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Although it's been three years since we last saw Bridget (Renée Zellweger), only a few weeks have passed in her world. She is, as you'll remember, no longer a "singleton," having snagged stuffy but gallant Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) at the end of the 2001 film. Now she's fallen deeply in love and out of her neurotic mind with paranoia: Is Mark cheating on her with that slim, bright young thing from the law office? Will the reappearance of dashing cad Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) further spell the end of her self-confidence when they're shoved off to Thailand together for a TV travel story? If such questions also seem pressing to you, this sequel will be fairly painless, but you shouldn't expect anything fresh. Director Beeban Kidron and her screenwriters--all four of them!--are content to sink matters into slapstick, with chunky Zellweger (who's unflatteringly photographed) the literal butt of all jokes. Though the star still has her charms, and some of Bridget's social gaffes are amusing, the film is mired in low comedy--a sequence in a Thai women's prison is more offensive than outrageous--with only Grant's rakish mischief to pull it out of the swamp. --Steve Wiecking ... Read more

Reviews (101)

The sequel surpasses the original.
I've seen several movies that were sequels but they were never better than the first movie. But for the first time with this movie I found the second better than the first one. If you have seen "THE DIARY OF BRIDGET JONES", you must see this one and if you haven't seen it. I would recommend you to start with that one so you can follow better the story.
This time the picture starts with a very happy Bridget (Renée Zellweger) who is deeply in love with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and that love is mutual. Everything goes perfect until Bridget and Mark have a fight that ends with the relationship because Bridget is jealous of Natasha (Mark's friend who is beautiful and rich) and because Mark is still very arrogant with her. After this appears once again Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) who is called to work with Bridget. The story goes to several places from this point and you can laugh very much and have a great time with this movie that also has a wonderful soundtrack featuring songs by Joss Stone, Mary J. Blige and Robbie Williams along others.
With the speacial features you can find a hilarious interview from "serious journalist" Bridget Jones and actor Colin Firth and alternativebeginnings, deleted scenes plus others.

Hey Hugh, Colin called you a big sissy!
There's really only one reason to see this movie: a recap of the great girly-man fight between Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. It's almost as funny as the first time around, with some great hair-pulling, body-slamming interludes. The rest of the movie left my mind almost at the same time I watching it, except some painful memories of cheesy looking sets and politically correct third-world prisons. Any movie set in Thailand with no filth and squalor goes way beyond comedy to a kind of propagandistic obscenity. Don't be fooled, tourists of the world, "Edge of Reason" is to the real Thailand what Woody Allen films are to the real New York.

Fall in Love All Over Again...
Bridget Jones is passionate about passion. She inspires a dreamy admiration for love itself as she longingly gazes at Mark Darcy, wrapped in lavender sheets. Unfortunately (and fortunately for the viewer) Bridget keeps tripping over herself in this sacred dance of love. Her antics are deliciously funny all while her heart reaches for the profound moments in life.

You can't help but fall madly in love with Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) because she is a real woman, struggling with all the decisions of daily life and all the insecurities society promotes. In this daily life she also retains the right to vivid fantasies and creative conclusions inspired by jealousy.

Life seems to keep getting in the way of her fantasy existence especially when she is drenched by passing buses. In fact, she spends a great deal of this movie running about in the rain or looking quite deliciously natural with her hair all a mess and very little makeup. She honestly tried, but it is like the elements have ruled in favor of the natural look.

While she obsesses endlessly over her main rival who seems to have her eye on Mark Darcy, she condenses her thoughts into sly little schemes with hilarious results. She has a tendency to put herself in physical danger - falling from airplanes and sliding off skylights into gardens. Her ever-curious nature makes her almost kittenish at times and I thought the humor was shockingly good.

How does Bridget go from being an "award-winning" journalist to being thrown into a Thai prison where she undergoes a hilarious name change? What is even more fun is how she always survives her mother's seasonal curry buffet.

Colin Firth is especially dashing in this movie as he ends up completely drenched in a fountain in his suit. He is at first emotionally withdrawn, but his heart reaches out through his eyes as he longs to be fully trusted and admired. Of course, Bridget can't fully trust him because of Daniel Cleaver's antics and she is just waiting for him to cheat on her and ruin their beautiful relationship.

Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) is still as naughty as always and his boyish charm and attempts to control his overwhelming appetites encourage our sympathy. I especially loved the scene where he recites the Thai Poem and when he tells Bridget she is the best he has ever had. Of course, current research tells us that women who are slightly overweight are much more interested in sex for very biological reasons.

I've been listening to the soundtrack in hopeful anticipatory mode, knowing the songs would sound perfect in a movie. I was not disappointed. This movie also has a quiz option. You can take the test after various scenes of importance. While the main plot elements from the book are still all in place, there are a few surprises.

In the end, I think this movie is romantic because it appeals to a man's need for respect and a woman's need to be passionately loved for who she is, just the way she is even if her hair is not perfectly done or her makeup perfectly applied. What is more beautiful than a man telling you he loves you, even if you are a few pounds overweight? This is about total acceptance and loving a woman as a soul. It is rather profound from a woman's perspective because society judges us on our weight and not our heart.

It seems Beeban Kidron shares my fascination with water images and I look forward to more movies in the future with rain, rivers and oceans. If you enjoyed this movie, also look for "Swept from the Sea."

~TheRebeccaReview.com

Mildly amusing, but ultimately pointless sequel
The first Bridget Jones movie was a perfect little human comedy.Although absurdly unlucky, Bridget remained a consistent and logical (in her own way) centre to the film.The humour grew organically from her "logical" reactions to the absurdity happening around her.And we had a nice, romantic happy ending.The same praise cannot be given to this sequel, "Bridget Jones - The Edge of Reason."Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the film in a superficial way, at least while I was watching it.Unfortunately, it's entirely unecessary, except as a money-making grab by the studio.

The plot: Mark Darcy is seen in the presence of another woman.Bridget assumes he is cheating on her and is then assigned a job in Thailand with Daniel Cleaver (the "ex").Therein lies the main problem I had with the film: the entire story is built on misunderstandings that could be cleared up with the tiniest application of logic on any one of the characters' parts.Similarly, actions are not driven by the nature of the characters, but rather the requirements of the plot.For example, almost immediately after starting the relationship with Mark Darcy, Bridget's friends are advising her to dump him.Why?I have no idea - I guess because the screenplay told them to!Similarly, if Bridget is thrown in a Thai jail while on assignment for her TV network, wouldn't someone at that network notice that she had gone missing?

Am I applying logic where none is required?Probably.But a sequel should be able to build on the characters rather than making them more two-dimensional (or making their actions arbitrary).I should be asking is the film funny?Are the actors good?The answer to both questions is undeniably "yes!"I applaud the idea of building a comedy around the question, "what happens after happily ever after?" Unfortunately, the film bails and gives us a series of silly little scenes that work on their own, but never add up to anything worthwhile.

On the plus side, Mirimax has deigned to give us at least a few extras on the DVD.There are some deleted scenes, the most welcome being the infamous "Bridget interviews Colin Firth" scene from the novel.Obviously, it became impossible to put this in the movie with Firth playing Mark Darcy, but they filmed it anyway at the end of a day's shooting and stuck it on the DVD as a treat to those who have read the book.There are also some scene breakdowns and a director's commentary.

Wonderful Experience For Me!
Having sat through the movie with a female friend, I now know that life will only get better, since seeing this movie was the absolute worst two hours of my life. I would rather have stomach cramps for two hours than watch this horrible tripe again.

I am a male - not the intended audience. I believe that the intended audience must be people with dementia. They would be spared the pain of possibly remembering even one second of this unbelievably bad movie. This movie deserves a rating of zero, plus, everyone involved with this film should be sentenced to prison.

Never has there been a more insulting movie passed on as entertainment. I seriously worry about those who enjoyed it.

Rating: negative infinity, the worst movie ever made.
... Read more

Reviews (8)

The Almost Too Realistic Story of a Disjunkted Family
Portrays Shirley McLain as recently widowed, being persued by a man who has held the fantasy of courting her in his heart for many years and has waited for her husband to pass to come forward...and he does just that on the day of his funeral. Deals with life on an almost too realistic level,where air conditioners make sensible gifts...daughters overeat and over react. Mothers look for reassurance that their presence is still welcomed with a common thread of tradition ...and understanding running through this crazy quilt of love and denial. Moonstruck without the seasoning...

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!
You will laugh when Shirley MacLaine smashes the dish in the hall while screaming her head off at Kathy Bates and when she tells her daughter that her nephew needs a mother and not Zsa Zsa Gabor!
Marcia Gay Harden is one of the best things in this movies, dressing up as Faye "Bonnie" Dunaway, Marilyn "7-Year-Itch" Monroe, Barbra "Funny Girl" Streisand, Anne "Graduate" Bancroft, Audrey "Breakfast-At-Tiffany's" Hepburn and countless others.
I have watched this movie lots of times and I am happy I finally bought it!!
Also worth to watch the scenes between senile-playing Sylvia Sidney (love her lines!!!!)and Jessica Tandy!
You won't regret buying this one!

touching comedy
A touching, bittersweet fable of love lost and found, USED PEOPLE is a charming film indeed.

Pearl Berman (Shirley MacLaine) has just lost her husband. Together with her two daughters, mixed-up Norma (Marcia Gay Harden) and Bibby(Kathy Bates), she faces a life alone.

Into her life comes Joe (Marcello Mastroianni), who wisks her off her feet, and introduces Pearl into a whole new life. Norma and Bibby become similarly transformed thanks to Joe's encouragement.

The first-rate cast also includes Jessica Tandy, Sylvia Sidney and Doris Roberts.

In the tradition of STEEL MAGNOLIAS and MERMAIDS comes this sunny funny fable of love, USED PEOPLE.

A total gem that's charming and warm!
Shirley MacLaine is wonderful in this underrated comedy-drama that I feel rings very true and warm (contrary to critics like Roger Ebert and Leonard Maltin). It's a smart, funny movie about a Jewish woman who realizes on the day of her husband's funeral that an Italian-American man has loved her for years. It also richly explores the generations of a family, the struggles and the joys they face, and what life is all about for us. I remember seeing it around late 1992 in theatres and haven't gotten around to seeing it ever since I rented it again tonight. But surprisingly I still remembered every moment of its utter beauty as I watched it again eight years later. That should tell you something.

Loved it
How can you not love a great movie? I sat down and watched this, and absolutely loved it. Marcia Gay Harden is hillarious with her dead movie star impressions (Audrey Hepburn "Breakfast at Tiffany's", Marilyn Monroe "The Seven Year Itch", Anne Bancroft "The Graduate"). Kathy Bates was delightful as the low self-esteemed Bibby, who never seems to please her mother. Ah...Here comes the stars of the film: Shirley MacLaine and Marcello Mastrionni. These two are great! They make the whole film worth buying. The chemistry between the two is terrific and touching, and must I say that there will never be a charming, sweet-talking Italian like this man. It swept me off my feet listening to his song he made for the love of his life. After adoring her for 23 years, he finally gets the nerve to ask her out; at her husband's funeral! Terrific movie. 5 stars. Definitely. I'd buy it right now if I were you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This clunky road movie about three drag queens (Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguziamo) who get stranded in a sleepy Nebraska town on their way to a beauty contest, is too uplifting for its own good. Released during drag's mid-'90s heyday when RuPaul and the Wigstock documentary were all the rage, To Wong Foo aimed straight for the mainstream with its inoffensive camp and "can't we all get along" moralism. While gay-activist groups howled about straights getting the lead roles in To Wong Foo, in the end the filmmakers really couldn't have done better than this trio of actors. John Leguziamo provides real sass and bite as a Latino (or should we saw Latina?) drag queen, and Wesley Snipes is surprisingly fierce as the imposing leader of the pack. Saddled with a cloying Southern accent and off-kilter wig, Patrick Swayze barely holds his own with his costars, though. To Wong Foo is best viewed as a cultural artifact of a time when it seemed as though drag could rule all tomorrow's parties. --Ethan Brown ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Schmaltz In A Purple Wrapper
[Add a half-star if you don't mind being manipulated.]

All during the summer, in seeing previews, I was worried about To Wong Foo... being an American version or rip-off of Priscilla: Queen Of The Desert. Trust me, there are a lot of similarities; however To Wong Foo... stands on its own as an enjoyable movie experience. In the audience I sat in, there was laughter and applause throughout and I found myself laughing and applauding along. (I hadn't expected to.)

Patrick Swayze is Vida Boheme, a drag queen from Bala Cynwyd, PA living in New York City. Bala Cynwyd is pivotal in his story. So is Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes). Boheme and Jackson are friends competing against Chi Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo) and others for "Drag Queen of the Year". Well, as luck would have it, Boheme and Jackson tie for the honors and both win an all-expense paid trip to Hollywood.

Well, Boheme is a queen with a heart. She can't stand to see Chi Chi, who lives in the same building, so upset about not winning the crown; so, Vida bullies Noxeema into trading their paid-for airline tickets for a car and, together, the three set off to drive cross-country. Shades of Boys On The Side.

Early on, the trio is stopped in the middle of nowhere by a county sheriff (Chris Penn in a hoot of a role). What happens next brings more remembrances of Boys On The Side.

Eventually, our fun-loving "females" end up in Snydersville, a small hamlet where everyone seems to have a problem and our girls have a solution for every single one of them. Despite this manipulation, To Wong Foo... delights at every turn. It's laugh-out-loud funny and not at all subtle. Normally, that would be a criticism, but in this case, it turns out to be a refreshing change of pace.

Of course, all of the elements in the story come together for a schmaltzy conclusion. But, that's OK. You'll get all wrapped up in it anyway, just like I did.

(Boy, was I surprised.)

[Originally written 10 September 1995]

A Fine, Fun and Snazzy Film, anything but a Drag!
This movie is one of those rare perfect films. Casting is brilliant (especially Stockard Channing, who only gets better and better as the years go by--and she was always totally incapable of less than a fantastic performance). The general plot line of the movie is a congenial road trip, as three drag queens drive from New York City to California to compete in a contest, and the themes are fulfilling.

In essence, the movie deals with the healing of "broken people." (For other such films, see such gems as "Batteries Not Included" and "Fried Green Tomatoes.") The unlikely angels? The three drag queens. The situation? Their car breaks down in a red-neck hamlet. Unlikely hijinks and dangerous confrontations lead to a satisfying conclusion.

And Julie Newmar was never better!

Uneven but when it's good it's GREAT
"To Wong Foo" seemed horribly miscast when you found out who was in it ... I mean, John Leguizamo had done drag before, proving himself to be very convincing and most definitely in touch with his "feminine side" -- but Wesley Snipes and Patrick Swayze??! Two macho movie stars pulling off parts as drag queens on a road trip?

But then you saw the movie ...

The three men do excellent jobs, Wesley Snipes in particular a total surprise in his role as Noxeema Jackson, drag queen with Attitude. Swayze, as Vida Boheme, is the "lady" of the trio who can get down and dirty when she has to -- and Leguziamo as Chi Chi Rodriguez is nothing short of perfection.

The plot is simple: At New York's Drag Queen of the Year contest, Noxeema and Vida tie for the crown. The title comes with a free airline ticket to Los Angeles, to compete in the Drag Queen of America competition, and the two "girls" couldn't be more excited. But then they meet little Latin Chi Chi Rodriguez, whose drag queen self-esteem was not at all helped by losing this competition. Vida, the kind of person who always believes in helping those less fortunate, talks a VERY disgruntled Noxeema into selling their plane tickets ... and using the money instead to buy a cheap car and drive to the L.A. contest. The night of the win, Vida spots an autographed photo of Miss Julie Newmar on the wall of the reataurant they are dining in, and reads the inscription: "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar". For those not in the know ... for years actress/model Julie Newmar, best known for her role at Catwoman on the tv series "Batman," has had rumors floating around saying that she's a drag queen in real life -- not a woman. She's just too statuesque, her face too strong on bone structure, to be a real woman! When Vida sees the framed autographed photo on the wall, she takes this as a sign that the three of them will be blessed on their quest. She also takes the photograph.

Halfway 'cross country, in Nebraska, the threesome is stopped by a racist sheriff who notices their tail light is out. Taking Vide back toward his car, he comes onto her, thinking she is a real woman. When he reaches under her dress and learns the truth, Vida tries to break free ... and knocks the sheriff to the ground, where he conks his head. They drive off quickly, before he can come to and REALLY do them all some damage.

Soon after, their old Cadillac breaks down, and Chi Chi hitchhikes them all a ride into Snydersville, a town that makes Mayberry look like New York City. Tiny and hick and populated with small-town minds as well, Snydersville seems to be the LAST place three drag queens would want to get stranded (if they want to live, that is), but when these three are stalled there for the weekend, until they get their car repaired, they decide to make the best of it by making over the town's women, addding some spark to a Strawberry Social - and, in general, bringing tons of color to an otherwise drab existence. But little do they know that Sheriff Dollard (Chris Penn) - who is less than thrilled by being knocked unconscious by a "boy in a dress," is out to find them ...

The movie is uneven in spots - the scenes in the town go from hysterical to being too stage - but overall whenever Snipes or Swayze or Leguizamo are on-screen, you could never be bored. Funny and with some VERY sharp one-liners, the movie comes close (especially in the end) to turning sappy with its "why can't we all just get along" mind-set -- but never quite pushes that envelope. The three leads are EXCELLENT, and backed beautifully by a great supporting cast the includes Stockard Channig, Melinda Dillon, Chris Penn, Jason London - even "Alias" star Michael Vartan. Ru Paul and Robin Williams add both class and style to brief cameos ... as does the one and only Miss Julie Newmar herself.

Stylish and funny and just corny enough to work, this comedy is anything but a drag ...

Oh no girlfriend, did you just do a ue?
Nothing but praise for this great flick! Let's face it, while it may not be a movie that George Bush would ever watch (mind you if he did he could learn a thing or two about love and acceptance). I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to watch a great movie. Even after seeing it over five times I still laugh out loud and get a kick out of all three "ladies"! Robin Williams is hilarious and RuPaul makes a surprise visit! Rent it today and you will be glad you did!

"It comes down to that age-old decision: style or substance"
One year after the success of the 1994 Australian film "The Adventures Priscilla, Queen of the Desert", Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures joined to produce the 1995 American version, "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar". Like the Australian film, which featured a trio of drag queens traveling across the rugged Australian outback from Sydney to the isolated resort of Alice Springs in a pink bus, the American version featured its own drag queen trio traveling from NYC to Los Angeles in an aging yellow Cadillac convertible; but the similarities end there. The drag queen trio featured in the American version was Miss Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes), Miss Vida Boheme (Patrick Swayze) and Miss Chi-Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo). After Noxeema and Vida share the title of a drag queen contest, they invite (with Noxeema's reluctance) Chi-Chi to join them to participate in a national contest in Los Angeles. Not having enough money for all three to fly to Los Angeles from NYC, Vida convinces them to instead use their winnings to purchase a car that all three could travel in. The film's title comes from an autographed picture of Julie Newmar that Vida steals from a restaurant and places in the used yellow Cadillac convertible that the trio purchases. Similar to the Australian version, the car breaks down along the way, forcing the trio to stay a few days in a small, languishing town. There, they meet the town's assorted residents that include hotel owner Carol Ann (Stockard Channing), her abusive husband Virgil (Arliss Howard), Beatrice (Blythe Danner), the polite Bobby Ray (Jason London), Merna (Melinda Dillon), Loretta (Beth Grant), the aging Clara (Alice Drummond) and restaurant owner Jimmy Joe (Mike Hodge) to name a few. They also meet law enforcement officer Sheriff Dollard (Chris Penn) who wants to arrest them.

Though arguably not as well made as "The Adventures Priscilla, Queen of the Desert", "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar" is still a very entertaining and engaging film that is sufficiently different from the former to not be redundant. Cameo appearances in the film include Julie Newmar, Robin Williams (as John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt), RuPaul (as Miss Rachel Tensions) and Naomi Campbell. Memorable scenes in the film include the restaurant, the used car lot, Vida seeing her mother (Margaret H. Flynn), Chi-Chi earning rites of passage, Sheriff Dollard, Noxeema's interactions with townsfolk, the clothing store, the beauty parlor and the closing scenes. Patrick Swawye received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical, and John Leguizamo received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor in the Comedy/Musical. Sadly, Wesley Snipes did not receive a nomination for his excellent performance. Overall, I rate the film with 4 out of 5 stars. After watching the deleted scenes on the DVD, I concluded that they were best left deleted. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great British Comedy!!
This movie is a great British comedy that can be described as a thinking person's"Thelma and Louise" which is about the love and hate friendship between a beautiful lady and not so beautiful lady and the trials and tribulations they go through.It's a delightful must see!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jeanette Winterson's semi-autobiographical novel transfers wonderfully to the screen in this BBC adaptation (with a screenplay by Winterson). Jess is the adopted daughter of evangelical Christians living in the northwest of England during the 1960s. Her mother wants Jess to be a missionary, but when she falls in love with Melanie, Jess begins to realize that there is more to life than church.

When Jess's mother begins to suspect the girls of "unnatural passions" she tries to destroy their relationship with the help of Pastor Finch (Kenneth Cranham) and his congregation. But their efforts--including a terrifying attempt at exorcism--only push Jess further away. Jess eventually understands that the only way to survive is to escape, and she sets her sights on a place at Oxford.

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is both a broad comedy and a moving coming-of-age story. Charlotte Coleman is perfect as the teenageJess, attempting to reconcile her religious devotion and her adolescent passion, but the film belongs to Geraldine McEwan as Jess's mother.McEwan obviously relishes Winterson's script, and she creates a character who is monstrous, ridiculous, and surprisingly sympathetic. It's a difficult role to carry off, but McEwan succeeds. Her performance is the high point of this award-winning, provocative film. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Fast forward review
Oh ho, so you think this is an arthouse flick, eh? Check the pricing, it's a dead giveaway that the lolita sleaze crowd prizes this movie, and for good reason.

OK, we got one extended full-on teeny bopper little girl on little girl nudity scene here, and although the blonde is a bit gangly, it actually helps with the underage perv feel. It's doesn't necessarily make me schwing, but you have to give sleaze credit where it's due. Two solid stars.

Yes, "Powerful and Brilliant," but where's the DVD?
This is certainly an overlooked film if there ever was one. It can be very funny and moving, but yes, I can see that it might offend some sensibilities. Well, lot's of things offend my sensibilities -- and I simply don't buy them . . . I have no doubt that a DVD version would easily pay for the costs of making it. . . Incidentally, I just got my copy of Time Out 2003 (11th ed.) today and while browsing in the obits noticed that the young co-star, Charlotte Coleman (3 Apr 68 - 14 Nov 01) passed away a year ago. Google said it was a bad case of asthma. What a pity! She is much better known for her role in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1993). Time Out doesn't even mention Oranges, which seems to have originated as a TV movie (a long one). Does anyone know any of the reviewers over there?

Disturbing portrayal of opression
Oranges is a powerful film, showing the opression of Jess, a young girl uncertain of her own identity. Dealing with sexuality and religious extremists I found at times I was unsettled by the portrayal of the violence aimed at the young girl. Never the less Oranges is a brilliant film and must be watched in its entiretry to be fully appreciated.

oranges are not the only fruit
I first saw this movie years ago in the early 90s when I happened to be up late one night channel-surfing. PBS aired the film from 12-3am, undoubtedly due to its homosexual content. Little did I know I was about to view one of the best gay-themed films I have seen to date. Although I am neither a lesbian (although I am gay), nor a product of a fundamentalist Pentecostal upbringing (I was brought up Catholic, "they're the worst" according to Jess' mother!), I strongly believe that any viewer, male or female, gay or straight, religious or secular, can identify with the plight of Jess, the obstinately stubborn and yet valiantly lovable protagonist who finds the self-determination to be true to herself and her God in the midst of the worst sort of persecution and ostracization one can endure- that which comes from those closest to you, your family and community.

Jess, the protagonist, is everyone's hero. She is in fact an ur-hero. She speaks not only to lesbians and gay men who have faced rejection, but to ALL people who have had to find the courage to be who they are and do what they want to do despite the immediate people and circumstances that prevent, forbid, oppress or threaten them from doing so.

The cast displays stellar performances: Geraldine McEwan is unmatched in her portrayal of the zealous Bible-thunping mother. She stabs naked fear and loathing into your heart from the very first scene in which she towers over the 5-year-old Jess and grills her with biblical questions, followed by a smack on the head. Yet somehow you come to respect and admire the fervent tenacity to which she clings to her system of beliefs. Melanie, Jess' first love, is the type of girl you would expect to find in a fairy tale: dripping with innocence and sweet as honey, the perfect poison apple to set up a broken heart. The preacher who leads this flock to which Jess and her mom belong is incredible as a despicable British version of Jimmy Swaggart.

The most striking aspect of the film for me is how the director has woven such teasing, subtle and yet insanely hilarious (British!) humor into a movie that has scenes so painful that it hurts to watch them. Every time I see this movie, I get a little more humor out of it than the previous time, and it makes me love the film all the more, even though it's intent as a whole is certainly not to amuse- that is purely incidental. Yet on second thought, maybe it isn't. Maybe the humor makes us appreciate the somber theme of the movie all the more each time we see it. And we admire Jess all the more, and the ending all the more because of it. It just gets better and better!

A Wonder and Adventurous Film about Life and Growing Up!
This video is a true classic representation about not only life in Northern England but about discovering yourself! It will truly lighten the spirits of anyone who is a nonconformist. The story is beautiful, heartwarming and full of life! The acting is brilliant and the cinematography captures scenes from the North of England that one rarely sees without living there! This is a timeless classic and indeed true to the book of the same tittle! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Based on the Joseph Conrad story "Amy Foster," this swirlingly romantic melodrama tells the story of a Polish sailor (Vincent Perez) shipwrecked and washed ashore on the English coast in the 19th century. Found by a servant girl, Amy (Rachel Weisz), who is a village outcast, he is considered retarded because no one can understand what he says. But slowly, through Amy's love and the doctor's tutelage, the sailor learns enough English to decide he wants to make an honest woman out of Amy. Which doesn't sit well with the disapproving villagers, who don't like Amy. Even the doctor, who has a fondness for the sailor, has a blind spot when it comes to the servant girl. Strong performances and gritty period settings lift this film above bodice-ripper status to something richer. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Critics have lost touch with with great film making!
I had to write this in the hopes that some off-base "movie critic" would happen to read it, and maybe get the hint that he/she is way out of touch with love, beauty and amazing film making. "Swept From The Sea" is one of the most wrenching films I've ever seen, evoking passion, heartache and intense joy in the audience one scene after another. It is the story of a ship-wrecked Ukranian who finds himself on the shores of hostile Cornwall, England, and how he finds acceptance and "true gold" in the heart of misunderstood Amy Foster. The acting is superb, with breath-taking Vincent Perez exuding more emotion and energy with a glance than most leading men are able to in a monologue. Rachel Weisz's elegant beauty and dignity brings Amy's character the fierce strength and delicate femininity that Yanko falls so deeply in love with. Ian McKellan and Kathy Bates add depth and diversity to the film with their individual impressions of the doomed love affair and McKellan's shocked realization of his ill-placed resentment for Amy is a scene that will stay with you a long time. In all, "Swept From The Sea" seemed to be taken by critics as Amy was taken by the townspeople of Cornwall...simple, dull and not worth the effort to understand or accept...and just like Amy, this film proved them wrong. It is complex and beautiful, sweet, powerful and deeply touching. Everyone should see this gem of a film...it will help you appreciate those dear to you as you search for the Amys and Yankos in your lives.

A Heart Cast Upon the Sea
This magnificent film based on Joseph Conrad's 'Amy Foster' is filled with the timeless grace of classic literature. The Cornwall English coast has never been so beautifully photographed as it is here in this story of two hearts saving each other from a life of loneliness.

Rachel Weisz uses her open and beautiful face to marvelous effect, conveying the accumulated hurt and resolve of a girl who has lived her entire life deprived of love. Her father resents her for the marriage her arrival into the world forced him into and her mother witholds her love because of a much deeper shame Amy is unaware of. Amy counters their unkindness with a silence that seems strange to those around her and casts her heart upon the sea, waiting for it to be reborn.

When the sole survivor of a shipwreck washes ashore and is treated in the same manner as Amy because he is Russian and can not communicate with those around him their hearts connect instantly, a deeply moving yet simple act of human kindness when she washes his feet and offers him bread never to be forgotten, setting the tone for the entire film. Vincent Perez gives a perfect performance as the Russia stranger who is lost and helpless in a foreign land. It is as if the sea Amy so dearly loves has felt her hurt and brought her love.

Ian McKellan and Kathy Bates lend depth to this tender and tragic tale revolving around the sea. It will leave you with the feeling you get upon finishing a classic book, knowing it will linger long afterward in your heart and mind. This is a deeply romantic film, spare and beautiful, laced with tenderness and love.

Do not, under any circumstances, miss this fine film....

Comfort in the Storms of Life
No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit. ~Helen Keller

Amy's life is lonely and she lives in almost complete silence, obeying the wishes of the family she works for in a coastal village. She is captivated by the sea and collects treasures that float up on the beach near her secret hideout/cave. For the first part of the movie, she seems to be living in a dream world. While some think she is a simpleton, others think she is a witch who can conjure storms. She has a gentle, patient, malleable nature.

Often Amy (Rachel Weisz) is found dancing in the rain or standing in a window letting the wind and rain drench her clothes. She is a child of the water and loves the rain, rivers and the ocean. She seems to drift from reality into fantasy as she twirls in the rain. In fact, it seems she dreams her true love into life. She seems to be calling to him from the cliffs of Cornwall.

Yanko (Vincent Perez) arrives in Amy's village and changes her life. He is the only survivor of a shipwreck. He finds himself in a foreign land with no way to communicate with the residents. They fear strangers and almost kill him a few times before they allow him to live a normal life.

Amy seems to be a naturally kind and compassionate Pices. She also seems to be in love with Yanko from the moment they gaze at one another through the kitchen window. Like two trapped animals set free, they run to each other whenever possible and share a secret world only they understand.

"I'm your home and you're mine." ~Yanko

While both Yanko and Amy seems to live at a higher level of existence, you might be shocked by the downright cruelty of many of the villagers. There is a sharp contrast between those who are accepting of Yanko and those who are willing to shun even those who talk to Yanko. Amy not only faces distain because of her quiet manner, she is also hated because she welcomes Yanko into her life. She accepts him like a gift from the sea.

James Kennedy (Ian McKellen) realizes he is one of the Russian emigrants from a recent shipwreck while the rest of the village views him more cautiously. James doesn't seem to know the full story and the wounds are only healed by retelling the story to Yanko's former employer.

At times this movie borders on cinematic extravagance. The widescreen edition is stunning in places. Scenes of Amy dancing in the rain in a blue haze, horses pulling carriages across vast expanses of land, trains, seascapes, ships and an abundance of lush scenery at the edge of the ocean.

Being a lover of the ocean myself, I rather liked this movie. Not only is the scenery gorgeous, the score is dramatic, romantic, filled with longing and almost torturous in places.

Swept from the Sea is a story of two people who have a connection to the ocean and who understand one another on the deepest levels of the soul. Most of what goes on in this movie seems to go on in your own mind. Yanko and Amy seem to almost speak to one another telepathically. At times it is pure magic!

~TheRebeccaReview.com

tres bien!!
This movie was perfect. Great plot, gorgeous cinamatography, impeccable acting by Rachel, Ian, and of course Vincent. Everytime I see Vincent Perez in anything, he makes my heart ache. The first time i saw him was in "Indochine", I was 10 years old, and I totally fell in love. 10 years later, I still think he's amazing, he's one of those actors who just gets better and better with age.

Great for a night with the girlfriends!
My best friend and I just watched this and absolutely loved it. It's a five hankie movie, though, so be prepared.

Vincent Perez and Rachel Weisz are both beautiful and we quickly fell in love with their characters.

In fact, all the actors were wonderful. We were left with a bittersweet but satisfied feeling when the credits rolled. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Gabriel (Rakie Ayola) sets out from her native Granada for a new life in England aboard a cruise ship, she has no idea of the intrigues (and love) in store for her. It begins when she must share her cabin with a mysterious man named Duncan Stewart (Jonathan Pryce), who is recognized by Rex Goodyear (John Hurt) as the man who murdered his wife and stole from him a priceless painting, the only two things he's ever loved. What follows is a cloak-and-dagger style conceit that fails to engage the viewer to the extent that it seems to try. The problem is that one can't figure out whether one's watching a romantic comedy or an uplifting drama. Of course a film can be both, but the shortcoming here is that it's neither: it's not funny enough to be a comedy, and its attempts at being cute absolutely undermine its attempts at being uplifting drama. One place the film does succeed is with the island scenes that bookend the story--they are moving and impressive, even if they do seem part of a different film. Perhaps this film does have an audience, however: if you're a fan of television whodunits, there is a very good chance you'll love it. --James McGrath ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Look for the forest beyond the trees.
I found this movie to be very uplifting. It isn't just about a girl learning to fly or about her romance on ship board, although those things are elements of the film. It is a message to everyone that in order to live and move forward in life one must let go of the past. One needs to let go of one's fears, and one needs to love regardless of social convention, race, orientation, etc. While the plot did have a lot of angles, it was tied up nicely by the end, and I felt overall it was a film worth watching. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Who could not love a coming of age story in which the teenage heroine faces her emerging homosexuality, all the while facing down evangelical missionary parents? Especially parents unable to grasp her defiant sense of humor? The joy in this unusual British coming-of-age tale is the universality of her problems, even if her circumstances are highly unusual. As the defiant and sexually aggressive young woman, flame-haired Charlotte Coleman is a real find, being not merely talented but interesting. A little gem from 1990, this prickly and humorous flick draws forth a tangle of emotions amid sharp characterizations and terribly clever dialogue, doing justice to Jeanette Winterson's marvelous novel. Though this is almost four hours long, it isn't long enough. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Fast forward review
Oh ho, so you think this is an arthouse flick, eh? Check the pricing, it's a dead giveaway that the lolita sleaze crowd prizes this movie, and for good reason.

OK, we got one extended full-on teeny bopper little girl on little girl nudity scene here, and although the blonde is a bit gangly, it actually helps with the underage perv feel. It's doesn't necessarily make me schwing, but you have to give sleaze credit where it's due. Two solid stars.

Yes, "Powerful and Brilliant," but where's the DVD?
This is certainly an overlooked film if there ever was one. It can be very funny and moving, but yes, I can see that it might offend some sensibilities. Well, lot's of things offend my sensibilities -- and I simply don't buy them . . . I have no doubt that a DVD version would easily pay for the costs of making it. . . Incidentally, I just got my copy of Time Out 2003 (11th ed.) today and while browsing in the obits noticed that the young co-star, Charlotte Coleman (3 Apr 68 - 14 Nov 01) passed away a year ago. Google said it was a bad case of asthma. What a pity! She is much better known for her role in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1993). Time Out doesn't even mention Oranges, which seems to have originated as a TV movie (a long one). Does anyone know any of the reviewers over there?

Disturbing portrayal of opression
Oranges is a powerful film, showing the opression of Jess, a young girl uncertain of her own identity. Dealing with sexuality and religious extremists I found at times I was unsettled by the portrayal of the violence aimed at the young girl. Never the less Oranges is a brilliant film and must be watched in its entiretry to be fully appreciated.

oranges are not the only fruit
I first saw this movie years ago in the early 90s when I happened to be up late one night channel-surfing. PBS aired the film from 12-3am, undoubtedly due to its homosexual content. Little did I know I was about to view one of the best gay-themed films I have seen to date. Although I am neither a lesbian (although I am gay), nor a product of a fundamentalist Pentecostal upbringing (I was brought up Catholic, "they're the worst" according to Jess' mother!), I strongly believe that any viewer, male or female, gay or straight, religious or secular, can identify with the plight of Jess, the obstinately stubborn and yet valiantly lovable protagonist who finds the self-determination to be true to herself and her God in the midst of the worst sort of persecution and ostracization one can endure- that which comes from those closest to you, your family and community.

Jess, the protagonist, is everyone's hero. She is in fact an ur-hero. She speaks not only to lesbians and gay men who have faced rejection, but to ALL people who have had to find the courage to be who they are and do what they want to do despite the immediate people and circumstances that prevent, forbid, oppress or threaten them from doing so.

The cast displays stellar performances: Geraldine McEwan is unmatched in her portrayal of the zealous Bible-thunping mother. She stabs naked fear and loathing into your heart from the very first scene in which she towers over the 5-year-old Jess and grills her with biblical questions, followed by a smack on the head. Yet somehow you come to respect and admire the fervent tenacity to which she clings to her system of beliefs. Melanie, Jess' first love, is the type of girl you would expect to find in a fairy tale: dripping with innocence and sweet as honey, the perfect poison apple to set up a broken heart. The preacher who leads this flock to which Jess and her mom belong is incredible as a despicable British version of Jimmy Swaggart.

The most striking aspect of the film for me is how the director has woven such teasing, subtle and yet insanely hilarious (British!) humor into a movie that has scenes so painful that it hurts to watch them. Every time I see this movie, I get a little more humor out of it than the previous time, and it makes me love the film all the more, even though it's intent as a whole is certainly not to amuse- that is purely incidental. Yet on second thought, maybe it isn't. Maybe the humor makes us appreciate the somber theme of the movie all the more each time we see it. And we admire Jess all the more, and the ending all the more because of it. It just gets better and better!

A Wonder and Adventurous Film about Life and Growing Up!
This video is a true classic representation about not only life in Northern England but about discovering yourself! It will truly lighten the spirits of anyone who is a nonconformist. The story is beautiful, heartwarming and full of life! The acting is brilliant and the cinematography captures scenes from the North of England that one rarely sees without living there! This is a timeless classic and indeed true to the book of the same tittle! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The Almost Too Realistic Story of a Disjunkted Family
Portrays Shirley McLain as recently widowed, being persued by a man who has held the fantasy of courting her in his heart for many years and has waited for her husband to pass to come forward...and he does just that on the day of his funeral. Deals with life on an almost too realistic level,where air conditioners make sensible gifts...daughters overeat and over react. Mothers look for reassurance that their presence is still welcomed with a common thread of tradition ...and understanding running through this crazy quilt of love and denial. Moonstruck without the seasoning...

I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!
You will laugh when Shirley MacLaine smashes the dish in the hall while screaming her head off at Kathy Bates and when she tells her daughter that her nephew needs a mother and not Zsa Zsa Gabor!
Marcia Gay Harden is one of the best things in this movies, dressing up as Faye "Bonnie" Dunaway, Marilyn "7-Year-Itch" Monroe, Barbra "Funny Girl" Streisand, Anne "Graduate" Bancroft, Audrey "Breakfast-At-Tiffany's" Hepburn and countless others.
I have watched this movie lots of times and I am happy I finally bought it!!
Also worth to watch the scenes between senile-playing Sylvia Sidney (love her lines!!!!)and Jessica Tandy!
You won't regret buying this one!

touching comedy
A touching, bittersweet fable of love lost and found, USED PEOPLE is a charming film indeed.

Pearl Berman (Shirley MacLaine) has just lost her husband. Together with her two daughters, mixed-up Norma (Marcia Gay Harden) and Bibby(Kathy Bates), she faces a life alone.

Into her life comes Joe (Marcello Mastroianni), who wisks her off her feet, and introduces Pearl into a whole new life. Norma and Bibby become similarly transformed thanks to Joe's encouragement.

The first-rate cast also includes Jessica Tandy, Sylvia Sidney and Doris Roberts.

In the tradition of STEEL MAGNOLIAS and MERMAIDS comes this sunny funny fable of love, USED PEOPLE.

A total gem that's charming and warm!
Shirley MacLaine is wonderful in this underrated comedy-drama that I feel rings very true and warm (contrary to critics like Roger Ebert and Leonard Maltin). It's a smart, funny movie about a Jewish woman who realizes on the day of her husband's funeral that an Italian-American man has loved her for years. It also richly explores the generations of a family, the struggles and the joys they face, and what life is all about for us. I remember seeing it around late 1992 in theatres and haven't gotten around to seeing it ever since I rented it again tonight. But surprisingly I still remembered every moment of its utter beauty as I watched it again eight years later. That should tell you something.

Loved it
How can you not love a great movie? I sat down and watched this, and absolutely loved it. Marcia Gay Harden is hillarious with her dead movie star impressions (Audrey Hepburn "Breakfast at Tiffany's", Marilyn Monroe "The Seven Year Itch", Anne Bancroft "The Graduate"). Kathy Bates was delightful as the low self-esteemed Bibby, who never seems to please her mother. Ah...Here comes the stars of the film: Shirley MacLaine and Marcello Mastrionni. These two are great! They make the whole film worth buying. The chemistry between the two is terrific and touching, and must I say that there will never be a charming, sweet-talking Italian like this man. It swept me off my feet listening to his song he made for the love of his life. After adoring her for 23 years, he finally gets the nerve to ask her out; at her husband's funeral! Terrific movie. 5 stars. Definitely. I'd buy it right now if I were you. ... Read more