The Other Sister

Amazon.com

Filming a love story centered on two mentally challenged people is a touching idea, one that's been attempted in films such as Benny and Joon and even, to a certain extent, As Good As It Gets. The Other Sister is another addition to the genre, a well- acted comedy-drama centering on the romance of Carla (Juliette Lewis) and Daniel (Giovani Ribisi) and throwing in some general family angst as a secondary story line. The acting is tremendous--Lewis and Ribisi both give convincing performances without condescending to their characters. Diane Keaton plays yet another charming scatterbrain, this time as Elizabeth Tate, the uptight, rich mother who wants a picture-perfect life. But good acting isn't enough here. These fine actors drown in a sea of mediocre writing, and we're left with a film with no real conflict or tension. Will Carla and Daniel make it work? Well, of course. Will mother Elizabeth loosen up about her "gay workaholic" daughter and let Carla live her own life? Do you really need to ask? There are a few cringe-worthy moments that have a sense of truthfulness, such as when Daniel stands up at Carla's sister's wedding to announce his feelings. But otherwise, these characters live in a pampered, fairy-tale world where the worst thing that happens to them is that the meanies at school put chewing gum in Daniel's bike helmet. Ultimately, this is a sweet, albeit occasionally saccharine, tale that will move those who are looking for cheerful fare. --Jenny Brown

Description

This funny and uplifting romantic comedy features outstanding performances from Juliette Lewis (ENOUGH), Diane Keaton (HANGING UP, THE FIRST WIVES CLUB), and Tom Skerritt (CONTACT) in a great star-packed cast! Even though Carla (Lewis) has grown into a very capable young woman, her nervous mother (Keaton) still has a major meltdown when Carla announces she's in love for the first time! So as Carla and her new boyfriend (Giovanni Ribisi, GONE IN 60 SECONDS, SAVING PRIVATE RYAN) set out to experience all of life's great adventures, they're also out to prove that Carla has earned her independence! The latest big-screen favorite from Garry Marshall, the acclaimed director of PRETTY WOMAN and RUNAWAY BRIDE -- you're sure to cheer this feel-good treat!

Customer Reviews:

Innocense.......2007-05-15

This is one of the best movies of all time.....It shows that no matter who it is, you can find love and innocense.....I love watching this movie over and over and over again. I highly recommend it....It makes you laugh, cry and cheer for love to overcome all involved.

The Other Sister.......2007-05-12

THIS PARTICULAR DVD, I HAD BEEN LOOKING FOR FOR QUITE SOMETIME. WHEN I FIRST SAW IT, I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT AND HAD TO ADD IT TO MY COLLECTION. I WAS VERY HAPPY WHILE SEARCHING YOUR PAGES TO FIND IT. THE DVD ARRIVED IN GREAT CONDITION AND THE SERVICE WAS QUICK, TOO. I WILL BE BACK FOR MORE DVD'D FROM YOU.

THANKS YOU VERY MUCH,
greatnine@msn.com

When your heart needs some "hot chocolate".... .......2007-03-16

I first saw this movie several years ago, and I was quite impressed with it. Recently, I saw it several times on cable and knew that I absolutely had to own the DVD. This is one of those movies that I never tire of watching, especially when my heart needs a little comforting and warmth.

I think Juliette Lewis is one of the most underrated actresses in Hollywood, and she did a fabulous job of portraying a mentally-challenged woman. So many movies out there seem to focus on the limitations of handicapped people, but it was obvious that her character "Carla" had more potential and opportunities than Carla's parents' wildest dreams.

Every family has its own set of issues and challenges, and it was quite inspiring to see Carla and her family struggle through different issues (e.g. Carla getting a boyfriend). In a poignant fashion, the movie takes the viewer through a transition of all the adult children leaving the nest once and for all. I liked the fact that the family's problems were not solely centered around Carla's life.

A young woman challenged yet undefeated in her lust for life and love, a family changing and growing along the unrelenting wave of time...this movie is surely a classic that never fails to touch your heart!

Wonderful Movie.......2007-01-03

The movie The Other Sister- is a captivating tale of a young women trying to break free. Diane Keaton does a wonderful job as the over protective mum- who insists on controlling the young women due to her mental issues (she is mildly challenged). I would suggests this movie for anyone who knows what it feels like to be held down or placed on a leash- only allowing you to spread your wings so far. Julliette Lewis and Giovinni Ribisi do a magnificent job as lovers in the film.

Look Out for Fundamentalist Propaganda Located Nearby.......2006-07-05

I was blown away by the wonderful acting of Juliet Lewis and Giovanni Ribisi who played the retarded young adults. This was a very compassionate film about the realities of living with a disability. Disabled people desire and deserve to have the same opportunities as everyone else. It was wonderful to see the love "Carla"'s siblings and parents had for her. There were 2 reasons I didn't give this movie 5 stars. One was that Diane Keaton's character of the overly controlling mother was annoying. Obviously she was supposed to be annoying, but I think she overacted a bit and she needed better lines, she seemed to say the same stuff over and over again. Another reason I didn't love this film was because Hollywood once again compels right wing nut jobs to write reviews that portray themselves as normal and good. Sorry, Hollywood, but there will always be those of us who still believe God's word to be true. Being a right wing nut job isn't considered normal or ok in the bible. God never created it. Look it up. You are not helping people who struggle with it to be set free from that addiction and lonely lifestyle.

I Have Found It (Kandukondain Kandukondain)

Average customer rating:

Wish I knew Indian
I Wish I Hadn't Found It
A Great Introduction to Hindi/Tamil Movies
GROOVY but $19.99
Superb!

I Have Found It (Kandukondain Kandukondain)
Starring: Mammootty , Ajith , Tabu , Aishwarya Rai , and Abbas
Director: Rajiv Menon
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0006J280U
Release Date: 2005-01-18

Customer Reviews:

Wish I knew Indian.......2007-08-16

I enjoyed the movie.

Unfortunately I didn't realize that it was in the Indian language and that it was subtitled. I had to keep pausing the movie and going in reverse to read the subtitles (my eye sight is not that great on a small screens).

Other than that, I liked the movie. The people and the emotions on the scren were vibrant and colorful.

I Wish I Hadn't Found It.......2007-08-16

This film is a lumbering disappointment. While some of the Tamil dance numbers were intriguing,they were soon followed by two of the goofiest vocal numbers: one involved a wealthy young financier floating down the river on a raft,for no particular reason, while serenading a rainstorm; this same character - he does get around - is later seen, clad in a cape, at some fantasy castle with his love "Ash". She, you, and I would have been better served if he had earlier drowned in the river. The entire film could have used some careful editing, starting with the opening military sequence, which really served no purpose. I'd recommend, instead the 1995 Sense and Sensiblity, or, if you want two good Indian films, watch Lagaan or Fanaa.

A Great Introduction to Hindi/Tamil Movies.......2007-07-25

I love, love, love this movie. It was my first Tamil film, and is by far still my favorite. The music is awesome by A. R. Rahman, I'm wanting to buy the soundtrack, but can't seem to find it *hint to Amazon*. Even my kids love this movie, age 7 and 5. I lent this movie to a friend two weeks ago, who has yet to return it. It's just a fun wholesome movie for the family. The actors are brilliant, the costumes are brilliant, I can't say a bad thing about this movie. I've seen two different subtitle versions of this movie, and by far Kino has the best subtitles, the other one I saw was really furstrating. So, be careful about which subtitles you get, it really does make a difference.

GROOVY but $19.99.......2007-06-13

I haven't been able to watch exuberant Bollywood movies because the visuals have just been too overwhelming for me. I purchased this movie despite the high price because I was curious about what a Kolkatta movie is like. I am so happy I got to watch this movie. I recommend it. I hated spending $19.99 but this movie was easy to watch and Kollywood IS different from Bollywood. I'm glad I got a chance to see the contrast in style. This is definitely a talented production apart from being adapted from a strong story by Jane Austen unlike Bride and Prejudice which I find unwatchable.

Superb!.......2007-06-07

Indeed, Bollywood is not for everyone; the sudden silly dances, the childish scenes, drama, action, romance all together, but this Tamil movie is just outstanding! I have my own Bollywood collection, and this is definetely one of the best. I watched it after a huge disappointment with Mistress of Spices, which I thought would be interesting. This is how I like to see Aishwarya, good acting, great story and yes lovely lovely music. A MUST for any Indian-wanna-be like yours truly.

Average customer rating:

The Vertical Ray of the Sun
Beautiful: Lucid Sensual Dream
Human relations and amazing photography
A study in the CALMNESS in Buddhist cultures
"It's Tranquility I Look For In A Photograph" ~ It's All About The Visuals

The Vertical Ray of the Sun
Starring: Tran Nu Yên-Khê , Nhu Quynh Nguyen , Le Khanh , Quang Hai Ngo , and Chu Hung
Director: Anh Hung Tran
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B00005RDRJ
Release Date: 2001-12-18

Amazon.com

The lush, super-chic ambience of Tran Anh Hung's third feature, The Vertical Ray of the Sun, presents a beckoning, irresistible vision of Vietnam. The film opens with a sexy brother and sister waking up to the sound of Lou Reed's laconic voice on the stereo. They stretch, practice tai chi, meander toward a late breakfast, and playfully flirt with each other. This morning ritual--slightly disturbing but mostly alluring--recurs as a quietly resistant motif to the disappointment that awaits each character introduced. Shot on location in an impossibly hued Hanoi (lime green and chartreuse abound), the film trails after three beautiful sisters during the month that separates the anniversaries of the deaths of their mother and father. Attempting to protect the ideal memory of their parents' recently assailed love, the sisters recount kindnesses and joke with each other just as the serene charm of the café they run is to be overturned by an unexpected pregnancy and marital infidelities. Tran's lustrous style of collage is unique, pulling the viewer's attention away from imminent conflict and revelation to completely tactile and isolated moments. As with the titular subject of Velvet Underground's "Pale Blue Eyes," the sensual tension lingers on. --Fionn Meade

Customer Reviews:

The Vertical Ray of the Sun.......2007-03-26

This is one of the most cinematographically beautiful films I've seen. The shots along Halong Bay and within Hanoi are stunning and the lyrical beauty of the opening scenes, with the Velvet Underground's Pale Blue Eyes as the accompanying music, is second to none. The plot moves well and sustains the viewer's interest as it tracks the lives of three sisiters and their brother in contemporary Hanoi. Sensational.

Beautiful: Lucid Sensual Dream.......2007-01-03

This is one of my favoritest movies. The cinematography in this film is visually eloquent, to say the least. The story unfolds hypnotically; its charisma expressed through rhythmic allegory. Simply BeatyFull. Plus, a soundtrack that features Lou Reed and eccentric passionate love scenes.
It is not for those looking for a straightforward climax of sensory overload as we are accustomed to in Holywood theaters. However, it is a nice glimpse at another culture...It makes me wanna go to vietnam and wake up. Maybe go for a bike-ride in the rain. ;P

Human relations and amazing photography .......2006-08-06

A wonderful film by master director Tran Anh Hung who gave us a series of equally well directed productions.
This film is all about human relations blend with wonderful music and exceptional photography.
The actors took up their roles in a balanced way with each one able to show his/her best while at the same time to complement each other in a harmony of acting.
The music is spectacular combining well-chosen western music and Vietnamese.
It is of a particular importance to notice the sound of this film. Background sounds and effects strengthened by spending photography make the viewer to feel the heat of the tropics, the rain and humidity and the coolness of the garden.
But the most important aspect is the human relation, all presented for what they are in real life. While able to strengthen the virtues of fidelity does not condemn infidelity, while praising family ties and values does not shy away from questioning believes.
The photography is superb with the director of photography able to capture the sun, the bright areas and combine them perfectly with shades.
The contrast of the clean spotless dresses in bright colours with the run down walls of a city in the tropics is something one can notice and appreciate.
The collection of small details of the daily life that could have gone unnoticed become through the photography part of the beauty of this film.
The music is acting also as a tool of symbolism and one must pay attention to the beautiful group singing.

A study in the CALMNESS in Buddhist cultures.......2006-01-15

AS a visual artist who spends alot of time in Asian countries, I find this movie very moving...first, the visuals, the orderly square and rectangular compositions, the colours, and the editing, all adding up to catching SO WELL the clamness inherent in Buddhist cultures, (of which there are not as many as most believe).
Amazon accurately delineates what the film is all about. There are surprises,,,hearing Lou Reed, discovering a house in the water of an area considered one ot the most beautiful natural places in the world, not a prostitute to be found, (unlike in the director's earlier movie "Cyclo"), or farmers in straw hats. The movie Just briefly followis the lives of 3 male contemporay artistic professionals: an actor, a photographer and a writer, through the interactions of three sisters, who are among the five women very much involved in the men's lives.
NOW the important stuff: I viewed this DVD on high end equipment.
Although anamorphic, with this DVD, inorder to read the second line of subtitles when a second line appears, you have to view the movie with the "normal" aspect set on a widescreen t.v., resulting in a much smaller image. Is this bad? No, it is GOOD. This is a very beautiful filmed movie. Here the subtitles are NOT overlayed on top of the image, which is GREAT. So just sit closer. I pity any viewer seeing a pan and scan version of this movie on cable t.v. and thinking they actually viewed this movie. Highly recommend for a terrific character study of three sisters, and the men in their lives, and a perfect tone poem of the calmness that pervails all the characters' lives.

"It's Tranquility I Look For In A Photograph" ~ It's All About The Visuals.......2005-11-21

Note: Vietnamese with English subtitles.

Director Anh Hung Tran's has followed up his academy award nominated masterpiece, 'The Scent Of Green Papaya' and 'Cyclo' with yet another cinematically lush and textured film which relies more on its visual appeal than substance of storyline. Also returning for her third appearance in an Anh Hung Tran film is the exotic and lovely Tran Nu Yen-Khe in the role of Lien, the youngest of three sisters and a brother.

Another gently flowing, beautifully filmed tapestry of color and form weaved seamlessly together in a surreal, sensual tale of Vietnamese siblings, their spouses and families. All seems happy and carefree in the beginning as you view them together planning a ceremonial dinner honoring the birthday of their deceased Mother. They harmoniously interact during both the preparation and celebration of the meal, giving every indication that all is well. However some are secretly harboring personal secrets concerning where they go and what they do when alone. Secrets that exposed would bring turmoil and disruption into their peaceful existence.

Like Anh Hung Tran's previous endeavors you go into the film knowing that it's going to be first and foremost about the visuals. Accepting that premise you will find 'The Vertical Ray of the Sun' a rewarding experience. If however you are more concerned with storyline you should look elsewhere.

Average customer rating:

Gave me nightmares
Watch this movie before the Hollywood adaptation is filmed
A Tale of Two Sisters
One of the best horror films in modern cinema
Horror Movie With a Broken Heart

A Tale of Two Sisters (Deluxe Edition)
Starring: Kap-su Kim , Jung-ah Yum , Su-jeong Lim , Geun-yeong Mun , and Seung-bi Lee
Director: Ji-woon Kim
Manufacturer: Tartan Video
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ASIN: B0007M2374
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Amazon.com

Two young sisters recovering from an unnamed trauma must face a mysterious past in this excellent South Korean shocker. A worldwide hit upon its release and based on an old Korean fairy tale; two sisters (wonderfully played by Su-jeong Lim and Geun-yeong Mun) come to live with their cold and distant father and turn-on-a-dime stepmother in a house where nothing is as it seems. A wonderfully haunting score, starkly beautiful imagery, and a labyrinthine plot that twists and turns at every dark corner all set the stage for a riveting and often terrifying guessing game of a movie. Equal parts drama, mystery, and ghost story, A Tale of Two Sisters is a richly complex and challenging cinematic treat that may very well demand repeat viewings. --Matt Wold

Description

Something strange is happening when Su-mi and her younger sister, Su-yeon, come home to their fathers large but dark and somewhat foreboding house after a stay in the hospital. Their dad is taciturn and burdened, and their stepmother, Eun-joo, greets them with forced enthusiasm and more than a little sense of irritation. But thats nothing compared to what happens when bedtime rolls around. Stylish and shocking, this visually arresting tale of family secrets and uncertain realities is based on a traditional Korean folktale. Guaranteed to have you gasping for breath with each successive scare. 2 disc set features over 2 hours of bonus footage.

Customer Reviews:

Gave me nightmares.......2007-09-04

As with many Asian 'horrors', they're always quite slow to start off with. A Tale Of Two Sisters is one of those films which doesn't really fit into any film genre.

The first hour is trying to fit bits of jigsaw into the wrong sections, while you try to work out exactly what is going on. Without revealing too much about the plot, it's about two sisters coming home from the mental hospital, to their silent father, and their overly desperate to please (or is she?) stepmother. The sisters stick together, and try to seemingly force their stepmother out, but she's there to stay.

The last half hour or so of the film is where everything tries to click into place, and will leave you working it out for a good while afterwards. Originally, I did feel let down by the ending, but after sitting, and working it out, I realised it wasn't so bad.

As with most of these style films, don't sit there and try to figure out what's going to happen before it does. It won't work. (Unless you're THAT clever.) It's a brilliantly made movie, which will shock you and leave your head buzzing for ages afterward. And, if you're anything like me, don't expect to sleep.

Watch this movie before the Hollywood adaptation is filmed.......2007-07-30

Miramax Films has sealed the rights for a Hollywood version of this movie. So better watch it before the Hollywood version is released.

The movie is a psychological thiller, a genre that has become a trademark for Korean horror movies.

This movie is not about ghosts and dead people, it's all about the mind, but somehow more alligned in the tradition of the Sixth Sense.

If you are the kind of person who loves unexpected endings, then this movie is for you.

A Tale of Two Sisters.......2007-07-18

South Korean writer/director Kim Jee-Woon's psychological horror tale is a chilling, unnerving puzzler. As layer after layer of the dense, twisty story gets uncovered, we gather another small increment of insight into what's behind all the mental mayhem. Visually arresting and extremely well played by the four principals, "Two Sisters" will raise those hairs on the back of your neck, but still, you won't want to take your eyes off the screen. In a word, creepy.

One of the best horror films in modern cinema.......2007-07-05

I'll keep spoilers down to a minimum. This is definitely one of those films like "The Crying Game" and "The Sixth Sense" where you can ruin it by giving too much away.

Today, horror cinema is dominated commercially by the U.S. and Japan. American horror films tend to be gore films with few scares and lots of violence. Japanese horror films are more psychological with more scares and less violence but little plot. Korean horror films usually follow the formula of Japanese horror but don't usually match the quality. This film is an outstanding exception. Like most other Korean horror films, this is a psychological horror although it's partially a thriller. However, unlike most of its peers, it has a very strong plot. Although the stories are quite a bit different, I would compare this movie to "The Sixth Sense". Both films are intelligent, scary, and emotionally powerful. That last element is rare in the horror genre and it's nice to see for a change. Horror and thriller films are simply more effective when you can connect with the characters and their pain. Usually, they are just meat.

This film is one part a ghost story, one part a film about domestic abuse, and one part a film about mental illness. It follows two teenage girls who return home from a mental hospital. Their stepmother is outwardly friendly but is slowly revealed to be an abusive monster. The father is a good man with good intentions but he's complacent and does a poor job at listening to his daughters' cries for help. Oh, and their house is apparently haunted.

The movie does a good job at amping up each of the important elements at an appropriate pace and tying them together through the plotline. The ghost story is introduced early, but the topics of domestic abuse and mental illness are gradually built up until the movie turns into an absolute emotional whirlwind. The film also does an excellent job at portraying the daughters sympathetically and in a way that we can truly connect with the characters. The movie is also genuinely scary.

Some people complain that this movie is "confusing". It's definitely a thinking man's horror/thriller. Sometimes it's a little hard to follow, but I'd say it's easier to follow than other artsy films like Mulholland Dr. (which I LOVE). The last few scenes reveal a lot and clear up quite a bit of the confusion. However, it's definitely one of those films that you have to watch repeatedly to understand everything.

If you don't mind a heady and somewhat artsy take on the horror and thriller genres, then I'd recommend picking this one up immediately.

Horror Movie With a Broken Heart.......2007-06-26

This is probably my favorite movie of all time. I recommend it highly to anyone who is interested in thrilling movies. I have to warn you. This movie is VERY disturbing. But, at the center, it is a horror movie with a broken heart.

I don't want to spoil the movie but if ever a movie needed spoilers, it's this one. So many people find the movie difficult to understand. I suggest that it could be a story about a young girls lapse into schizophrenia. In this regard, it would help the viewer immensely to understand that the actual, REAL step-mother NEVER makes an appearance in the movie until the last twenty minutes of the film. It bothers me that so many reviewers talk about the step-mother as being a monster when the step-mother is absent through the majority of the film.

There are so many stand-out scenes in this movie that are chilling or frightening or heart-breaking. I have watched this movie over and over again and I still get terrified at the one scene where Su-Mi is in bed and the ghost eerily approaches her with strange buzzing noise in the background.

One of the most poignant, heart-wrenching scenes in this movie is when the father confronts Su-mi. The acting in this scene is absolutely amazing.

The remembrance scene that recalls the tragedy the movie centers around is nothing short of heartbreaking. The step-mother wants to intercede but Su-mi comes out of her room and spews such venom at her that the step-mother is enraged and does nothing. And Su-mi walks away, ignorant of the tragedy enfolding in another room inside the house.

Su-mi lives with the agonizing pain that comes with realizing: "if only I hadn't done this or said that." She knows it's too late and life has forever changed for her. Her actions, or lack thereof, can never be undone. The heartbreak is too much for Su-mi to bear. She creates a false universe where she rewrites the script and brings the dead back to life -- to be tormented by her alter-ego villian.

Yes there is a ghost in the movie. No, neither Su-mi nor the ghost kills the step-mother as has been suggested in other reviews.

This is a movie about having to accept that the greatest horror, tragedy and enduring heartache can result from one human mistake.

Average customer rating:

ill-conceived and overhyped
Looking Behind the Veil
An Alright Drama
Orientalism on demand
Life on the margins . . .

Kandahar
Starring: Nelofer Pazira , Hassan Tantai , Sadou Teymouri , Hoyatala Hakimi , and Noam Morgensztern
Director: Mohsen Makhmalbaf
Manufacturer: New Yorker Video
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ASIN: B000089RTN
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Amazon.com

The prolific Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf (Gabbeh) had one of his most visible international successes with this haunting, open-ended drama. Set (and shot) during the Taliban era, it follows an Afghani-Canadian woman as she attempts to enter Afghanistan in search of a despondent sister. Since it is illegal for a woman to travel alone, she must rely on the kindness--or curiosity--of strangers, including a scrappy boy and a mysterious American doctor. The woman playing the lead role had earlier contacted Makhmalbaf about a similar real-life search, which prompted him to write the screenplay. The director doesn't really tell her story so much as he unveils a way of life: in the desert, we meet land-mine victims, Red Cross volunteers caught in a Catch-22 world, and women smothered in head-to-foot burkas. The portrait is one of oppression, but also of people furiously trying to get by. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

ill-conceived and overhyped.......2007-07-05

Kandahar is a film that I've been wanting to see for years. It became a "de rigueur" staple of the art-house cinema circuit following 9/11. I remember the long lines at the Museum of Fine Arts here in Houston, when the film was screened.

Obviously, this film has its fans, as evidenced by the glowing reviews on Amazon. I personally found it to be a sham. For starters, it is filmed documentary-style, but the plot is heavily scripted. I'm not saying this concept is flawed; it works in The Story of the Weeping Camel. But, in a film that deals with such serious topics as famine and land mines, it feels wholly out of place. Also, the English-language dialogue suffers from flat delivery. The protagonist seems phony; every potentially poignant moment is ruined by her deadpan method of speaking.

Visually, the film is stunning at times, especially when you see the wedding party march in the desert. The sea of burqas in contrasting colors (such as emerald, black, ochre yellow, peach, white, purple, etc.) is absolutely stunning. But the quality of the cinematography is not enough to rescue the flawed direction.

I imagine that the throngs of curious people who clamored to see the film left the cinema somewhat disappointed. I know I did, watching it on DVD.

Looking Behind the Veil.......2007-05-23

KANDAHAR, or THE SUN BEHIND THE MOON, is an interesting and provocative film. Though I felt that in some ways the movie was manipulative since it was narrated in English and not actually filmed in Afghanistan, I did learn much from it. However, it felt as though it was an "outsider's" view into the world of Afghan people told from the vantage point of someone who had escaped the Taliban's stronghold and resides in Canada now. Also, the director is from Iran. So, this, too, somehow takes away from the film's "true" perspective. To the film's credit, however, it delivers powerful images and a look at how sad and utterly devastated the landscape of a once-proud nation has become. It makes the more fortunate among us perhaps stop for a moment to treasure the small freedoms we take entirely for granted and realize that the people of Afghanistan deserve a chance for freedom too. It also leaves one with haunting questions: Will the Afghan people ever write love stories, romances, poems, songs after it seems that their world was entirely capsized and their hearts broken by the Taliban? Will women ever be able to live in anything but total fear there? What is going to happen to that country when the war is over and all the world's focus shifts away from them? For all its failures, the film does deliver us a postcard from a land most of us will never otherwise know and makes us feel the desire to understand and empathize with its people. Post-9/11, that is important and essential to the world's healing.

An Alright Drama.......2007-04-10

It was interesting and beautiful. The acting looked like acting...this is not the documentary it looks like. If some of the performances had not occasionally distracted me into rembering I was watching a movie, I'd have given it 5 stars.

Orientalism on demand.......2006-07-04

the movie directors in the ME, particularly Iranians, are responding to demands by the West for certain type of movies. They produce what is demanded from them; in turn, they receive awards. cultural industry empowers these demands; they are the ones who will ensure that such movies will be received the Western audiences and they are the ones who decide who is awarded. There is no single ME movie which depict the story of Western imperialism in the ME and then awarded for doing so. ME movies must show that ME women are in need of emancipation; ME cultures are presented as in need of getting civilized. civilization itself is presented in vertical sense; there is a civilization somewhere out there all MEasterners are expected to reach; yet, it was that same civilization that threw doll bombs on them. (no reference to who threw them doll bombs or who mined their country; who deprived them of education and knowledge. the West is represented by beautiful, blonde nurses, a nice American guy who just pretend to be a doctor and help them with his "everyday Western knowledge of medicine" in the midst of total ignorance, and the helicopters that threw on them fake legs. such a nice way to civilize!)
the story of Afghanistan is real. however, the movie does not render a fair job in reflecting the background of it. rather, it does an excellent job in meeting the cultural demand; in producing a product that can sell well.
the situation is miserable; but what caused such misery in Afghanistan? your answer after seeing the movie will be that it is Islam; it is that Islamic culture; that backward culture of those people with wonderful eyes. such a conclusion is strongly demanded in the absence of other factors. there is no single implying in the movie, a smallest reference, that Afghanistan has suffered centuries old imperialism at the hands of the British and then the Russian and now Americans who played their Great Game on the chessboard of Eurasia. There is a passage in the movie to the effect that somebody will come to liberate them. those imperialists came in the name of civilization; French did to Algeria, the British did to India; all in the name of bringing them civilization. It was White Man's Burden to do so. Yet Makhmalbaf needs more awards. he has to compete in the cultural circus and perform well for the pleasure of Western audiences, in order to continue to be in demand. you did a nice job, applauses; go on.
(anyone who is interested in cultural imperialism should read Foucault's works and Edward Said's Orientalism.)

Life on the margins . . ........2006-04-21

A woman sets out to rescue her sister in the Afghan city of Kandahar and along the way meets the displaced persons of war, the refugees, the starving, and the walking wounded. The film focuses in particular on the women and children forced to survive under hostile conditions. Their marginal existence in the desert sands on the border of Iran and Afghanistan reflects their status within the Taliban-ruled country from which they live in exile. Even more dramatically, the film explores the plight of those who have lost limbs from land mines.

Particularly informative is the commentary by actress Nelofer Pazira that is included on the DVD. Her comments reveal in eloquent detail not only the making of the movie (shot where it takes place) but the rationale behind the creative choices made, often on the fly, as the film crew worked under difficult and dangerous conditions. While western news coverage continues to focus on the military and political aspects of warfare in the Middle East, "Kandahar" does much to reveal the devastating impact on noncombatants. Definitely worth seeing.

Average customer rating:

Gave me nightmares
Watch this movie before the Hollywood adaptation is filmed
A Tale of Two Sisters
One of the best horror films in modern cinema
Horror Movie With a Broken Heart

A Tale of Two Sisters
Starring: Kap-su Kim , Jung-ah Yum , Su-jeong Lim , Geun-yeong Mun , and Seung-bi Lee
Director: Ji-woon Kim
Manufacturer: Tartan Video
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ASIN: B0007M237Y
Release Date: 2005-03-29

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Customer Reviews:

Gave me nightmares.......2007-09-04

Watch this movie before the Hollywood adaptation is filmed.......2007-07-30

A Tale of Two Sisters.......2007-07-18

One of the best horror films in modern cinema.......2007-07-05

Horror Movie With a Broken Heart.......2007-06-26

Average customer rating:

Slow moving, but lovely looking movie
The Soong Sisters
A History Lesson Nicely Packaged - Is it Simulacra?
A Dose of History Sumptuously Served - with reservations
You have been warned. Buy at your own risk.

The Soong Sisters
Starring: Maggie Cheung , Michelle Yeoh , Vivian Wu , Winston Chao , and Hsing-kuo Wu
Director: Mabel Cheung
Manufacturer: Tai Seng
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ASIN: B00019GHF2
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Description

The fascinating life of the Soong Family (ChinaÆs equivent of the Kennedys) is chronicled in this lavish epic melodrama, with an all-star cast headed by Michelle Yeoh, Vivian Wu and Maggie Cheung. To see that China remains a dominant world force after the founding of the Republic by Dr. Sun Yai-sen, the patriotic Charlie Soong sends his three daughters to America for their education. The sistersÆ return to China marks the beginning of their tumultuous lives, as the country endures the Japanese invasion and the subsequent clash between the communists and the nationalists.

Customer Reviews:

Slow moving, but lovely looking movie.......2007-03-19

Don't watch this movie for a history lesson. It is, however, a beautifully photographed, lyrical story of three of 20th century China's most fascinating women. Approach it on those terms and it's a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.

The Soong Sisters.......2007-01-30

The audio and visual qualities are outstanding. The DVD casing is pristine. The production values of the film itself are superb. As to quality of content, that is for you to decide. I happen to love Maggie Cheung, but that is my problem. Michelle Yeoh and Vivian Wu turn in fine performances. You can trust my objectivity about those two more so than in the case of Maggie.

A History Lesson Nicely Packaged - Is it Simulacra?.......2005-11-16

Provocative and moving are few of the words that come to mind after having viewed this movie. As a short synopsis, The Soong sisters are a troika of daughters of Charlie Soong. Soong created and nurtured a political dynasty in China. The Dynasty, at least as far as the movie is concerned is nothing short of having reached the highest levels of power. As mentioned previously, this movie follows the lives of the three Soong sisters. Educated in America they returned to China to sit and live alongside arguably three of the most influential personalities of transitional China. First, Ai-ling marries a powerful businessman. Second, Ching-ling marries Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary founder of modern China. Third, May-ling marries the Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, China's leader during World War II and modern Taiwan's founder. Undoubtedly, all three women exert a profound influence on China. In this gripping historical "docudrama" we move away from the vogue practice of looking at "little people" and focus, big-time, on the big people - and it does not get any bigger than these folks.

I have to admit to having approached this film with some doubts. I hate to admit this too but what really drew me to the movie (and Yes, I did change my mind about it after having watched it - it is deep) was the eye-candy: Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, and Vivian Wu are not difficult to stare at - even for 2 and half hours. However, as I got into the story - not to mention Maggie Cheung's stunning performance as Madam Sun - I was instantly converted.

As a novice in Asian Studies - I will need to dig deeper as I am not familiar with the factual accounts and influence of the Soong Sisters. I can neither verify nor argue the veracity of the movie - but I would certainly urge all those interested in the topic to watch it. Inevitably, the movie will be compared to Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor" where there is an attempt to bring to life the narrative of Qing Emperor Pu Yi. The link is Vivian Wu. As far as the movie is concerned - Sun is the great conciliator while Chang Kai Shek is the great destroyer. Maggie Cheung is amazing as Ching-Ling wife of Sun Yat Sen. She had the hot hand and run with it. The perfunctory close-ups of Cheung show she is only getting better with age. She is still the Cheung of such classics as "Days of Being Wild" and "As Tears Go By." Vivian Wu - well the jury is still out on that one. I will need to see some actual shots of Madame Chiang to see how well she did. Nonetheless, it was not difficult to stay riveted to the screen with her and Michelle Yeoh around.

The one main criticism is that the story had a weak ending. Moving to the standard documentary rehash - well, in my humble opinion, it could have closed better. It deserved a better ending. As a tool for pedagogy, "The Soon Sisters" ranks along side such classics as "The Last Emperor" and "To Live." Bravo!

Miguel Llora

A Dose of History Sumptuously Served - with reservations.......2004-06-30

THE SOONG SISTERS is a visually stunning recounting of the turns of events that changed China from a land of Dynasties to a nation of multiple personalities: the Nationalist Party, the Revolutionists, and the Communist Party. As such it fills in many bits of political and social history that by and large have gone unnoticed by the West. Charlie Soong (having been educated in America) has three special daughters whom he loves so much that he sends them to America for schooling at Wellesley to prepare for what he envisions as a New China. The daughters return to China as young women, marry men who are destined to become important political leaders, and the changes the resulting schism of a Chinese family parallels the cultural transformation of one of the oldest civilizations on the planet. Director Mabel Cheung has a keen eye for vistas of Oriental splendor, capturing the young girls at play in gardens, marrying in elegantly beautiful ceremonies, joining the 'imported' western culture with the elegance of the Chinese culture in the arts, a fine sense of the seasons (though when it rains in China apparently one cannot hear a normal conversation!), and even the requisite battle scenes that of course must accompany this period of transition (internal battles as well as fighting the invading Japanese army). For the most part she draws vivid performances from Jiang Wan (a true mixture of East and West) as Charlie Soong, Michelle Yeoh, Vivian Wu and Maggie Cheung as the three Soong sisters, and Winston Chao as Sun Yat-Sen and Kuo Chiu Wa as Chiang Kai-Shek, two of their husbands. The drawbacks in this very long movie are the editing (scenes literally bounce off each other in a most distracting non-fusion), sound track (treacly Western sentimentalist gush coupled with the elegance of old Chinese music on ancient instruments), and the lack of passion in the relationships of the people. Perhaps this is her style: perhaps it is a way of avoiding commitment to any one of the political parties addressed. Given these reservations, if you are in the mood for eye candy and the wonder of history, try this film in the comfort of your home.

You have been warned. Buy at your own risk........2003-11-18

The story might have been good had we watched the whole thing. A previous reviewer was correct in saying that the quality of this video was poor. The subtitles are indeed very small and difficult to read.

This DVD comes off looking like a bootleg, and gives every indication of having been produced on a home PC (such as pixelated images that jump and stutter). The audio is often very garbled as well.

After a while, we couldn't take it anymore, and turned it off.

The copy we received had none of the extras you would expect with a DVD ... no actors' filmographies, no director's commentary, not even a scene selection option. In fact, there was no menu of any kind ... it just went straight into the movie ... another indication of it being a bootleg.

Description

STREET ANGEL - Loosely based on Frank Borzage's silent classic Seventh Heaven, a great hit when shown in Shanghai, Street Angels shows how its characters, even in a teeming metropolis as Shanghai, are abandoned by society. TWIN SISTERS - Leftist melodrama at its finest. Dabao and Erbao are twin sisters born to village ne'er do well Mr. Zhao, who go on very divergent paths, only to again meet years later.

Average customer rating:

One of the best horror films in modern cinema
Good albeit confusing

A Tale of Two Sisters
Starring: Mun Geun-yeong , Yeom Jeong-ah , Im Su-jung , and Kim Gab-su
Director: Kim Jee-Woon
Manufacturer: Tartan Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000FZEQFA
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Customer Reviews:

One of the best horror films in modern cinema.......2007-06-25

Good albeit confusing.......2006-08-31

This movie has a good story line: two sisters feel threatened by a stepmother that barely tolerates them.Both sisters were recently released from a hospital, presumably from the trauma of losing their mother-which we are left to guess how it happened-for now. The older sister always tries to protect her little sister from their new stepmother but doesn't always succeed. Strange things happen to the oldest sister but her father seems to be in his own world, not noticing what the dynamics are of the relationship between his daughters and new wife. The story takes several twists before the end and leaves you a bit confused about what actually took place, especially as it bounces back and forth between past and present. In the end, I think I get what the story was trying to tell us but I also think the writers could have left out a twist or two, making it easier to understand.

Average customer rating:

A Tale of Two Sisters
Starring: Mun Geun-yeong , Yeom Jeong-ah , Im Su-jung , and Kim Gab-su
Director: Kim Jee-Woon
Manufacturer: Tartan Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Audition (Uncut Special Edition)

ASIN: B000FVQYY0
Release Date: 2005-03-29

DVD:

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