest.

Excellent history, excellent story
Bernard Cornwell's stories of Richard Sharpe do a fantastic job of bringing Napoleonic warfare to the screen. As a special unattached officer serving Wellington, this is one of Sharpe's most exciting adventures. He has to effect the rescue of two hostages, the wives of both an English and French officer, defeat a desperate band of deserters led by his nemesis, Hakeswill, then fight off a French reconaissance force. He does it in the usual style -- a little bluff, a little swashbuckling, and some brilliant tactics. One of the most enjoyable scenes is the one in which a French general explains to the wife of one of his officers how Napoleonic combined arms tactics work using peas on a plate -- then Sharpe promptly undoes his tactics. This is one of the most compelling and exciting films of the entire series.

Bad Movie? No Way!!!
Let me just get to the point... Sharpe's Enemy is my favorite Sharpe movie in the series (and I have seen all of them).Quite frankly, I have no idea why the reviewer a couple reviews below could rate this series 1 star and say it has not a single good actor in it... Sean Bean is superb in the role of Richard Sharpe (and this holds true for all episodes). Pete Postlethwaite is my favorite villan as the monsterous Obediah Hakeswill and Daragh O'Malley is as steady as ever as Sharpe's dependable sergent. In short, Sharpe's Enemy has one of the best ensemble casts ever assembled!More importantly, the story, based on the superb Bernard Cornwell novel, is gripping and action packed. Quite frankly, TV does not get better than this... I have watched this TV movie tens of times and I still am thrilled every time.I highly recommend Sharpe's Enemy and the rest of the Sharpe's series. Also recommended if you like these kinds of movies is the Horatio Hornblower series. Very similar kinds of storylines (with equally good group acting), but at sea...

Major Sharpe Rules
I hate to use a title like this, but Richard Sharpe rules. Yet again he has to prove that he is just as capable an officer as the bought officers. Again he rises to the challenge. This is probably the best of the 4 DVD's that are released so far. There certainly was more action in this one (not that other's are lacking in the action department). The DVD is really good. The picture quality is good for being from a TV show and the sound is really good too. Again, I'll say that it would have been better had it been done in Dolby 5.1, but oh well. I'll take a good story and acting over effects any day.

Bad Movie
This is not a good movie !!!!!!!!! in fact, one of the worst movies I ever seen. I heard about this movie by a friend, thet sad it was a pretty good movie. But when I saw it , it was not good at all, not one good actor/actress

I can't recomend anyone to see this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A nice tape
As the wandering Moon draws near to an Earth-like planet, Commander Koenig (played by Martin Landau) must decide if this is a planet that the home-sick crew can colonize. However, when an Eagle sent on a scouting mission returns to base bearing the strange addition of Helena Russell's (Barbara Bain) long-lost husband (Richard Johnson), the Commander realizes that a deep mystery is involved with this new world. [Color, originally aired in 1975 (season 1), with a running time of 60 minutes.]

As a childhood fan of the Space 1999 (both seasons), I was overjoyed to have this tape fall into my lap. J2 Communications produced the tape I have in 1990. There are no little "extras" on the tape, but it does have the episode in a reasonable quality. I am very glad to have this tape, and highly recommend that you get it! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The MOONRAKER of the Sharpe movie series
It give me no pleasure to write this review. After years of thoroughly enjoying Cornwell's Richard Sharpe novels I finally caved in and picked up one of the films. SHARPE'S GOLD is one of my favorite of the novels so I figured I'd chosen well.
I was wrong.
This movie is to the novel as MOONRAKER was to Ian Flemming's work.
Sharpe is indeed in the movie, and I think the word "gold" is uttered once or twice, but that's where the similarity ends.

Highly disappointing.
The only reason I gave it two stars is Sean Bean - who really does fullfil my image of Richard Sharpe.

Read the book. Don't waste time or money on this movie.

"Sharpe's Gold"
I have literally just finished watching "Sharpe's Gold" on DVD, I don't have the words to describe my disappointment. It's story line was in such poor taste I had to immediately submit a review.

My recent purchase of the Sharpes's series 1-6 has been shadowed by this absolutely horrible interpretation of the excellent book "Sharpe's Gold" by Bernard Cornwell. "Sharpe's Gold" the film would have made a much better "Doctor Who" episode. I consided myself a collector of the Sharpe series and have read the entire collection. I find it hard to believe that Bernard Cornwell actually allowed them to completely trash his book for his film.

I will continue to collect the rest of this series, however my copy of "Sharpe's Gold" will be collected by the garbage men next Tuesday.

Start with this one and you'll end with it
Had the first of the Sharpe's episodes I viewed been this one, it would have been my last. Most of the series rises above the the genre of pulp escapist adventure-- this one sinks below it.

The screenplay is the culprit here, filled with laughably improbable plot devices and threadbare cliches. It seems a band of Spanish Freedom Fighters are actually a secret religious cult, practising human sacrifice based on Aztec rituals (mysterously imported into Spain hundreds of years before the 1813 setting). This band of merry men has captured some English deserters, and wants to exchange them for modern rifles. Sharpe is chosen for the mission, but upon discovering their true nature is so horrified, he slays them all and dynamites their mountain base.

If you're not bothered by his company routing a far larger number of well-armed and experienced men in a strongly fortified position (all without taking any casualties), then you certainly won't shrug at Lord Wellington's teenage niece coming along for the ride. This lovely, well-bred young lass needed only an intense glance from Sharpe, before she's ready to be plowed by him (Lt. Ayres' words, not mine) whenever and wherever, even next to a pile of freshly sacrificed corpses. Oh, she's also a crack shot ("I only hunted rabbits before Sir!") and assists in the military victories also. That is, before she is captured, given mind-altering drugs, and prepared for sacrifice by having her perky young breasts painted with Aztec symbols. Will Sharpe arrive in time to save her? Such drama!

If you consider your collection incomplete without the entire series, buy this episode. But take my advise-- leave the shrinkwrap intact.

Bit of a disappointment
I really like this series. I've seen several episodes and have also read some of the books. So far I've found this to be the weakest. First, the story is nothing like the book. It contains a completely contrived romance and an unconvincing story about retrieving deserters. Second, Aztecs in Spain in 1813? Where does this come from? Third, the relationship between Sharpe and the Provost Lt. Ayres is quite bizarre. Why does Ayres persist in baiting Sharpe? Does he enjoy being beaten?

Still, I give it three stars for the acting by Sean Bean and Daragh O'Malley (sp?) as well as the action sequences. Also, because it is a Sharpe story. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Sharp's Honor
I was disappointed in the screen play of this great book. I found the book much richer in story. In the book Sharp and the (golden Whore) had known each other in a biblical way from a previous book (Sharps Sword) wherein he also slaughters her evil brother(Colonel Leroux ). In the screen play they do not know each other at all. Also Harper did not accompany Sharp on this Mission to capture La Marquesa,this role was better served by the Spanish boy Angel.

Last the Movie did not do justice to the horror of 1700th century warfare and it made the battle of Vitoria look like a platoon Action instead of the Clash of whole Army groups that it was.

Sharpe's New Fan
I am hopelessly addicted to the Sharpe series. As a history major I find the story line fascinating, especially since it's a period they don't teach us much about here in the States. I was drawn in from scene one and haven't come up for air yet. Superb acting, witty dialogue, great battle scenes, lots of action/suspense, endearing characters, wonderful ensemble casts...and a dashing hero to boot! Need I go on? Throughout the series there are some great episodes and some not-so-great, but none truly bad (except perhaps Sharpe's Gold). Sean Bean absolutely *becomes* Richard Sharpe. He's fabulous (and not bad looking either). Daragh O'Malley is wonderful as Sharpe's best friend Harper. Any history fan, military fan, action fan, or swashbuckler fan needs to check out Sharpe. Be warned, though--you can't buy just one. Wonder why don't they show it on American TV? This series is truly a secret that needs to get out.

Good not great
Honour was dissapointing as it marked my switch to DVD from VHS in the series. I agree sound and picture quality are poor. This series is crying out for a repackaging in a DVD box set with digital quality and behind-the-scenes stuff. That said, Honour is fairly entertaining. A good plot and some decent action, along with the traditional kick-to-the-groin fight scenes. The climatic battle sees Sean Bean catapulted over over a downed cart, sword in hand. Great stuff that. The romance is downplayed a bit, with one exception ("He was at her all night sir") and the scene where Sharpe rescues the Marquesa from the band of nuns is hilarious. Worth the time. I'm looking forward to getting further into the series from this point on.

DVD or Video tape?
I was very disappointed in the DVD picture quality; it's on the same level as video tape. I was expecting a much sharper (no pun intended,) clearer transfer. The movie itself was 5 star. I can only hope the next Sharpe Collection transfered to DVD will move up to a DVD quality picture. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Not impressed
The acting was okay and the story concept (British Army version of Horatio Hornblower) was good. I had the following problems with this DVD:

1. The picture quality was not good.

2. The DVD had a very annoying introduction which is supposed to make us aware of what a wonderful fellow Sharpe is (complete with annoying song). I didn't mind listening to it once, but I was exasperated to find out that each time I started watching the movie, I had to sit through it all over again!

3. I didn't like Sharpe's love interest. In my opinion, a woman who uses her sex appeal to lure soldiers to their death by stabbing them is close to being a psychopath.

4. The conflict with the evil sergeant was a bit ludicrous. Somehow, I think that in the real Napoleonic Wars, annoying officers and sergeants fell victim to accidental shootings. After all, it's not like they'd be able to really investigate something like that. So Hakewell's continued existence got a little bit silly.

5. The combat scenes weren't very impressive. There wasn't enough noise and people just were not moving with a sense of purpose that being shot at gives you.

Oh, well.

Great series
I found the first three Shape's adventures to be wonderfully entertaining. My wife and I enjoyed them together. We were both wondering why this is considered the third episode when it should be the fourth - and there is no third. Somehow between Sharp's Eagle and Sharpe's Company our hero is married and has a child. There are glimpses of a wedding - and a duel - at the beginning of the episode but that is all there is: glimpses. But the individual episodes - though better viewed as a series - do stand alone and you can fill in what seems to be missing.

This episode brings Pete Postlethwaite as Sergeant Hakeswill into the series. He is flat out evil and certainly mad. Pete Postlethwaite is a first rate actor so it's interesting to see him in such an over-the-top role. I'm sure he loved it.

The English troops are storming a fortress. After blasting a breach in the wall they are cut down like stalks of wheat until Sharpe and his men take charge. Sharpe is anxious to get inside as his wife and the daughter he has never seen are inside and he knows the English soldiers will rape and pillage once victorious. Sure enough, the guys you were just rooting for now deserve to be swinging from a tree limb. And Sergeant Hawkswill shows up with designs on Sharp's wife.

I have noticed the scripts are not by the same writer so I am quite sure I will run into a clunker or two in the remaining shows in the series, but the first three were all great and as a whole I am equally sure this is going to be a fine series.

Another winning adventure in the Sharpe's series
Sharpe and his men are fighting not only the French in this tale but an evil and devious sergeant as well who has some history with Sharpe.

The battle and action scenes are top notch again and the characters are grand and heroic. The settings and costumes make it all very colorful and real.

The actors again do a great job with Sean Bean, Asumpta Serna and Daragh O'Malley giving us wonderful heroic performances. Special mention has to go to Pete Postlethwaite who delivers a scenery chewing performance as the evil Sergeant Hakeswill. Marvelous!

I enjoyed this one and have no complaints at all about the quality of the DVD picture or sound.

No Spark
I had already read a few of the books including 'Sharpe's Company' and was looking forward to the filmed version with great anticipation. Firstly, it must be said that these are not 'stand alone' films but episodes in a continuing saga. This being the first DVD of the series I had watched, the lack of character development was noticeable as all the main protagonists had already been introduced in earlier episodes. In fact there were characters (Major Hogan for example) who was not even referred to by name, so remained anonymous to those who had not read the books. It was a bit like watching a movie from halfway through. I was pleasantly surprised that most of the action was outdoors and not restricted to a studio set. The costumes seemed authentic and I felt that the storyline remained true to the book. The real siege at Badajoz actually took place in cold and rainy conditions but that is a minor quibble. I was also pleased that romance played only a small part in the film (as in the book). There was, however, something missing - a spark, some emotional intensity in the battle. It felt rather flat. Perhaps some appropriate music would have accentuated the mood. I did not get the feeling that I cared what happened to the characters. The sound was not wonderful. At times it was hard to understand the dialog. Subtitles would have been a welcome option. Good casting with both Sean Bean and Peter Postlethwaite being perfect in their roles. However, I thought that Daragh O'Malley was not (physically) big enough to play the giant Irishman Patrick Harper. Overall, I would recommend this film but would suggest that the series is watched from the beginning in order to get the most out of the stories.

Grrrr Marketing again
I love Sharpe films. On the whole they have good plot and fine acting. My only Gripe is,

When DVD's first came out here Sharpes Rifles was one of the first films avalible. Since then no more have been released untill now. But this means I have to order them from america

I say again Grrrrr ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Sharpe as always
Sharpe's Battle is significant because of a couple of things - it is based on the only Bernard Cornwell Sharpe novel to be written while the series was in production, and in it Sharpe not only doesn't get the girl, he turns her down! It is 1813, and when Wellington is assigned the Spanish Royal Irish Guards, a motely bunch who have never fired a musket, he decides to rid himself of them by assigning them the hardest taskmaster he knows - Major Richard Sharpe. However, there are a couple of complications with Wellington's plan: one, Sharpe gets to actually *like* the Irish guards and wants to turn them into soldiers, and Sharpe is also the target of a vendetta by the villanous General Guy Loup, a Frenchman with a wolf fetish. Add to this mix the teetering marriage of Lord Kiely, the guards' commander, his sinister mistress Juanita, and reports of English atrocities in Ireland threatening to start a mutiny and you have the makings of a classic Sharpe adventure.

My main problem with the Sharpe TV series as a whole is that the budget doesn't really allow for the huge battles Cornwell describes. Where in the novel the action takes place in 1811 around the battle for Fuentes de Onoro, the TV version places it in a little town with no real consequence to the war at large. However, this is forgiveable because the acting and the dialogue is top notch. Even if the plot elements are predictable, you get a set of great characters, and even Lord Kiely is more three-dimensional than you initially give him credit for. And if you're a follower of the series, be prepared - one regular is going to bite the dust. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A Good Beginning
Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe books are an enjoyable romp through the history of the Napoleonic Wars in the early nineteenth century. So are these films, adapted from the books by the BBC.

Sean Bean is Richard Sharpe, an officer "raised from the ranks" when he saves the life of Sir Arthur Wellesley, soon to be Lord Wellington (name sound familiar?). From there, I won't tell, because it's easy enough to get engrossed in these films.

Sharpe's Rifles is the first in the series of 14, so there is understandably a lot of set-up to be done. However, it is done with alacrity and is all very fun to watch. (Especially Brian Cox's role as Major Hogan - sheer enjoyment!) And most of it is historically true to the period, even if all the events pictured didn't happen (at least in the way the films show).

Like Horatio Hornblower? You'll Like Sharpe Too!
Sharpe's Rifles, (and the rest of the Sharpe series), is a more gritty "version" of Horatio Hornblower (series from A&E). No, Sharpe is in no way related to Horatio, just for your information, this takes place in the Army while Horatio's was at sea.) Actually made BEFORE the Hornblower series, this one will engage you and make you want to see them all! (I've seen 4 in the series now.)Although some reviews have commented badly about the video quality, I would rate it as very good. It is about a B+ in my book, above VCD or VHS quality. Set during the early 1800's, Sharpe is an enlisted man that becomes an officer after saving the life of a lord from England. This series details his adventures as an officer, following him through many battles, promotions and romances. It focuses on his inability to fit into the "officer corp," as most officer's from that period were wealthy men who bought their commissions. The ONLY problem I have had is figuring out the ORDER of the DVD's. They are technically "mini movies," so you can watch them in any order, but watching them in their true order is most enjoyable. Here's what I have so far just so you know, (in order:) Sharpe's Rifle, Sharpe's Eagle, Sharpe's Company, and I THINK the next one is Sharp's Enemy. Hint: look on the side binder of the DVD, their are little codes, these should go in numerical hierarchy, for example, "98579-D,98580-D,98598-D". These won't necessarly be in sequence, (i.e. 1,2,3,4,5) but more like 2,7,11,14 for example. So you should be able to figure it out when you get them. Bottom line: if you like mini-series like the early 80's "Shogun," and "Horatio Hornblower," you'll like this one too.

Great series of swashbuckling Napoleonic war hero
The Sharpe series is an adaptation from Bernard Cornwell's epic series follwing a neer-do-well British rifleman who, in the first episode, has the misfortune of saving the Duke of Wellington from the snatches of French curraseurs at the begining of the Penninsular Campaign. This is not common fare on American screens (we tend to only remember Andrew Jackson knocking down rows of readcoats at the Battle of New Orleans.) Sharpe is made an officer, which is an immediate two strikes against him in an army which expected its upper ranks to be "gentlemen" and not orphans left by prostitutes. Along the way, he confounds French spies, British deserters, and incredibly stupid senior officers.

Sean Bean is an ideal Sharpe and carries the series with his slit-faced scowl (he was the Irish bad-guy in "Patriot Games.") His Irish Sergeant ("ya ignorant paddy"), who tries to kill him in the first hour, becomes best of friends, and the pair are terrific.

The series is episodic, and is somewhat a throwback to the old 1960s "Combat" series with Vic Morrow. (I swear, these guys even carry their Baker rifles like WW2 Thompsons). It suffers from a necessarily small scale and a dearth of the now obligatory special effects. Nonethless, you won't for now find a better treatment of this period.

Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe" novels are an obligatory (and easy) read for grognards interested in a break from the Hornblower or Maturin-Aubrey books.

Napoleonic Wars
terric....one of 14 DVDs made for televion in England.

Had the VHS for years
A friend of mine loaned me the whole 14 tape series back in 97 and I have loved it ever since. I am a military reenactor and loved the detail that they kept to with the uniforms and food and all the other stuff. For action and adventure as well as seeing the whole class warfare of the time period this is one of the best. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

great action packed episode,must see for all sci fi fans
one of the first seasons best shows. special effects are great as well as story line.....this series should be reproduced for the new generation of people who like sci fi...lets start a letter writing campaign to itc,its distruibtor.

A crewman's past threatens to destroy Moonbase Alpha!
END ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Made for TV is no excuse...
I remember seeing this movie a few years back when I was a teenager, I hadn't read much about the SAS or other elite forces around the world and was quite impressed by the story the movie had to tell. A few years later I started to gain an interest in reading and came across Bravo Two Zero the book by Andy Mcnab, I soon followed that with Chris Ryan's 'The one that got away' and various other books written by ex SAS troopers.

The resemblance the movie has with regard to the book is all superficial; there are obvious flaws in the movie (at one point it shows Chris Ryan walking down an Iraqi highway during daytime talking to himself).

Its obvious that the film was made with a seriously low budget, it shows dramatically in the sound quality, the dubbing is awful and in some points the actors speak and the words don't come for several seconds, the relationship between sounds and events on screen are sometimes many seconds apart.

But if you look past the movies short comings its still a representation of the tale of heroism and survival in extreme circumstances that gives Brits worldwide a warm feeling inside that while we have these boys on our side we'll always have something to be proud of.

I like this movie but I can only give it 2 Stars, it has to many faults to get anymore, but if your sentimental towards all things SAS, go for it.

A True Tale of Bravery Under Fire
I gather that this is a well know story in The UK, yet I, for one, didn't know anything about the mission until seeing the film on Showtime recently.

It is one compelling tale, and a highly realistic treatment of modern warfare, especially as practiced by special forces units in both the British and US military. It centers on a secret SAS mission early in Desert Storm. Sgt Andy McNab's unit is helicoptered in to the middle of nowhere in Norther Iraq, with orders to reconnoiter Scud Missile sites. It is supposed to be less than a 24 hr hour quick-in/quick-out assignment. Yet from almost the time they are dropped off, they lose radio contact with command.

Then things start to really deteriorate. They find themselves exposed in what is essentially open desert, badly outgunned, and in a country extremely hostile. Eventually, after inflicting an amaziing number of casualties on their enemy, all but one of the seven man unit is either captured, or killed.

What happens to McNab and his comrades in Iraqi custody makes the Turkish prison scenes in MIDNIGHT EXPRESS look like a trip to Club Med. It's by far the most graphic, brutal depiction of prisoner interrogation I've ever seen. It really verges on over the top at times, but one is reminded that this is a true story.

I don't know where this movie was made, but it's actually rather amazing that the filmmakers could get this large a cast of middle easterners to reenact some of these war and prison scenes. Rather like the logistical problems that faced the creators of BLACK HAWK DOWN, which was filmed in Morocco. I notice on IMDB that the country of origin is South Africa, but that only confuses me more. It's a BBC production, so they usually find a way, TRAFFIK, being a good example.

I've seen several reviewer complaints about the poor quality of the DVD transfer. I watched it on Cable, so can't comment on that. The print that I saw had no problems.

The cast of Bravo Two Zero is uniformly (no pun intended) excellent. Sean Bean, known to most American audiences for his role of Boromir in THE LORD OF THE RINGS, delivers as usual. I thought he was great in THE BIG EMPTY recently, as well. Tom Clegg, a veteran director of British Television, does a yeomanlike job of keeping it real here.

What struck me in the final alaysis is how McNab downplays his ordeal. He expresses no lasting bitterness towards his captor/torturers. He says they were doing their duty, as well, though perhaps enjoying it just a bit too much. He also jokes that he didn't immediately turn tree hugger after getting back home. He and his men were just being soldiers, and what soldiers they were/are! They should not be forgotten. This movie is unforgettable as well.

BEK

See this movie!!
If you want an argument against the Michael Moore types who are holwing about the Abu Garaib fiasco, this is it. It is a good military adventure to boot!! Check it out.

excellent acting
My heart was beating fast and even aching when I saw the men were bitterly and terribly tortured in the prison. the war is fierce but the men, they are so adorable. all professional and excellent soldiers!
Sean Bean's acting is excellent and keeps my eyes fixed!
Besides, this is not a typical hollywood war movie, no typical heroism. but successfully reflect truth of war and fighting and get the audience to think about the other side about war and killing!
strongly recommend!

Authentic and gritty.
What struck me most about this film was it's authenticity.

There were no Hollywood types of scenes with over-the-top valor and unrealistic feats of heroism.

Instead, we watch a group of the most professional soldiers in the world prepare for and execute a very difficult mission, and then we get to follow them when Mr. Murphy [deceives them].

Two things leapt out at me as soon as I saw the movie. One was the exceptional authenticity of the dialogue. Listening to them using terms like "MSR" and their desperate attempt to raise friendly force on their radio, I was impressed at the homework that these actors did. I also thought it was interesting that many of the 8 actors in the team had that swagger that comes from a combination of pride and from [carrying a 200 pound ruck on the back]. I have not looked into it, but some of those guys must have been in the service.

This is a gritty film that depicts reality with stellar accuracy. A must see for any war movie buff like me who is regularly disappointed by the awful drivel that Hollywood churns out (i.e. Tears of the Sun). I rank this up there with Black Hawk Down. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Made for TV is no excuse...
I remember seeing this movie a few years back when I was a teenager, I hadn't read much about the SAS or other elite forces around the world and was quite impressed by the story the movie had to tell. A few years later I started to gain an interest in reading and came across Bravo Two Zero the book by Andy Mcnab, I soon followed that with Chris Ryan's 'The one that got away' and various other books written by ex SAS troopers.

The resemblance the movie has with regard to the book is all superficial; there are obvious flaws in the movie (at one point it shows Chris Ryan walking down an Iraqi highway during daytime talking to himself).

Its obvious that the film was made with a seriously low budget, it shows dramatically in the sound quality, the dubbing is awful and in some points the actors speak and the words don't come for several seconds, the relationship between sounds and events on screen are sometimes many seconds apart.

But if you look past the movies short comings its still a representation of the tale of heroism and survival in extreme circumstances that gives Brits worldwide a warm feeling inside that while we have these boys on our side we'll always have something to be proud of.

I like this movie but I can only give it 2 Stars, it has to many faults to get anymore, but if your sentimental towards all things SAS, go for it.

A True Tale of Bravery Under Fire
I gather that this is a well know story in The UK, yet I, for one, didn't know anything about the mission until seeing the film on Showtime recently.

It is one compelling tale, and a highly realistic treatment of modern warfare, especially as practiced by special forces units in both the British and US military. It centers on a secret SAS mission early in Desert Storm. Sgt Andy McNab's unit is helicoptered in to the middle of nowhere in Norther Iraq, with orders to reconnoiter Scud Missile sites. It is supposed to be less than a 24 hr hour quick-in/quick-out assignment. Yet from almost the time they are dropped off, they lose radio contact with command.

Then things start to really deteriorate. They find themselves exposed in what is essentially open desert, badly outgunned, and in a country extremely hostile. Eventually, after inflicting an amaziing number of casualties on their enemy, all but one of the seven man unit is either captured, or killed.

What happens to McNab and his comrades in Iraqi custody makes the Turkish prison scenes in MIDNIGHT EXPRESS look like a trip to Club Med. It's by far the most graphic, brutal depiction of prisoner interrogation I've ever seen. It really verges on over the top at times, but one is reminded that this is a true story.

I don't know where this movie was made, but it's actually rather amazing that the filmmakers could get this large a cast of middle easterners to reenact some of these war and prison scenes. Rather like the logistical problems that faced the creators of BLACK HAWK DOWN, which was filmed in Morocco. I notice on IMDB that the country of origin is South Africa, but that only confuses me more. It's a BBC production, so they usually find a way, TRAFFIK, being a good example.

I've seen several reviewer complaints about the poor quality of the DVD transfer. I watched it on Cable, so can't comment on that. The print that I saw had no problems.

The cast of Bravo Two Zero is uniformly (no pun intended) excellent. Sean Bean, known to most American audiences for his role of Boromir in THE LORD OF THE RINGS, delivers as usual. I thought he was great in THE BIG EMPTY recently, as well. Tom Clegg, a veteran director of British Television, does a yeomanlike job of keeping it real here.

What struck me in the final alaysis is how McNab downplays his ordeal. He expresses no lasting bitterness towards his captor/torturers. He says they were doing their duty, as well, though perhaps enjoying it just a bit too much. He also jokes that he didn't immediately turn tree hugger after getting back home. He and his men were just being soldiers, and what soldiers they were/are! They should not be forgotten. This movie is unforgettable as well.

BEK

See this movie!!
If you want an argument against the Michael Moore types who are holwing about the Abu Garaib fiasco, this is it. It is a good military adventure to boot!! Check it out.

excellent acting
My heart was beating fast and even aching when I saw the men were bitterly and terribly tortured in the prison. the war is fierce but the men, they are so adorable. all professional and excellent soldiers!
Sean Bean's acting is excellent and keeps my eyes fixed!
Besides, this is not a typical hollywood war movie, no typical heroism. but successfully reflect truth of war and fighting and get the audience to think about the other side about war and killing!
strongly recommend!

Authentic and gritty.
What struck me most about this film was it's authenticity.

There were no Hollywood types of scenes with over-the-top valor and unrealistic feats of heroism.

Instead, we watch a group of the most professional soldiers in the world prepare for and execute a very difficult mission, and then we get to follow them when Mr. Murphy [deceives them].

Two things leapt out at me as soon as I saw the movie. One was the exceptional authenticity of the dialogue. Listening to them using terms like "MSR" and their desperate attempt to raise friendly force on their radio, I was impressed at the homework that these actors did. I also thought it was interesting that many of the 8 actors in the team had that swagger that comes from a combination of pride and from [carrying a 200 pound ruck on the back]. I have not looked into it, but some of those guys must have been in the service.

This is a gritty film that depicts reality with stellar accuracy. A must see for any war movie buff like me who is regularly disappointed by the awful drivel that Hollywood churns out (i.e. Tears of the Sun). I rank this up there with Black Hawk Down. ... Read more