The Truce

Description

Award-winning director Martin Scorsese (GANGS OF NEW YORK) presents an epic, true story that was cheered by moviegoers and critics alike. Acclaimed actor John Turturro (MR. DEEDS, O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?) delivers a powerful performance as a man whose life is changed forever by World War II. His incredible adventure begins after the war ends and he embarks on a thousand-mile journey back home to Italy. Along the way, he faces great odds ... but rediscovers the simple joys of life that the war threatened to destroy forever -- friendship, love, laughter, and, most important of all, a sense of hope. This motion picture masterpiece promises to stir your soul and touch your heart -- don't miss it!

Customer Reviews:

interesting movie about back to home.......2007-02-15

very different approach to war cinema...congratulations to the director and the cast...they've told the story of back to home after war in a very different way...

Primo's odyssey back to the living . . ........2006-01-15

"God does not exist, if Aushwitz exists," says Primo on the train. Truce shows something else . . . how a man's soul cannot be destroyed. Truce is a travelogue through the chaos of post war Europe. Beginning in Aushwitz, Primo and has band of brothers traverse the wilds of Poland, Russia, and, finally, Munich en route to their home. Their souls are slowly reborn. They find love, compassion and a simple appreciation of nature before landfall in Italy. By chance, by laugh, they complete their journey from death to life. The only negative(a small one) in this movie was the use of voice over narration by Primo. The visuals tell the story; the voice over narration was unwarranted. I would have liked to have seen more of Primo Levi beginning his life in Turin, but this would have been a different odyssey.

Unrealistic.......2005-07-11

Having read most of the reviews in relation to "The Truce" - I think I am going to find myself in a minority of one.
I bought this DVD because I thought that the storyline was interesting and because of the good reviews.
However,having now watched it twice I found that most of the acting and the scenarios defided credibility.
Right from the start when we saw the alledged inmates of Auschwitz virtually running to the open gates - a situation which,to anyone who has seen original footage of the liberation by the Russians,would know that,most of the unfortunate inmates could hardly stand let alone run.This immediately struck an un-realistic chord.Shortly afterwards we are introduced to a large Greek gentleman(with the boots)- a totally unbelievable character,with an OTT performance by the actor concerned,played more as a caricature rather than an actual character - and there were numerous others who were just not convincing.In fact the main character (Primo) was the one performance which was excellent and believable,who did convey the fact that he had just come from Auschwitz,most of the others gave the impression that they had just come from a holiday camp.
Also there were too many musical pieces in the film,which gave me the impression that the director wasn't sure whether to go for serious drama or a semi- musical.(At times I almost expected Topol to come in singing "If I was a rich man" or similar!)The scene with the swords-man dancing to "Cheek to Cheek" was one such case and rather pointless.
The plus-points of the film were the superb photography,the fact that,as some other reviewer mentioned,sub-titles were not used when many of the different nationalities were encountered "en-route",which did convey the difficulties in making one-self understood,plus,as already mentioned,the excellent performance by the main character Primo.
The thing is though,with any film,unless you are regarding it as pure escapism - you need to believe what you are watching,and this was not the case with this film.As already mentioned,there were too many un-believable characters and too many un-likely scenarios which was a great shame as the basic story could have been made into a good film,but it needed to be under-played NOT over-played.
If you are the sort of person who can just accept that whatever you are seeing portrayed is true and life-like, you may enjoy this(plus any John Wayne war films!)- but to me it was totally un-convincing.
I am aware it was based on a true story and,if all the incidents in the film did truly happen,I am convinced that they didn't happen quite as portrayed in the film.
"The Pianist" is so much better,my advise,buy that instead.

THE best film I've seen in years ........2003-03-17

THE best film I've seen in years .
Primo ( John Turturro in his best role )is a survivor of Auschwitz , survivor of Holocaust . He is Italian Jew saved by Russians at the end of WWII . All he wants is so simple - just to go home . But railroads are destroyed and he has to make a detour true Minsk ( Minsk is a capital of Belorussia . Minsk is a hometown of my mother . Minsk is the city where only 4 buildings was still standing after WWII . Minsk is the city which my mother had to leave when she was 2 years old and hide under the horse cart during the air strikes ... she still can't talk about it .)At the same time he need to learn how to live usual life , how to look without scare , without pain . How to live at all .
What makes this film 10 stars out of 5 ... little details , the feeling , the scare in everyone's eyes . I know this feeling . I know this scare . I don't want to remember it , but this film brought it back . And especially now I think everyone have to learn it ... before it is too late .
This film is very slow and very deep . Acting on highest level - I even forgot that this is actors "acting". What shocked me most - the details , just little things which are so important ,
This film have to be watched by everyone and taken deep into our hearts . This kind of story might and have to change our world for better .

"russianwriter"

the long journey home.......2001-02-05

If posible, I would award ten stars to the film version of Primo Levi's "La Tregua". This is a superb movie about what happened to the prisoners of Auschwitz after their liberation by the Red Army. The role of Primo, an Italian Jew, is played brilliantly by John Turturro. Along with survivors of various nationalities, the band of liberated Italians is taken to a transition camp run by Soviet medical personnel. Here the survivors recover from their ordeal, rebuilding their strength for the long journey home. A chemist by profession, Primo joins the Soviet medical staff until the train finally arrives to transport everyone home. Unfortunately, the railroad track has been everywhere destroyed by war, necessitating a prolonged and circuituous route through Minsk. During the trip, the Holocaust survivors are dependent on the limited supplies of the Red Army and the generosity of impoverished Soviet citizens.

Amazon.com

Splicing scenes featuring his protagonist, Ivan (John Savage, The Deer Hunter), among excerpted interviews with real soldiers from John Huston's landmark World War II documentary Let There Be Light, director Andrei Konchalovsky brilliantly sets the stage for a morally ambiguous tale of a war hero's return home to a small town. Disappointingly, the opening of Maria's Lovers promises much more than it ultimately delivers. Ivan has survived the tortures of a Japanese POW camp by continually dreaming of his childhood sweetheart Maria (Nastassja Kinski). When he returns to find her with a boyfriend and a grown-up libido, Ivan can't reconcile his guardian vision with the real Maria. Even as she declares her love for him and they hastily marry, Ivan's nightmares intervene. In short, Ivan can't perform. Minor roles for Robert Mitchum and Keith Carradine (as a ridiculous wandering minstrel who seduces Maria after Ivan flees in shame) seem wasted on a melodramatic script that often sounds as if it was poorly translated into English. The nostalgic scenery of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, (rolling fog, river ferries, careening factories) is compelling, as is Kinski (who is at her most seductive and downright breathtaking), but Konchalovsky's affection for his characters and their landscape cannot surpass his stilted vision of America. --Fionn Meade

Description

Nastassja Kinski is radiant (The New York Times) in this war-torn love story that breaks the eroticism barrier [with] an astonishing directness (L.A. Weekly). Co-starring John Savage, John Goodman, Robert Mitchum and Oscar(r) winner* Keith Carradine, Maria's Loversis a unique, compelling [and] intimate drama (L.A. Weekly). When her teenage sweetheart Ivan (Savage) returns home from WWII, Maria (Kinski) eagerly accepts his marriage proposal, looking forward to a lifetime of happiness. But her joy is short-lived when Ivan's dark past shrouds their wedding night in misery, driving a wedge between them that neither knows how to remove. Confused and depressed, Maria attempts to mend her true love's heart despite the advances of other suitors. But when a traveling musician (Carradine) hits the right note, Maria struggles to justify her unfulfillinglife. Is her passion too powerful to be contained within the sanctity of marriage? *1975: Original Song ( I m Easy ), Nashville

Customer Reviews:

worth watching.......2007-08-13

I think Maria's lovers is a nice enjoyable film, A little slow paced at times, a little soap opera-ish but enjoyable. While not having a lot of characters( the streets seem almost empty) it develops personalities well. I thought it focused on internal conflicts after coming home from war/military service and re-intergrading back into a small town. It challenges you to rethink what love is, real love between a young couple and how our own demons affect this relationship. While it did attempt to show some cultural background in the characters they were a little generic. Nastassja is stunning and the scenery of this small Pennsylvania town is breath taking. Overall a very nice and underrated movie

Challenges, changes and discoveries occuring before, during and after marriage.......2007-06-22

MARIA'S LOVERS (1984), was a hit, and frequently shown in the
theatres, back in the day of its release. Comprising famous stars
from that time, Nastassja Kinski, Robert Mitchum and John Savage,
the reputations of all 3 was extremely merited, considering the
outstanding job the actors did in bringing this work to life. Anita
Morris also packs a tremendous presence, as well, to the screen,
with dancing action and intense looks, interacting very well, too,
with the others, alternating between a hysterical, artificial call
girl of sorts, with a more serious, affectionate conduct.

Clearly, not all people in an audience finds a sentimental,
romantic movie appealing, that underlines the ephemeral nature of
various stages in one's life, (death, birth, the crossing from a
youthful maturity into married adulthood, and the need to make the
right choice for the relationship to work.)

The author shows an extreme skill in crafting a story about a
relationship between a man and a woman, before and after the
marriage, the challenges, changes and discoveries occuring
thereafter among the partners. It also tells how old habits
sometimes die hard, such as the urge for spontaneous romantic
relationships between other men and/or women even after the formal
union is made. As before, this show the character oscillating one
and another partner depending on which brings the most excitement
at the time, etc.

We see Kinski plaging a girl who easily infatuates, and captures
the sentimental imaginations of men, who are on the same wave
length as her own, that she projects unknowingly or not. At the
same time, Savage is the husband, who is unable to move beyond or
even cope with, those 2 feelings, both before, during and after
their marriage.

Unable to progress to a deeper, more meaningful emotional and
mental rapport with Kinski, Savage, reaching for immediate answers
and relief (like for an Aspirin), finds the solution in simple
girls of his own socio-economic background with which he was raised
and is comfortable in all aspects.

While all this is happening, isolated between her aging mother, her
career as a maternity ward nurse and as a neglected married woman,
Kinsky turns to casual romantic encounters with a handful of men
who can read her situation instinctively, and can satisfy her
artistic and other impulses.

The cinematography is impeccable, with a sharp, clear transfer to
DVD, even after 20 years, the movie doesn't seem to have aged at
all, on screen, especially from the timeless, idyllic tiny rural US
town depicted. The automobiles, homes, clothes worn, layout of the
town all convincingly shows that these are the 1950's or early
60s.

With Savage playing a veteran of the Second World War, released
from a Japanese POW camp, the movie wisely refrains from touching
upon the military life for more than only a few brief moments, to
avoid opening up a Pandora's box of pre-judgements, experiences,
struggles, hazings, isolation, stress, or memories of overcrowded
conditions of such a canp experience, that otherwise would distract
from the story.

Keith Carradine plays a ambulant musician, bringing some accoustic
guitar numbers, and a bit of humor and outside perspective to the
story, that otherwise would have obviously been more introverted,
intensely personal, occuring between Kinsky and Savage.

Jaw dropping performance by Nastassja Kinski.......2006-08-12

She's a goddess I can't imagine another actress playing the role of Maria, and its nice to see the late Robert Mitchum in a very good film like this. Perhaps a very intimate film, a very good one to keep your relationship strong with your love one.

simply great.......2005-12-18

Perhaps a very underated movie, but the story is unpredictable, Keith Carradine is very Hilarious here, And I just love the song Maria's eyes

Kinski's best performace .......2005-12-18

Ive always admire Nastassja as an actress, but of all of her movies that I've saw, this is difinitely her best performace to date. Great movie esp. if you like European films in general, John Savage also plays the perfect role of Ivan Bibic, Maria's husband who struggles to fight his demons. The story is very realistic, it can happen to anyone.........

Average customer rating:

Film Aficionado
Full version
Great movie but massively edited for DVD
Very Beautiful film
Great Film-Poor transfer

Christ Stopped at Eboli
Starring: Gian Maria Volontè , Paolo Bonacelli , Alain Cuny , Lea Massari , and Irene Papas
Director: Francesco Rosi
Manufacturer: Facets
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000AZT1K
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Description

In CHRIST STOPPED AT EBOLI, director Francesco Rosi's stunning adaptation of Carlo Levi's novel, Gian Maria Volonte (FISTFUL OF DOLLARS; FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE) stars as Levi, one of many intellectuals exiled by the Fascist government during World War II. Banished to Gagliano, an ancient mountain village in southern Italy, Volonte discovers the stark beauty of the landscape as well as the resilience of the peasants, who have lived there for generations. The legendary Irene Papas (ERENDIRA; Z; CAPTAIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN) costars as the earthy Giulia, a housekeeper who teaches the sophisticated writer about the dignity of people who live close to the land. Francesco Rosi (THREE BROTHERS; SALVATORE GIULIANO) offers an authentic but moving story against a historical backdrop, stunningly photographed in rich detail.

Customer Reviews:

Film Aficionado.......2006-12-08

This film shows promise, but the transfer is so abysmal that it completely ruins the viewing experience. The sound is especially bad and annoying. Also, the film doesn't have the "feel" of being a complete creative entity. I have read that it was originally released in an extended version, which I would very much like to see.

Full version.......2005-11-21

A 3 hour and 24 minute version of this magnificent film used to be available on a PAL two-cassette video set from Artificial Eye in Britain. That now appears to be out of print. It was the 4-part TV series version, with beginning and end credits for each of the episodes. A 35mm print of that 3 1/2 hour version (minus repeated credits) played in a few selected theatres in the U.S., beginning in 1982 or two years after the U.S. release of a 120 minute version in 1980.

Great movie but massively edited for DVD.......2005-09-04

I first watched this powerful movie on two VHS cassettes five years ago. Since then, it's come out on DVD. Unfortunately, there were, in my view, many significant editing cuts to get the film on one disc that really take away from some of the subtle scenes that make the movie great. The DVD is still good, but loses some steam from the original version...It would be nice to see movies this special reproduced in their entirety.

Very Beautiful film.......2005-07-20

The film takes us to southern district of Italy in 1930s. Land scape is very beautiful but the hero is obliged to be there as an exile person. S beautiful landscape is in strong contrast to his innner world. Among the pious pesants a lot of old superstitions are alive. The film gives us a strong impression!

Great Film-Poor transfer.......2003-11-19

This is a beautiful and very moving film,but almost spolit by a very poor transfer...The picture and sound qualiy are very poor. I have noticed this by dvd's released by Facets Video,Cammina Cammina being one example.But please do not be put off this film for this reason,the film itself is beautiful and very moving,highly recommended.If possible try to track down the Italian release of this film.The quality is much better. The full uncut version of this film has now been released in the UK.

Hercules and the Captive Women/Hercules, Prisoner of Evil

Average customer rating:

Hercules and the Captive Women
I felt like I was the CAPTIVE!!

Hercules and the Captive Women/Hercules, Prisoner of Evil
Starring: Reg Park , Mireille Granelli , Ettore Manni , Furio Meniconi , and María Teresa Orsini
Director: Ruggero Deodato , Antonio Margheriti , and Vittorio Cottafavi
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000KGGZWQ
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Description

Here's a double dose of mighty muscles courtesy of champion bodybuilder Reg Park as Hercules. In his debut, Hercules and the Captive Women, Hercules and Androcles (Ettore Manni), the King of Tebes, journey to the island of Atlantis where the evil queen (Fay Spain) has hatched a diabolical plan for world domination. Filmed on a particularly lavish scale, this was the only Hercules film photographed in 70mm; this stunning widescreen presentation preserves its sumptuous spectacle for your home viewing enjoyment. Then Reg and Ettore return in Hercules, Prisoner of Evil, helmed by famed Euro-horror director Antonio Margheriti, who combines elements of the sword-and-sorcery and horror genres. An evil sorceress seduces Hercules and gives him a magic potion which turns him into a terrifying monster bent on death and destruction!

Customer Reviews:

Hercules and the Captive Women.......2007-03-08

What can be said about this movie. Ive seen this more than any Hercules Movie. This is one of 2 Hercules movies that I can really recommend. The other being Hercules in the Haunted World (also with Reg Park)
These were made in the 1960s where Italy was doing movies with the Gods, more or less rewriting the myths. First there was Hercules, then Maciste,Samson,Taur/Thor, the Son of Hercules Movies (some of those arent bad either)etc
Now on to this movie
Hercules & the Captive Women has Hercules taking on bad guy / monster on the Island of Proteus AND Atlantis (hes searching for his friend who was captured during a sea quest) as well as fighting people who worship Uranus (!!).. Along for the ride are his son (Hinus?) a funny midget, a damsel in distress, Fay Spain(!!!) and some the corniest effects yet...totally entertaining
Proteus is the island/man turns into a lizard, a snake, a lion(that clearly becomes a puppet when he gets tossed by Herc) and a bird on visible wires. This had the scene with a captured female who says "Kill me, kill me" This was the best scene of the movie, and also the campiest cheesiest effects...the rest is still good - a lot of fun & goofy fight scenes..and the funny stock footage ending of volcanic eruptions...
This was good enough (or bad) to be on MST3k- Mystery Science Theater 3000 and this was a wise choice. The film was cut quite a bit for the show, being that the show was 97 minutes minus the commericals and this movie is 96 minutes. The best segment was Joel and the Bots doing some good natured brawling, a smack on the opening scene where crow sees Reg Park for the first time and goes "I hope thats not Hercules!"
I like this movie on its own or via the MST3K version. I found it to be entertaining. Not a masterpiece, but some really good popcorn fun & entertaining. Glad its on DVD and in widescreen...check it out. I rate it 4 stars for its campy low budget entertainment :)..
On the DVD that Retromedia put out was Hercules Prisoner of Evil, again with Reg Park.
Other Herc films I will recommend
Hercules in the Haunted World
Medusa Against the Son of Hercules
Fire Monsters against the Son of Hercules
As much as I like Steve Reeves in Hercules and Hercles Unchained, they are a bit long & dull..better as MST3K experiments
Avoid the Hercules movies with Lou Ferrigno (sorry Lou)

I felt like I was the CAPTIVE!!.......2007-02-27

I think I know how they wrote this "gem". They got about 50 writers and had each one write one sentence. After they cycled thru all the writers, the first one started over again with his next sentence. They continued the process until the proper script length was attained. Then they just stopped. At no point did any writer have any contact with any other writer, nor did he see the work of the writers before him. It was all a grand experiment. Thats the only way they could have come up with such a disjointed, incoherent mess.
It's a shame because Reg does a good job looking like Hercules, even though he waddles around like he has a load in his tunic. Maybe his bulging thighs kept slamming into each other when he tried to run.
And the movie has a lot of interesting themes that should have translated into a fun movie. It has a shape changing wizard,intrigue, a magic rock, an evil queen,Atlantis, a master race of ultimate warriors, stock footage of volcanic eruptions and a feisty midget. And lots of loose talk about the "Power of Uranus". As a matter of fact an entire nation worshipped Uranus. But to no avail. The ingredients were there but the writing and direction were dismal and this thing collapsed like a bad souffle. They should have done a sequal with the midget..

Average customer rating:

Good road movie

Los Anos Barbaros
Starring: Jordi Mollà , Ernesto Alterio , Hedy Burress , Allison Smith , and Juan Echanove
Director: Fernando Colomo
Manufacturer: Venevision
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ASIN: B000CQLZB0
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Description

Escaping from the law they found the adventure of a lifetime! Two young guys are sentenced to prison for painting a graffiti anti their country's dictator. They decide to escape and drive around Spain in a convertible car with two American girls, posing as their tour guides. While on the run they experience romance, danger, life lessons and build unforgettable memories. This movie is a celebration of youth and the wild days that come with it! Huyendo de la ley, ellos vivieron la aventura más excitante de sus vidas! Dos jóvenes son sentenciados a prisión, luego de pintar un graffiti de contenido político. Ellos deciden escapar y viajan a través de España, haciéndose pasar por guías turísticos de dos chicas americanas. En el trayecto vivirán intensos momentos de peligro y romance, que les dejaran invalorables lecciones de vida e inolvidables recuerdos. Este film es un homenaje a la juventud y los irrepetibles momentos que ella nos hace vivir.

Customer Reviews:

Good road movie.......2007-03-15

(3.5/5 stars) Jaime (Ernesto Alterio) and Tomas (Jordi Molla) are left-wing university activists in Spain during Franco's rule. They expect an eight-month sentence for writing some nonsense about "freedom" and "liberty" on the walls of school property, yet General Marquino (Juan Echanove) talks the president into an eight-year sentence instead. With the help of fellow revolutionaries in Barcelona and Paris, the two hatch a plan to escape to freedom- and liberty-loving France. What ensues more resembles a romantic comedy than a dramatic adventure, though this is not to the film's detriment. Armed with false documents and a flashy red convertible, two young North American women meet Jaime and Tomas in order to escort them across the country. Both men have the hots for Susan (Allison Smith), an aspiring U.S. actress with a free spirit. Both ignore Canadian Kathy (Hedy Burress), at least until Jaime sees her naked. (If you ask me, both are rather fetching) The real scene stealer, however, is Jose Maria Pou as Carlitos Roa, the flamboyant "reporter to the stars." He is hilarious as he dotes on Jaime and tries to impress him with his celebrity connections. If you enjoy road movies, especially those in the Hope/Crosby vein, give this film a look. It is primarily in Spanish and French, with English subtitles, though some of it is in English as well. This is also worth watching if you are interested in seeing Allison Smith and Hedy Burress (and I do mean ALL of Allison Smith and Hedy Burress). The film has not been rated by the MPAA, though it is the equivalent of an "R" rating due to the aforementioned nudity and the occasional swear word.

Average customer rating:

"First Circle (1991) ... Joseph Stalin Rules Russia... Koch Vision"
No Happy Endings in Stalin's Hellish World

First Circle
Starring: Robert Powell , Victor Garber , Dominic Raacke , Günther Maria Halmer , and F. Murray Abraham
Director: Sheldon Larry
Manufacturer: KOCH VISION
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ASIN: B000BFJM3A
Release Date: 2005-12-06

Product Description

Adapted from Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's novel of the same name, FIRST CIRCLE is a harrowing drama that was partially based on Solzhenitsyn's own experience in a Russian prison camp after World War II. It is the story of a prison camp outside of Moscow meant for dissident scientists who, having been accused of crimes against their country, are now being forced to use their talents to serve it. A vivid portrait of Russia during this tumultuous period, FIRST CIRCLE is a shrewdly observed, acerbic, and darkly comic vision of a society gone horribly wrong.

System Requirements:

Running Time 187 Mins.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

"First Circle (1991) ... Joseph Stalin Rules Russia... Koch Vision".......2007-01-29

Koch Vision present "FIRST CIRCLE" (1991) (187 mins/Color) (Dolby Digital) --- Under Sheldon Larry (Director), Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (Author of Novel), Gabriel Yared (Film Score), Ron Orieux (Cinematographer), Serge Morache (assistant hair stylist), Stephen Benoit (assistant director), Leslie Grierson (third assistant director), Kim Karon (assistant art director), Sylvain Arseneault (boom operator), Luc Boudrias (sound re-recording mixer), Eric Rophe (sound), Raymond Vermette (dialogue editor), Mathieu Décary (first assistant camera), Jean-Yves Denis (grip), Stephen Benoit (assistant to director), Clifford De Spenser (dialogue coach) ------ the cast includes Robert Powell (Gleb Nershin), Victor Garber (Lew Rubin), Dominic Raacke (Nikolaj Schtschagow), Günther Maria Halmer (Wladimir Tschelnow), Christopher Plummer (Victor Abakumov), F. Murray Abraham (Staline), David Hemblen, David Hewlett ('Ruska' Rostislav), Heath Lamberts, Laurent Malet (Valadine Innokenti), Alexandra Stewart (Aletvina Makaraguine), Raf Vallone (Pyotr Makaraguine), Coraly Zahonero (Clara Makaraguine), Vernon Dobtcheff (Riyumin), Daniel Emilfork (Nikol), Corinne Touzet (Nadia Nerzhin), Robert Joy, Danute Kristo (Nina) ------ the story line takes place in a Soviet prison "Mavrino" December 1949, where a group of scientists work in this grim drama, one can interpret that the first circle includes not just the prison, but the whole uppercrust society of the Soviet Union, with Joseph Stalin as Satan overlooking his domain ... takes place in three days with interwoven characters that have struggling lives that will touch you in everyway ... surprise awaits the viewer as freedom is the price that is too high, even if betrayal is in the future ... one of the best adaptations of Alexander Solzhenitsyn novel under the direction of Sheldon Larry and outstanding performances by Robert Powell and supporting cast.

BIOS:
1. Robert Powell
Date of birth: 1 June 1944 - Salford, Manchester, England, UK
Date of death: Still Living

2. Victor Garber
Date of birth: 16 March 1949 - London, Ontario, Canada
Date of death: Still Living

3. F. Murray Abraham
Date of birth: 24 October 1939 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date of death: Still Living

4. Christopher Plummer
Date of birth: 13 December 1929 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date of death: Still Living

5. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (Author)
Date of birth: 11 December 1918 - Kislovodsk, Russia
Date of death: Still Living

DVD EXTRAS:
Disc #1 -- First Circle
Play Part 1
Part 1 Scene Access
Play Part 2
Part 2 Scene Access
Play Part 3
Part 3 Scene Access

SPECIAL FEATURES:
1. Cast and Credits
2. Actor Filmographies
3. F. Murray AbrahaM
4. Christopher Plummer
5. Robert Powell
6. Victor Garber
7. Solzhenitsyn and the First Circle
8. Weblink

Great job by Koch Vision for releasing "First Circle" (1991) - Alexander Solzhenitsyn, the digital transfere with a clean, clear and crisp print...looking forward to more high quality releases from the BBC mini-series film market...order your copy now from Amazon or Koch Vision where there are plenty of copies available on DVD, stay tuned once again for top notch drama mixed with an outstanding cast and director --- just the way we like 'em

Total Time: 187 mins on DVD ~ Koch Vision KOCV6632 ~ (6/06/2005)

No Happy Endings in Stalin's Hellish World.......2003-08-18

This film is based on Alexander Solzhenitsyn's famous novel of the same title. It is based on the story of a special prison designed for scientists who would carry out research supported by the state in which the conditions of incarceration were better than those in the hellish camps of the Gulag Archipelago. The father of the Soviet space program, Sergei Korolev, worked in a prison laboratory like the one depicted here.
The story depicts the different types of people who are caught in Stalin's world-prisoners, NKVD warders and "investigators", the priviledged Communist Party elite and common people outside the prisons who are just trying to survive. Among the prisoners there is the type who is an enthusiastic supporter of Stalin (he believes that his imprisonment is simply "a mistake"), the idealist who will not compromise his values even if this endangers himself, opportunists who inform on their fellow inmates in order to improve their own situation, and those who debate whether it is moral to help the tyrranical regime in order to increase their chances of release.
The problem with this film is its uneven quality, on the one hand it was filmed in Moscow and the scenes showing the prisons, the shabby side streets and the official goverment offices (which have pictures and busts of Stalin in every scene) give the film a feeling of authenticity. The directing is sometimes outstanding, particularly in scenes involving the wife of Gleb the idealist getting her annual half-hour visit with her husband and one with Innokenty being interrogated by an NKVD man. On the other hand, there are scenes involving NKVD officers and high officials in which they are portrayed as comical buffons with scenes taken straight out of "The Three Stooges". Also there is a young woman character who is the daughter of an important Communist Party member who works as an NKVD clerk in the prison/laboratory. In reality, people from families in the priviledged "nomenklatura" would not have any contact with "zeks" (prisoners). These really lowered my estimation of the film. After all, no one would make a film showing Heinrich Himmler as a comical figure. I have concluded that Solzhenitsyn was not consulted on making the film and I believe that Russians (and not the Canadians and French who did this one) should make a film of this type in order to make it more authentic. People from Western countries who did not experience the horrors of Stalin's regime really can't convey to outsiders the full meaning of it. Having said this, the film is still quite useful in conveying at least part of the horrible reality that was Stalin's USSR. Don't expect any Western-style "happy endings" when you view this film.

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Que Dios Me Perdone
Starring: Jose Baviera , Maria Felix , Sr. Tito Junco , Fernando Soler , and Ernesto Vilches
Director: Tito Davison
Manufacturer: Laguna Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007QJ1G6
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Average customer rating:

Avoid This Movie!
"Take caution if you are planning to buy this movie."

Prisoner Maria - The Movie
Starring: Noriko Aota , Tetsuo Kurata , Koji Shimizu , Minako Ogawa , and Masahiro Sudo
Director: Shuji Kataoka
Manufacturer: Tokyo Shock
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Description

Convicted of killing the drug dealer who murdered her husband, Maria is blackmailed into serving as a covert assassin. She must do the government's bidding if she is ever to regain her freedom, or her son. With each completed mission, her sentenced is further re- duced. Yet, with every job she feels further away from her goal of a peaceful life.

Customer Reviews:

Avoid This Movie!.......2002-02-09

"Prisoner Maria - The Movie" is one of the worst things I have ever seen. To begin with, while Noriko Aota is very beautiful, to make her more appealing they use much older, marginally attractive women for the "erotic" scenes.
The "erotic" scenes are graphic forced rape (mostly gang related). We're not talking sanitized merely ripping off clothing, this is full on beating with fists, gun butts and clubs and lots of it.
Add to which the amount they expect from "willing suspension of disbelief" is incredible. At one point they have Maria trapped. She is hiding behind two quarter inch bars of steel making up a scaffolding and the guy with an Uzzi can't hit her only though she's only some six feet away (and he manages to expel three clips trying to do it).
The story is ludicrous, the casting appalling, and the escapes insulting in light of common sense.
Do yourself a favor, if you're looking for a movie in this genre look to "Zero Woman". Very much the same thing only well done. I found out about "Prisoner Maria" the hard way, I bought it!

"Take caution if you are planning to buy this movie.".......2001-02-24

Not to be confused with it's manga form. It is played by live actors, and is not anime. Noriko Aota, japanese pop singer, plays Maria, the lead role for this movie. The plot is that Maria kills the mob boss, who murdered her husband. When she is sent to jail, the warden makes her become an assasin for an outside, out of law organization. It is very action packed. But do not wath this movie if you are under 18, because it contains lots of nudity. All in all, its a pretty cheezy movie, but it's only recomended if you're a fan.

Average customer rating:

The worst movie I've ever seen
Should not be compared to...
Proof there's no life after film school!
WHAT A FARCE!
Excellent pick for the April 1st Holiday.

Blood and Honor
Starring: Maria Ortiz , Miles O'Keeffe , Rena Watts , Stancy Clements , and Andy Hamrick
Director: Donald Farmer
Manufacturer: Digital Multimedia
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The worst movie I've ever seen.......2005-08-04

I got this in a Civil War movie 4 pack. It's simply the worst film I've ever seen. Poor acting, poor coordination. No exagerations.

Should not be compared to..........2005-02-18

Ok .. It is not "Gone With The Wind" or "Gods and Generals" What it is a "5 Star Amateur Effort" on a Civil War Story with no 6 or 7 figure actors. It utilizes Civil War reenactment footage and some good photography..

Proof there's no life after film school!.......2004-12-20

Words cannot best describe how I feel about this movie, but perhaps I can try. What did I feel when I watched this movie? I think it was along the lines of pain, torture, grief...at one point there was crying. I think halfway through I even had a knife to my wrists and only the hands of those nearby saved me.

Imagine taking all those famous Civil War sagas like "The Blue and the Gray" or "North and South." Now imagine combing all that into an hour and twenty minutes. Now imagine giving it a budget of $5 and casting all your film school friends as characters. What I have just described is this movie.

This movie is low-budget in every aspect of the word. The dresses look like they came from a highschool play, the same room is used like once or twice, and the military uniforms are only uniforms because the people wearing them happen to be in the military and they also happen to be wearing them. The blood in one scene looked like smeared lipstick (I'm not kidding). And the battle scene...ho ho ho! The battle scenes are the best! Imagine this:

1) Shots of a re-enactment.
2) Shot of two confederate guys shooting.
3) Shot of two union guys shooting. One falls down.
4) More shots of a re-enactment.

That's the battle scene.

And acting, well, that just tops the charts. Really bad southern accents combined with the corniest lines imaginable do not make for good cinema. "Ah thought ah lehft mah killin'...on da battahfeeld." Even Miles O'Keefe, the poor man's poor man's poor man's poor man's Chuck Norris, can't save this movie. He had more dignity running around blaring NO! in "Cave Dwellers."

Should you see this movie? If you've seen "Gettysburg," "Glory," "Gods and Generals," "North and South," or "The Red Badge of Courage"...then go out and buy those movies. Forget you ever read this review and forget you ever heard of this movie.

WHAT A FARCE!.......2004-10-07

BLOOD AND HONOR is one bad movie.
1. The same battle scenes are shown twice, with the same results. The blood looks like ketchup more than any film I've ever seen.
2. Miles O'Keefe receives star billing and is hardly in the movie at all.
3. The acting by all (except a mildly effective Andy Hamrick in the role of Craig) is atrocious. The girl who plays Caroline is so bad, she's hilarious.
4. The direction is inane and amateurish; the narration is ridiculous.
5. This plays like a bad, real bad Barbara Caitland novel.
6. The movie ends out of nowhere and we never know what happens to Miles O'Keefe's character.
7. During the out credits, they show actors in scenes that weren't even in the movie. Like who is the black couple and where did they even come from?
8. A film produced by David Heavener, one of b movie's most inauspicious actors/directors/singers.
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME UNLESS YOU REALLY LIKE BAD BAD MOVIES.

Excellent pick for the April 1st Holiday........2003-03-17

This is without a doubt the finest film ever made. The acting is sans rival. Especially effective is the director use of period costumes which he uses with a surreal flourish. Despite the gore of battle, the hoop skirts and civil war reinactment garb remain unsoiled. This is a film that will stay with you, sort of like a extra greasy meal that comes back to haunt you at 2 in the morning. APRIL FOOL.

Average customer rating:

A life of bad luck is many funny stories

Bad Luck
Starring: Bogumil Kobiela , Maria Ciesielska , Helena Dabrowska , Barbara Lass , and Krystyna Karkowska
Director: Andrzej Munk
Manufacturer: Polart
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007TKHTS
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Description

In this pointed black comedy, Jan, a middle-aged, nondescript everyman, desperately wants to remain in prison, though the state says it is time for him to go. The hapless hero launches into his life story of hard luck and misfortune, covering the years from 1930 to 1950, a time of great change in Poland's history. As Jan continues his story, it is clear that he has been so busy trying to please others that he never noticed the enormous changes happening around him. Prison, with its never-varying routine, is indeed the ideal place for Jan.

Customer Reviews:

A life of bad luck is many funny stories.......2006-03-24

"Bad Luck" (Zezowate Szczescie) is a movie about an old man who is in prison and does not want to leave. He tries to persuade the prison official he is better off in prison by telling him stories of his bad luck in life. He relates stories of his whole life, from childhood to middle age, but his stories always end in disaster for him. The stories are funny, but I did feel a little sorry for his misfortunes.

As the stories from his life cover just before, during, and after World War II, we get to see some light satire of the changes that took place in these years. I enjoyed the fact that it covered some of the issues from these times in a lighthearted manner, as so many films about it are depressing. "Bad Luck" may be in black and white, but much of the appeal and its humor are timeless.

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