Description

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

Reviews (209)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

Boaz Yakin's astounding debut feature looks at the violent world of the projects through the eyes of a 12-year-old drug runner. Sean Nelson delivers a quiet but intense performance as Michael--street name Fresh--a cynical but introspective kid grown up fast and hard on the killing streets of the projects. Samuel L. Jackson costars as Fresh's estranged father, a speed chess hustler in the city park whose dispassionate philosophy--the chess board as life--becomes the film's central metaphor, as Fresh plots a brilliant, coldly brutal plan to save himself and his junkie sister from his world of drug dealers and street violence. Yakin's assured direction delivers a vividly realized world in bold, crisp images and an austere but poetic style that captures the dispassionate point of view of a heart-hardened adolescent street survivor. The excellent score by former Police-manStewart Copeland, his most haunting since Rumblefish, mixes smooth symphonic sounds with bluesy guitars and syncopated percussion, giving the soundtrack the same sad intimacy as Yakin's visuals. The world of Fresh is alive with danger thatthreatens to extinguish all the wonder and joy of childhood--the film's most devastating moment observes Fresh helplessly trying to stop the bleeding of a schoolmate, a girl he has a crush on, caught by a stray bullet from a senseless playground murder. As Fresh loses his innocence playing street thugs and drug dealers like pieces on a chess board, he becomes the greatest victim of all. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (33)

A LESSON FOR ALL
Fresh is more than just another film about urban decay and the harsh realities of New York street life. It's a story that is as real as anything you've seen on the nightly news. It's the story that doesn't make it to the Sunday paper. Depending on who reads this review and where there from, Fresh truly hits close to home. Brooklyn NY is the setting and Fresh played by Sean Nelson is "the little man running the streets" Although younger than any main character in a film that covers the topic of drugs, He is a lot mature and focused than many of the sterotyped characters that Hollywood loves to portray black youths as. Working as a runner for two notorious drug dealers, Fresh finds himself caught in a deadly game of chess. It's a story that is rich with raw power and director Boaz Yakin gives it to the audience without the sugar frosting. With powewrful performances by Giancarlo Esposito, Samuel L. Jackson, and N, Bush Wright, Fresh brings you face to face with a reality that many parents of todays youth hope is just all blown out of perportion. So go cop it Aiight.

Fresh - what an apt title
this movie was outstanding. I've seen it many times and cannot wait for the DVD to come out, as my tape is on its last loop.

I will defend the music and say that works really well in this film. It's not the kind of thing you would go out and purchase seperately, however. The writing is also superb, nary a wasted word, although some lines seem kind of awkward, forced or inauthentic - one of the three. The director Yakin apparently did a lot of research on the streets of some tough neighborhoods in New York to prepare himself to write this drama. All things considered, I think he did a fine job.

Sean Young puts in a better than adequate showing, Giancarlo Esposito is captivating as Esteban and Samuel Jackson is wonderful as Fresh's deadbeat, chess-sparing father. Chess, by the way, is a theme tailored to the plot in this coming of age story, as the pieces on the chess board come to represent figures in young Fresh's life; some, er, most of whom he must sacrifice in a gambit that will get him and his heroin-addict sister out of the ghetto.

Must See
The previous reviewers have pretty much summed it all up. This is a great American movie. The theatrical release completely passed me by, and I only recently discovered 'Fresh' by reading the reviews on Amazon. Buy this movie, it will have you rapt with attention. The story is deep and the details many, so much so you will need more than one viewing to take it all in. Great performances all around.

"Anything lost can be found again, except for time wasted."
Michael, a.k.a. "Fresh", is a 12-year-old drug dealer who lives in a run-down house with his aunt and other orphaned children in a dangerous Brooklyn neighborhood. Having grown up in a harsh culture, he is a boy who shows little emotion despite witnessing the revulsion of street life on a regular basis. His mother is long gone, his sister has resorted to prostitution, and his father is completely estranged-although every now and then he meets with his father to play speed chess, through which he is taught street knowledge. At first Fresh aspires to live the life of a powerful drug dealer, but one day a heartrending incident causes him to rethink his dreams and consider a better possible future.

Directed by Boaz Yakin (who also directed "Remember the Titans"--a *completely* different film), "Fresh" is an astonishingly well-done film that left me stunned long after it ended. By depicting a brutal life through the eyes of a young boy, the film tells a bleak story by taking its viewers on a roller-coaster ride of gut-wrenching scenes, and yet in the process it still manages to engage the audience and finally arrive at a surprising conclusion.

Although the first third of the film is basically used to give the viewer a tour of Fresh's neighborhood, the plot soon becomes very complex after one particular scene. Fresh's life literally becomes a game of chess, represented by the moves the pieces make and the strategy used to stay alive. Despite the film's quiet atmosphere, it moves at a rapid pace and forces the audience to listen closely in order to keep on track with the plot. The plot moves unpredictably throughout, but every one of its elements makes perfect sense after a bit of thinking. And although the script is heavy on profanity, it is totally realistic in depicting the everyday life of the characters, and the dialogue between Fresh and his father during their chess matches is especially good.

The picture is shot on low-budget film, making the Brooklyn neighborhood feel all the more dark and unwelcoming. But there are no prolonged fight scenes, nor is there a lot of on-screen brutality. There are, however, a lot of tragic scenes that really hit home, and they are shot with rapid film editing and camera work that didn't require any computer enhancements. Simply put, no unnecessary visual techniques are used.

The acting is superb all around. Sean Nelson, in his debut role, is stunning as Fresh; he is so compelling in the way he conveys his emotions without having to say anything, and he feels so natural that it seems as if he doesn't even know the camera's on him for more than 90% of the film. For this to come out of a debut performance is impressive enough; but for it to come out of such a young actor is truly astonishing. Supporting roles include Samuel L. Jackson, who expresses a great sense of authority as Fresh's father, and Giancarlo Esposito, who is absolutely chilling as the "black king" of the film.

And the ending is unforgettable. In fact, it is not the unpredictable denouement that the viewer remembers best; it is the very last image. In one final shot, all the emotion that had built up to that point bursts out in a brief, silent moment. It is a deeply moving way to end the film, and it gave me a faint sense of hope despite all the sorrow and horror that had already happened.

"Fresh" is a tiny film that manages to be riveting, frightening, disturbing, contemplative, poignant, and faintly uplifting all at once, and that alone makes it one of the most memorable films I have ever seen. But with acting, filming, and screenplay all being top-notch without any other frills, "Fresh" is also a brilliant work that uses only the most basic aspects of film to their fullest extent. It features many upsetting scenes and is definitely not for all viewers, and due to the plot and script it can be a very challenging film to watch at times, but it is an unconventional example of a director and cast at the top of their form. I easily recommend "Fresh" to film lovers everywhere.

Incredible!
It was one of those movies that cames on late on a night that I couldn't sleep. After 3 minutes, I was hooked and could not even make an attempt at sleeping.
This movie is worthy of any award.
It is incredible! ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Kleenex required
"Uptown Girls" is a sentimental movie that you won't be able to forget. At the end, I desperately wanted to give a standing ovation to the characters on screen, some of whom were already giving a standing ovation.
Molly Gunn is a wealthy debutante still trying to get over her parents' death. When she goes into debt, she is forced to find a job. Molly becomes the nanny of "Ray" Schleine, a precocious 8-year-old girl who hides behind a mask to deal with her apathetic mother and comatose father. The two help each other to open up.
This movie has a good amount of humor, but it is not without moments that will make you bawl.
Brittany Murphy, despite not being as enjoyable as she was in "Just Married," is fun to watch as Molly. Dakota Fanning is very good as Ray, though she seems to lack Murphy's magic.
See this movie! Just don't forget the Kleenex.

Dakota Shines - But The Movie Overall - Is Not as Bright!
This movie directed by Boaz Yakin (Fresh, Remember The Titans) has a certain charm to it. It was going for the warm fuzzy's and along the way found a real heart for me.

Cocky and not-so-bright Britney Murphy (Just Married, 8-Mile) plays a aristocratic well to do teen who suddenly looses what she ahs to find out she needs to get a real job. In her attempt she is befriended by a mother played by Heather Locklear (Looney Toons Back In Action, The First Wives Club) who needs a caretaker - babysitter for her young daughter played by Dakota Fanning (I Am Sam, The Cat In The Hat).

The two teach each other a valuable lesson about life. One - Brittany needs to lean how to grow up, the other - Dakota - needs how to learn to have fun. The two are forced to tolerate each other in order to appease the mother. However, in the process of hating each other, they learn a lesion in family friendship and that people are not what they seem to be on the outside.

That's the warm fuzzy! Really nice heart - it does get a little slow in parts, but the chemistry of little Dakota with everyone on screen is amazing. You can't help not liking her even after she plays this temperamental little brat.

As far as the theatrical experience, a good film for the teens and young adults but it is not really for the really young or middle aged crowd - it does have a syrupy side that may give some a tooth ache. This would be a great DVD to have for the family. Let me know what you think. (11-12-03)

Great Everything In One Movie!
This movie was great! It had a little bit of everything in it!!! It had romance, comedy, drama, and a life lesson in it. I am 13 and watched it with my 39 year old mom and we both loved it! It is the best movie EVER. My dad didn't like it, but he doesn't like chick flicks! LOL! <br /> THIS MOVIE IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Uptown Girls
Uptown Girls DVD ~ Brittany Murphy is a sweet, innocent and funny comedy. It won't win any oscar statues for its dialogue. But I liked it still...

Wow ~ totally different from what I expected
Here you will find a nine year old Ray helping her 20 something nanny Molly find her way. Ray is a nine year older who has everything a little girl could have want and most anything money can buy. But, she has a mother who doesn't have time for her and a father who is deathly ill. Molly gives Ray that one thing she's looking for LOVE and UNDERSTANDING. She also teaches Ray to be a KID that she should be. Ray helps Molly come to grips with some issues she's been fighting since the death of her father who was a great musician. The two were an awesome pair and meant to cross paths.

This movie will make you laugh, cry and more! Very refreshing movie and a must have. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Zellweger Shines in Ethnic Drama; Divergent Viewpoints
...

A carefully and compellingly rendered drama of a contemporary woman's stirring discovery of self, "A Price Above Rubies" is set in the context of a Hasidic Jewish/American community. Beautifully photographed, this film's acting sparkles -- and renders a reasonably accurate portrait of an easily caricatured community.

Renee Zellweger establishes herself as a talent of unlimited possibilities. ...

The film's feminist perspective is gracefully realized without belittling all guys -- which greatly enhances the film's power! (And lowers my blood pressure!)

Production design is exceptional!

Those Orthodox Jewish critics who are angered by this film's portrayal of Jewish Orthodoxy might have us believe that the world of Orthodoxy is monolithically benign. It is not. ...

Traditional thought and practice -- orthodoxy in many settings -- has its beauties and strengths and -- like most things human-- it has its dark, shadow side as well. "A Price Above Rubies" depicts the delicate balance gone awry.

For a very different, also wonderful film which depcts both light and shadow sides of Ameriocan Jewish traditionalism, but less critically of Orthodoxy, try "The Chosen" (1982) (adapted from Chaim Potok's book), with Robby Benson (quite good in this film, to my surprise), Rod Steiger and Maximillian Schell -- available on VHS, not yet on DVD. For me "The Chosen" is a five star, among my all-time top 10 films!

Zellweger Shines in Ethnic Drama; Points of Comparison
REVISED from my earlier review:

A beautifully rendered drama of a contemprary woman's stirring discovery of self, "A Price Above Rubies" is set in the context of a Hasidic Jewish/American community. Beautifully photographed, this film's acting sparkles -- and renders a reasonably accurate portrait of an easily caricatured community. Renee Zellweger establishes herself as a talent of unlimited possibilities. (I wrote these words of promise when the film was 1st released, long before Renee's fame via the fluffy "The Diary of Bridget Jones" and the incredibly wonderful "Chicago"! Now I saw hor on the cover of Cosmo!) The film's feminist perspective is gracefully realized without belittling all guys -- which greatly enhances the film's power! Production design is exceptional!

Those Orthodox Jewish critics who are angered by this film might have us believe that the world of Orthodoxy is monolithic. It is not. In my own family and beyond, many people experience forms of Jewish Orthodoxy which are fulfilling and wonderfully peaceful. On the other hand, abusive conduct does creep in to parts of this world, as exemplified most vividly by the 1999 Amos Gitai film, Kadosh -- a terrifying portrait of the worst side of Orthodox Jewish patriarchy, which makes "A Price Above Rubies" seem like a fairy tale. In my own community, we have learned of an attempted horrific Orthodox shunning and boycotting of a wife and doctor after she reportedly sought a divorce alleging substantial physical abuse. (Who can say whether the woman's charges were true! The vengeful letter writing and attempted boycott are fact, however.)

Traditional thought and practice has its beauties and strengths and -- like most things human-- it has its dark, shadow side as well.

AN INTENSE TALE OF EMANCIPATION. NOT ABOUT RELIGION.
Beyond a touch of sensationalistic Hollywoodisation (over-simplifying the perceived orthodoxy of Jews) the movie is about a woman who is stifled in her relationship with a fanatically devout husband, and in that it etches an intermittently sharp portrait of a subculture caught between a rich historical legacy and a changing contemporary world.

To me, the movie was NOT about the Hasidic way of life. I could see this film holding just about as relevant even if I replaced the community potrayed in it with any other. It is about the marital suffering of two people who are very different in their moorings.

Renee Zellweger, the pivot, does a very convincing job of showing the desperation in a young woman's personal search, Sonia, who embarks on a search for not only herself but also her place in the world -- for the duration of the film Renee gave Sonia the precise dignity and emotion that the role deserved.

The supporting cast were strong, Juliana Margulies certainly showing that she's doesn't always play the 'nice girl'. Christopher Eccleston was convincingly wicked and Glenn Fitzgerald puts in a credible performance as Mendel, the husband, capturing the essence of the role commendably.

Bordering sometimes on being a chick-flick, the movie generally deals with feminine issues, and I would think that the emotional dominion would have it seldom appeal to a male audience. Which is quite evident in the other belittling reviews here.

I recommend this film highly, although it is an intense one and perhaps not for every Joe Blogg. Make sure you're in the mood.

Very high price of individual freedom
What a movie! At the end I had goosebumps and was trying hard to hold back the tears. What a fantastic performance by RZ!

The movie starts off as a slow-as-molasses slice-of-life story about an orthodox Jewish family in NYC. But it ends as the heroic struggle of a Jewish woman yearning to be free -- free of paternalistic controls, free to decide on her own fate, free to pursue beauty in life, a rebellious street-smart and hard-headed woman who wants to be free enough even to judge the wisdom of God, an ultimate heresy for the social milieu she was raised up in. She goes through hell, but at the end she hangs on to her dear freedom. And that has a "price well above rubies" and diamonds.

RZ is a star! She is burning with talent and heart.

Dark Side
Despite the Orthodox Jewish background this movie is really about a womens life and her ways of reaching what she has always wanted. See the movie with an open mind and all will be well. ... Read more