Reviews (2)

"FRENCH FLORAL FOLLIES"
Sounds like a musical? Nope, Pagnol ["Fanny" trilogy, and those wonderful perspectives about his father and mother] had a way of looking deeply into your soul, finding the longing, showing you what could be, and taking it away .......

It's the harmonica music [TOOTS THIELEMAN] that always stays with you, brings back the memories of standing on one of the dry hills, smelling the hot pine needles on the night air - all of that sensory [stuff]! For the romantic? Daniel Auteuil's face, THAT face of utter despair. The population? There's Yves Montand as the stoic, dessicated old uncle/landowner, a bitter, vitriolic, poisoned person. An underrated artist. Auteuil, as the nephew, returns from WWI with those perfect carnations, and the cycle begins ..... Gerard Depardieu,now the unassuming giant of French Cinema, a worthy successor to Jean Gabin, moves in next door as the hunchback farmer-neighbor. [His then real wife, Elizabeth plays the spouse, even son Guillaume is present in a minor role].

An epic of greed and frustration - it deserves to be held high for the absolute reflection of consequences it presents. Like a delicate souffle, slightly burnt, almost bland, with an odd bitter aftertaste it surprises you with a deep heartburn of the soul. A work about loneliness, and loss giving a fragment of hope and satisfaction at the end.

Beautifully photographed on location, Claude Berri's work well deserves to be seen over and over again. It's for those moments when you feel bad about life - and need a little cheer!

Companions: The original "Fanny" Trilogy [different, but soulmates].

A surprising story with a powerful twist of fate ending.
These two movies are a masterpiece of storytelling. I am not a big fan of subtitled foreign films but the story here is way above in quality usually seen in foreign films and in my opinion better than most U.S. made films. In the first movie, Jean de Florette the story begins with a father and son in a small french village. They have this greed for a piece of adjoining land and scheme to add it to their property. This scheme and its implementation wends through both movies. At first glance the first movie can be a bit drawn out but if you stay with it and see the second movie, Manon of the Spring therein will lie the rewards. I do not wish to give too much away of the plot but by the end of the second part of the story you are guaranteed the impact of a crushing steamroller twist of fate rarely seen. However you can find them, see both movies sequentially..if not don't bother as you need both to fully appreciate the storyline. Don't miss it. Brilliant plot. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This superbly acted, mordantly funny romp through 70 years or so of Roman history is one of the best-loved miniseries ever made, and deservedly so. Derek Jacobi plays Roman Emperor Claudius, who reflects in old age on his life and his remarkable family, giving us a history lesson that's unlike anything you learned in school.

The story begins in 24 B.C. during the reign of Augustus Caesar, Rome'sfirst emperor, and ends in A.D. 54 with Nero on the throne. In between, I, Claudius details the scheming, murder, madness, and lust that passed for politics in the early years of the Pax Romana. The biggest worm in the Roman apple is Augustus's wife, Livia (the superb Siân Phillips), whose single-minded pursuit of power shapes the destiny of the Empire. With a carefully planted rumor here and a poisoned fig there, she gradually maneuvers her son, Tiberius, toward the throne, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and treachery that starts Rome on its helter-skelter slide into bloody chaos. Phillips somehow makes us understand this extraordinarily wicked woman. As she ages and her carefully wrought webs begin to unravel, it becomes clear that Livia has been as thoroughly poisoned by her own ambition as her victims were by her carefully prepared meals.

Further acting honors go to George Baker as Tiberius, who resists but eventually succumbs to the destiny forced upon him by his mother, and to John Hurt as a hilarious and absolutely terrifying Caligula. In one breathtakingly tense scene, the mad Emperor performs a dance in drag, then asks Claudius to critique it, perfectly capturing the horror of a world where one wrong word means death, or worse. Jacobi is the perfect Claudius, hiding his intelligence behind a crippling stammer and shuffling around the edges of events--until he finds himself pulled to the very center. His wry comments give shape to the tangled story of his family and help the audience make sense of a dauntingly complex cast of characters.

I, Claudius might seem a little studio-bound to viewers brought up on more recent big-budget costume dramas, but the topnotch cast and the incident-filled plot are more than enough to hold the attention through almost 11 hours of gripping, deliciously wicked Roman follies. This boxed set also includes a documentary entitled "The Epic That Never Was," about Alexander Korda's failed attempt to film I, Claudius in 1937. The film, directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Charles Laughton as Claudius and Merle Oberon as Messalina, was abandoned unfinished, and it remains one of Hollywood's great lost movies. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (129)

A true masterpiece
This is quite an ambitious project taken on by the BBC. It covers the reigns of Caesar Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula and Claudius. It is more or less the memoirs of the sagacious Claudius (based on the book by Peter Graves). The series features Derek Jacoby as Claudius, Brian Blessed as the eccentric but magnanimous Augustus and Patrick Stewart as the conspiring Sejanus, head of the Praetorian Guard. We also get some cameos of Livy and Horace to boot!

The film starts before Claudius was born - about 20 years post-Actium. It traces thru enough conspiracies, scandals and debauchery to make modern day soap-operas look tame by comparison. It has its share of femme fatales, between the insidious Livia, the selfish Messalina and the gregarious (to say the least) Julia. It details the ruthless nature of those close to the top, all wanting to wear the purple themselves, or conniving to get their next-of-kin to assume the throne.

The film has the "feel" of a play. The sets are static, there is no incidental music and the movie lacks panoramic views of the architecture of ancient Rome. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with this approach, just that it is not the same type of movie as, say, "Gladiator" or "Spartacus" in this respect.

This is a wonderful, must-see production for any fan or historian of antiquity. The film covers a whole lot of ground (to say the least), but still fits in allusions to numerous historical nuances (such as the defeat of Varrus by Armenius of Germany, as well as the horse that Caligula made into a senator). I would suggest that anyone who wishes to watch this film first read Michael Grant's "The Roman Emperors" thru the reign of Nero to get a backdrop on what is going on. Also, the DVD "Cleopatra," starring Timothy Dalton as Julius Caesar, was an ambitious project which leaves off about 20 years before the beginning of "I, Cladius."

Brilliant, Fearsome; A Great Work of Art
Based on Robert Graves' famous novel, I, CLAUDIUS is the ultimate soap opera, vicious, cruel, manipulative--and this famous English miniseries grabs the attention and holds fast throughout the entire length of its complex tale of ancient intrigue.

The great strengths of I, CLAUDIUS are in the driving pace, sharp wit, and ferocity of Jack Pulman's script and the host of brilliant performers who play it out. Chief among these are Sian Phillips as the calculating, murderous, and unspeakably cold Livia, wife of Augustus; although Derek Jacobi gives a justly famous performance in the title role, it is Phillips who dominates and drives the story with this, the most brilliant performance of her career. But this is not to disparrage the overall cast, which is remarkably fine and includes such noted artists as Brian Blessed, John Hurt, Patricia Quinn, Patrick Stewart, and a host of others.

Like the serpent that appears in the open credits, the story twists and winds--and covers several generations of the ruling family as Rome slips from the republic to royal rule, largely due to the manipulations of Livia, who has few if any scruples in her determination to rule first through her husband and then through her son. Although the look of the film is somewhat dated, it in no way impairs the power of the piece, and I, CLAUDIUS remains one of the handful of miniseries that actually improves upon repeated viewings. Strongly, strongly recommended.

Not Enough Stars in a 5-Star Scale to Give Praise!
"I, Claudius" is, quite simply, a masterpiece of acting, of writing, and of what television can do like no other medium.

Clocking in at eleven hours, "I, Claudius" rips the curtain back from Imperial Rome and shows the savagery, the venality, the evil, and yes, the goodness at work in the court during the early days of Imperial Rome. Tracking a story over several decades, "I, Claudius" tells an epic story of murder, deceit, seduction, and justice that is simultaneously grand and intimate -- the story is simply too grand a scale to be made into a feature film (well, with the caveat that if Peter Jackson can film the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, he can film any epic out there).

Narrated by an aged Emperor Claudius (Derek Jacobi, in a career-making performance), "I, Claudius" starts with the reign of Caesar Augustus (Brian Blessed, delightfully Machiavellian) and his vicious wife, Livia (Sian Phillips, almost stealing the show). Augustus, reluctant to drive a stake through the heart of the Roman Republic, nevertheless seeks to consolidate his power; Livia is fully committed to burying the Republic forever and seating her reluctant son, Tiberius (George Baker) on the throne. Through seduction, wily craft, and generous doses of poison, Livia gets her way. Her parting scene with Augustus is a masterpiece of acting on both sides.

As an aside, the acting in "I, Claudius" more than makes up for an obviously limited budget and virtually no special effects . . . it's like watching a televised play. On-screen violence is nevertheless convincing, and the entire cast hits each precious note with skill. Watch for a young, bewigged(!) Patrick Stewart as the ambitious Sejanus, John Hurt as the deranged Caligula, and John Rhys-Davies as Marcro, Sejanus' second-in-command.

Claudius, born lame with both a twitch and a stutter ("That boy could destroy the Empire just by strolling through it!"), is nevertheless prophesied to save Rome from her bloody fate. As his older, wiser friends repeatedly tell him (usually just before their own murder), Claudius should play up his disabilities in order to stay alive. Which Claudius does, and as an amateur historian he chronicles the lives (and deaths) of so many noble Romans.

Tiberius succeeds Augustus (thanks in large part to Livia's gift with poisons), and as he falls into depths of depravity, Sejanus makes his play for the throne. Caligula inherits the throne from Tiberius, although not as smoothly as he would have liked, and he shows the truth in the absolute corruption brought about by absolute power. Claudius, staunch Republican that he is, nevertheless finds himself on the Imperial throne, a captive of the Praetorian Guard, following Caligula's untimely end. He works to restore the Republic, but such is not to be, and ultimately Nero ascends to the throne.

But on the way, Claudius spins one heck of a tale. Far from the magisterial views of Imperial Rome so often shown in films, "I, Claudius" thrusts us into the courtrooms and bedrooms of the Roman nobility, and it's a captivating, but often ugly, sight.

tedious and boring
first i must explain that i am a longtime student of roman history and the julio-claudinians in particular. my expectations were very high in regard to this series and i was very disappointed. i knew i wasn't going to be seeing a visual spectacle like gladiator, but i expected something to happen. i don't mind the historical inaccuracies for the sake of drama too much. what bothers me is that the characters are nothing like the real people that are recorded in the history books. brian blessed's portrayal (or should i say betrayal) of augustus could not have missed the point any further. he was in fact a stern serious minded man devoted to his work, not the joking buffoon presented here. the pacing reminded me of dark shadows and it was almost as campy. this series is far too english for the subject matter. i give it 2 stars for the handful of good actors who couldn't save this flawed project. watch caligula to get a closer look at what rome was about during this time period.

Great drama
I remember seeing this series on TV many, many years ago when I was still in high school. And was very happy to find it on DVD now. The DVD transfer is very good too. But enough said about that.

If you like British historical drama of outstanding quality or just Roman history, this is a set you ought to buy. The acting and script are spellbinding. I have watched all of the 5 DVD's in three days, which was sth of a marathon watch. There are no weak spots in the acting and it is fun watching a young 'captain Picard' (yes I also love to watch Star trek). The sets are old-fashioned and nothing like the sets of, for instance, productions like Elizabeth.

But who cares about sets and the like if the acting is so good. The whole series breathes 'theatre' and I love it. It brings back the stories from Latin classes in High school. The Gods, Augustus, the Roman empire and all the Roman stories come to life, as seen through the eyes of Claudius. They are living and breathing (and very fascinating) people. No computer tricks and such needed. The script and the acting speak for itselves.

Just buy, borrow or hire the set. Pretend you are not at home in the weekend, do not answer the door or the phone (better still, get it off the hook). And enjoy. ... Read more

Description

Capturing the samurai warrior spirit in all its glory, Inagaki's Samurai Trilogy is a monumental epic relating the exploits of Musashi Miyamoto, the most famous of all Japanese swordsmen.Similar to American Westerns in story and structure, the Samurai Trilogy has been critically acclaimed for its exciting action/battle sequences and stunning color photography. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Excellent history lesson
Unless you are a Toshiro Mifune fan or a Musashi Miyamoto fan you probably won't appreciate these films. The movie is a very accurate account of the life of the greatest samurai to ever live, Musashi Miyamoto. The fight seens are few but great when they happen. It demonstrates Musashi's way of thinking and how he grew into the great man that he died as. After you see the movies read his Book of Five Rings.

MUSASHI A TRUE SHUGYOSHA
Toshiro mifune portrayed Musashi very well.This is a film for everyone.Action for the guys and a love story for the gals all rolled up into one.Even the guys will be touched by Otsu's on going pursuit after Musashi,because of her love for him.If the guys say they don't; there not a man.Even though a lot of things were changed in making the movie from Eiji Yoshikawa's novel;it still keeps in spirit of it.A job well done!!Read the novel. There's a whole lot more detail and events in it that the movie leaves out.Besides the movie,the novel is also a five star book.

Botched
While I think the trilogy is overall well done, there are a few things that make this a questionable buy.

First, the "darkness." I think it could've very well been prevented through editing, but the publisher neglected this. You cannot see half the movie due to overwhelming darkness. This is especially bad when it comes down to the fighting scenes, where you cannot see anything at all. It's extremely frustrating not being able to see.

Second, I will say that the story roughly follows that of the book, Musashi - by Eiji Yoshikawa. You get the overall story, but there are a ton of things that have been changed for the sake of the trilogy. I really think that the film has deviated far too much from the book which it is based. Read the book and you will surely know what I mean.

It would be best to wait for the various Japanese TV series on this story to come to the US (or seek them out from overseas) than to buy this. It's nice to see Toshiro Mifune, but it is a shame to see something that could've been done much better. I think the biggest fault lies with the publisher.

darkness rules
These films are too dark and much of the action cannot be followed. Nothing is worse that a sword fight where the action can't be seen. It's strange that Criterion should release these wonderful films in this way as they usually use great prints. Quite disappointing!

5 Star Trilogy! 3 Star DVD quality
The Samurai Trilogy is excellent and a must see for anyone interested in Japanese history, culture or samurai. It's truly an epic. The only bad thing is the dvd quality. They films appear on dvd to be TOO DARK! You will have to turn the brightness up all the way on your t.v. settings. And some of the scenes look really ugly and should have been cleaned up.
The Samurai Trilogy is in dire need to be digitally remastered.
But I guess it's still worth buying. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Memories of past adaptations of the Alexandre Dumas novel inevitably hover over this four-part French miniseries, originally broadcast on Americancable television in 1999. It's hard, for instance, to top the 1934 featurestarring Robert Donat as Edmond Dantès, the sea captain who is framed and unjustifiably imprisoned in 1815 for nearly two decades. Similarly, anyonewho saw Richard Chamberlain essay the same role in a memorable 1975 TV movie may remember just how exciting that program was. Yet this lengthy costume adventure starring Gérard Depardieu as the vengeful Dantès, despite a rocky beginning, is absolutely mesmerizing in its own way. Rich in detail andoverlapping subplots, strikingly handsome in art direction without gettingostentatious, this particular Count comes to life after Dantès escapes his lengthy incarceration in solitary confinement. Fans of the story know what comes next: Dantès makes his way to an uninhabited island off Italy, where he locates a vast treasure he has heard about. His sudden, phenomenal wealth gives him the means to reward allies, punish enemies, and become anarchitect of events without anyone knowing who's behind them. While Dantès'smind is bent on destroying those who betrayed him, his deeper nature causes him to perform a vast amount of good as well. Depardieu's big, beefy,clean-shaven self is not exactly the right fit, initially, for a charactersupposedly subsisting on thin soup for 18 years. He quickly assumes thecentral role with one of his most knowing and subtle performances,ingeniously painting Dantès as a man who has exchanged one sort of prison for another, the latter his own hatred. The sharp, engaging screenplay is byDidier Decoin (The Chambermaid on the Titanic), and the production is directed with flashes of bold inventiveness by Josée Dayan, a prominent European television director. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Bravo's COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO is a solid adaptation
This French mini-series, co-produced by the Bravo network and starring Gerard Depardieu, is probably the most complete version of the Dumas tale to date. Of course, this is the classic yarn of Edmond Dantes, the sailor sent to prison unjustly, and who escapes to avenge himself on those who put him there. With solid production values and a good cast, this classic tale of romance and revenge is given a performance that is both involving and moving, with a literate screenplay that does justice to the original source.
Despite being a bit too beefy for the role, Depardieu (in his first television role) turns in a stalwart and stern performance in the title role. It's a mannered performance that contrasts to some of the more bombastic roles that he has done in American films like THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK. It might not be the definitive performance of the role, but Depardieu does justice to it.
Because of the length of the series, many of the plotlines of the original are left untouched. Of course, if you're not used to foreign films with their subtitles and the long mini-series format (this series runs almost 400 minutes), you might find yourself getting impatient with this production. However, this is a fine production that I heartily recommend.

The best adaptation of Dumas' classic novel of revenge.
"The Count of Monte Cristo" has been treated better by the movies than Dumas' other classic swashbuckler, "The Three Musketeers". Both the Donat and Chamberlain versions are nice, feature length adaptations of Dumas' long, convoluted novel. This mini-series, however, is just plain magnificent. The care taken with details and sub-plots, the haunting performance of Depardieu as Edmond Dantes, the authentic look of the sets do justice to Dumas' classic. If only the producers would give us a 3 Musketeers adaptation! My only complaint? Alas, as most other adaptations, the ending is changed to, perhaps, lighten the very dark story or romantize it more. Still, one of the greatest mini-series ever produced. Do not miss it!

Watch everything except last half hour.
It's a superb production in many ways. The detail, the acting (it really doesn't matter that Depardieu is large as some other reviewers mention; he still owns the part), fidelity to the novel. Until the last half hour when the director for some reason decided that it needed a happy (!!!) ending. Mr. and Mrs. Romeo and Juliet are alive and well and living on the beach somewhere...

Surprisingly Good!
As a big fan of the novel, I did not know what to expect with this adaptation, but I was pleasantly surprised. Gerard Depardieu would not be my first choice for Dantes, but he does a fine job, and the supporting cast is excellent. Overall, the movie remains fairly true to the book. A great viewing experience if you are a Monte Cristo fan!

the best monte cristo
i've been a fan of the book for years now and i read it over and over again. but all of the films that i have seen about this book have not been really true to the book. but when i saw this on tv i had to own it. it's the best adaptation i have seen of this book. although the characters of the most recent count of monte cristo film with jim caviezel have been what i imagined the first time i read the book. but if you're a fan of the book like me its a must buy. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Superlatives abound when describing Krzysztof Kieslowski's The Decalogue, a series of 10 one-hour dramas originally made for Polish TV between 1988 and 1989 and seen throughout the world in film festivals andcinematheque and museum programs. Though each episode is inspired by one of theTen Commandments of the Bible, these are not Sunday school fables illustrating some simplistic moral lesson--the connections to the individual commandments are not always obvious and are often downright curious--but powerful, profound stories of love and loss, faith and fear. Kieslowski explores ordinary people flailing through inner torments, hard decisions, and shattering revelations, grounding his stories in the faces of their deeply human characters.

Each episode is self-contained, from "Decalogue I" ("I Am the Lord Thy God"),the touching story of a boy who starts asking the hard questions of life from his rationalist father and religious aunt, to "Decalogue X" ("Thou Shalt Not CovetThy Neighbor's Goods"), a comic tale of estranged brothers who bond through a winding ordeal involving their father's priceless stamp collection. There are stories of tragedy and triumph, both expansive and intimate, some profoundly moving and others delicately shaded--but all are warmed by Kieslowski's sympathetic direction and his eye for resonant, fragile imagery. Initially drawn together by location--the series is set in a dreary Warsaw apartment complex--a web of associations forms as characters pass through other stories, sometimes only briefly, and themes reverberate through the series. The Decalogue is ultimately a personal spiritual investigation into the soul of man, a work of quiet attention and deep emotion marked by astounding images and vivid characters. Each volume is also available individually on VHS. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (45)

So excited this is out
I'm so glad the Decalogue was finally released! I saw the series at a film festival in NYC about 7 years ago, and then (cough) acquired a video copy. But I'm so glad it's out on DVD - the quality is amazing.

The stories are touching and poignant (a word I thought I'd never use!) - and relevant to this day. Each is based on one of the ten commandments, and each story intertwines with the others in subtle ways (characters from one film appear in others, there's a mysterious character who watches all but 2 of the films from the outside).

So well done - Kieslowski was a phenomenal director (see the Blue, White and Red trilogy for more examples).

See what the fuss over Kieslowski is about
"The Decalogue" is a series of 10 films based roughly on the Ten Commandments and is directed by the renowned Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski. Each film or part of "The Decalogue" is about one hour in length and is independent of the other parts, but have some of the same characters in the background or in passing from other episodes.

Although the films of "The Decalogue" are supposed to be, to some extent, based on the Ten Commandments -- there is not a direct commandment to episode relationship. Several of the episodes deal with adultery and some episodes deal with more than one commandment. Overall, I would say the stories themselves are depressing. Nevertheless, the plots are captivating and the way the stories are put together is intriguing. While watching these 10 films of "The Decalogue," you know are watching something great and know why Kieslowski is attributed with being clever at his craft.

"The Decalogue" was originally aired on Polish television, but two episodes were expanded into the films "A Short Film About Love" and "A Short Film About Killing" (both about 1.5 hours long) and received a larger audience.

"The Decalogue" includes many of Poland's most famous actors, including Boguslaw Linda, Zbigniew Zamachowski, Mirislaw Baka, and Krystana Janda.

This new release of "The Decalogue" contains 3 disks, which include:

* "Roger Ebert on The Decalogue"
* The 10 parts (or episodes) of The Decalogue series
* "On the Set of The Decalogue" (1988)
* "Kieslowski Meets the Press" (1988)
* "Kieslowski Known and Unknown" (1998)

Furthermore, a small booklet is included that has information on the actors and information on "The Decalogue." As a set, this series will provide a lot of entertainment with a total running time of about 584 minutes. "The Decalogue" is in Polish with English subtitles.

Patience is a requirement.
I bought this DVD set because I was such a huge fan of Blue, White & Red. I also enjoyed the Double Life of Veronique. I found the premise intrigue with the Decalogue. I mean, 10 one hour stories base on each different commandment. First of all, let me say it isn't obvious, which makes it very very good indeed. It doesn't hit you on the head with "HAVE NO OTHER GOD OTHER THAN ME". But the patience required in viewing these is to view all ten because it is truly a remarkable achievement in story telling AND in conveying the 10 commandments in a way no other filmmaker can do, except for this wonderful director. I can tell you now, that it will not be for everyone. The story is in Polish with english subtitles, but it's best to watch it that way because, just like in american films, people's subtle way of talking and stresses ads as much to the film itself than mere dialogue. Kieslowski intended the story to be told in that way and dubbed dialogue would, perhaps, ruin those little subtle nuances. But the key to the decalogue is not the film itself, but the lesson and honesty it protrays in the story and in the film making process. It let us know that a story that has been read millions of time and told thousands of times and probably film in dozens of ways, can be shown in a refreshing, wonderful light that one can never hope to imagine and inspire us to look at the bible again. There is no glitz here, no CGI, in fact the set takes a backseat. It is the story that matters and the wondeful thing about these stories is that the people act normal. No overly dramatic characters is what makes this film a worthwhile see. If you are a film student, it is a must see. This is the type of work that leads to discussions and that is a good thing. The one drawback that I have with this is that the video is rather dark. But then again, it was filmed quite awhile ago. Another note, you have to be in somewhat and openminded and serious mood to watch this film.

A creative triumph!
Kielowski made a glorious work. This set talks about the relativeness you may approach every one of these ten commandments.
In a miserable building Kielowski shows us with no mercy sight the close space in which the polish citizen live. All the story are a serious ehic conflict and the resolution usually goes on the opposite side of the real spirit of the commadment itself.
Specially remarkable are the Chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10.
Kielowski made his own script for the polish TV.
An unforgettable masterpiece ; a must for any serious lover of the cinema.

Thou shalt not...
Krzysztof Kieslowski obviously had a thing about "theme" series -- the Color trilogy, the unfinished "Heaven" project... and of course, the Decalogue, a wonderful collection of made-for-TV movies that focuses on the Ten Commandments. Kieslowski's style is not at its most polished here, but unpolished Kieslowski is still magnificent.

Kieslowski ran the full range of emotions in the Decalogue -- he'll make you laugh, then cry, then stare in disbelief. In one, he presents a man and his son "playing God" with a computer; in another, a murder is followed by execution ("thou shalt not kill"); a woman lures her lover away from his family on Christmas Eve ("keep holy the Sabbath"); and the delicious black comedy where two brothers inherit their dad's valuable stamp collection ("thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods").

By Hollywood standards, the Decalogue probably shouldn't exist. Not only is it religiously-themed, but was made on a very small budget and written in under two years. But Kieslowski proved his mastery by creating the one-hour short movies (two were screened in longer form), and loosely stringing them together.

Don't expect the obvious in Kiewslowski's movies. This is no Sunday-school storytelling, with hell awaiting two-dimensional sin. It's a series of delicate, subtle stories about people who seem real, rather than allegorical paper dolls. At times, Kieslowski becomes too heavy-handed, like in the admirable (but obvious) fifth story about capital punishment. Okay, we get it -- all death is terrible. However, he's subtle more often than not.

As with the Colors trilogy, there's a web of interconnected stories, with characters who brush by each other but don't actually touch. Not to mention that mute guy who watches from the sidelines -- a Kieslowski touch. But there the resemblance ends. The settings are bleaker, and the characters are less effervescent. But under the grayness and grime is his undeniable talent, his sense of sadness and gravity, and his sympathy for those who stumble morally.

Krzysztof Kieslowski used a tiny budget and bleak backdrops to create a modern masterpiece, a sprawling movie in ten parts. Watch the commandments, one by one, in the form of the Decalogue. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Based on a novel by the Nobel Prize-winning author Sigrid Undset, Kristin Lavransdatter tells a love story set against the backdrop of 14th-century Norway. After her childhood sweetheart is killed, Kristin (Elisabeth Matheson) enters a nunnery to postpone her arranged marriage to a man she doesn't love. On a trip to town, she meets Erlend (Bjørn Skagestad), who is immediately smitten with her. Though she discovers that Erlend is in disgrace, she falls in love with him and they find themselves in carnal embrace. Against all social and religious forces, they struggle to make their love possible. Directed by Liv Ullmann (director of Private Confessions, star of Ingmar Bergman's Persona and Cries and Whispers), the movie benefits from its richly realized depiction of medieval life. Despite her limited status in this world, Kristin is no blushing maiden; when she repels an attempted rape by bashing her attacker's head with a stone, her face has the fury of a warrior queen, and her passion for Erlend is all-consuming. Kristin Lavransdatter may be too reverential toward its source material to have any consistent vigor as a film, and it's a bit of a soap opera (the religious intensity at times verges on the Gothic), but at its best it has a rawness that captures the pain and joy of life (and love) in brutal circumstances. Beautifully filmed by the great cinematographer Sven Nykvist (whose credits range from Autumn Sonata to Sleepless in Seattle). --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Not To Be Missed
You might think, "what, three hours for a movie set in medieval times, how boring!"... Don't let that keep you from seeing this masterpiece, you will be drawn into the life of the characters, especially if you've enjoyed reading the books (I read them every year). Unfortunately, Liv Ullman had tremendous trouble with the distributors of this film, and they forced her to cut many scenes and events, and she vowed she would not film the sequels. What a shame, because the characters develop in such a profound way in the books, including Simon, Kristin's first fiancé, who is barely present in the movie. So do see the movie, but you'll get more out of the movie if you also read the unforgettable book on which the movie is based.

A "must" for all Liv Ullman fans.
Scandal, shame, and destruction beset the beautiful Kristin Lavransdatter when she rejects her father's arranged marriage for her and pursues a romance with the strapping young knight Erlend instead in this superbly produced film set in 14th-century Norway. A superbly crafted film, Kristin Lavransdatter is directed by Liv Ullman, a protege of the late master filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. Full color, 180 minutes, English Subtitles, 2 video cassette boxed set. Also highly recommended for personal, film school, and public library video collections are the Home Vision Cinema video editions of Liv Ullman's Private Confessions; and Ingmar Bergman's Scenes From A Marriage; Autumn Sonata; Cries And Whispers.

Bergmanesque tale of love
Loving the complex tapestries of a woman's life in the novel, I was gravely disappointed in the film.
The novel's complex theme--of how sexual passion and personal choices complicate the clear lessons of logic and religion, but in the end point to a higher meaning-- are degraded into a tale of sexual repression and lust in a harsh and unforgiving land.
This might be a forgivable simplification, but for the problem of miscasting.
The Clintonesque Erland, who is brave and charming to all women but lacks depth of character, has little similarity to the dull and not very handsome lover in the film.
Similarly, the klutzy but faithful fiance is shown in the film as a handsome charming fellow, making one wonder what got into the girl to reject him.

However, I must say my daughter in law, who does not know the novels, enjoyed this greatly. If you like Bergman, buy the film. If you like Undset, forget it.

A Sad Disappointment
The Norwegian landscapes are beautiful in this movie. Other than that, I don't have much good to say about it. If I hadn't already read the books, I would have found this movie utterly impossible to follow. Characters were not developed in the slightest, and key details were omitted, making it difficult to understand what all the fuss and scandal is about. For instance, Kristin's fiance is furious because her lover takes her to a brothel. However, the average viewer would not know why Simon is so angry that Erlend took her to this particular house. The movie never says what it is. Every so often a random scene is thrown in with no explanation, adding to the confusion. Luckily, I watched the movie with my friend who had also read the book, and has spent a year in Norway. We spent the 2 1/2 hours making fun of the silly translations, the overly dramatic acting style, and the fact that Erlend looks like Chuck Norris with dark shaggy hair. Skip the movie. Spend the money buying the book and then hope that somebody makes a better version of this one.

pompous, boring, inauthentic
Although I am fascinated by medieval culture and Scandinavia, I found this to be one of the most unbearable films ever made. The book upon which it is based is, as other reviewers have pointed out, an outstanding realist novel. However authentic the historical details of the book may be, the plot and characterization are incredibly trite. Ullmann's film version makes matters far worse. At every juncture, Ullmann chose the most obvious and hackneyed solutions to creative problems in bringing the story to life. I've come to the conclusion that the fundamental problem with both the film and the book is that Ullmann and Undset superimpose their utterly modern (and utterly uninteresting) values and views on the middle ages instead of exploring the things that make the medieval period different and strange (as in the outstanding Norwegian film, Second Sight/Trollsyn from 1994). Kristin is essentially a slow, whining Victorian bodice-ripper in medieval drag, and should be avoided at all costs. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

just a little information
The three films in this collection are: Au Revoir Les Enfants(Goodbye,Children), Le Souffle Au Coeur(Murmur of the Heart) and Milou en mai(May Fools). They are all reviewed separatly. They are all in french with english subtitles. #1 is usually listed by its french name while #2 and #3 are listed by their english names. ... Read more

Description

In this extraordinary, two-part historical epic, director Jacques Rivette (La belle Noiseuse, La Religieuse) presents a fresh, brilliant re-interpretation of one of the great historical figures of all time - Joan of Arc. Joan the Maid features a spectacular performance by Sandrine Bonnaire that the New York Times calls "unadorned but magnetic."

Joan the Maid offers an amazing portrayal of a simple young woman who is driven by her belief that she is destined to save France.Joan the Maid: The Battles follows Joan from her birth, through her response to inner voices, to triumphant early victories over the English. Joan the Maid: The Prisons continues with Joan and the Dauphin of France embarking on series of victories. But Joan is eventually captured and imprisoned. She is tried for sorcery, impurity, wearing men's clothing, and refusal to submit to English rule, then condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Earnest and Authentic Bio of France's Heroine-Saint
This long 1993 French film sacrifices spectacle (and a star from my rating) in favor of an accurate and engaging character study of Joan of Arc (Jeanne la Pucelle). The low-budget look nullifies the impact of the battle sequences, alas, but apart from that this two-part movie (edited from the original six hours, also unfortunately) is convincing and shows commendable restraint. Unlike flashier, less historical depictions, it is free of bombast and invention and Sandrine Bonnaire's Joan is direct, pious, and believeable. The dialog is refreshingly free of awkward anachronisms and makes good use of Joan's own words as recorded by historians and court transcripts. The pacing could be snappier, and the edits are annoying to those of us who wanted to see the complete film, but this is a faithful and moving story that is mainly well-told. Note: the two copies that I have seen have BOTH had the labels reversed on the cassettes, so don't watch the second tape first!

Best Joan of Arc movie made to date
In the November 15th, 1999 issue of "The New Yorker," Joan Acocella called Rivette's "Joan the Maid" "the best Joan of Arc movie ever made." I couldn't agree with her more. It's also the most historically accurate. The scenes and dialogue are taken practically word for word from primary source accounts made by Joan of Arc's contemporaries. Unlike Hollywood's big-budget Joan of Arc epics, Rivette's film is modestly low-budget, but its simplicity makes it all the more charming. It focuses more on the character of this extraordinary 15th century young woman rather than on the big battle spectacles. As "Sight and Sound" magazine put it, "Rivette takes us not onto the stage of history but backstage -- to its green room." I found Sandrine Bonnaire's portrayal of Joan especially moving. Most portrayals of her fail what I call the essential "leadership test." (Would anyone follow Milla Jovovich's bug-eyed Joan of Arc into battle? We'd sooner put her in a padded cell.) However, Sandrine Bonnaire portrays an intelligent, confident young woman that anyone would follow. She charms the viewer as much as the real Joan charmed her countrymen. ... Read more

Description

The movies included in this collection are:

Amazon.com

This legendary seven-hour silent French serial, one of the earliest and most original gangster films, combines realism and fantasy. Written and directed by Louis Feuillade, Les Vampires concerns an intrepid reporter's pursuit of a strange gang of jewel thieves terrorizing Paris. The gang ambitiously seeks political, psychological, and sexual domination of the city's social elite, with the seductive Irma Vep (an anagram of "vampire") as its brazen leader. While slow going at first, the 10-part serial becomes more and more fascinating with each episode, thanks in large part to the alluring Musidora as Irma Vep. Because of her many guises and frightful charms, she truly becomes a vampire of sorts. Feuillade achieves a subversive, nightmarish atmosphere amid the everyday goings-on of the city. Filmed on the streets and back alleys of World War I Paris, the 1915 picture wasa huge commercial success, though temporarily banned by Paris's chief of police for glamorizing crime. --Bill Desowitz ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A masterpiece
Some directors have to see this work. You don't need special
effects and fancy things to achive a good film. Emotion, good
scenario and a lot of personal feeling. A classic for all times.
Some movies of the french and german cinema (1910-1935) have to be the standards for people who are involved with cinema.
Les Vampires is one of them.
Sometimes the acting in the episodes is a bit naiv but this is normal for that era.
The people who like cinema must own this work.

That's Entertainment
I have to confess that I first saw "Les Vampires" for academic reasons; because of its influence on the Surrealist movement. But now, having seen the entire series (lovingly restored) on its own terms, I think "Les Vampires" is just what it was originally meant to be-- an exciting, humorous adventure story and sort of a precursor of James Bond. The basic idea is that an investigative reporter becomes privy to the secrets of a criminal gang called "The Vampires" and manages to foil many of their plans. At the same time, WE become privy to the plans and in-fighting that go on between the Vampires and other criminal gangs. The main continuing character on the Vampires' side is Irma Vep, a beautiful cross between Mata Hari, Houdini and John Dillinger. At some point she falls prey to a criminal hypnotist, but she is always an interesting character in her own right and often sympathetic.

Technically, the DVD is wonderful; it contains the entire series on one disk, as well as several promotional films starring members of the cast. The film itself is transfered very well and is appropriately tinted; the entire project was obviously a labor of love, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

yeah...
This is just to second the previous reviewer. My DVD has the
&#$%@^% sensor tag on it as well. I can't seem to get the glue off. My advice is to hold off on buying this (brilliant, would be 5 stars+) DVD until you can be sure that tag isn't on there. For $70, this sort of gaffe can be immensely irritating.

Arrrrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhh!!!
I know -- this is a classic of world cinema, and it's seven hours of heaven to people who love film. Which is what makes this review so frustrating. When I opened this, I noticed that all seven hours is contained on one disc. The DVD is two-sided, which is technically brilliant, and not something I'm that familiar with seeing. Unfortunately, someone should have told the distributor about it, because when you order from amazon, you will receive your DVD with a great big sensor tag smack in the middle of what someone obviously thought was the blank side of the DVD. Removing it ruins the film. Oh, and opening the box to see if your tag is on there violates amazon's returns policy. Amazon, I love you guys, you're the best game in town, but this is a bit of a hiccup. Maybe the sensor tag only went on a couple of these suckers -- I dunno. I'd like to get the film but ordering it again will be a gamble -- a sensor tag this time or not?

Les Vampires
I saw parts of this on TCM,but missed a few chapters.
This is one of the best movies I've seen.It's a classic.For
those who like silent movies,get your hands on a copy by
any means!! ... Read more

Description

Often called "the grandmother of the French New Wave," Agnes Varda has expanded the language of cinema with her visually rich films.Save when you purchase three key works in The Agnes Varda Prepack. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fans should buy, otherwise save your money
I will not reveiw the movie itself because everybody has different taste. If you are reading this review you probably like the movie anyway and know what it is about.

The DVD version of this release would be for fans looking to expand thier DVD collection or those who do not have these titles on VHS or laserdisk. If you have it on another format these DVD releases don't have much to entice you.

The film is of good quality, but nothing spectacular. ... Read more

Description

Gertrud
Winner of the Venice Film Festival, Dreyer's last film is said to be both a celebration of free will and the tragedy of a life

Ordet
As one of Carl Dreyer's most celebrated forays into the sound film, this Golden Globe winner deals directly with the spiritual theme first put forth in The Passion of Joan of Arc: personalized faith versus organized religion.

The Passion of Joan of Arc
Dreyer's account of Joan of Arc--long believed lost--considered the greatest and most important silent film ever made.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Black and White World Where Nothing Is Black and White
Dreyer's "The Passion of Joan of Arc," "Ordet" and "Day of Wrath" are austere meditations on the nature of faith, devotion and hipocrisy. The three films form a trilogy on the subject. And, while the exhilarating finale of "Ordet" suggests a sense of hope in transcending the kind of segregation that comes from blind devotion, both "Passion" and "Day of Wrath" dwell on the horrifying results of such spiritual blindness. All three films are shot in a stark black and white that emphasizes both the spiritual vaccum in which the characters exist, and also the clear, cold distinctions those characters make with respect to those they celebrate and those they condemn. Yet, spare as these worlds are, the visual spareness of all three films is ironic, for Dreyer argues that there are no distinct lines to be drawn between true faith and heresy. In fact, the three films suggest that spiritual fulfilment for th individual may be a combination of the two. Beneath the sense of quiet desperation in "Day of Wrath" and "Ordet" is a passionate call for an understanding of the diverse ways that humans celebrate their spirituality. In "Passion," that call for understanding translates into an extended, emotional plea. Ultimately, in Dreyer's hands, the subject matter becomes less didactic than enlightening. Watch all three films, and you'll be deeply affected, no matter what your stance is on religion. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Youssef Chahine Master Filmmaker
eskinderia leeh? is simply one of the best, well made movies of all time, the movie shows different form of loves and how they all got stuck because of one thign, WW2. the movie also shows the life in the mother of the world, egypt....and how magical alexandria is....the movie is very well made with egypt's all star cast...a must c movie... ...BUY THE MOVIE

Mix of styles worth your time
An interesting mix of the struggles of an independent international filmmaker, combining surrealism and recent Egyptian history.
There are elements of "8 1/2" and "All That Jazz" in the story of a film maker who faces a trial in which the child and young man he was testify against the person he has become. The surrealist settings are cheap but fun and the central performance is nicely done. The many characters and switches in time are a bit complex and it helps to have a little knowledge of modern Egyptian history, but there is humor and insight worth your time.

Artistic and insightful
This is the second part of Chahine's Alexandria Trilogy. The first part "Alexandria, why?" is a biography and courageous self-examination of his adolescent years. This part moves on to examine his adult life. It is, again, a very courageous, honest, and insightful self-trial of himself as an adult and his choices in his professional life as a movie director, as well as in his personal and family life. His artistic talents as a director and his creative thinking are reflected in his representation of his turbulent relationship with his inner child. This is another distinguished piece of work by this talented movie director and a must-have for those who appreciate his art.

Great quality, at times too much art
I am going to divide my review to three parts, the basic reproduction / packaging, the subtitles and last the actual art:

The basic reproduction is good in comparison to any other Egyptian movies you can buy. Good is by no means very good nor excellent

The subtitling is very poor. It is very clear and will help keep non-Arabic speakers in the game, but it is seriously inaccurate and in my view often distorts the meaning of the movie. I was particularly amazed to see things like "damn you all" being translated into "fxxk you all". It is truly absurd to subtitle anger into profanity

As to Youssif Chahine own work, it is very clever, at times way too clever. The symbolism goes to the extreme that you just end up going in circle. See how clever and symbolic I can be

The presentation of the gay side of Mourad is certainly brave, but does not seem to be much more than a "dare" game, often it is unclear why it is there and what impact does it have on the whole thing, except for possibly the middle film

As to the camera work, direction, music, acting etc. it is all excellent, well above anything else coming out of Egypt in the last 25 years or so. The real shame is to be the only really good moviemaker in Egypt and to use this to make such narrow movies with too much symbolism.

At any rate, make no mistake about it this is great stuff

One of the best contemporary of the Egyptian cinema
This trilogy is one of the best contemporary movies of the last 2 decades....with the very special touch of acclamed director Yousef Chahin.The cast of all 3 movies is great with outstanding preformence the crew is the most respected & professional poeple in the field...Therfore making theese 3 movies a must see & see again for any cinema lover. If u like arabic cinema....u must own it. ... Read more

Description

With its unflinching realism and skillful blending of the personal and political, Wajda's riveting trilogy awakened the world to the horrors Poland endured during World War II. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A treasure for Kurosawa fans
I had a bit of a time deciding whether to give this set 5 or 4 stars, But these are key films in Kurosawa's career and deserve to be seen by completist.

1. "Drunken Angel" is cited as the first film in which Kurosawa expressed his real philiosphy of life. This film was very popular in Japan and re-released several tmes. Set immediately after the war, it is a neo-realist film on the hopes for a better society and how difficult it is to achieve. Takeshi Shimura plays the title character in one of his superlative performances. But this was Toshiro Mifune's first film for Kurosawa and his first lead role. Mifune gives a great, unbridled performance, that stunned Kurosawa, who didn't know how to control him and just let him go. Result: a one-of-kind performance and stardom. Mifune is often compared to John Wayne, b