Grave of the Fireflies

Amazon.com essential video

Isao Takahata's powerful antiwar film has been praised by critics wherever it has been screened around the world. When their mother is killed in the firebombing of Tokyo near the end of World War II, teenage Seita and his little sister Setsuko are left on their own: their father is away, serving in the Imperial Navy. The two children initially stay with an aunt, but she has little affection for them and resents the time and money they require. The two children set up housekeeping in a cave by a stream, but their meager resources are quickly exhausted, and Seita is reduced to stealing to feed his sister.

The strength of Grave of the Fireflies lies in Takahata's evenhanded portrayal of the characters. A sympathetic doctor, the greedy aunt, the disinterested cousins all know there is little they can do for Seita and Setsuko. Their resources, like their country's, are already overtaxed: anything they spare endangers their own survival. As in the Barefoot Gen films, no mention is made of Japan's role in the war as an aggressor; but the depiction of the needless suffering endured by its victims transcends national and ideological boundaries. --Charles Solomon

Customer Reviews:

A marvelous and gripping film.......2007-08-20

I never thought in my lifetime that a Japanese anime film would reduce me to tears. Well it has happened. I finally got around to watching Tsutomu Tatsumi's GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES after months of languishing on my queue list on my online dvd rental service. This haunting animated film proves that not all anime needs to be based in fantasy.

This bleak story was inspired by the autobiographical novel of the same title by Akiyuki Nosaka who had lost his sister to malnutrition during World War II. In GRAVES OF THE FIREFLIES, the main characters of the film is Seita, the older brother, and Setsuko, the younger sister. It is World War II. Japan is subjected to the frequent air raids by the west. Seita and Setsuko loses their mother to the bombs while their father is in the navy and has not been heard from in awhile. After losing their mother, Seita and Setsuko moves in with their aunt. Their aunt is anything but kind and loving. She views the children as nothing more than financial burdens on her household. She admonishes Seita for not contributing to the househould finances as well as to the country every opportunity she gets. One day, Seita had enough of his aunt's insults, and takes Setsuko to an abandoned bomb shelter. Seita's selfish pride would eventually prove to be his undoing and would lead to tragedy in the end of the film.

I loved this film. I was so moved by the imagery and the writing. In a lot of animated films, when someone gets hurt, you don't see the wounds the individual received from his or her attacker but in this film you do, namely with Seita and Setsuko's mother. Their mother was completely unrecognizable in her bandages but you could see the serious wounds by the blood and her facial expression.

While the aunt may not have been an angel herself, Seita wasn't exactly perfect himself either. He was selfish by not appreciating the roof and food his aunt provided albeit relunctantly. It never occured to him that he should try to contribute to his aunt's household income given the circumestances that she had two extra mouths to feed. Unfortunately his selfish pride would lead to his downfall when he decides that he and Setsuko would be better off away from his aunt.

GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES is definitely not a kiddie film for young audiences to see. The story and images are bleak and occasionally graphic. The realism in the storyline was so real and authentic, I was moved to tears especially towards the end of the film. This film gave me a good glimpse of life in Japan during WWII. GRAVES OF THE FIREFLIES is a rare gem in animated films and films in general where I am brought to tears. This is an instant classic with me.

I Didn't Cry, But Man Did I Come Close? .......2007-08-17

Few movies I've seen can bring me to the brink of tears, and only a handful of those can actually haunt me days after seeing them. Grave of the Fireflies is one of those rare movies I've seen that did this to me. Very few films have EVER made me feel as bad as this one did. Try to think of the saddest movie you've ever seen, Schindlers List, Saving Privet Ryan, anything, and this movie blows it out of the water. This film has the power to devastate you, to move you, to bring you to the brink of tears and then push you over into a chaotic world of tears and turmoil. This is Grave of the Fireflies.

Set during the last days of WWII, while the US Air Force was fire bombing Japanese cities, Grave of the Fireflies is a movie about a young boy named Sata and his little four year old sister Setsico. When their mother is killed in the firebombing of Tokyo Sata is forced to care for his little sister in a nation ripped apart by war and famine. With his father far away serving in the Japanese navy, Sata is the only one who can care for his sister. The love shared between these two siblings is something that will forever leave an impression on me. As an older brother myself I could very easily put myself into Sata's situation. His need to give his sister the very best he can while not being able to provide for her is a very real feeling.

There are no heroes in this film, and there are no villains. Sata and Setsico are no heroes; the only heroic things they do throughout the movie are love and take care of one another. And, their aunt, although harsh and unfair, is no villain. At the same time neither side of the war, American or Japanese, is portrayed in a negative light. This is not a war movie and doesn't exist to condemn one side or the other. This is a movie about two orphan children trying to survive while the society they grew up in crumbles to dust around them.

Many critics of this movie complain about how annoying little Setsico is. Yes, I can admit, sometimes Setsico can be annoying, but really, what little girl isn't? She's a child, and children can't understand everything that's going on around them. Setsico doesn't understand that there is a war going on and that she can not have everything that she wants, she doesn't understand that Sata is killing himself trying to provide for her. As an older brother I find it absurd when people complain about how annoying little brothers/sisters can act in movies without even realizing that siblings are annoying in real life. Sata is no different.

You may never look at fireflies the same way.

not a children's movie.......2007-08-16

When I got Grave of the Fireflies, I knew it would be sad. However, I had no idea what a brilliant and moving film I was in for. It is hard to find words to describe the feeling you get after watching this movie. All I can say is that I didn't just cry - I bawled. And it takes a lot for me to shed a tear during a movie. I don't know why Grave of the Fireflies is labeled as a children's movie. Some scenes, especially when the mother dies, are extremely graphic. Also, the overall theme is much too heavy for younger viewers. This is by no means a feel-good movie, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't watch it. It is a masterpiece, a work of art, and a powerful message. I highly recommend it to those who want something beyond action or fairy-tale endings in their movie viewing experience. Grave of the Fireflies deserves 10 stars.

One of the most Inspiring Movies I Have Watched..........2007-07-30

This is only the second movie in my entire life I have ever watched that reduced me to crying. I have read the many reviews and I understand some of the people's views about the main character being spineless and not doing anything for his sister when the opportunity is right there. I also see how the little girl can get on some people's nerves, due to her "spoiled attitude." But I wonder if those critics have ever really looked at children their age. And I mean, REALLY looked at them collectively.

Children, like the little girl, are attention seekers at that age and do not understand that they cannot get everything they want. They haven't been taught to be reserved yet. The same goes for the teenage boy. Children his age are still at a loss for what to do on many aspects of life. Teenagers are prone to believe that they are always right. The same goes for the boy in the movie, he only takes actions on what he believes is right, and it is obvious that his interactions with some people and his aunt has built in him a strong distrust of adults.

Thus, the little girl, not understanding their precarious situation, due to her innocent nature, asks for things that naturally come to her like food. And because her brother feels sorry for the situation he has put them in, and because he loves his sister, he tries his best to give her what she wants. He doesn't understand at that point, that she could get sick. And when she does, he doesn't want to take her to an adult because his aunt has already traumatized his impressionable mind. So he does what he believes is right and tries his best to save his sister on his own.

Where, in this amazing movie about a boy struggling to overcome his youth and his immature instincts, is a spineless boy who won't find help for his sister? Where, in this amazing movie with a young untainted girl still learning about life, is there a "spoiled brat?" I have to disagree on many levels with the critics, because viewing this movie broke my heart as I watched the children struggle with their youth and do only what they knew how to do. Granted, some children are amazing and can overcome immaturity under intense situations, yet many cannot. This movie is a good example of what children will come up with when they feel the entire world is against them.

This movie is not about a war. It never has been. It is about how people survive after a disaster. And in this case, this movie is about two average children, who only have faith in each other.

Grave of the fireflies.......2007-07-17

Grave of the fireflies is a realistic story about WWII in Japan. How Japan's people daily lives where affected, and peoples reaction to the constant stress. It focuses on a brother & sister, who are left orphaned due to the war/bombings, and the struggles they face together. I've watched this movie several times, it's cute at times and very serious at other. TO PARENTS: I would watch this movie either before letting children watch or be with them when they watch due to realism present in film.

Average customer rating:

Disney Does It Again !
The Great Locomotive Chase 1956
Childhood memories...
Great Film for history buffs
Excellent Movie, Questionable Disney

The Great Locomotive Chase
Starring: Fess Parker , Jeffrey Hunter , Jeff York , John Lupton , and Eddie Firestone
Director: Francis D. Lyon
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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ASIN: B0000DZTNF
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Amazon.com

Disney's Great Locomotive Chase relates a true Civil War story about the Andrews Raiders, a team of 22 Union spies. In 1862 they snatched a train out from under the normally watchful eyes of Confederate troops based near Atlanta in a daredevil attempt to wreck the track and bridges of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. It was a high-stakes operation with a huge payoff. If they succeeded, they would effectively win the war; if they were caught, they were sure to be hanged. This 1956 feature shores up the suspense of the scheme masterfully. We watch, transfixed, as the relentless Confederate train conductor, William Fuller (played by the all-business Jeffrey Hunter) roars through a bevy of Southern stations hot on the heels of his hijacked locomotive. Will James Andrews (Fess Parker), leader of the Raiders, outrun him? History buffs won't need to keep watching for long, but they'll want to anyway--the portrayal of the Raiders' gumption and against-all-odds heroics pushes the basest, most human of audience buttons. It's not that The Great Locomotive Chase is a simple but well-done film about good vs. evil. Instead, it explores both sides' motives and draws gentle conclusions about honor, and it does so at an invigoratingly high clip. In that way, it's a movie worth sharing with kids 8 and older--there's no blood and only a sprinkling of violence here, but as with all war stories, tragedy plays a prominent role. --Tammy La Gorce

Description

After commandeering a Confederate locomotive, heroic Yankee soldiers known as the Andrews Raiders try to bring about an early end to the Civil War by crippling the Southern railroad network. But their efforts are hampered by the unrelenting bravery of a single Rebel patriot.

Customer Reviews:

Disney Does It Again !.......2007-09-14

Just like all the old Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone tales the Great Locomotive Chase makes history fun and entertaining. Quite accurate historically and easy to watch this movie may actually get your kids interested in history! And somehow manages to be unbiased--a very rare feat in civil war movies indeed!! The determination and zeal of the men on both sides is evident. Like Davy at the Alamo, we hate to know Mr. Andrews ultimate fate but the tenacity and heroics of the conductor, William Fuller, to regain his train after it had been stolen is nothing short of remarkable. Made in an innocent time, where events played out as they happened, when political correctness wasn't even heard of, and our heros taught by example.

The Great Locomotive Chase 1956.......2007-08-19

After Commandeering a Confederate locotive heroic Yankee soldiers , known as the Andrew Rainders , try to bring about an early end to the Civil War by crippling the Southern Railroad network . But their efforts are hampted by the unrelenting bravery of single Rebel Patriot . Starring : Fess Parker (1924- ), Jeffrey Hunter (1926-1969) . High Quality Transfer . Recommended .

Childhood memories..........2007-01-01

I just watched this movie for the first time in probably 15 or 20 years. Although I am far too young to have seen this in its initial release in theatres, this was one of the very first movies that I saw when I was a child. I really did not remember much from the movie--except that it had given me thrills as a kid. I was excited to watch this again with my brother and father.

My father is a Noth Carolina native who moved up north, and that makes me a North Dakota native. This is important because we both tend to lean on opposite sides of the "Civil War fence." Well, this movie is great because it shows respect to both sides. The main premise is that some Northern spies steal a train from the South with the intentions of destroying tracks and bridges. One determined Southern railroad conductor takes personal offense at his train being stolen and follows it doggedly--first on foot and slowly upgrading from there.

You can't really describe the movie beyond the premise without ruining it. However, this is based on a true story--and one that potentially would have impacted the war in a BIG way. This is given colorful Disney treatment, and it is very enjoyable. As mentioned already, you are able to watch this from either perspective and enjoy it because both sides are given equal treatment. Also, it is not just the story of a locomotive chase as it also outlines the beginning of the Medal of Honor.

As for the DVD release, I don't mind that there are not extras. The picture is good, and the movie is what I bought it for--not the extras! Thanks for an excellent film on DVD!

Great Film for history buffs.......2005-10-01

When I was 10 years old ( in 1962 ), I had the good fortune to
ride on a train pulled by the "General." This was back during the Civil War Centennial celebration and believe me, nothing
could have brought the past alive more than this trip!
The movie certainly brings to life this amazing event without
today's graphic violence and gore. In the tradition of Disney
productions, high quality and great excitement are pervasive
throughout. Growing up with Disney on screen and television
made watching this movie a trip down "memory lane." I would highly recommend this wonderful film to anyone interested in
the Civil War or to train buffs.

Excellent Movie, Questionable Disney.......2005-04-22

The movie is outstanding. Fess Parker and the rest turn in excellent performances. This exciting story is based on the true to life incident that took place during the Civil War. From what I have heard there were only a couple minor changes in the recreation of the story. Walt Disney made wonderful movies during the Fifties and Sixties that were great for the whole family to enjoy together. I am ecstatic they are now releasing these movies to DVD. My only complaint is that there seems to be an issue with quantity instead of quality. They seem more interested in releasing a great number of movies than worrying about the condition of them. Now I'm am as anxious as the next person to get all their live action movies out but I hope they start taking the time to realize they need to monitor the quality control. I don't need the extras on this first release. Once they have released all the movies they use to run on "The Wonderful World of Disney" then they can go back and do Platinum Editions. I will be satisfied with just the movie since there are so many more they need to release like "Dr. Syn, alias Scarecrow" and "The Swamp Fox" that I can be satisfied with just the basics but I want the movie to have sharp picture and sound quality. Some of the recent live action movies have been great quality (e.g. Three Lives of Thomasina) and some have been poor (e.g. "The Journey of Natty Gann). I hope someone from Disney is paying attention to Amazons reviews because if they don't they may find their DVDs aren't selling so well. Fortunately this DVD picture and sound quality are nicely restored. There are no extra features.

Grave of the Fireflies (Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

A marvelous and gripping film
I Didn't Cry, But Man Did I Come Close?
not a children's movie
One of the most Inspiring Movies I Have Watched...
Grave of the fireflies

Grave of the Fireflies (Collector's Edition)
Starring: Tsutomu Tatsumi , Ayano Shiraishi , Yoshiko Shinohara , Akemi Yamaguchi , and J. Robert Spencer
Director: Isao Takahata
Manufacturer: Central Park Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00006HAWP
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

A marvelous and gripping film.......2007-08-20

I Didn't Cry, But Man Did I Come Close? .......2007-08-17

not a children's movie.......2007-08-16

One of the most Inspiring Movies I Have Watched..........2007-07-30

Grave of the fireflies.......2007-07-17

Average customer rating:

An entertaining western
Bobby vinton's movie cutest cowboy in the west!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ann Margaret Gets What Ann Margaret Wants
One of the worst of Wayne's
Underrated western

The Train Robbers
Starring: John Wayne , Ann-Margret , Rod Taylor , Ben Johnson , and Christopher George
Director: Burt Kennedy
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000O59A0C
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Description

A feisty, beautiful widow bands together with three cowboy buddies to recover a cache of gold stolen by her husband and her attempt to clear his son's name. It's wide-open fun and dynamite excitement as The Duke meets his match in lovely Oscar-nominee and Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Ann-Margret ("Grumpy Old Men").

Customer Reviews:

An entertaining western.......2007-07-03

The Train Robbers is one of those straightforward old-fashioned good guy vs bad guy westerns. A movie with a basic plot that doesn't take itself too seriously. What is noticeable right off is that there are very few actors in this movie, eight, and everything revolves around their relationships. There is the straight shooting Lane (John Wayne) who gathers his old friends Grady (Rod Taylor) and Jesse (Ben Johnson) to restore Mrs. Lowe's (Ann-Margret) honor. She doesn't want her son growing up under the dark cloud of his dead father being a train robber. Rounding out the team is Ben (Bobby Vinton), Sam (Jerry Gatlin), and Calhoun (Christopher George). Their job is ride into Mexico, recover $500,000 in stolen gold locked in the boiler of an old locomotive, return it to Wells Fargo, collect the reward money, and set things right for Mrs. Lowe. Trailing along behind them all is a mysterious rider (Ricardo Montalban). The remaining movie's cast are just back ground minglers in the set. They mainly consist of the train engineer, the bartender, the Mexicans trying to rescue their jailed friends, and the cannon fodder bad guys. They are seen but have no speaking roles.

This is a very simple movie in many ways. However, it does a very good job in developing the friendship and camaraderie between good old friends. This combined with beautiful scenic shots and set pieces make for a light-hearted fare with no dark undertones or jarring side trips. Rounded out with comedy and action, this movie certainly demonstrates that less is more.

While not the best western that John Wayne has starred in, this movie does succeeds in many ways. Formated in wide-screen with few extras on the DVD, this western is well worth adding to the John Wayne collection

Bobby vinton's movie cutest cowboy in the west!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-12-21

I love this movie only because BOBBY VINTON is in it.I only watch the part's that he's in.I even have his part's memorized.He's the best! Not only is he a good singer he's a excellent actor.I Had the chance to tell him that I watched it too.Bobby was thrilled that I took intrest in watching it.To all you bobby vinton fan's out there I recamend that you watch it!!!!!!!!!!! He's a very HOT and GORGEOUS cowboy!!!!

Ann Margaret Gets What Ann Margaret Wants.......2006-02-09

I must admit that Ann Margaret has always been a favorite of mine. That probably, make that certainly, affects my judgment of this film. It is not one of John Wayne's best. I still like it. Only part of that is because I like Ann Margaret.

John Wayne plays the leader of a group of gunfighters. These are not ordinary gunfighters. They are not in it for the "glory". They just kind of drifted into it after the civil war. Now, John Wayne and his group find themselves working for a woman, Ann Margaret. She says that her dead husband once robbed a train of half a million dollars. The money was lost and she knows the location. She wants to recover it so that she can turn it in to raise the stigma from her son. She intends to pay the gunfighters with the reward money for turning in the gold.

The would-be rescuers of stolen gold have some problems. They have to track down the train and they are in turn being tracked by a lot of bad guys who want to steal the gold.

John Wayne handles the situation with his typical character. He is honest and protective of those who are with him. He has his own moral code and will not be swayed from it. He would rather do things the hard way if that means maintaining his ideals.

His biggest challenge comes from Ann Margaret. She is strong willed but sweet. Everyone likes her and wants to protect her. They are even willing to give up their share of the reward to help her. She's got them wrapped around her little finger.

Its fun and action packed but it is not his best. Still, watching Ann is lots of fun.

One of the worst of Wayne's.......2005-05-10

Although it is great to see Wayne seeing him is about the best in this film. I did not really care about these people riding left and right. It has to be something about the story, because the actors are a great bunch of people. I expect Wayne always to be real hero, but here it is not so. Take any other Wayne, even those of the 30's rather than this one.

Underrated western.......2005-05-04

I would considered Train Robbers to be one of John Wayne's underrated western movies he have made during his post True Grit era. While its not as good as some of his earlier ones, it probably the best one he made between True Grit and the Shootist (next to Rio Lobo). The Train Robbers seem to be a throw back to John Wayne's older westerns. The story developed slowly but with a purpose as the characters get ironed out. Ann-Margaret plays widow trying to restored family honor by getting the half million dollars worth of gold back to the train company from which her husband stole it from. John Wayne and his gang tries to helped but the usual bad guys, the late husband's gang gets into the way. Its an adventure all the way.

John Wayne does his usual entertaining self but he is superbly supported by Rod Taylor and especially Ben Johnson. It was also a pleasure to watch Christopher George as well before his illness took his life prematurely. Key element of any John Wayne movie was his interactions with his co-stars and they all blended in perfectly. The humor was good and some of the one liners proves to be classic. Ann-Margaret does quite well but she sounds little phoney from the beginning and that was bit of a give away as we reached to the end of the movie. At least for me, the ending didn't surprised me as much as it did for some people.

The movie weaknesses lies in the fact that John Wayne and his gang seem to be just too goody two shoes to be true. The bad guys were just props in the movie and their job was to get shot. They don't seem to be very smart bad guys either. Making banzai charges seem to be a trademark tactics to make the good guys victorious. Bobby Vinton and Jerry Gatlin were virtually wasted in their roles. In some ways, they seem to be no more then the bad guys although they don't get shot!

The DVD version of Train Robbers seem to be well presented. I owned a regular TV so I would say from that point that the picture is clear and the sound proves to be crisp on my Dolby system. The DVD movie come in its widescreen format. I have to admit that this was the first time I saw this movie in widescreen since 1973 when it first came out. There isn't much of a special features. One feature got several former stuntmen who worked with Wayne, singing their praises of him. Second feature is a promotional job for the movie. Then you got your trailers feature. That is just about it. Pretty slim pickings if you asked me.

Overall, a pretty entertaining and enjoyable film despite of its inherited flaws. I would give it a 3.5 stars if I had a choice. John Wayne fans should be highly please with this movie. It should please most western fans and might be mildly entertaining for causal viewers.

Average customer rating:

Tragic and ephemeral
Lee hits this one out of the park.
Redefine horror....
A Very Good And Complex Film: Psychological Horror!
not for those who take a dead children lightly

The Uninvited
Starring: Shin-yang Park , Ji-hyun Jun , Seon Yu , Ok Jeong (II) , and Ju-shil Lee
Director: Su-yeon Lee
Manufacturer: Panik House
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000F48DB4
Release Date: 2006-05-30

Description

This intrernationally acclaimed thriller is a character driven throwback to the groundbreaking horror films of the 1970's. This modern horror masterpiece shares as much in common with The Exorcist and Rosemary's Baby as with The Ring or The Grudge. Riveting performances from the two leads porovide a powerful, unforgetable plunge into the deepest fathoms of psychological terror, and once you see what lies beyond the veil of reality, there is not escaping its apocalyptic curse.

• Behind-The-Scenes: The Making of The Uninvited Documentary Featurette

• English and Spanish Audio Commentaries

• Trailers

• Posters and Sill Garries

• Production Notes, Essays & Bios

• Essay on Korean Horror by Art Black (Asian Cult Cinema, Psychotronic Video Guide)

• Optional English and Spanish Subtitles

• Seperate Bilingual Menus in English and Spanish

• Collectible Sticker

Customer Reviews:

Tragic and ephemeral.......2007-07-26

I really liked the subdued yet emotional acting and the characters played by Ji-hyun Jun and Shin-yang Park. This movie wasn't what I was expecting, and the trailer didn't do it justice -- in fact, the trailer is quite poor, I think. There is a lot of pain and suffering in this film, a lot of tragedy, but it revolves around the status of being human and alive in this world. Park's character, at the end, seems to come full circle; he doesn't seem to know how to reach out or love, and he doesn't seem very sure of himself. This is a tragic story, not necessarily romantic, just tragic and ephemeral and relative to the very essence of humanity and life itself.

Lee hits this one out of the park........2007-06-26

The Uninvited (Su-yeon Lee, 2003)

The Uninvited is being marketed here in America as just another Asian horror flick, which is a disservice not only to the film, but both to the Asian horror film audience in America and the audience that would get far more out of it. Not to say there isn't crossover; I rented it expecting another Asian horror flick and got, well, The Uninvited, which while it contains some supernatural elements (and the rather extreme ways of depicting them of which the Japanese are so fond), is a breathtaking psychological drama about the lengths a person will go to to defend himself from the past, and the devastation that can occur when those defenses are broken down.

While the main character is Jeong-won (Shin-yang Park), it's hard to really define anyone as a "main" character here. He (and his story) gets the most screen time, but everything going on around him is just as important, even the part to which he and his story are tangential. In any case, Jeong-won is an interior designer with a problem--a nagging, overbearing fiancée, Hee-eun (Seon Yu). One night, he falls asleep on the train home, and rides it to the last stop by accident. As the train pulls off into the yard for the night, from the platform he sees that two small children are still on the train, seemingly asleep. The next morning, he finds out they were found there dead, and almost immediately after has a work-related accident that causes head trauma. That night, he sees the two dead girls sitting at the new table his fiancée just bought.

And that's just the first five minutes. It's also the synopsis most people will give (everyone stops there because we run out of space for it), and that's why everyone thinks it's a ghost story. Oh, but there's much more--an alleged psychic, a murder trial, a poor priest who may or may not be who he says he is, rumors of infidelity, a mental clinic, and it just keeps going on and on. There's no way to give a full synopsis of this movie in less than a thousand words; there's simply too much to it, and it's all quite wonderful.

The pace is psychological-drama pace, not horror pace. You should be expecting things to move slowly. It is, after all, over two hours long, which gives us enough time to absorb all the different threads Su-yeon Lee wove into the screenplay. There's a lot going on here; this is a movie that requires you to pay attention to it, but the payoff is in the characters, the way they interact, Lee's bravery in not tying up all the loose ends (the final scene is just perfect, even if we're probably in greater suspense about the scene that would come just after than we have been at any point in the movie), and all the other little things that make The Uninvited one of the best movies I've seen this year. **** ½

Redefine horror...........2007-02-06

As I write this I must say that Ernest's review is better than anything I can probably say, and I agree with most of his opinions. Yes, this film is slow; it is about the characters, and character development takes longer than slashing or gore. This won't fit a lot of Americans' concepts of horror movies: there is no monster, human or supernatural; there is no slashing or teen sex -- no teens at all, for that matter; and the ghosts of the dead children are not overtly threatening, but instead rather sad; there are not even "gotcha" moments such as those in Dark Water or The Grudge. It is, however, an intensely fascinating movie for fans of psychological horror, and those who have an interest in the dark side of the human psyche. I don't feel a need to describe the plot, because others have done that. This movie does give us a new kind of horror, one rarely seen in Asian films and almost never in American horror films since the 1960s. For American film fans, let me say that if you liked the original, black and white, early 60s "The Haunting" (based on Shirley Jackson's book "The Haunting of Hill House") you will probably enjoy this. The films are vastly different on the surface, but in the final say, they both focus on the human rather than the supernatural, and use the supernatural as a means to explore the human condition. It's well worth watching, and for fans of Asian horror, definitely worth owning.

A Very Good And Complex Film: Psychological Horror!.......2007-01-25

"The Uninvited," is not your usual or typical horror film riddled with the usual gorefest cliches common in too many horror films. This film is a deeper, and more methodically paced film dealing with the human pysche. And more importantly, the horrors that we carry with us: In this case, the films main protagonist Jeong-won (Shin-yang Park). If you have the patience for a very complex, and slowly paced film, then this film will reward you. As a word of caution however, it is not for those whose idea of a horror film [if we can call it that] is one with gratuitous gore from beginning to end. I thought that this was a very good film. However, it may not appeal to all viewers. The film is rather slow-paced, and ambiguous.

Furthermore, the films usuage of ghosts and other supernatural occurances are used in order to advance the films main theme: The inner pysche of the films main protagonist, Jeong-won (Shin-yang Park). And I believe the film succeeded magnificantly in this respect. The film begins with Jeong-wan, an architect, who has no recollection or memories of his childhood. Returning from home one day on the subway, he notices two young girls who are sitting next to him. As he reaches the end of the line, he notices the two girls are still there. Thinking nothing further about it, he returns home. However, he later learns that the two girls were dead. Thus begins a very complex film. Jeong-wan's life begins to change dramatically, as he begins to see the two dead children. Whether or not this is in his head, or real is only part of the films message: For it is mainly the films ambiguity which leave the viewer to his or her imagination.

Finally, while the film is not so much about horror, per se, as much as the horror of trauma and loss, there are still some disturbing images which are haunting in their themes. As the film moves forward, Jeong-wan meets a woman named Yeon (Ji-hyun Jun), who is a narcoleptic. She is also a witness in an infant murder case, who can also see these two childrens ghosts. They both try to unravel this mystery of the children, and in doing so unlock Jeong-wan's shocking past. I don't want to give away too much of the film, however, if you sit back and allow the films slow and nuanced pace to arrive at the conclusion, you might find you like this film. However, it's not a happy one with a neat tidy conclusion. I recommend you rent the film first to see it this is a film you would like to have in your cinema collection. The film does take patience. Recommended. [Stars: 4.5]

not for those who take a dead children lightly.......2007-01-12

This one was a little rough as far as dead kids go but it is a good movie

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Early Republic Western Worthy Of Notice.
Westward Ho
Westward Ho (2 1/2 Stars)

Westward Ho
Starring: John Wayne , Sheila Bromley , Frank McGlynn Jr. , Jim Farley , and Jack Curtis
Director: Robert N. Bradbury
Manufacturer: Republic Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001US6CS
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Customer Reviews:

Early Republic Western Worthy Of Notice........2005-12-04

Newborn Republic Pictures utilizes the solid directoral ability of Robert Bradbury, and the presence of John Wayne along with Yakima Canutt and his troupe of stuntriders to produce this strongly scripted film of 1860s vigilante efforts to rid the Far West of outlaw bands that were involved in widespread robbery and cattle rustling. Bradbury, whose skill with Westerns dates back to the early silent period, directs and edits with a solid awareness of suspense, building his typically short scenes with sparse and, at times, stilted dialogue and an eye for proper cast placement which makes excellent use of defined personalities such as Wayne, Frank McGlynn Jr., and Glenn Strange, and gives particular value to the hard-riding stunt performers, who are splendid throughout this well-made (and musical) adventure filmed in California's Owens Valley, at the base of the Sierra Nevada.

Westward Ho.......2005-03-04

I am a John Wayne fan & have over 70 of his movies in my collection. I agree with Mr. Wu's description of the plot. It is one of the better of John Wayne's grade B Republic movies. It is the only movie in which John Wayne "sang" & the dubbed in voice is definitely not John Wayne's voice. John Wayne did not want to be a singing cowboy & it allowed others like Gene Autry & Roy Rogers to fill that role. I was pleased that the film was reworked & the DVD had good audio & picture.

Westward Ho (2 1/2 Stars).......2000-04-19

The older surviving brother of a wagon train ambush, seeks revenge on the leader of the gang responsible for the murder of his parents and the kidnapping of his younger brother. Years later, he is the leader of a group of 'vigilantes' who oppose lawlessness and unknowingly confronts his 'long-loss-brother' who has since learned the tricks-of-the-trade from the outlaws.

State of Shock: Knight Chills/'Til Death Do Us Part/Night Train to Terror/Silo Killer

Average customer rating:

Well, it's better than "Mazes and Monsters"
THIS IS JUST STUPID !!!!
YAWN
Knighty Knightmare...
BURN OUTS PROUD & TRUE WILL LOVE THIS FLICK!

State of Shock: Knight Chills/'Til Death Do Us Part/Night Train to Terror/Silo Killer
Starring: DJ Perry , Donald Pleasence , Eugene Amodeo , Marcella Saint-Amant , and Harvey Atkin
Director: Martyn Burke
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002DB56I
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Customer Reviews:

Well, it's better than "Mazes and Monsters".......2006-12-27

A fantasy-prone geeky kid (so geeky that the other members of his role-playing group taunt him) dies and a BLACK KNIGHT rises up to avenge him. Kind of ho-hum in that there is no nudity (that's actually okay given the cast), the violence is on par with a made-for-TV movie, and the plot is pretty predictable. I liked the effort that they put into it to make RPGs seem sinister and sexy.

THIS IS JUST STUPID !!!!.......2004-12-03

I love my LOW-BUDGET horror movies like "REDNECK ZOMBIES" Dante Tomaselli's "HORROR" & Tobe Hooper's "TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE" & i also love my big budget horror movies like "HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES" "CABIN FEVER" & "ALIEN" & every other good fun horror movie that is in between! BUT THIS MOVIE HAS NOTHING GOING FOR IT! ITS A REDICULOUS WASTE OF TIME! ITS ANNOYING! THE STORY & THE ACTORS JUST DIDN'T PULL OFF WHAT IT SEEMED THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN TRYING TO PULL OFF!WHAT EVER THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN! ANYWAY IT JUST SUCKED IT WAS STUPID DON'T BOTHER WITH THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!! later on fellow horror fanz!

YAWN.......2004-10-02

An "artsy" attempt at horror that falls flat on its face. Acting and direction are amatuerish, and the movie's score overrides so much of the dialogue, you want to scream. It has a very slow and ill-acted opening, and it takes forever to get to any meaty substance. Role playing games come across even more banal than I had thought. Miss this one--there are no chills here!

Knighty Knightmare..........2004-06-16

A group of role-playing game enthusiasts gather every saturday night in their teacher's basement for swords, sorcery, and beers. One guy (played by Michael Wayne Walton) is a little bit TOO into the game, fantasizing about his knightly role with a girl gamer, who wants nothing to do with him. The bozo winds up driving into a tree and burning up, moments after swearing an oath to the great knight-of-the-rose pantheon. Soon, other saturday night gamers start turning up dead, cut to pieces by a dark knight on a big horse. Police are baffled, but we're not! I liked most of this movie. Not bad for a micro-budget indie...

BURN OUTS PROUD & TRUE WILL LOVE THIS FLICK!.......2003-05-21

I would have to say that the goofy dudes watching the horror movies looking for the bimbos with the...wait! I like that to...anyway...there are some cool characters in this story but I really dug the burnout guy Zac! "We are the burnouts proud and true, we grow our own [stuff] and smoke it too. I know one day that we'll all die but when we go we'll all go HIGH" 10 STARS! These guys were smoking buds and making some low budget horror art! As for the others who didn't get the film, watch it again. Watch it while giving the burnout pledge of alligence. That is soo catchy that me and my buds require that of our comrades. Dude, Zac for president plus he has cool friends and a hot girlfriend. I bet the other dudes slamming this flick has neither the friends or the chicks. Later!

Average customer rating:

German Action Film with Decent Actions and Stunts (But Don't Expect Great Storytelling)

Death Train
Starring: Annette Culp , Amerjit Deu , Simon Dutton , Stephan Bieker , and Steve Nicolson
Director: Diethard Küster
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000IOM0TM
Release Date: 2006-12-26

Description

In this nonstop action adventure thriller, a brutal secret order known as "Pugnus Dei" is on a lethal mission for justice. Determined to recruit a traumatized soldier, the group will stop at nothing to achieve its goals. With a stellar cast that includes The Mummy's Arnold Vosloo, Death Train is packed with flying fists, martial arts battles and dark secrets that will have you at the edge of your seat!

Customer Reviews:

German Action Film with Decent Actions and Stunts (But Don't Expect Great Storytelling).......2007-09-06

"Im Auftrag des Vatikans" (aka "Death Train") is a German action film of which story looks like a clumsy combination of elements from Steven Segal's "Under Siege 2: Dark Territory" and "The Cassandra Crossing." The patchy script is nothing but an excuse for the film to show the stunts on the train, but these stunts are decent, sometimes surprisingly good.

A group of terrorist led by Arnold "Imhotep" Vosloo, after stealing canisters containing deadly virus from the laboratory, sneak into a pilgrim train going to Lourdes, disguised as monks and nun. However, what they didn't expect is Lasko (Mathis Landwehr), solider-turned-monk, is also on the same train. In fact Lasko, trying to recover from his horrible memories in the battlefield, once decided to live quietly in a monastery, but the Church has another plan prepared for him and its name is "Pugnus Dei" .... Well, this may sound silly, and is in fact very silly. And the film's lighter tone shows the filmmakers do not take the film too seriously. "God's Fist" may be a secret order, but never brutal.

But the film's actions are more than I expected. Some cheesy special effects aside, the stunts including explosions and crashes are very good (and would have been better with more effective editing). He may not be as good and charismatic as Tony Jaa or Jet Li, but Mathis Landwehr as the world's unlikeliest hero shows considerable martial arts skills during the fight scenes. What he needs is a better choreographer and film editor because good as he is, some scenes of the action sequences (on the train's roof, for example) do not look convincing enough.

If you're a fan of Arnold Vosloo, you may be disappointed. He is there obviously to attract more worldwide audiences, but his roles as the terrorist leader is not memorable (and his decisions are dubious, often stupid) and acting is not his best.

Characters are mostly typical ones, acting is passable at best, and the plot is one of the most ridiculous I ever heard (one of the terrorist dies in the most bizarre and stupidest way), but I find myself enjoying this film for its mindless and entertaining actions.

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When Dennis Hopper boarded Henry Jaglom's train of memories-'You want to go to 'Nam? I'll take you to Nam!'

Tracks
Starring: Dennis Hopper , Taryn Power , Dean Stockwell , Topo Swope , and Alfred Ryder
Director: Henry Jaglom
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000IHYXJ4
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Description

Wherever Jack Falen goes, the war goes with him. Acclaimed actor Dennis Hopper stars in this searing psychological drama as Falen, a burnt-out Vietnam vet escorting the body of a fallen pal on a train trip home, or is he? Written and directed by Henry Jaglom (Someone To Love, New Year's Day), Tracks is a powerful showcase for Hopper's dynamic talents. His Falen is paranoid, bent with rage - the kind of character that's been the Oscar.-nominated actor's forte in Easy Rider, River's Edge, Blue Velvet and more. Journey with him across America... and into one man's private hell.

Customer Reviews:

When Dennis Hopper boarded Henry Jaglom's train of memories-'You want to go to 'Nam? I'll take you to Nam!'.......2006-11-19

Henry Jaglom's 'Tracks', is a beautifully constructed film, that, deals with the power of memory and the tragedy of War.
Without a doubt, the fiery, fantastic acting talent, that is, Dennis Hopper, struts his stuff so close to the bone, that one is drawn in so personally, that, the pain of his situation, becomes, almost unbearable to watch.
Unbearable to watch, but, one invariably does and keeps up with him to the shattering, unexpected climax.
I first saw this film, featured on a program, hosted by the filmmaker, Alex Cox(Sid and Nancy), on BBC London, quite a few years' ago.
It quite literally, blew my mind away!
Never, had I quite seen before, a filmmaker, who, bluntly criticised the horror of Vietnam and presented it in such a direct, straightforward manner.
The supporting cast, including, the splendid Dean Stockwell, is admirable indeed!
Filmed on location, it features, almost all the scenes,aboard several trains.
Apparently, Jaglom, failed to get initial permission, from the powers that be, to film, aboard the locomotives, the consequences of which, the cast and crew, were booted off, train after train.
Congratulations, all around, that, the movie managed to get finished at all!
Praise be to God it did!
I reinterate and reiterate, a splendid, masterful film, with an outstanding central performance from Mr.Hopper.
Miss this film at your peril!

Average customer rating:

An entertaining western
Bobby vinton's movie cutest cowboy in the west!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ann Margaret Gets What Ann Margaret Wants
One of the worst of Wayne's
Underrated western

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ASIN: B0007P0XC8
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Description

Three cowpokes band together with a feisty widow to recover = a cache of stolen gold. John Wayne meets Ann Margret and you'll keep = guessing who meets whose match! Year: 1973 Director: Burt Kennedy = Starring: John Wayne, Ann-Margret, Rod Taylor.

Customer Reviews:

An entertaining western.......2007-07-03

Bobby vinton's movie cutest cowboy in the west!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-12-21

Ann Margaret Gets What Ann Margaret Wants.......2006-02-09

One of the worst of Wayne's.......2005-05-10

Underrated western.......2005-05-04

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