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| 21. The Thorn Birds - The Complete Miniseries | |
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Amazon.com essential video Reviews (84)
All the other characters were played well by the actors except for Justine's character. In the book, Justine was a strong, self-willed, determind young woman struggling with knowing she wasn't as treasured as her brother Dane. However, in the miniseries, she came across more as a cynical, whining brat. On the whole, because I've read the book so many times, I watch the movie every once in a while as a guilty pleasure. But I'll always go back to the book to get the whole story that somehow the movie seems to miss. By the way, Meggie's maiden name is not Carson, it is Cleary. Mary Carson was her aunt, Paddy's sister, not her grandmother.
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| 22. Rocky (Five-Tape Boxed Set) | |
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Reviews (87)
Rocky Balboa certainly qualifies as one of the most unique and determined heroes in cinema. His story is truly an inspiraton to us all. In the first movie, of course, he starts out with basically nothing, gets a chance to fight Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), and loses. In the second movie, he wins the heavyweight title from Creed in a rematch. By the third movie, Rocky is basking in the glow of his success; he and Adrienne now have a son. But Clubber Lang (Mr. T) has been making his way to the top as well, and he challenges Rocky to a match. Rocky trains hard and tries his best, but his concerns about his manager Mickey's (Burgess Meredith) health make it difficult to concentrate, giving Lang the advantage...and Rocky's title. With encouragement from Adrienne and his former rival Apollo Creed, who takes over as manager after Mickey's death, Rocky rediscovers his Eye of the Tiger in the rematch and puts Lang in his place. In the fourth movie, Apollo is killed in battle by Russian champion Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). In one of the most intense boxing matches of the entire series, Rocky finds the "chink" in the Russian's seemingly impenetrable armor. It's worth getting the fourth movie just for that match. But, by the time of the fifth and final movie, things are quite a bit different. (As I'm writing this, I've just finished watching the fifth one for the very first time.) Not only do Rocky and his family find out that they're broke, but Rocky seems to be suffering from brain damage as a result of his fight with Drago. He becomes a manager for a new young fighter, Tommy Gunn (upsetting his son quite a bit), who allows his ego to cloud his judgement, thus luring himself into the sleazy side of the boxing business. When Tommy gets a shot at the heavyweight title, the audience is already in a bad mood because Rocky isn't there on stage with him. But when Tommy takes the title in just over three rounds, the audience is REALLY in a bad mood; at least Rocky had class. Rocky and Tommy end up resolving their differences in a street fight, and for several agonizing minutes it looks like it could be the end...but Rocky has the spirit of Mickey with him, and for the fourth time, the Italian Stallion wins, proving that he's still a champion and always will be, even after fifteen years. Whenever I watch these movies I can still feel the excitement of seeing them for the first time. When the odds are stacked against him, even in the face of several brushes with death (Tommy Gunn makes Ivan Drago and Clubber Lang look like pussycats somtimes), he still manages to triumph. I love you, Rock...you the man!
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| 23. Perfect Spy | |
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Description Reviews (6)
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| 24. Baby Einstein Gift Pack Volume 1 (Baby Bach/Baby Newton/Baby Einstein/Baby Shakespeare) | |
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Description Reviews (25)
Now, I've read some negative reviews on here and I must say I can see the point that those parents are trying to get across. But Julie Clark tells us at the end of every video that you should watch with your child and discuss what you are seeing. This is an opportunity to interact with your child, this is not intended as an electronic babysitter (Nick Jr. is the electronic video, or didn't you know?). So if used properly they are learning videos. My two kids, aged 4 and 2, enjoy the chance to spend time with a parent and learn about colors, numbers, shapes, etc. For that purpose they are great! ... Read more | |
| 25. Woodstock - 3 Days of Peace & Music (The Director's Cut) Director: Michael Wadleigh | |
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Reviews (67)
Not having been alive in the 60s, I only know what I've read and been told by those older than myself, but I'd guess that the first assessment is a bit idealistic, while the second is unfair, and that the truth is "somewhere in between," to fall back on the cliche. What the film does successfully document, I gather, is what it felt like to be young and hippie and excited about music and social protest and all the things Woodstock at least appeared, at the time, to represent. The feeling is what's embodied in the filmic techniques, the scenes chosen, and the performances themselves, and this makes Woodstock a successful documentary. The 60s were many things, and no film could capture all of them. Actually, in spite of the fact that it allows itself to get very much caught up in the excitement, I think the film has its moments of ironic distance and sobering reality, such as the port-a-san scene (particularly the extended shot of the average joe cleaning the things). For a good counterpoint, I recommend the Isle of Wight festival film, which captures the darker, more selfish side of the hippie generation.
Despite the mud and the squalor, this is an extraordinarily beautiful film, with the screen often breaking up into two or three segments. (Note on the closing credits the name of Martin Scorsese on the production team.) It's well worth contrasting this movie with the DVD of the 1970 Isle of Wight festival. Only a year separates the two concerts, but the late 1960s idealism of Woodstock gets replaced by prototype British vandalism. The Who perform at both concerts, and make an equally good account of themselves. Daltrey's emotional delivery of 'See Me, Feel Me' helps to explain why 'Tommy' became such a phenomenon in America. Hendrix also performed at both, but his meandering solo at Woodstock was not of the highest standard. The other highlight of the show was Santana, a Latino band only just beginning to establish themselves in California at the time. As others have noted, the drum solo by Mike Shrieve is impressive for one so young. As with the Who, Santana's album sales will have multiplied as a result of their Woodstock performance. It's interesting how many great acts weren't at Woodstock -- e.g. Joni Mitchell (despite her song about the concert!), the Doors, Bob Dylan or the Stones. The first two clearly realised how important these festivals were in the breaking of artists into markets, and so they appear on the Isle of Wight DVD. For most of my life, Woodstock has been a set of static images, largely taken from the cover of the album. But as this film reveals, there is so much more imagery than pictures of beautiful women bathing in the lake. Quite apart from all the idealism of passing whisky bottles and reefers around, of sliding in the mud, the film shows the flip side: of people queuing in the mud to phone home, of helicopters rescuing the sick, of helpers cleaning toilets, and of barefoot stragglers looking for a pair of shoes amid a post-concert site that looks more of a wasteland than the trenches of the First World War. Enjoy it in all its glory and all its grime.
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| 26. Leslie Sansone - Walk Away The Pounds For Abs w/belt (3 Pack) | |
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Product Description Reviews (31)
While this might not be the best choice for someone looking for a super high-energy workout, it is perfect for those who prefer a no frills way to exercise out some stress and calories. Also nice is the fact that her exercise crew represents all body types - while there a few "perfect" figures, there are also those who may look more like you or me. I like the walk-away belt; it provides just enough tension to work the muscles of your arms and back without burning you out. I've never had a problem with the belt, though I'm skeptical of Leslie's assertion that it will help tone your abs just by wearing it during the workout...I've yet to see it. All in all, I will never buy another workout video again, and am getting rid of all the others I own. If a busy stay-at-home mom can finally make the time to exercise daily - and ENJOY it - what other endorsement does it need?!
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| 27. Baseball - A Film by Ken Burns | |
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Amazon.com essential video Reviews (93)
He hits all aspects of the game: The development of the game itself and the leagues, the labor history, the stars and great teams and personalities, the great moments in the history of the game, and so on. He also gives us a pretty good look at the old Negro leagues and we get to hear some of the great stories from those days before MLB was integrated. The only bad thing I can say about this collection of dvds is that by the time it was over I was really sick of hearing different versions of "Take Me out to the Ballgame." The great stories in this collection more than make up for that one drawback, however. He does more than just interview and quote the players, managers, umpires, owners and sports writers. He includes stories from fans. Doris Kearns Goodwin told about how she grew up rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers, then after they moved away, she found herself in Boston, becoming a Red Sox fan, just in time to have her heart broken again. All fans of baseball should see this collection.
In the case of "Baseball," the unrelenting focus is on New York City, Babe Ruth & Jackie Robinson, and to be fair, there is no way you could discuss the subject of baseball without devoting a great deal of time to these subjects. However, the title of the documentary is "Baseball," not "The New York City, Babe Ruth, and Jackie Robinson Story," and it is possible to watch this documentary at times and come to believe that nothing else was happening out side of New York most of the time. I recall reading a Sports Illustrated article a few years ago that discussed the Philadelphia Athletics from 1929-1931, and made the case that that team was better than the famed "Murderer's Row" Yankees of 1926-1928, and possibly the best team in baseball history. The article's author crunched the numbers, compared the stats, and made a pretty compelling case. He then asked why so little attention has been paid to the A's over the years, and posited that because most of the nation's important papers and sportswriters were based in New York City; by default the majority of the great sportswriting was devoted to the Yankees, while relatively backwater Philadelphia languished in obscurity. It seems to be the same situation with Burns. While other incredibly dominant teams such as (in the early years) the Chicago Cubs, the A's, the Pittsburgh Pirates & the Detroit Tigers are given passing mention, they are quickly shoved on the back burner in favor of the Boston Red Sox & New York Giants. Then the Yankees & the Dodgers begin to coalesce, and it is all New York, all the time. One gets no feeling for how dominant the 1929-1931 A's (or the St. Louis Cardinals of the mid-1930's) were, because Burns continually focuses on Babe Ruth & the Negro Leagues. When Burns gets to the 1950's he can be excused, because really it was a New York-dominated decade like no other. However, the other decades did in fact see a more competitive balance, and one would not get this impression from the documentary. It would have been nice if Burns hadn't crammed the last quarter century of his story into one "inning." Are you telling me that the stories since 1970 aren't as compelling as the early years of baseball. I don't believe that Burns would have had to devote that much more time to the post-1970 era to make it feel less cursory and rushed. This is a somewhat annoying tendency of his that was more griveously evident when he made "Jazz." Also, I get a little tired of the "poetry of baseball" school of thought. It isn't as though I am some knuckle-dragging troglodyte who gets all his news from sports radio; I am just as likely to go to the opera as to the ballpark. This baseball as metaphor for how the cosmos works gets on my nerves after a while (although I consider Roger Angell's comment "there's more Met than Yankee in all of us" to be priceless beyond description). It's not that baseball doesn't imbue our life with a little extra something special, it's just that some of these talking heads tend to get a little overwrought. I enjoyed watching the documentary the first time, and I have watched it probably half a dozen times since over the years. By comparison, I have watched "The Civil War" about 15 times, I would guess. I was so disappointed with "Jazz" that I managed only a second viewing. In any case, "Baseball" is very entertaining, and that is what largely accounts for my 4-star rating I would only caution those who don't know their baseball history that this documentary omits a great deal of what is a very good story.
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| 28. Sex and the City - The Complete Second Season | |
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Reviews (140)
Parts of each character are realistic, but ultimately there's an element of satire and "over-the-top" that keeps the reader hooked. (...) And in Season 2, Big comes across as a really decent guy. He accompanies Carrie to a wedding of a couple he doesn't know and to a dinner with her friends. And she comes across as high maintenance. She can't read between the lines to see how much he cares for her so she keeps pushing for more. (...). I believe the episodes work best when they're light-hearted and playful, such as 20-somethings vs. 30-somethings. (...)." Sometimes I think SATC is a litmus test for personalities. Everyone who watches sees something different. Some like Samantha best, others like her least. And some viewers focus on the clothes. What hooks viewers, I think , is the three-dimensional qualities of the four main characters, and even of Big. They have real flaws as well as great virtues. And they have enough money and career stability to spend all their energies on relationships. Sometimes it's exhausting just to watch the quest, but the writers make sure it's never dull.
The second season includes Carrie & Big getting back together and breaking up again (can they ever make up their minds?!), Miranda having a real relationship (with Steve, a bartender), Samantha having a relationship (oh my stars!) with the perfect guy (except for one "little" thing), and Charlotte dating so many guys (your head will spin) and not keeping any of them. It is a whirlwind of laughs, a few tears, and more, more, more. This show has all of the elements that keep you tuning in. This is a must buy for all the non-HBOers out there. Buy it!!!
It then occurred to me after watching a number of these episodes that it is really the story of 4 gay queens looking for a gay partner. At least that is the way it is written. Seen through this prism, the show is actually more poignant. The show -- through its characters -- strives to champion promiscuity as a virtue. And isn't this really at the heart of the gay ideology? But what makes the show so good is that the writers never insert love into the equation. These 4 selfish people constantly indulge in sex, but it is plain that none really have their hearts in it. They bemoan the lack of men who would love them, but they themselves withold their own love. Stingy with offering out their heart, they trade affection for something they do not value, their own bodies. My first experiance with the show was in 1/2 drops every 6 months or so on HBO. But the DVD format allows one to watch the episodes back-to-back. With my infrequent viewings I was impressed with the glamour and adventurousness of the stars. But with seeing the shows back-to-back, the loneliness, neediness, and desparation exhibited by the ladies pops to the surface. There is nothing glamorous about their lives. Commendably, sex isn't depicted as an answer, but more as a drug to take the edge off of their main concern, their inability to win the heart of a man. Intentional or not, it is this truth that makes the show as good as it is. Oh, by the way, the show got cancelled because the 4 ladies just got too old for their make-up to hide. They probably stayed on 2 seasons too long, but at least they got out when they did. How long could anyone watch 4 old ho's whine on about how they missed the boat?
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| 29. The Carson Collection - His Favorite Moments from The Tonight Show | |
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| 30. Collateral Director: Michael Mann | |
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| 31. Sex and the City - The Complete Third Season | |
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From the Back Cover Reviews (101)
teaches me a lot about girls.
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| 32. Jamon Jamon Director: J.J. Bigas Luna | |
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Amazon.com Reviews (22)
My "issue" with this movie is that it doesn't qualify as a comedy altogether, due some of its very disturbing scenes. It also doesn't succeed, in my opinion, at being a parody of the Spanish macho man and some other typical (yet repressed during the Franco times) elements of Spanish culture. And finally, although it attempts to (with the pig, bull and ham imagery), I don't think of it necessarily as a good surrealist movie (in the style of a Bunuel or a Fellini). I think it is more a combination of the sexual drive typically behind Bigas Luna's movies and a good dose of Oedipus complex sprayed (portrayed in an interesting way). Trying to be too many things, it ends up being like a potato omelette ("tortilla de patatas".) In all honesty, in the end it left me with nothing but a few laughs at its ironies.
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| 33. Bilingual Baby, SPANISH | |
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Amazon.com Reviews (22)
We got this for my son when he was 8 mo. old (now 18 mo). He loves Bilingual Baby - Spanish even over the Einstein Videos - of which we have like 10! He happily watches it without getting distracted. Additionally, I think this video quickened his learning of the concepts of yes and no. It's so easy to watch. My husband and I have learned - especially the pronounciation. The video focus is on phrazes and words babies and toddlers use most, making it practical too! As a Mom (and the primary cargiver) I find none of it offencive. Which is saying a lot for this neurotic Mom!
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| 34. A Place Called Chiapas Director: Nettie Wild | |
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Amazon.com Reviews (7)
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| 35. The Color Purple Director: Steven Spielberg | |
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| 36. Lawrence of Arabia Director: David Lean | |
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Amazon.com essential video Reviews (278)
The disc has over 100 minutes of old and new documentaries and news footage about the making of the film, plus two well-designed DVD-ROM features (for Windows PC only): a interactive map showing the various journeys undertaken by the real T.E. Lawrence, and a "split-screen" feature that simultaneously plays the movie and shows you text of behind-of-scene information of the particular chapter of the movie that is playing. Since the DVD lacks a second audio commentary, being able to watch the film while reading facts about it is not a bad substitute. The included "booklet" is a reproduction of the 1961 program given to theater goers, we are told. A nice touch: the disc case resembles Lawrence's diary in the movie.
I am that good. First, a history lesson. In the year 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. He landed in Haiti and raped the native there, then enslaved them. Later, many Africans were captured and made slaves by white people. White people continued to terrorize other races throughout the latter half of the 19th Century. Finally, World War I took place. During that war, many people died, including white people. Some people who were too cowardly to serve in the world fled to California, where they became subpar sports writers. Later, World War II took place. In that war, white people dropped atomic bombs on Asians. Peter O'Toole was probably gay and acted really well in this movie. STEVEN THULEN
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA tells the story of T.E. Lawrence and his adventures in the Middle East during World War I as he led the Arab revolt against the Turks. It is loosely based on Lawrence's book, THE SEVEN PILLARS OF WISDOM. Even though there are battle scenes in LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, this film is, first and foremost, a character study of Lawrence who was, by anyone's account, a fascinating figure. Even the battle scenes serve to enhance the character of Lawrence rather than detailing the horrors of war and we see Lawrence's dark, embittered side as well as his heroic one. Although Peter O'Toole wasn't David Lean's first choice to play Lawrence (both Marlon Brando and Albert Finney were offered the part), I can't imagine anyone else in the title role. Omar Sharif is impressive as Sherif Ali Ibn El Kharish. Prior to this film, he was a virtual unknown, but LAWRENCE OF ARABIA launched Sharif on a long career that made him instantly recognizable the world over. Even though O'Toole and Sharif weren't well-known when they starred in LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, the film's supporting case is certainly stellar: Alec Guiness, Anthony Quinn, Jose Ferrer and Claude Raines. Although I think LAWRENCE OF ARABIA is best viewed on a large theatrical screen, this doesn't mean anyone should pass up the DVD. It's just too good for that, especially the Director's Cut (but do make sure you get the widescreen edition; this film demands it). Don't watch LAWRENCE OF ARABIA expecting to get a history lesson. Watch it to learn more about the fascinating man who was T.E.Lawrence. If you do, I can't see any way you'll be disappointed.
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| 37. Forbidden Planet (Deluxe Letter-Box Edition) Director: Fred M. Wilcox | |
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Reviews (151)
SENSATIONAL SCREENPLAY!!! FANTASTIC MUSIC!!! Or as Leslie Nielsen says in the final scene, Chari Krishnan
This movie has big concepts, and none of them work anymore, if they ever did. Part thriller, part drama, part mad-scientist melodrama. There are just too many things going on, and all of them "supposedly" explained in long-winded speeches that answer nothing. "Forbidden Planet" starts off looking much like Star Trek TOS, including the transporter. In reality, ST:TOS creator Gene Roddenberry admits this movie formed part of the basis for Star Trek. In a nutshell, a United Planets space cruiser captained by Leslie Nielsen lands on Altair, against the wishes of its inhabitant, Dr. Morbius, a remnant from a previous expedition. He and his 25 year old daughter (Anne Francis) are the only humans on the planet. There is also a robot called "Robbie" that goes on to stardom in the "Lost in Space" series. The doctor reluctantly shows the others his discovery about an ancient extinct race called the Krell. The "big" ending is too weird and funny to be described. The entire robot aspect and the tasks he performs is just silly (in the "Lost In Space" vein). Earl Holliman's character of "Cookie" was put in for comedic effect - unfortunately most has to do with his dealings with the robot - including getting the robot to make bourbon - which only adds to the silliness. The actors are quite serious and for the most part are OK. Leslie Nielsen plays it straight. Anne Francis is entertaining as the daughter. Though initially somewhat innocent and ignorant of sex, as might be guessed, the captain ends up with her. The sets are incredibly hokey. The all-electronic score does not help. Ambitious, atrociously fake special effects that probably were OK in 1956. Possibly the goofiest sci-fi movie ever. Don't get me wrong - this is a well-made and well-intentioned movie, but as with "When Worlds Collide" and "The Thing...", it is recommended only for a laugh. A further insult is that the robot is not accurately depicted (wrong "face" and hands) on the DVD cover, and he never holds anyone in his arms. ... Read more | |
| 38. West Beirut Director: Ziad Doueiri | |
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Amazon.com Tarek, played by director Doueiri's younger brother Rami in a spirited,charming performance, becomes Ziad's cinematic alter ego and aspiritual cousin to François Truffaut's Antoine Doinel. When amilitary blockade splits the city in half, cutting Tarek and hisfriends off from their school, the war zone becomes their playground.Doueiri never slights the danger of their situation and fills thebackground with telling detail (from snipers and booby traps to theincreasing racial and religious intolerance), but his heart is with theadolescent adventure of his recklessly naïve kids. He captures anexcitement and energetic curiosity only possible in the innocence ofyouth as they dodge military patrols, sneak across checkpoints, shoottheir Super 8 movies, and fall in love in the shadow of war. FormerPolice drummer Stewart Copeland provides a funky rhythmic score with aMideast inflection, easily one of his best. --Sean Axmaker Reviews (23)
This is a WONDERFUL movie, it is a historical glimpse on Lebanon, 1975, through the eyes of a teenager. If (usually) U.S. citizens ask themselves "how can "those people" live in "those countries"? This is the perfect answer to it. When you have a LIFE, FRIENDS, FAMILY, when you don't believe that things can be changed, when life is LIKE THAT, you accept things that you cannot change. The protagonist (EXCELLENT actor Rami Doueiri) goes through life as a happy go lucky teenager, used to living under such political changes, but untouched by them. In this movie of "coming of age", you can follow him in his seamless transition into adulthood: the realization of what life has became. PLEASE DO NOT MISS THIS MOVIE - IT IS A MUST SEE - from any angle that you may want to look at it. You will gain different undertanding of things that you probably had before, if you are not a citizen from Lebanon, watch it and learn something. ... Read more | |
| 39. Son of the Morning Star Director: Mike Robe | |
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Reviews (23)
Gary Cole is very good- although he does not look like a horseman. Unfortunatly, Rosanna Arquette, who plays Libbie Custer the General's wife, seems just to be interested in collecting a paycheck. She is as wooden as it gets. However, I think David Strathairn, a regular of John Sayles' films, does an excellent job as Capt. Benteen. Although, the horrendous wig he is outfited with detracts from his performance, he does capture, IMHO, the cranky complainer personality of Benteen very well. (Anyone familiar with the writings of Fred Benteen can tell you he WAS angry with the world.) "Son of the Morning Star" relied on the services of dedicated re-enactors who brought a sense of authenticity to the uniforms and equipment not seen in other Little Bighorn movie re-creations. Unfortunatly, although re-enactors are great at dressing their parts, they don't often look their parts- the 7th Cavarly was not as heavily populated with middle-aged, overweight men as "Son of the Morning Star" would have you believe. Finally, the outfit Gary Cole is wearing for the Little Big Horn scenes is based on an actual photo. In 1875, a picture was taken of Custer at a picnic near Ft. Lincoln wearing a hat and a white buckskin jacket, which look alot what was depicted in the movie. Of course, we don't know if Custer wore that outfit a year later, but that photo shows that the producers for the movie just didn't make it up. However, the movie's Little Big Horn scenes show Gary Cole with his face shaven and hair immacutely clean, conditioned, and styled. Hardly realistic.
Custer is a fascinating historical figure because of his symbolism. So many people have such strong feelings about him for what he represents, but so few people really know anything about him. Born the son of blacksmith in a rinky-dink Ohio farm community, Custer was no son of privilege. Yet he was a brigadier general at age 23, a major general at age 25, and fought with great courage and skill in America's most horrific war. It never ceases to amaze me how people throw slurs at the officers and men of the Indian fighting army, but ignore that a large percentage of those men fought with undeniable heroism to re-unite this country and free the slaves. Custer, Reno, Benteen, Cooke, Yates, Keogh, Tom Custer, Smith, and a number of other officers of the 7th Cavalry were all Civil War vets. Attacks on Custer's courage for "fighting women and children" just demonstrates an ignorance of his Civil War combat record and the realities of Plains Indian warfare. Custer graduated college in June 1861 and a month later he saw action at Bull Run. In April 1865, he would receive General Lee's flag of truce near Appomattox. In between, he saw action in almost every campaign in the Eastern theatre of operations. Even after he became a general, he still exposed himself to danger and was often seen fighting in hand to hand combat. At Appomattox, his superior, General Sheridan awarded him the wooden table, upon which General Grant signed the papers of General Lee's surrender, as a gift of appreciation for his magnificent courage and leadership. Yet people believe that such a ferocious combat commander reveled in fighting women and children! Plains Indians didn't fight like Rebels. They had a different concept of warfare from the U.S. Army- guerrilla tactics, hit and run. To the Army, the biggest difficulty of Plains Indian warfare wasn't fighting the Indians, it was finding them! In 1876, the biggest fear the U.S Army had was that the Lakota and Cheyennes would scatter before the Army could attack them and this mentality was the reason for Custer's decision processes on June 25. The Army had been forced to attack villages because this was the only effective method it had of forcing the Indians to stand and fight. Yes, women and children would die as a result and this was regrettable, but so were civilian casualties at Vicksburg and Atlanta. However, on June 25, 1876, the Army completely underestimated the Lakotas' and Cheyennes' willingness to stand and fight. Custer thought he would be pressing the issue, but instead had the battle dictated to him with catastrophic results for himself and his men. This "arrogance" was a mindset held not only by Custer, but the entire U.S. Army and they paid for it on June 25. "Son of the Morning Star" was an attempt to present Custer and the Little Big Horn not just as symbols. Another reviewer mentioned "Little Bigman" as being a more historically accurate potrayal. That is absurd. While "Little Bigman" is a very entertaining film, it's as unrealistic as the 1941 movie "They Died with Their Boots On" which starred Errol Flynn. Flynn's Custer was portrayed as the ideal American military hero for a country that was preparing for World War II. In 1970's "Little Bigman," Custer is shown as a symbol of lunatic American imperialism as the country clashed over the Vietnam War. "Son of the Morning Star" was an attempt to show Custer as a human being without World War II or Vietnam era propaganda. This miniseries does take a lot of dramatic license with its subject, but in comparison to previous efforts on the Custer/Little Big Horn story it's refreshing in its candor.
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| 40. Jesus of Nazareth | |
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(price subject to change: see help) Asin: 6302643627 Catlog: Video Sales Rank: 2551 Average Customer Review: US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France | Japan |
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Amazon.com essential video Reviews (234)
Although not completely faithful to the New Testament, director Franco Zefferelli embellishes in such a way as to make the story more dramatically compelling and interesting. The performers particularly Robert Powell in the central role all give strong, interesting performances. Powell's characterization is less bland than many of the other versions we've seen and, as such, makes the Christ come alive much more so for the modern viewer. "Jesus of Nazareth" makes a fine companion piece to Mel Gibson's controversial "The Passion of the Christ" focusing on different elements. The big difference between the two films, though, is the level of explicit onscreen violence. Zefferelli's film still shows what happens but with a more subdued touch (due to the constraints of network television censors as it was originally produced for NBC). Both films in their own ways tell what could be termed essential variations on the same great story. Their contrasting styles make each suitable to very different audiences.
"Jesus of Nazareth" sports a cast of Academy Award-winners (Lawrence Olivier, Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, and Peter Ustinov, to name a few) and nominees (James Earl Jones, James Mason, Christopher Plummer) as well as a support from an international group of performers. Olivia Hussey brings just the amount of warmth and humanity in the role of Mary; Rod Steiger deftly portrays Pontius Pilate as a man torn between duty to his country and awe of this man called Jesus; Michael York is stunning as John the Baptist. Robert Powell brings to the movie the definitive portrait of Jesus. His passionate performance is the stuff of legend. Prior to this motion picture, there had been few instances wherein Christ had been seen; it is as if the screen was awaiting the right man for the part. Powell proves that to be true; he is perfect! If I have motivated even one soul to purchase this masterwork, then I have accomplished the goal of this review. Money could not be better spent.
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