Till Human Voices Wake Us

Amazon.com

A ghostly romance from Australia. Guy Pearce is a brooding psychiatrist who must journey back to his family's summer home, to bury his father and settle some lingering childhood traumas. Helena Bonham Carter is the mysterious woman he meets on his journey, twice: once in a fleeting encounter on a train, again as she takes a dive off a trestle into a river. By the way, she's amnesiac--Guy Pearce just can't shake that Memento feel. For viewers susceptible to this kind of thing, director Michael Petroni's lofty literary tone might just work (the breathless pauses are broken by quotations from T.S. Eliot); otherwise, it will look like a skeletal take on a potentially interesting subject. The two fine actors give it a go, and they're always good to look at, but finally one wonders what they saw in this very slim proposition. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Silence is Louder.......2006-10-01

I do so find it amusing to read reviews of this film which claim that "nothing happens" or describe it as being "slow". Definitely this film aims at avoiding linear narrative. I would say it is closer in spirit to the Wong Kar Wai films where mood is as much part of the story as are the silences which are loaded with more internal conflicts and reconsiderations and resolutions than all the dialogue in the world. Brilliant acting by Mr. Pearce and Ms. Bonham Carter.

a non-starry-eyed review.......2006-09-12

This movie is sometimes billed as a love story. It isn't. It's a story of sorrow and loss.

The R rating is a joke. Canada gave it a PG, which is accurate. The one-second nipple shot of Helena hardly merits an R even with up-tight American audiences.

One thing that annoyed me was that the young boy's lips were redder than the young girls (and she was supposed to be wearing lipstick). Also, hers were normal. His looked filled with silicone.

The movie is structured as a mystery, which is a good move for a film in which nothing happens. A mystery keeps it going. However, the screenwriter should have learned the basics of mystery writing (which he probably never did because he was interested in "art" movies). So, Mystery Writing 101: The mystery should deepen throughout with additional clues. There should be many red-herring clues to throw the audience off. None of this was done here. There is one puzzle: Whot hoppened? This puzzle is answered at the end. Many viewers will have guessed it early on anyway (and one helpful amazon reviewer below gives the mystery away).

Bottom line: the movie does not offer the viewer very much. There is Helena, of course, and there are some touching moments (hence, the three stars), but they are few.

Exceeded My Expectations.......2006-03-25

I must admit that my sole interest in seeing this film was one of sheer curiosity, it having been written and produced by my mother's cousin, Michael Petroni. I really didn't know what to expect and purposely didn't read any reviews or opinions beforehand in order to form as unbiased an opinion as possible and had no intention of sharing my opinion with the public, once made. That changed, however, before the final credits rolled.
This film was so beautifully executed in every way, so deeply intense and so profoundly thought provoking that I was spell-bound throughout its entirety. It was everything I look for in a good, quality motion picture. I completely concur with all of the opinions expressed here. While this film may not be for everyone, it is definitely for anyone who has good taste in fine art.

Original and beautiful.......2006-03-19

As other reviewers have said, this film is not for those who like their movies full of action. It moves at a slow pace, which makes it even more beautiful and intriguing. The acting is first rate, especially Helena Bonham-Carter (i'm a fan of hers since "Fight Club"), and Guy Pierce does a quite convincing job as the psychically troubled psychologist whose girlfriend from adolescence drowned while they were bathing in the river. The photography is very well done, and there are lots of scenes of spellbinding beauty. I recommend this film to those looking for something more interesting and thought provoking than the usual Hollywood flick.

A sensitively acted, beautiful film........2005-12-06

I was quietly blown away by this film. However, it is definitely not for everyone. If you like slow, languid pacing, bitter-sweet emotions and gorgeous music and cinematography, then treat yourself to this little known gem. I only gave it 4 stars because the ending was a bit ambiquous, but beautiful just the same. I didn't want it to end. Helena Bonham-Carter and Guy Pearce were perfectly cast and the younger actors did an excellent job which is rare considering the complexity of emotions in their characters. All in all, a fine piece of cinema.

The Human Voice (Broadway Theatre Archive)

Average customer rating:

A Stunning Representation of a Woman's Emotions

The Human Voice (Broadway Theatre Archive)
Starring: Ingrid Bergman
Director: Ted Kotcheff
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000640TC
Release Date: 2002-04-16

Amazon.com

Ingrid Bergman gives a virtuoso solo performance in this Jean Cocteau one-act. The plot of this hour-long piece is a simple one: a woman, devastated after her lover leaves her for someone else, speaks to him on the phone one last time. The piece is beautifully, perfectly written and performed--all of the little lies and desperate hopes of heartbreak are captured. Bergman's performance is as brave as it is complex--she is willing to let her character crumble into an embarrassing weakness that few actresses would risk. Anyone who has ever nursed false hopes of salvaging a relationship will find this piece all too well done. See it, but not right after a breakup. --Ali Davis

Description

Ingrid Bergman plays a middle-aged woman going through a psychological crisis as a love affair ends. French playwright Jean Cocteau's one-character drama unfolds in the form of an extended monologue--a one-sided telephone conversation in which the woman tries to win back her lover despite her growing suspicion that he is calling from his young fiancée's home. "A tour de force... Ingrid Bergman gave a formidable display of passionate despair, showing a side in her talent not often vouchsafed by the movies." --Variety

Customer Reviews:

A Stunning Representation of a Woman's Emotions.......2005-07-03

Human Voice is initially unassuming and it takes about 5 minutes or more to fully realize the potential of this painful expose of a woman's emotions. The scenes all take place in one room.

Ingrid Bergman plays a woman in the most painful state she could possibly exist in besides the state in which she is mourning the loss of a child. She has just lost the love of her life and has tried to commit suicide. Fortunately she wakes to find she has survived taking all the pills in her medicine cabinet.

What happens next is rather disturbing really. When a woman feels these emotions, she may happen to glance at herself in the mirror, but more than likely she is in bed crying her eyes out. The honesty is captivating, but painful to observe.

Through a one-sided telephone conversation a woman first tries to hide her feelings and then after numerous attempts to talk to the man she loves and convince him she is handling the break up, she finally breaks down. She experienced devastation, desperation, completely heartache, longings of the soul, everything a woman feels when she has lost the man she thinks she will spend the rest of her life with; it is poetic and tragic.

Ingrid Bergman wanders about in a pink housecoat, clinging to a old-fashioned phone and is stunning in this solo performance. At one point she wraps the phone cord around her neck and says that her lover's words are now around her neck. It is very provocative at times as she plays with ideas in creative ways.

This movie may stir up memories from the past and may cause you to hunt down doughnuts, chocolate or anything comforting. Watching this movie is similar to riding the waves in a storm. The sad part of this movie is that women feel these emotions all too often. The callousness of her lover is especially difficult to take. While we never hear his voice, we hear her reactions. Even when she is expressing her undying affection, he seems angry with her and displays an almost inhuman disregard for her feelings.

This movie might make you angry, it might make you cry and it will definitely leave you with a lasting impression. Human Voice is a true classic and one of the best representations of complete desperation and loss of self-esteem I've ever observed.

~The Rebecca Review

Faerie Tale Theatre - The Little Mermaid

Average customer rating:

TRUE LOVE REQUIRES TRUE SACRIFICE IN FAITHFUL VERSION OF POIGNANT AND BITTERSWEET STORY
I may look like your mother's bridge partner, but I assure you that I am a witch!
Good for a movie made in the 80's
One of the better episodes
a true FAERIE TALE THEATRE classic

Faerie Tale Theatre - The Little Mermaid
Starring: Brian Dennehy , Pam Dawber , Helen Mirren , Karen Black , and Patrick DeSantis
Director: Robert Iscove
Manufacturer: Starmaker II
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00061UI1Y
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Description

A mermaid decides to drink a magical potion that will turn her tail into legs so she can be with the sailor she has fallen in love with.

Customer Reviews:

TRUE LOVE REQUIRES TRUE SACRIFICE IN FAITHFUL VERSION OF POIGNANT AND BITTERSWEET STORY.......2007-07-03

"Faerie Tale Theatre" productions are sometimes scary ("HANSEL & GRETEL") and often hilarious ("LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD", "THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA"). Rarely are they as touching and as poignant as this version of
"THE LITTLE MERMAID," directed by Robert Iscove from a teleplay by Anne Beatts.
You won't find any Disneyfied sea creatures singing a Broadway musical number under the sea; or a tacked-on Disney "happy ending" here. What we do have is a beautiful, live-action version that is faithful and true to Hans Christian Anderson's original bittersweet fairy tale.
The cast is superb. Pam Dawber's role as little mermaid Pearl, who sacrifices everything for the love of Sailor/Prince Andrew (the extremely attractive Treat Williams), is largely mute. So she must communicate her emotions mostly with just her eyes and face. The depth of sadness and despair she conveys in the face of unrequited love is truly heart-breaking.
Brian Dennehy is Pearl's father King Neptune, and also serves as Narrator. Loraine Newman and Donna McKechnie are featured as Pearl's sisters Coral and Anemone. Karen Black makes a memorable cameo appearance as the Sea Witch who begs Pearl not to sacrifice everything for the love of Andrew. "Trust me," she says, "no guy is worth it. Love is a disease that only humans catch. And once you've caught it, you can never be rid of it." The Sea Witch also tells her that when she walks on human legs, she will feel a pain like walking on knives. Nevertheless, she is prepared to endure anything. Unfortunately, although he cares for her, Andrew's heart belongs to Princess Amelia (Oscar winner Helen Mirren). Given a final opportunity to save herself, Pearl still can not and will not betray her beloved; teaching us that true love often requires truly tragic sacrifices. I actually cry every time I watch this.

I may look like your mother's bridge partner, but I assure you that I am a witch!.......2006-11-01

I don't need a singing crab, or barbie-esque animation to enjoy a faerie tale. Anyone who would compare the pioneering efforts of Shelley Duvall's faerie tale theatre to a Disney film is seriously beyond my comprehension.

I found this episode delightful as an eight-year-old boy, and I find it delightful 20 years later. Karen Black truly amazes as the sea witch. Her precious few minutes onscreen make it worth purchasing the disc. As for the rest of the cast, they all performed rather effectively in my opinion. I am anxiously awaiting the entire set.

Good for a movie made in the 80's.......2005-01-20

In response to M. Reinking's review, I agree that Disney's The Little Mermaid was the best Little Mermaid movie. And the quality of the acting and etc. of the Faerie Tale Theatre version is a little sad, but it was made in the 80's..or early early 90's...
Also, she did become a Spirit of the Air in the original Hans Christian Anderson story...because she spared the Prince's life. So I value this version of the story, because it's the first (and so far, only) true version of the actual story. I think that's what was good about all the Faerie Tale Theater movies. Also, if anyone happens to know...there was a bunch of fairy tales that used to show on the Disney Channel. Does anyone know what those were called? Please, let me know...

One of the better episodes.......2004-12-11

QUOTED FROM M REINKING -""One also must note the ending, which tries to change the sad ending of the original fairy tale where the Mermaid turns into seafoam, and that's the end of that. But here, they make her a "Spirit of the Air", so she can watch over her Prince. Blah. A bad ending to a bad film.""

M. Reinking obviously did not read the original story by Hans Anderson. Yes the mermaid did start to turn to sea foam, but that was not the end of that. in the book she was transformed into a "Daughter of the Air" and given a second chance at obtaining an eternal soul. So M Reinking doesn't even know what they are talking about.

As for the film, Yes, the special effects would be laughed at by kids today spoiled with amazing looking films like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Where the film still stands strong though is in the story and performances by Pam Dawber, Treat Williams and the always admirable Helen Mirren. Shelly Duvall did a great service for kids in the 80's with her series of Faerie Tale Theaters. Sure today we have films and series of better quality but I would hope that everyone who grew up with these can still appriciate them the way they did when they were kids.

a true FAERIE TALE THEATRE classic.......2004-11-07

FAERIE TALE THEATRE's touching and tender recreation of THE LITTLE MERMAID (the second-last in the series) is one of their best efforts.

Pearl (Pam Dawber) is a beautiful young mermaid who lives with her father King Neptune (Brian Dennehy) and her sisters Coral and Anemonie (Donna McKechnie and Laraine Newman) in a kingdom at the bottom of the ocean. When Pearl comes of age and is allowed a brief glimpse of the world above the sea, she falls in love with a handsome Prince (Treat Williams) whom she saves from drowning when his ship has a fatal explosion.

She makes a bargain with the Sea Witch (Karen Black): her voice in exchange for a pair of legs and hopefully the love of the Prince. Once on land Pearl quickly returns to the Prince, though he only has eyes for the lovely Princess Emilia (Helen Mirren).

What follows is a heartbreaking story of selfless love and sacrifice, as Pearl risks everything for true love...

Pam Dawber leads a strong cast. Karen Black is amazing as the Sea Witch; Newman and McKechnie are a delight as Pearl's sisters and Treat Williams fills the role of the Prince admirably. A true gem in the series

Average customer rating:

Information from the producer or "Voices in Exile."
Outstanding!

Voices in Exile

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BY2I6Y
Release Date: 2006-07-13

Product Description

As the Tibetan people stand at the edge of extinction, "Voices in Exile" speaks out against the continued brutal policies of the Chinese government. Most film and photography on Tibet is from the Western eye looking in. "Voices in Exile," by first-time Tibetan director Tenzin Wangden Andrugtsang, presents the Tibetan exile community from the rarely seen Tibetan point of view. Never before seen footage includes many surprising interviews on the future of Tibet and inspiring accounts of life in exile. "Voices in Exile" has been produced in association with The Tibetan Photo Project. The Tibetan Photo Project offers the first collection of photos taken by Tibetans living in exile, images of the Dalai Lama, informational texts and rare 1932 pictures of Tibet The perspective provided from the modern history of Tibet and China reveals a great deal about the nature of China's future leadership. The lessons have become even more relevant with the rise to power by Hu Jintao, China's former hard-line secretary to Tibet.

Customer Reviews:

Information from the producer or "Voices in Exile." .......2005-11-25

Thank you for checking on "Voices in Exile" by Tenzin Wangden Andrugtsang.

Here are excerpts from recent reviews on "Voices in Exile." Visit The Tibetan Photo Project on the Web if you would like read the complete texts.

Visually and respectfully, Joe Mickey, Co-Founder of the Tibetan Photo Project and co-producer of "Voices in Exile" by Tenzin Wangden Andrugtsang.

Here is what people are saying about "Voices In Exile"

"Voices in Exile," which chronicles the struggle of the Tibetan people for their culture and for their very lives, is the most important film you can see this year...a mini-masterpiece" -Norman Shoaf, City Editor, Antelope Valley Press (full article to follow)

"'Voices in Exile' paints an endearing portrait of a refugee community that still dreams of returning home."
-John Beck, Santa Rosa Press Democrat (full article)

"This film, "made on a begging bowl budget," is a heartfelt and enlightening appeal to the world to honor the Tibetan freedom struggle." By Sita Stuhlmiller, Light of Consciousness - Winter, 2005 (full article)

"Voices in Exile,"... (The Tibetan's) dedication to be an example of how powerful a nonviolent approach can be produced a compelling example of activism in Antrugtsang's film making debut."
- K. Baur, The Antioch Record, Yellow Springs, Ohio

"'Voices in Exile' is an amazing documentary that touches one's heart! Sadly, this story of triumph in the face of adversity has escaped media coverage for far too long. While watching, I was overcome with emotion--tears, frustration at the circumstances surrounding the exiled monks, and yet, I found inspiration in their faith. Too often when we are not directly affected by a harmful situation, we become complacent in our actions. It is my hope that "Voices of Exile" will enlighten the world to the lives of these amazing people who only wish to live their lives in peace." -Tamara Seiler TSDivis Studios out of North Carolina

"Tenzin has managed to capture an impressive, yet complex picture of the Tibetan community in Exile. It is refreshing to find an entirely Tibetan expression of refugee life and hope for the future." - Huw Slater, Secretary, Victorian Branch Australian Tibet Council

Dear Wangden, Joe Mickey and Sazzy Varga: "There is something I'd like to thank the "Voices in Exile" producer and others for. Your documentary "Voices in Exile" brought a new method of introducing Tibetan voices. These particular voices being those speaking on behalf of their respective organizations. I found that quite helpful, as I am very aware of the highly varied viewpoints among Tibetan diaspora, yet had not seen, nor heard those individuals themselves. Your documentary allowed me to listen and be able to more fully converse with my fellow Tibetan friends around the globe regarding the rapidly evolving changes within their community and the future of Tibet. Thanks so much for a wonderfully well done documentary."
Martha Steele Tibetmichigan & SFT GVSU Screening

Outstanding!.......2005-11-09

A wonderfully insightful look at the lives of Tibetans In Exile. Told by THEM. And not by the West looking to gain some benifit from the interview. A must see for anyone interested in human right, cultures, and extremly artistic, enlightened people.

Till Human Voices Wake Us (Despertares Del Pasado) [NTSC/REGION 4 DVD. Import-Latin America]

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Till Human Voices Wake Us (Despertares Del Pasado) [NTSC/REGION 4 DVD. Import-Latin America]
Director: Michael Petroni
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Till Human Voices Wake Us [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Australia ]

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Till Human Voices Wake Us [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Australia ]
Director: Michael Petroni
Manufacturer: AV Channel
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

Australia released, PAL/Region 0 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. LANGUAGES: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 2.0), WIDESCREEN, SYNOPSIS: Young adolescent Sam Franks (Lindley Joiner) spends his summers away from school with his physician father (Peter Curtin), whose schedule barely allows for quality father-son time. Therefore, Sam idles away most of his time with neighbor Maurie Lewis (Frank Gallacher) and Maurie's handicapped daughter Silvy (Brooke Harman), who also happens to be Sam's best friend. One night following a dance, Sam and Silvy kiss for the first time, and go down to the nearby river. As the two are lazily floating in the river and watching the night sky, Silvy disappears underwater and her body is never found. Several years afterwards, an adult Sam (Guy Pearce) -- who has gone on to become a psychiatry instructor -- journeys back to the same town for the funeral of his recently deceased father. While en route, Sam encounters Ruby (Helena Bonham Carter), a mysterious young woman he is forced to rescue from the same river that Silvy had disappeared in. After bringing Ruby to his father's house to calm her down after the incident, Sam begins to feel a strangely familiar comfortableness with her and the two begin to visit all of Sam's and Silvy's old stomping grounds.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Scene Access, Interactive Menu,

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