The Story of the Weeping Camel

Amazon.com

This breathtaking blend of documentary and fiction filmmaking provides an unobtrusive glimpse into the relationships, rituals, and livelihood of a four-generation family of nomadic shepherds in the Gobi desert of South Mongolia. It is birthing season for the family's herd of camels and after several healthy foals are born, the last birth is difficult. With quiet perseverance, the family helps to deliver a rare white colt, which the mother camel quickly rejects and refuses to nurse. With growing concern for the colt's survival, the family decides to employ a nomadic singing ritual to coax the mother into nurturing her young. They send the two eldest sons on a journey to the nearest village to fetch a musician for the "hoos ritual." The story unfolds gently, sensitive to the rhythms of desert life while honoring its real-life actors. This modest yet magnificent film is the graduation project of film students Byambasuren Davaa and Luigi Falorni, extending beyond the tale of a camel and colt to explore the fragility and beauty of an ancient way of life. Rated PG for some mild thematic content. (Ages 8 and older) --Lynn Gibson

Customer Reviews:

i liked it.......2007-07-17

An unremarkable yet in its own way powerful and touching film.

for me, the best moment was the very beginning, with the old guy retying a rope over the bundle of foraged wood, while his camel looked on, making faces. There was something poignant, deep and timeless in the old man's face, in the way he began telling the story. The camel of the Gobi desert is the astounding two-humped Bactrian camel, looking like a Tattouin creature from Star Wars with beautiful long golden-brown hair and intelligent moaning noises. I never tired looking at these guys. the family was filmed (in my view) with too much restraint, the filmmakers made it look like a portrait rather than a living breathing family.

As for the film, it was obviously made by beginners who relied a bit too much on the visual imagery alone to tell the story. While this can be (and is) effective, at times there seemed to be a need for more editorial control or insight. For example, the roughness of the Gobi does not come across very well, we see very little of the desert apart from the space surrounding the yurt, and we get only a tiny glimpse of the elements (ie, sand storms).

The Bon ritual depicted in the film was nice, if filmed a bit superficially and out of context; yet more powerful was the grandmother propitiation of the spirits of the 4 directions with offering of milk; great similarities with Siberian & Tuvan traditions here.

All in all, an amateurish but enjoyable film.

Interesting documentary from Mongolia.......2007-06-06

The title of this documentary from Mongolia is not a metaphor - there is an actual weeping camel in the movie. Directed by a Mongolian woman and an Italian man who met as students at a German film school and set in the Mongolian steppe, the plot is slight and the directing style is somewhat artless, yet the story is charming and interesting. After a difficult delivery, a mother camel refuses to nurse her young. The camel owners (nomadic Mongolian shepherds, living in a ger in the steppe) send their two children to the city in order to get a violinist to convince the camel, through music, to feed her baby. And the movie allows us to see a particular civilization that is increasingly encroached by the modern world (one of the movie's most poignant scenes had the children demanding their father for a television).

jesus wept.......2007-05-17

This film was so banal i felt like a moron watching it.Still it always makes us chuckle now to remark 'well at least it's not as bad as the weeping camal" when we talk about films.It was so S-l-O-W. Who want's to see them pottering round their oh -so- tidy yurts? Poor buggers having nothing on their minds but camels.So the big drama is baby(cutsy)camel gonna die cause it can't drink?-so what!Fact is nature can be cruel.And so on and on it drones.Finally the kids get a chance to escape into town across miles of desert cos the baby's white hair is rare:at last some novelty in their lives maybe money.And boy are the kids glad to find t.v.in town!Now having put up with all this so far the documented miracle of mummy camel being affected by human music just doesn't make up for anything.It should. But by then i'm too much in the who cares mode and all i can think is my god is that the only high-light of their lives? Pathetic.

Music rules the heart of human and beast.......2007-05-16

I found this movie to be fascinating and moving, both in great measure. Fascinating in that it's a window into another culture so very different from ours, a way of life a world away. But the language of music served as a bridge not only between cultures but between species. The scene of the musician and camel and woman singing is one I wanted to own so I could play it over and over to my heart's content. I found it awesome (in the old sense of inspiring awe) and magical. Visually, as well, I found it pleasing and interesting. I buy very very few movies (I own less than 5); there's not much that I feel I want to own so I can see it whenever I feel a need. But this is one.

The Weeping Camel might bring tears to your eyes.......2007-05-05

If everything in this documentary feels a bit too perfect, that's because it's a blend of documentary adn fiction. I'm glad I found that out afterwards, but I kind of wish I would have known that before. Either way, it's a beautiful and touching film.

Set in Mongolia in the Gobi Desert, the main story focuses on a camel that gives birth to an albino colt and then refuses to care for it. The family sets to work on the task of getting the mother camel to accept it's baby and care for it. As this story is slowly unfolding, we get to witness the inner-workings of their day-to-day life.

It really feels like a culture lesson, but an interesting one. The film is only 87 minutes long so it's not like it drags around or anything. It does move slow, but it moves appropriately slow, establishing the location, the family, and the importance of each camel and each life.

The final scene of the music ritual that gets the mother camel to finally accept the baby camel is breathtaking and really makes the film. If you'd like to see a cultural film with a happy ending and a good story, this is the one for you.

There are no extras on this DVD, just some pictures from the film and from the area.

Average customer rating:

Great Movie!!
Decent but not Great
Just not that good, but passes some time
Great Prophecy Movie
Decent film and action, just not groundbreaking in any way. Good for Kazackstan though.

Nomad: The Warrior
Starring: Mark Dacascos , Jason Scott Lee , Doskhan Zholzhaksynov , Jay Hernandez , and Kuno Becker
Director: Sergei Bodrov , Ivan Passer , and Talgat Temenov
Manufacturer: Weinstein Company
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000P6R9OE
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Amazon.com

Ivan Passer (Cutter's Way) co-directed Nomad: The Warrior, a handsome, sprawling story set in the early 18th century about a real-life descendant of Genghis Khan who is destined to unite Kazakhs tribes against invaders. Mansur (Kuno Becker), the son of a sultan, is foreseen by an oracle-- (Jason Scott Lee), as the leader Kazakhs people have desperately needed to unite disparate peoples against the relentless, conquering Jungars. Trained by Oraz to be both a great warrior and leader, Mansur becomes known as Ablai Khan, a redeemer with seemingly preternatural skills in battle and a destiny to forge what will eventually become Kazakhstan. At the heart of the film is Mansur's lifelong friendship with another young fighter (Jay Hernandez), a young man so loyal he will not speak to Gauhar (Ayana Yesmagambetova) of his love for her, knowing Mansur loves her, too. (Mansur says nothing to her about his feelings, either, out of respect for his friend.) Nomad's widescreen action is full of impressive horsemanship, swordplay, and terrific stunts. But it's the film's obvious sense of pride in its historically-based story about the creation of a united people that ultimately proves moving. --Tom Keogh

Description

A war epic with amazing action. A legendary warrior arises to unite a group of clans against an onslaught of besieging enemy hordes.

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie!!.......2007-09-11

I am no expert on the history of Kazhiistan, but, I loved this movie. Fast paced classic story of honor, idealism, and prophecy. Excellent acting, writing, photography. Intriguing, much action, and they chose to do some gruesome killing(not all) offscreen- letting our imagination fill in details(as in past movies)which was just fine and did not ruin the movie, actually allowed us to use our brains. This was a great story, and very well done, not superficial like many American movies.

Decent but not Great.......2007-09-08

Don't let the eye catching cover fool you, this is no 300. Based loosely on true historical events, this may be the only non Borat Kazakhstan movie. For a lower budget film, this isn't bad. The direction is solid. Having seen North American, European and East Asian directors, this was my first experience with a central Asian movie. You probably won't recognize any of the actors save for Jason Scott Lee lastly from the Hostel movies. He does a fair job and the rest of the cast are passable. No one will blow you away with their performance. The battles are very average. The lower budget and non hollywood special effects really show on this. Though it is not terrible and doesn't really take away from the movie or plot. If you are a fan of movies like Troy, Braveheart or Spartacus, you might want to check this out. It reminds me of watching 300 Spartans. It is a bit cheesy and low budget, but it is fun to watch.

Just not that good, but passes some time.......2007-08-30

This movie tells the tale of the decendent of Ghengis Kahn, an how he will lead the cossacks back to a peacful united people. There is plenty of action, and a bit of love, but this movie is very predictable, and non-ground breaking movie. Overall, can pass a few hours, but not worth spending too much money on, and one time will likey be enough to watch it. Pick it up if you must.

Great Prophecy Movie.......2007-08-17

Great Prophecy and Destiny Movie. The action and the story line left me in suspense on how he would fulfil his destiny. I am studying Mythology and Messiahs, and this film delivers an epic storyline that really fits together.

Astrology buffs will appreciate the movie, on how you create destiny if you believe in the stars.

Christians will be reminded on how Herod wanted the baby boys killed when he knew a Messiah was born.

The battle scenes were intense and so realistic that you think you are viewing it back in time.

Decent film and action, just not groundbreaking in any way. Good for Kazackstan though........2007-08-09

Not that all the history in this movie is absolutely correct, but Kazackstan and the Kazacks probably like the history of this movie. But for most americans, I would probably guess most won't care. A wandering wiseman (nomad) has visions and prophecies that guide him to find the child, the decendent of the great Ghengis Kahn, who will rise up and unite the Kazack people and overthrow the Mongolian hoard invaders. He does find this child, and hides him in his school for fighting with other boys from tribes all around the Kazack planes. So,as you can guess, a time comes where the young man learns his fate, love is involved, and his best friend becomes key to his assession to power. I though it was ok, its just the story wasn't anything special. Its the braveheart of the Kazack people though. So good to watch, but nothing to rush and get.

Average customer rating:

Worst film ever!!!
Not worth what the book is worth.
Too Short
Great Movie, Lame Disc
Clan of the Cave Bear

Clan of the Cave Bear
Starring: Daryl Hannah , Pamela Reed , James Remar , Thomas G. Waites , and John Doolittle
Director: Michael Chapman
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 0790742764
Release Date: 1999-11-23

Amazon.com

Every statuesque, beautiful blonde woman has spent more time in the company of Neanderthals than she cares to remember. Seems it's always been that way: Clan of the Cave Bear, a 1986 feature scripted by John Sayles and based on Jean Auel's bestselling novel set in prehistoric times, stars former mermaid Daryl Hannah as an intelligent Cro-Magnon woman adopted and raised by lesser-evolved Neanderthals. Berated for her brains, sexually exploited, and generally treated as uppity chattel, Hannah's character sets out for the far country to see who else is there. Eventually, she finds more Baywatch-like gods and goddesses similar to herself, including an Aryan-looking stud with whom she discovers how good sex can feel with a warm, caring, proto-human. Sayles's writing on this project is forceful but cheeky. It's hard not to laugh at a number of scenes that shouldn't, in the strictest sense, be laughed at (the use of subtitles to decipher caveman grunts and clucks may or may not be an intentional running joke), but one gets the feeling Sayles looked upon this challenge as a pop exercise instead of (as many of the book's fans would have preferred) a religious experience. Michael Chapman, ace cinematographer of Mean Streets and The Wanderers, directed with an eye toward primitive exotica and made this a terrific-looking movie. Author Auel was reportedly unhappy with the final results on screen, but the film is well worth a fascinated look. With Pamela Reed and James Remar. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Worst film ever!!!.......2007-07-16

This was the worst movie based on a book I have ever seen! I love the Earth's children series and was very excited when i found out Clan of the cave bear had been made into a movie. I was very disapointed! The film makers involved took a great story and ripped it's soul out. They butchered very important story lines, and the Characters were badly directed. What was left was a poor excuse for a story. After wasting 90 minutes of my life on this film all i could do was BEG for it back!!!

Not worth what the book is worth........2007-06-09

When I first found out that one of my favorites books had a movie adaptation, I was thrilled. I went to Border's and bought the last copy, being a DVD. I was disappointed to find out that it was not worth what I paid for.

The movie is based from Jean M. Auel classic The Clan of the Cave Bear, the first in her Earth's Children series. The story is about a young Cro-magnon girl who is orphaned by and earthquake and how a Clan of Neanderthals take her in. The story also tells how she struggles to live with the Clan, with their customs and their physical differences.

The main role of Ayla is played by Darryl Hannah, who also starred in the Grumpy Old Men movies and Splash. Other actors include Pamela Reed at Ayla's adoptive mother Iza , and other actors as Iza's brother and Mo-gur Creb, the leader Brun, and the often disliked Broud.

Despite being a movie that was made in 1986, it did have decent special effects. The costumes and makeup that formed the Neanderthals that called themselves The Clan were very interesting in their authentic looking animal skinned clothing. What is also interesting to me is how the movie demonstrates how The Clan express their language. When a Clan member uses his or her 'sign language', subtitles appear at the bottom of the screen to translate what they're saying.

What makes this movie rated R is the fact that it does have inappropriate moments. The rape scene between Ayla and Broud could be a real turn off to some. Also at the Clan gathering there is a violent battle between a large Cave Bear and some young male Clan members. Because of this I wouldn't reccomend it to be viewed by young children.

There are a few scenes that are switched around or changed from the adaptation from the book. For example, the hyena that attacks Brac is a Wolf in the movie, and there is major changes during Ayla's first exile, Durc's birth and the Clan Gathering. This in a way is a slight annoyance, and disappointment.

The DVD doesn't have many special features. All it really contains is a chapter selection, and the DVD itself is double sided so you can choose between fullscreen and widescreen.

Overall the movie is not worth it's price. I payed $14.99 for the DVD and later found it at Fred Mayer and Shopko for $6.99. Unfortunately it doesn't have a very well rewatching value, either. Unless you're an obsessive fan of Jean M. Auel or Darryl Hannah's works, you may not enjoy this movie well. If I were you, stick to the book.

Too Short.......2007-05-13

I was initally exited to find that they had made a movie for the Clan of the Cave Bear books, but i was expecting it to follow into the next few books in this story. I was a little disappointed when it just dropped off when she left the Clan, it would have been a better movie if they had incorperated all the books.

Great Movie, Lame Disc.......2007-04-14

The Clan Of The Cave Bear, based on a novel by Jean M. Auel, is movie that became a product of its time. While following the plot of the book up to a point the film breaks away about halfway through. The movie became a story about social change and female vs. male values. Also, the movie had to drop most of the details and events that the book has, just to keep from becoming a six hour epic.
I saw the movie before reading the book, so while I have to say the book is better I do have a place in my heart for the movie. Watching it now, after learning so much about life, Neanderthals and early man, I can't help but find it sometimes funny and sometimes sad.
While the movie is one that really changed me and is a great piece of motion picture history the DVD has no extras. No photo gallery, no commentary, nothing to add to it. So while I say the movie is a great one (a view many would debate) I can't hide how unhappy I am with the disc as a whole.

Clan of the Cave Bear.......2007-01-24

I loved it ans was happy to be able to buy it.

Average customer rating:

add to collection
Entertaining movie.
A very good film that deserves to be appreciated by a new generation of viewers
Superb, and an Excellent Feature
this will change the way you see the elderly.

Cocoon
Starring: Don Ameche , Wilford Brimley , Hume Cronyn , Brian Dennehy , and Jack Gilford
Director: Ron Howard
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00020HAV0
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Amazon.com essential video

An offbeat and charming comedy with elements of science fiction thrown in, director Ron Howard's (Ransom, Apollo 13) unlikely fantasy ponders the price of immortality and the power of everlasting love. A group of aliens travel to a Florida retirement community to rescue some long-stranded colleagues cocooned and buried beneath the sea. But as the aliens take on human form and stash their counterparts in a swimming pool, a group of elderly retirees discover the pool and after swimming in the water find themselves rejuvenated, with boundless energy and insatiable appetites. Soon the retirees are forced to choose between living out their lives on earth with their families, or leaving with the aliens and attaining immortality. More character driven than dependent on the incredible plot, the film's charm comes from its characters and the wonderful cast, including Don Ameche, who won an Academy Award for his role as one of the randy retirees. --Robert Lane

Description

Don Ameche (1985 Academy Award®, Best Supporting Actor), Hume Cronyn, Jack Gilford, Maureen Stapleton, Jessica Tandy, Gwen Verdon, Wilford Brimley and Steve Guttenberg star in this charming fantasy adventure.

Customer Reviews:

add to collection.......2007-05-06

Good quality. Fast delivery. Adding to collection of academy award movies.

Entertaining movie........2007-03-18

"Cocoon" is a good Sunday afternoon, put-your-feet-up-and-sit-back type of film. Nothing more, nothing less. It's real old fashioned entertainment. And while I like this film, I really am surprised just how revered it is. Some call it a "classic" which really is stretching things just a tad. Not to rain on anyone's parade, but having just watched this film again, after not having seen it since it originally came out, I was struck by just how under-developed the whole film was. The focus of the film is (deservedly so) on the elderly characters who get a new shot at life, so to speak. This then relegates the rest of the characters to nothing more than background dressing. Perhaps there were a few scenes (reels, maybe?) that were cut from the film or just not filmed. And yes, I know that a lot of people will decry my review as being "ageist" -- however, this being a sci-fi film, one would think that the alien angle would have been beefed up a bit more. As it stands, the revelation of the alien's identities and intentions are so conveniently and expediently accepted by the characters that one would presume the aliens are capable of mind-control; however that would be to introduce a sinister underpinning to the film and that sort of complexity would have gone against what Ron Howard was trying to convey. I would assume that Ron Howard just didn't have a strong handle on the material, nor a clear vision of exactly what he wanted to convey with the story. I personally felt that Wilford Brimley's decision to go away with the aliens was terribly insensitive to his grand-son's needs, not to mention unrealistic. I know it's "only a movie" but some kind of wisdom (in keeping with the older makes wiser notion, if nothing else) would have made for a stronger conclusion.

Steve Guttenberg's character was completely under-developed, apart from playing boat captain, then peeping tom, then fodder for the token alien-human love scene. The same for the alien characters. I mean, casting Brian Dennehy and then not utilising his talents is like casting Robert De Niro in the role of Darth Vader and not using his voice either!

There are a lot of aspects (characters and situations) that Ron Howard had to juggle with this film, and once again, it comes down to his handling of the material that impedes the film. The inclusion of Guttenberg's and Tahnee Welch's love interest is obviously in catering to a younger demographic, and really wasn't necessary. It plays out as tacked on and not realistic or natural. More screen time and development of these two characters would have served the film better and made the love scene less intrusive and more necessary to the plot.

Overall, this movie is a good movie, very entertaining and it is great to see some veteran older actors/actresses getting their due, however, it's just not a true cinema classic. I would suggest that anyone wanting to see a film concerning old people that most definitely IS a classic, do yourself a favour and buy David Lynch's "The Straight Story" one of the warmest, sincerest and original films ever conceived. And don't let the fact that David Lynch directed it put you off. If you only think Lynch is capable of producing "weird for weird sake" type films (and I love Lynch's work), then allow "The Straight Story" (and yes, the title is meant to be somewhat ironic) to dispell those preconceptions.

A very good film that deserves to be appreciated by a new generation of viewers.......2007-02-06

Since this movie is now more than twenty years old (shocking), I realized that my teenagers had not seen it, so I rented it and we watched it together. It still holds up quite well. This is because the story is really quite strong. The old guys are charming and keep us engaged, but will they get in trouble for trespassing? Who are these strangers that rent Jack Bonner's (Steve Guttenberg) boat for 27 days and the estate with the pool for 26? What can they be up to? Why do they seem to be able to communicate with dolphins?

This movie, even more than the wonderful "Trading Places", gave a new spark to Don Ameche's late career because his character, Arthur Selwyn, is so charming and likeable. Break Dancing was quite new to the popular culture in 1985 and to see "him" doing those moves was delightful. It was shot quite well and still fools audiences about which moves are from Don Ameche and which are stunt folks and trick shots. His ballroom dancing with Gwen Verdon's Bess is also quite elegantly done.

Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy as Joseph and Alma Finley bring their personal love for each other to the screen and add a great deal to the story. We see that regaining the vigor of youth can have a downside if you weren't all that well grounded as a youth. Jack Gilford and Heta Ware play Bernard and Rosie Lefkowitz. Rosie is kind of out of it and very sad. She is sicker than she let's Bernard know. Bernard is a man who KNOWS how the world should be and that this pool isn't anything close to right. Yet, in the end, his certitude costs him what he loves most. It is a very touching scene.

Wildford Brimley and Maureen Stapleton play Benjamin and Marilyn Lukett. They are the anchor to the story. Benjamin has a young grandson whom he loves and this presents issues as the story progresses, for good and ill. The grandson, David (well portrayed by Barret Oliver), has a difficult relationship with his parents and is probably too attached to his grandpa Benjamin. Again, this has implications as the story progresses.

There is suspense in the unfolding of the story (if you haven't already scene how things turn out). Director Ron Howard and the writers did a fine job in keeping us in the moment of the film and a bit off balance as to what was actually happening. There is some fine comedy, too. There is a touch of romance and some tender scenes to balance the raucous fun and even some threatening moments.

It really does run a wide range of emotions and story types.

One interesting bit I didn't know until watching the movie this time is that Wilford Brimley was playing old. He was only fifty-one when the film came out and is really only four years older than Brian Dennehy and twenty years and more younger than the other "old folks" whom he pals around with. Even Maureen Stapleton who played his wife, was nine years older.

This is an excellent movie that deserves to be scene by new audiences and holds up to repeated viewings very well.

Superb, and an Excellent Feature.......2006-08-13

The Film COCOON is a definite classic.It's much more than just a comedy.The basic outline of the Aliens who come to rescue their groundcrew and how some old folks get involved is revealing on many levels. It is a great film with superb entertainment value, and if you look at it more deeply( after listening to The Directors Commentary)then you will be the richer for it.
The majority of scenes are all "practical" using the existing places in St Petersburg on the West Coast of Florida; this area is very historic in all respects. What some people may miss is that the evening shots are mostly done in or near the Bahamas( East Coast !!), so that was a bit of a cheat.
Anyway, the only down side of this edition is the dual Sided single Disc with Widescreen and Full Screen... those single discs with two sides are such a headache since their size is not consistent with most players ( especially PC based Players) but works perfectly on the DVP 642 by Phillips, as at this date, that Phillips DVD player is the best value for dollar DVD player around in Zone 1, which also plays mutiple Zones of various discs.
The Extra features are very good, especially on the general cost of this disc which is usually under 6 dollars.
You will see the problems with Analogue to digital transfers ( especially near the start) where the window shot is done Chroma-key, and some visual definition issues occur, which COULD have been cleaned up if the studio had spent the money.

Overall , an excellent package.

this will change the way you see the elderly........2006-07-30

If there's one thing other reviews don't tell you much, is that Cocoon is an extremely sad film, one of the most touching movies ever made. It centers around the human nature, choices we make and the ones we love around us. One of the kind, innocent character's death in the film and the moments leading up to it is probably one of the saddest things you'll see in a movie. It's an incredible film that makes us feel almost sorry that we live here on earth with no chances of living forever to see the wonders and beauties of the universe. The cast is flawless, every person in it did a great job and you really felt for the characters. This is a must have, and must watch. As someone else said it, every elderly person should watch this film, it's really a moving experience and will always remain one of my favorite movies.

Average customer rating:

Life without dramatization
Cave of the Yellow Dog
How peace lives
cave of the yellow dog
Many stars!

Cave of the Yellow Dog
Starring: Nansalmaa Batchuluun , Babbayar Batchuluun , Buyandulam Daramdadi , Nansal Batchuluun , and Batchuluun Urjindorj
Director: Byambasuren Davaa
Manufacturer: Tartan Video
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ASIN: B000KHX70S
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Amazon.com

Equal parts documentary, children's story, and narrative drama, Cave of the Yellow Dog is a beautifully filmed adventure that the entire family will enjoy. It's unique on many levels, the most notable being that the charismatic family portrayed in the film are an actual family, and none of them are professional actors. The eldest daughter (played by adorable Nansal Batchuluun) appears to be about 6 or 7 years old. Her life is nothing like that of an American first grader. She goes away to school, returning home during the summers. Nansal cares for younger sister and brother, telling them about how homes in big cities have toilets in the house. She collects dried dung for the family's fire pit and helps her mother cook. And when her father goes to town for a few days, it is Nansal who takes over his chore of leading a herd of sheep to graze in a fuller pasture miles from her home. Nansal is mature for her age, but she is still a child who can't resist cute animals. So when she finds a small black and white pup holed up in a cave, she adopts him and names him Zochor (the Mongolian equivalent of Spot). Her father--worried that the dog may have grown up feral with a pack of wolves--forbids her to keep the puppy and the viewer is never certain whether Nansal and Zochor will be able to remain together. What sets Cave of the Yellow Dog apart from films such as Lassie and Old Yeller is the breathtaking buttes, vistas, and scenery showcased in the film. Watching the apple-cheeked children squeal with laughter as they play in front of their yurt--their collapsible and movable home--viewers get the sense that they wouldn't choose any other life, even though theirs seems filled with hardship for those of us accustomed to the comforts of modern-day living. The Palme d'Or winner at the Cannes Film Festival, this movie is heartwarming and pragmatic at the same time. --Jae-Ha Kim

Description

(Foreign/Drama) Oscar-nominated director Byambasuren Davaa's follow-up to the hugely successful The Story of the Weeping Camel is a thought-provoking mix of documentary and drama that tells the story of the age-old bond between man and dog. The eldest daughter of a nomadic Mongolian family finds a small dog and brings it home. Believing that it is responsible for attacking his sheep, her father refuses to allow her to keep it. When the family moves on, Nansal must decide whether or not to defy her father and take her new friend with them.

Customer Reviews:

Life without dramatization.......2007-07-05

To me, what's so facinating about this moive is that it keeps drawing you in even when it sustains with the minimal of plot and drama. It is hard to comprehend how the movie can be so compelling while being so straight forward. I like the scene when the husband returned home from a long journey to the city to sell off their sheep skin. With part of that money, he bought his wife a plastic laddle of bright green color and his wife received it as if it was a diamond ring. Beyond this movie, it makes me wonder what influences modern day city life have on these last vestiges of nomads. The parents already sent the older daughter to school in the city and more and more conveniences are introduced to their daily life. For how many more generations will their nomadic way of life continue? Will these characters reincarnate as city dwellers?

Cave of the Yellow Dog.......2007-05-11

This is is such a wonderful and beautiful movie. My daughter started watching it since she was only 15 months, and she wants to watch this movie 3 times (at least) a day. As long as she wakes up even 2am in the dark, she would point her finger in the air and tell us to play this "doggy" movie. We think she probably dreams of this movie...

She can't understand Disney's movie yet, however, she can sit down and stare at this movie for over 15 minutes with an amazing focus (Normally, she still can't focus on anything too long). She would put hands together while she saw the mama offer light and incense; she would also copy the baby's language and try to eat her own palm as well...

Thank the director to make this movie happen, and it has broght us so much happiness. The music is also beautiful, and it's definitely a must-buy-movie!

~ California

How peace lives.......2007-05-07

A simply, and beautifully told tale of a nomadic family living somewhere in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, has a timeless quality of lives well lived. This is a quiet glimpse into the ordinary experiences of a family who, in this day and age, are anything but. Tranquility is not just reserved for those cloistered away. It shows itself in tough, challenging situations not so dissimilar to that of ours - job relocation, obstreperous children, politics....

While this sounds like an almost transcendent type of experience, I never felt preached at or being taught a lesson. A peaceful mind reveals right answers or comes up with right actions instead of what often occurs when people are stressed out or fearful. It shows not only a possibility, but what does happens when there isn't resistance or complaint to the way things are, to what is actually happening. Wisdom and kindness show up as natural. How else could peace possibly live?

cave of the yellow dog.......2007-05-07

It is rare to view a movie that is created with local people and in a remote part of the world.
This movie was engaging and totally absorbing to watch.
Don't miss it!

Many stars!.......2007-05-07

Nansalmaa Batchuluun is a young schoolgirl! A beautiful film that deserves an Oscar. The "acting" is right on and the photography/country is striking. Byambasuren Davaa is an exceptional director. There are early childhood education interests and marital realtions concepts that are very instructive. A very unusual and enjoyable film.

Average customer rating:

April Fools Day
A fun "Alternative" slasher movie that brings big laughs and a few chills
A deadly prank
Based on the title of this film you would probably know what this film's about.
WHO'S FOOLIN WHO

April Fool's Day (Ws Sub)
Starring: Jay Baker , Pat Barlow , Lloyd Berry , Deborah Foreman , and Deborah Goodrich
Director: Fred Walton (II)
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000069I05
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Amazon.com

What looks like a standard 1980s holiday-themed slasher movie turns out to be a much more witty venture. A group of college students head out for a weekend of relaxation and April Fools' pranks at an isolated island cottage, catching the very last ferry until Monday morning. A practical joke goes awry, hostess Muffy starts tromping around in frumpy clothes and acting like she's not quite herself, and the bodies start piling up. Don't you just hate it when you're on a completely remote island and the phone goes out? All of this is done, though, with a fairly low gore content and a sly wink at the usual slasher conventions--rather than whodunit, the trick is to figure out what's in good fun and what's real bloodletting. It ain't Citizen Kane, but it's not a bad evening's enjoyment either. --Ali Davis

Customer Reviews:

April Fools Day.......2007-09-16

This movie was scary and freakish, however it turns out to be a demented joke.
No one dies, everyone still lived.
The island did remind me the horror movie Superstition.

A fun "Alternative" slasher movie that brings big laughs and a few chills.......2007-08-16

While not great, this 80's "Alternative" slasher movie/mystery( look to the title and watch the movie to understand this) is one funny ride. The usual 28 year old "collage" students gather on an island of one of the "rich girls" for the weekend and get killed one by one. The last 10 mins. are just great. Like I said a "cut" above most slasher movies.

A deadly prank.......2007-06-30

Ok, I won't give away it's secret here, but this is one prank that turned deadly or did it? It is a very fun horror, who done it flick of the 80s. I thought that it was done very well and you were not expecting the ending at all. When the ending did unfold, you were sitting there thinking "hugh?" and then started laughing. I highly recommend this movie to anyone that really likes "twisted endings" in horror movies.

Based on the title of this film you would probably know what this film's about........2007-03-21

April fool's day was a comedy slasher flick that I thought was average, the budget for this film was decent enough and the acting was very good however the problem is that the ending was so predictable and a bit dissapointing but still if you enjoy watching 80's slasher flicks that have a bit of suspence and some comedy than you might like this. When Muffy St. John invited her college friends over to her parents secluded island home for the time of their lives, she forgot to tell them that it might be the last day of their lives. There are some twists that happen during the course of the film and it does keep things interesting but like I said the ending ruined it there was a bit of violence but no gore so some people might be dissapointed, of course there were a lot of better slasher flicks released during the 80's but April fool's day wasn't to bad.

WHO'S FOOLIN WHO.......2006-11-10

Credit has to go to the people behind APRIL FOOL'S DAY. Eschewing the typical slasher formula, the movie plays like an update of TEN LITTLE INDIANS. A group of college students are invited to Muffy St. John's island getaway for a weekend of fun and foolishness. The writers set up the fact that there are some practical jokers amongst them, so when real murders start, the viewer has to wonder if they aren't jokes, but they seem too real for the frightened crew, and hostess Muffy has started to act like she's missing a few raisins in her muffin. Although it starts a little slowly, once it picks up, it has some neat suspenseful moments and a predictable but enjoyable climax. Deborah Foreman, Ken Olandt, Amy Steel, Jay Baker, Clayton Rohner and Griffin O'Neal head the cast, and it's fun for a change of pace slasher/suspense flick.

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Cocoon/Cocoon - The Return
Cocoon & the return

Cocoon / Cocoon - The Return
Starring: Don Ameche , Wilford Brimley , Hume Cronyn , Brian Dennehy , and Jack Gilford
Director: Ron Howard , and Daniel Petrie
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000KGGIWI
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Customer Reviews:

Cocoon/Cocoon - The Return.......2007-08-12

I love both these movies. Even tho they're old, they are some of my favorites, not just because I live in Florida ,where they take place. The acting is good and the actors fit just right with the characters they play.

Cocoon & the return.......2007-03-13

These were such entertaining films. Had some science, tear jerks, romance, & comedy. We watched them back to back. They made us smile.

Average customer rating:

Divine Myth!
Good acting from oldsters, but bad directing and writing
Not as good as the original but I've seen worse sequels
great movie
Cocoon2 - The Return

Cocoon - The Return
Starring: Don Ameche , Wilford Brimley , Courteney Cox , Hume Cronyn , and Jack Gilford
Director: Daniel Petrie
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00020HAWE
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Description

In this charming, funny and very moving sequel to the hit film "Cocoon," the adventurous old-timers who left Earth for the alien utopia Antarea, return on a rescue mission. Although accustomed to their new peaceful, problem-free planet, they realize the joys they left behind after they are reunited with their stunned families. Yet for all their happiness, they must once again confront the human frailties of their past.

Customer Reviews:

Divine Myth!.......2007-02-08

For those who are in my age catagory whis is 65 and over will abslutely love this one! 's one of the best ever!

Good acting from oldsters, but bad directing and writing.......2006-10-07

To get complete enjoyment from this film, DO NOT try to put it into context with the original. The acting from the oldsters was brillant. However, Tahnee Welch seemed to force her self to act convingly, that she wasnt very convincing. The film has its glory moments, Like the hospital scene. And the scene where the seniors and the alien steal the alien from the oceanolgy institute. The hospital scene was very well done, but messed up the intended illusion from the first film. Infact the entire movie messed up the illusion of the first. That illusion was that these people were going to space to live forever. Not that illusion is gone. Wacth this if you want good acting, but for a good story, DONT.

Not as good as the original but I've seen worse sequels.......2006-09-19

The suprise is known so the jig is up. As the old people return to earth for a visit, earth's atmosphere takes it's toll on their frail bodies. I'm glad they didn't do a cocoon 3 I noticed Ron Howard didn't direct this one but most of the original cast was back even Brian Dennahey who was just in the last 3 minutes of the picture ( he probably wanted too much money) It wasen't bad, but it just didn't live up to the energy and awe of the first movie. Enjoy!

great movie.......2005-11-12

A very nice continuation of the first movie, well worth watching,as stated earlier,the hospital scene between Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy is very touching, and the basketball scene was hilarious.Good sequel.

Cocoon2 - The Return.......2005-08-10

A great sequel to the first Cocoon. Same characters but now we learn how things have gone for them in space and also those who remained at home. Those who went away now understand how they are cut off from relatives left at home. This leads to some who elect to stay behind when its time to return to space. Again, laughter and joyful living!

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The Best of the Friday the 13th Movies
Refreshing Comedic Turn for Long-Running Series
JASON
the best of the Friday the 13th sequels
JASON

Friday the 13th, Part VI - Jason Lives
Starring: Thom Mathews , Jennifer Cooke , David Kagen , Kerry Noonan , and Renée Jones
Director: Tom McLoughlin
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005NG6E
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Description

As a child, Tommy Jarvis did what many others died trying to do, he killed Jason Vorhees, the mass murderer who terrorized the residents of Crystal lake. But now, years later, Tommy is tormented by the fear that maybe Jason isn't really dead. So, Tommy and a friend go to the cemetery to dig up Jason's grave. Unfortunately for Tommy, (and very unfortunately for his friend), instead of finding a rotting corpse, they discover a well rested Jason who comes back from the dead for another bloody rampage in Friday The 13th - Part VI: Jason Lives.

Customer Reviews:

The Best of the Friday the 13th Movies.......2007-09-07

This, in my opinion, is the best movie in the series. It's tied with Friday the 13th, Part 2 as my favorites in the series.

It's perfect at being scary, funny, and paced. Tommy Jarvis returns to get his final revenge on Jason Voorhies and things don't go the way he hoped.

I know giving this movie a five may have some poeple spinning but I think this movie definitely deserves it. It's the best in the series, an excelelnt story, the right amount of acting, the genuine Jason Voorhies terror, and the perfect comedic mix. Although there isn't any nudity, it makes up for it with it's well put together story.

Definitely recommended.

Refreshing Comedic Turn for Long-Running Series.......2007-07-25

In Friday the 13th part 6, Jason would be brought back to life in effortless fashion. I remember even as a child watching this film and saying "well of course lightning would bring him back!" and shaking my fist at the silly pretenses of Friday the 13th part 5: The New Beginning. This film was the new beginning! Jason lived and would be appropriately placed into the horror movie hall of fame next to Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolfman, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and the Mummy.

Tom McLoughlin is not a well known film maker but he wrote and directed this little gem. I suspect that he is very much a fan of classic and contemporary horror, from The Bride of Frankenstein and Black Sunday all the way to Critters 2: The Main Course. This is a film that understands our craving for a horror icon not be taken too seriously. Its dark and wry humor is served to us as sort of a self-parody. It is exploitation to the max. The moment Jason is resurrected by Tommy, basically our hero in the parts 4 and 5, we know we got what we wanted and Jason is even more unstoppable than before. Jason is free to run amuck and does he ever. He goes on a huge killing spree and we are basically asked to root for him and laugh all along the way. Things play out in normal formula from here and the movie is basically the same as the others except that Jason is no longer the villain. He is an anti-hero and Friday the 13th part 6: Jason Lives is a comedy.

As it turns out, the series switch over to comedy and abandoning the ideas of part 5 didn't turn out to be as good a decision from a profit standpoint, as part 6 still managed to make less money than part 5 and profitability of these films begins to diminish from here on. Nevertheless, it is still refreshing while it managed to please fans and critics alike. Well, critics were not necessarily pleased but it is the most acclaimed of the series for the most part.

One of my complaints about part 6 is that I was tired of these films and I'm not just talking about Friday the 13th movies but the slasher sub-genre in general. Also, why am I being compelled to root for an undead murderer? The biggest problem for me is that it is camp, but it's trying to be camp. Campy movies are not supposed to make an effort to be campy. It is supposed to be unintentional. If it's intentional, like Friday the 13th part 6, then we have to assume that the film makers are working below their level. Not to mention, this kind of comedy makes me feel like I'm getting an elbow to the ribs a little too frequently. I get the joke; it's just not that funny more than once or twice so please stop making these movies. Then again, at least Jason Lives is consistent.

JASON.......2007-05-13

JASON MADE ANOTHER MOVIE GREAT!I LIKED THE PART WHEN THE TRAILER FLIPPED ON ITS SIDE-JASON GOT ON TOP,AND LOOKED AROUND.IT WAS LIKE HE OWNED THE WORLD.TOO BAD HE DOESN'T HAVE A T-SHIRT OF THAT.I'D BUY IT!I DIDN'T LIKE MEGAN AND TOMMY.THEY WERE GOOFY.JASON DOES HAVE A HEART: HE DIDN'T KILL NO KIDS,AND IN PART 2 HE DIDN'T KILL THE DOG.HE JUST KILLS ADULTS.

the best of the Friday the 13th sequels.......2007-05-06

Part 6 Jason Lives is the best of the sequels. On