The Host [Blu-ray]

Customer Reviews:

Sorry, but this film would stink on ice........2007-09-07

From the opening lab sequence, to the two fishermen in the Han River, on to the final scene, I just kept waiting for something to happen. Never did. Based upon the reviews comparing 'The Host' to 'Jaws' (a true classic), I was expecting something grand. Could it be that the critics watched a different movie? Or perhaps they simply took the producer's word for what was on the disc? In any event, I am more than a little bit disappointed.

Very disapointing.......2007-08-24

I purchased this movie based on general critics, that seemed to praise it. This is a very boring movie, that I would have rated "B", because of very crappy acting, outdated special effects, and general storyline. My wife and I did not finish it, and we resold it on ebay after only 3 days.

Korean Kult Klassic.......2007-08-10

Great movie on BD. Crisp, clear and refreshing. It is the story of a family sticking together at all costs. A nice blend of humanism mixed with a CGI beast from the depths of murky waters, government conspiracy and brain surgery.

The story keeps you engaged most of the time. Monster effects are good, not the best. That is why it gets 4/5. The acting is good, you'll like most of the main characters.

Nice to see something of this magnitude make its way to the States, just goes to show what you are missing if you don't think outside of the box we call USA.

Overhyped? Are you freakin kidding me?.......2007-08-07

The Host is one of those rare movies these days that uses its top-notch effects scenes to enhance rather than drive the storyline. The plot does not center around the mutated creature, but rather on the dysfunctional family, which is the primary reason why the audience would give a damn if one or two of them are "offed." The acting performances are superb, especially by Song Kang Ho and Koh Eun Ah, who play the father and daughter respectively. It's not a perfect movie by any stretch of the imagination, but it sure is fun. I can't really call this a horror movie, because in my assessment, it's not really that horrifying. Of course, your experience may vary. No severed limbs, decapitated heads, or other such excess macabre here, so if that's your cup of tea, go seek psychiatric help and then rent Re-Animator or something like that at your local Blockbuster. There are the obligatory few moments that you sort of expect the monster to show up and kill unimportant characters, and it obliges with a menacing gusto. The creature's introduction in the opening scenes is handled masterfully and dare I say- realistically. I mean, if a bus-sized mutated fish/amphibian suddenly decided to get nasty, run over crowds, grab ladies by the face and devour people whole, that's how it would play out, I'm sure. Ultimately, it's the most original creature flick that Asia has come out with since the original Godzilla in the 1950's, and it's infinitely better than recent Hollywood giant creature flicks like Anaconda or Lake Placid. And by the way- a note to Amazon- who the hell is Scott Wilson?

A subpar plot, plus spectacular viuals makes this a pleasant movie........2007-08-02

I must admit that when I first heard about this movie I was a little skeptical. A Korean flick about a monster that lives in a river and feasts on an unsuspecting Korean city? Sounds kind of cliched, right? Well, right in that sense but wrong in the sense that I underestimated this film.

While the story-line and plot falter at times, I still found this to be a very entertaining and arousing film to my senses. If you can get over the cheesy American voice-overs for the Korean characters(and they are pretty lame at times), then you've pretty much gotten over the only true flaw of "The Host". The other flaw being the uninspired plot of an over-sized and ugly fish-like creature carrying off a family member to sea(or river, in this case), while the other family members take up a personnal vendetta against the creature and go searching for it with hardly enough weapons to last albeit one minute.

Where the plot fails, the viuals and sound more than make up for it. The monster looks and sounds amazing! It is simply unreal what computers can do this day in age for movies. Very creepy and life-like looking creature. It really makes your skin crawl at times just imagining what you'd do if face to face with this monstrocity.

While the films drags on at times, mainly in the middle of the film, it isn't all that bad. Just when you think you are about to lose interest, the monster comes right back into the picture and captivates you once again! And I also found that if you speak Korean, you will probably take this movie a little more seriously. I turned on the Korean language option for about five minutes and found that I could take this film and the characters alot more serious. The American voice-overs are laughable and rediculous compared to hearing this movie the way it was originally intended to be heard. In Korean!

Overall, if you are into chilling monster flicks, ala King Kong, Jaws, Godzilla etc., this movie is definetly for you. Brilliantly directed and very solid performances from the cast make this a must-see film for fans who are itching for a decent horror movie. Where the story lacks, the creature and the suspense more than make up for it and will have you on the edge of your seat. Don't take this movie too serious though, as you could be disappointed. Keep an open mind going into this film, and you should enjoy it quite a bit.

The sound and picture on this Blu-Ray disc are amazing. I am totally hooked on next-gen visuals for movies(be it HD-DVD or Blu-Ray) and this film blew me away! Whether on Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, or SD-DVD this is a great film and should be seen by many. Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Look at your inside, real shadows are there
A beautiful movie!
made my mom happy
A very CHARMING movie!
Delightful in so many ways

Shadows in the Sun
Starring: Harvey Keitel , Joshua Jackson , Claire Forlani , Armando Pucci , and Giancarlo Giannini
Director: Brad Mirman
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
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ASIN: B000C8STWQ
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Amazon.com

Shadows in the Sun is a feel-good movie that tells the story of two men who're struggling to overcome their fears of not being good enough. When Jeremy Taylor (a charming Joshua Jackson of Dawson's Creek) is assigned the unenviable task of tracking down and signing up reclusive author Weldon Parish (Harvey Keitel), he has his work cut out for him. The American expatriate hasn't written a book in 20 years, has no interest in dealing with junior editors such as Taylor, and sees no reason why he should change his idyllic lifestyle in Italy to worry about meeting hurried deadlines and publisher's editorial changes. In reality, Parish--who stopped writing when his wife died--is scared he won't be able to live up to his reputation as a relevant literary icon. After a few fistfights and the reclaiming of a stolen cow, the two begin to bond. A little. As Parish tells Taylor, "I dislike you less today than yesterday." Not as subtle as Diane Lane's Under the Tuscan Sun, Shadows in the Sun highlights the beauty of rural Italy--and of Claire Forlani, who plays Parish's daughter Isabella. The warm acting and lush scenery transcend the film's slow-moving pace and the predictable ending, which, in movies like this, can be nothing other than happy. --Jae-Ha Kim

Description

If you liked UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN, you'll love this wonderful romantic comedy set in the stunning Italian countryside! Ambitious agent Jeremy Taylor (Joshua Jackson -- CURSED, TV's DAWSON'S CREEK) is sent by his London publishing company on a mission to achieve what many others have failed to do: sign reclusive, wildly eccentric author Weldon Parish (Academy Award(R) nominee Harvey Keitel -- Best Supporting Actor, BUGSY, 1991; NATIONAL TREASURE). Once in enchanting Tuscany, however, Jeremy instead falls head over heals for Weldon's beautiful daughter (Claire Forlani -- THE MEDALLION, ANTITRUST) and develops a friendship with the literary master. It's a charming, fun, and passionate tale that's sure to steal your heart!

Customer Reviews:

Look at your inside, real shadows are there.......2007-09-17

This movie reminds me of Joshua Jackson's other movie Americano. Being abroad makes you closer to your soul. Within strangers, you face your own fears.Even, Joshua has the same line: leading lady in Americano says something in Spanish, Joshua does not understand and says: "I don not know what you have just said but it sounds great." Again, in this movie, Claire Forlani says something in Italian and Joshua says the same line:)
I like this movie especially dialogues between Harvey Keitel and Joshua Jackson, and performance of Harvey Keitel. It has a known story but it worths to seeing. I should admit I bought this movie because of Joshua Jackson but I'm glad how great actor has he become after Dawson's Creek. His use of body language and voice, I think, is perfect.

A beautiful movie!.......2007-09-13

This is a beautiful movie, perfect for a relaxing evening enjoying the Italian countryside. A great date movie, good for lovers, artists, writers, philosophers, people who like to think, and fans of Joshua Jackson (of Dawson Creek fame).

made my mom happy.......2007-08-13

I ordered this for my mother for her birthday, and she could not be happier. She loves this movie so much. I think it is a really sweet movie, myself. The scenery is really pretty and there are some very hilarious moments.

A very CHARMING movie!.......2007-04-15

If you liked "Under The Tuscan Sun", you will enjoy this movie too. It is a romantic comedy filmed in the beautiful Italian town of Tuscany. This movie shows wonderful scenery of the countryside. It really makes me want to visit Italy one day. This movie is about an ambitious agent Jeremy Taylor (Joshua Jackson) who is sent by his London publishing company to convince a reclusive, retired author Weldon Parish (Harvey Keitel) to write again. After Jeremy spends time in Tuscany he finds himself very much in love for Weldon's daughter (Claire Forlani) and also he becomes friends with Weldon. This movie has a little bit of everything...romance, comedy, and wonderful scenes of Italy. However I would consider this a girl's movie...or better yet.."chick flick". It is a good movie for a girl's night together with a bottle of wine. Or a good entertainment on a rainy day. If you are interested in Italy or Italian movies then this is the movie for you. I also am a fan of movies filmed in Italy. I imagine it to be the most beautiful place on earth.

Delightful in so many ways.......2007-04-13

Excellent film, my son is a writer, getting his MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) in creative writing/English, to be a professor at a University, he enjoyed it as well.

Average customer rating:

This Movie Show's That You Can Make Your Dreams Come True!!!!
Real Life Drama
Surprisely good.
Just watch
WOW, people REALLY love happy happy endings to give this movie a 4 star rating

Ice Princess (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Joan Cusack , Kim Cattrall , Michelle Trachtenberg , Hayden Panettiere , and Trevor Blumas
Director: Tim Fywell
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
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Product Features:

Classic DVD
Exclusive interviews, highlights, and behind the scenes coverage
DVD's main menu allow you to jump directly to the action
Presented in full-screen digital video

ASIN: B0009JE57G
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Product Description

From Walt Disney Pictures, the studio that brought you THE PRINCESS DIARIES, ICE PRINCESS is a hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age story featuring popular teen star Michelle Trachtenberg (TV's BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, EUROTRIP). Though she longs to become a graceful champion figure skater, gawky Casey Carlyle (Trachtenberg) has always been just a brainy high school misfit. And with a strong-willed mother (Joan Cusack -- RAISING HELEN) pushing her toward a top university, it seems as if she'll never get the chance to be like the elite skating prodigies she sees at the rink. But when Casey uses her head and follows her heart, she'll find herself transformed beyond her wildest dreams! Also starring Kim Cattrall, it's an uplifting and laugh-packed story your whole family will flip for!

Amazon.com

Like The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, Ice Princess is a fairy tale for girls who dream about what they can be. Casey Carlyle (Michelle Trachtenberg of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is a physics geek who discovers a mathematical formula for those tricky figure-skating jumps that her fellow high schoolers are performing. It's all part of her plan to nab a juicy college scholarship, but a funny thing happens on the way to Harvard: Casey decides that in the name of research she should try the jumps herself, and she discovers that not only does she have talent, she likes figure skating. Will she throw away her Ivy League dreams in favor of those frilly dresses? Ice Princess isn't a movie that will change the world, and it treads lightly on the downsides of the sport (it costs a lot of money, rivalries are bitter, careers are short, and long hours mean less time to party!); there's also more than one unfortunate reference to how skating makes Casey look "hot." But just as Casey says: "What's wrong with wanting to feel strong and graceful and beautiful?", what's wrong with a movie that lets people explore their options and make decisions for themselves? The on-ice action is believable, and Trachtenberg is especially appealing in the lead role. With Kim Cattrall as the snarling coach, Joan Cusack as Casey's anxious mom, Trevor Blumas as the light romantic interest, Hayden Panettiere as the rival, and champion skaters Michelle Kwan and Brian Boitano as themselves.--David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

This Movie Show's That You Can Make Your Dreams Come True!!!!.......2007-06-26

My mom rented Ice Princess on Netflix I liked this movie alot that I watched it 3 or 4 times.I've always liked figure ice skater & I love to wacth figure skating all the time.In Ice Priness at the end of the movie I'm glad Casey gave up Harvard & to after her where she belongs is to be a Figure Skater.Michelle Tractenberg & Hayden Panettiere did a great job protraying their roles in the movie.My friend to me that she & her [...]granddaughter seen Ice Princess & they liked this movie,too.Ice Princess is great movie for kids & adults to enjoy together!!!!

Real Life Drama.......2007-03-27

A truly gifted person succeeds while her best friend is pushed forward by
her mother: frustrated, overbearing and non-successfull figure skater. She at last admits that her daughter's friend is truly gifted and she seems to be satisfied; her daughter no longer under pressure to succeed is very happy too and is finally able to do those things for which has yearned for lo these many years.

Surprisely good........2007-02-23

Ice Princess was a movie I didn't think I would enjoy but to my chargin, I found it very charming, intelligent and not at all sappy even for a Disney movie. The ice skating scenes are beautifully shot, Kim Cattrall is one catty board but you forgive her character later in the film. And Michelle Tractenberg's acting was very convincing, thank god they didn't get that Lindsay Lohan to star in this. I recommend this somewhat serious and "go for your dreams" mantra to every little girl who loves ice skating. Enjoy!

Just watch.......2007-01-26

This is a good movie if you stop criticizing that she mastered a triple jump quickly, and bringing your arms together decreases inertia. Honestly, thats not the point of the movie, it's more about the go for the goal kind of stuff. It's not realistic, but so what?, it's good anyway. One flaw is,she doesn't wear the white dress on the front cover at all in the video. It's also good for kids around 12-13 because it isn't something like Barney or Ariel the Mermaid, but there is nothing inappropriate in it's content.

WOW, people REALLY love happy happy endings to give this movie a 4 star rating.......2006-12-30

I expected to have a good time with this movie because 1. it's about figure skating, my favorite sport, 2. it's disney, fun, happy endings YAY. But after seeing it, I've only begun to remember the ridiculousness in disney movies, but even the Princess Diary wasn't as ridiculous.
first of, I don't care HOW TALENTED YOU ARE, a few months training CAN NOT, and I repeat CAN. NOT. make you master the triple jumps, in fact, they take a LIFETIME of ANY figure skater to master, this I find soley annoying. 2. any figure skating fan who watches figure skating constantly can see that Michell T just can't skate well, I mean, 'course she's good for someone who isn't a renouned figure skater, but even when she skates you can see her body is very tense and hard, not someone who has "natural talent" and graceful movements, the star of the show is the jumping shrimp, and alot of the other skaters who are obvious real skaters, not some actor who tries to skate but did her best, and got silver, gosh I have a big hard time believing that, and Michell Kwon too, you can feel the anger and annoyance in her voice. But what do they make up for that? yeah, she MAGICALLY did the triple jumps, I think this movie'll make any figure skater/figure skater fan really angry
Other than that would be the annoying disney formula: OF COURSE parents can never understand their kids, OF COURSE skating is more glamorous than school, and OF COURSE the science geeks don't have a life and they dress geek-ish. And yeah, one more thing: of course it's either Harvard or skating, GOD knows you can't do both!!! YEAH RIGHT, if she really won silver at such competition it won't matter, Harvard would LET her in non-the-less, and lots of athelets are honor students.
and what else? yeah, the physics, like tucking yourself in DECREASES the moment of inertia, NOT increase, common writer, DO some research at least!!! And everything else she talked about are simple Newtonian laws and equations, nothing impressive or advance as the book she's sleeping on in class- which is an AP physics book- I took the class, I know
they've only done two things right: 1. the blond girl isn't evil- THANK GOD! 2. she won silver with her fall- at least that's less fake, along with everything else...
If you are under 12 you'll like this movie better, if not, avoid, especially if you love figure skating.

Average customer rating:

Barbara Eden Was Excellant
Very enjoyable and sweet
HARPER VALLEY PTA
Comedy at its best
cute fluff-ball comedy

Harper Valley P.T.A.
Starring: Barbara Eden , Ronny Cox , Nanette Fabray , Louis Nye , and Audrey Christie
Director: Ralph Senensky , and Richard C. Bennett
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
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ASIN: B0007TKNDS
Release Date: 2005-05-31

Description

What happens when Stella Johnson and her daughter Dee come up against the unwelcome wagon of the Harper Valley P.T.A.? Hilarious comedy that's fun for the entire family!

Customer Reviews:

Barbara Eden Was Excellant.......2007-04-21

This picture hit the theaters in 1978 starring Barbara Eden as Stella Johnson, Ronny Cox as Willis Newton and Nanette Fabray as Alice Finely. The pictured opens with the song that we come to know and hear along with a view of the school district where the whole thing gets started. As the song continues to play, they keep showing views of the school and the town. After the song is over Stella Johnson is in her house singing and dancing when her daughter Dee, comes home from school and can't even get in the front door. Therefore, Stella opens the door and Dee goes straight to her room without even speaking to her mom. Stella goes and checks on Dee and is given a letter that is address to her from the Harper Valley PTA. The letter states that if Stella doesn't change her ways they will take the proper measures to have her daughter expelled from school. Therefore, Stella and Alice sit down and have a nice long talk with Alice telling Stella every dirty secret that she has on every member of the Harper Valley PTA board. It just so happen that very afternoon the PTA was holding its annual meeting. Therefore, Stella and her daughter go to that PTA meeting and Stella was loaded with dirty secrets that were just waiting to come out. The next day when Dee comes home from school her entire front yard is covered with toilet paper. That's when Will Newton enters! Will is a construction worker who's building the schools new gym. Will helps Stella clean up her front yard and then later that night while Stella and Dee were eating someone throws a rock through the dining room window. Therefore, Stella goes to see Alice and now it's time for war with every member of the PTA. I like this movie because of the comedy and the acting of Barbara Eden. It was nice to see her in another role other then Jeanine. I give this movie 5 weasel stars.

Very enjoyable and sweet.......2006-12-04

I loved the series back in the day. When I was a little girl, I idolized Barbara Eden. I watched Jeannie whenever I could (which wasn't easy back in the day of one black and white tv with rabbit ears!). I still remember my parents turning it off because of bad reception and I was so upset because I'd never seen the episode in question.

Anyway, Barbara Eden is charming in this. I look at the young crop of actresses today and very few of them have the charm of Barbara Eden. I personally think that Days of Our Lives should have hired her to play "Jo Johnson" after Joy Garrett died - the physical resemblence is amazing, and Barbara has the same sweet vulnerability that Joy had.

HARPER VALLEY PTA.......2006-03-24

I have always loved this movie. It came out when I was just a kid and at that time it was a little raunchy. I am so glad it is available on DVD.

Comedy at its best .......2006-03-04

Comedy at its finest, today's comedy have nothing over this.
I love this movie so much.

cute fluff-ball comedy.......2005-12-20

HARPER VALLEY P.T.A. is a cute comedy, based on the chart-topping country song from Jeannie C. Riley (written by Tom T. Hall).

Barbara Eden plays the vivacious Mrs Stella Johnson, who walks to the beat of her own drum, much to the horror of her strait-laced neighbours and the members of the Harper Valley P.T.A. One afternoon Stella's daughter Dee (Susan Swift) comes home from school with a letter from the secretary of the P.T.A. which threatens to expell Dee if Stella does not conform. Stella and her wacky best friend Alice (Nanette Fabray) decide that a little revenge is on the cards...!

This film is very much a one-note caper comedy, but the performances of Barbara Eden and Nanette Fabray are so wonderful that they greatly enliven the limitations of the material. Susan Swift is lovely as Dee, and the formidable president of the P.T.A. is played by Audrey Christie in her best fashion. Also featuring Louis Nye, Ronny Cox, Pat Paulsen and John Fiedler.

HBO's new DVD release contains a crisp anamorphic print.

Average customer rating:

This Movie Show's That You Can Make Your Dreams Come True!!!!
Real Life Drama
Surprisely good.
Just watch
WOW, people REALLY love happy happy endings to give this movie a 4 star rating

Ice Princess (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Joan Cusack , Kim Cattrall , Michelle Trachtenberg , Hayden Panettiere , and Trevor Blumas
Director: Tim Fywell
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
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ASIN: B0009JE57Q
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

This Movie Show's That You Can Make Your Dreams Come True!!!!.......2007-06-26

Real Life Drama.......2007-03-27

Surprisely good........2007-02-23

Just watch.......2007-01-26

WOW, people REALLY love happy happy endings to give this movie a 4 star rating.......2006-12-30

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:

A place like this can hide many things!
Island in the Sun
DOROTHY DANDRIDGE IS THE REASON TO WATCH!
Interesting, but frustratingly slow-paced race-relations soap opera
good photography, dull movie

Island in the Sun
Starring: James Mason , Joan Fontaine , Dorothy Dandridge , Joan Collins , and Michael Rennie
Director: Robert Rossen
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BOH91S
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Amazon.com

This race-relations film from 1957, based on a novel by Alec Waugh and set on a West Indies island, stars James Mason as a wealthy man who runs against a local union leader (Harry Belafonte). The rest of the players, one way or another, deal with the consequences of their rivalry. Mason and Belafonte leave a strong impression, but the film overall doesn't live up to its own sense of significance. Joan Collins is good as Mason's sister, who worries that the contest will cost her an engagement to the governor's son. --Tom Keogh

Description

Four different love affairs simultaneously wreak havoc in the lives of the inhabitants of a tropical paradise. A wealthy plantation owner plots murder when he suspects his wife of having an adulterous relationship. At the same time, his sister-in-law is drawn to his enemy, a dedicated black labor leader, and a governor's aide is torn over his scandalous affair with a native woman. Darling and exquisitely filmed on location, this rich romantic story with it's focus on race, passion and politics, was one of the most talked about films of its day.

Customer Reviews:

A place like this can hide many things!.......2007-01-06

I had the chance to watch this film last night and even though "Island in the Sun" was produced in 1957 it should be recognized as indisputable breakthrough! There have been plenty of movies like this, but keep in mind that interracial relationships were political detonate at the time - and yet some of the film's observations remain upsetting even today.

In this film the wealthy whites are ridicule here once again, lording their money-driven power over the black Caribbean field workers in this timely but talky issue-film. Belafonte also stars here as a native son on the fictional West Indies island of Santa Marta who wants to wrestle control of the government from the ruling white British regime, here embodied by political candidate James Mason (who harbors a deep, dark secret of his own -- pun completely intended). Joan Fontaine essays a white woman who happens to be in love with Harry; Dorothy Dandridge plays a local girl in love with a white man (John Justin); and Joan Collins portrays Mason's sister, trying to get English lord Stephen Boyd to fall for her.

The location (Barbados/Grenada) of this film was just beautiful, and so is Harry Belafonte's voice, singing Jamaican songs at sunset. His relationship with Joan Fontaine is fantastic--if not especially romantic. The love story sidebars are soapy but not dull and they give the film what passion it has. Personally what I really wanted to see was more of Belafonte. He was at a peak here, and since he didn't get to use his own singing voice in "Carmen Jones", this is a great chance to watch and hear him perform unfettered.

I also recommend is "Stormy Weather" because it is a important piece of history, being one of Hollywood's first pictures to star an entirely African-American cast. Though some racial stereotyping is on-hand here and there.

Island in the Sun.......2006-11-11

A Review of Island in the Sun
By: Noran L. Moffett

In an era for which the racial hegemony was challenged by the liberation struggles of the formerly enslaved Africans, the complex circumstances of life, love and legalities were centrifugal in the movie.

In the initial scenes of the movie, the primary characters surfaced on the screen with tacit commentary and documented tension over social, political and economic life forces, love choices and legal limits.

For the viewer of Island in the Sun, the social dynamics of racial taboos over love choices were confounding the characters who were engaged in legal and social polemics. Yet, the movie rapidly explores the dynamic political leadership of the African and Multiracial majority against the established socially, politically and economically powerful European minority.

The movie ends with the emergence of the true love for the political realities facing the Afro Caribbean population by the Afro Caribbean leader (played by Harry Belafonte) over the obvious passion for him by the Euro Caribbean woman. As a result of the movies multifaceted mood, tenor and tone, the viewer can recognize historical evolution and the introduction of interracial romantic revolution.

DOROTHY DANDRIDGE IS THE REASON TO WATCH!.......2006-05-13

Interracial romance is just one of the topics covered in "Island in the Sun", a Darryl Zanuck production,directed by Robert Rossen(The Hustler).Politics and political crime are also covered,especially those areas that touch the Fleury family of James Mason,in a so-so performance.The REAL star of this film is the utterly fantastic Dorothy Dandridge,who sizzles EVERY moment she is on screen!The rest of the cast Stephen Boyd,Joan Collins, and Michael Rennie is just average.The "other" interracial romance between John Fontaine and Harry Belafonte is a bore.Included in the DVD is at he original theatrical trailer,a fine documentary from A&E concerning Dorothy,and a poor commentary,on the film, by John Stanley,who is listed as a film historian.

Interesting, but frustratingly slow-paced race-relations soap opera.......2006-03-26

Set on a fictional West Indian island under British rule, Island in the Sun has all the elements to be a great 1950s soap opera: exotic locations, all-star cast, jealousy, angst-ridden male protagonists, racial tensions, sex, interracial desires, political intrigue, murder. What a great movie someone like Douglas Sirk (Written on the Wind, the 1959 Imitation of Life) would have made with the same cast, location and storylines!

Unfortunately, producer Zanuck and director Rossen spend more time showing off the West Indian locations than developing the characters and speeding the pace so that we can keep up with the different storylines. By the time you get back to some of the characters, youve lost interest or forgotten what happened the last time we saw them. Of the all-star cast, only James Mason (as the angst-ridden male) and Harry Belafonte (as the angry black man) get to have showy scenes and make an impression. Joan Fontaine (as a wealthy woman who falls for Belafonte) and Dorothy Dandridge (as a sassy West Indian who falls for a white man) are criminally wasted in this film. Even though their storylines got the most publicity (the interracial romances) when the film was released, all the two actresses are made to do is look good (which they do) in their costumes. Joan Collins is just okay as James Mason's sister and Diana Wynyard has one good scene as their mother.

Overall, the most interesting aspect of the movie, and the only reason worth watching it nowadays, is the 1950s Hollywood depiction of interracial romance, although there were so many compromises made that none of the two couples really seem to have much sexual chemistry or desire for each other.

The film's Cinemascope location shots look great on the DVD transfer and the DVD also features the Biography episode on Dorothy Dandridge. (I skipped the commentary track.)

good photography, dull movie.......2006-03-21

I remember seeing this movie years ago when it was released. I was a child and I had not seen it since. I was quite surprised to find out that it had been released on DVD so I ordered it. When I saw it in the theatre as a child, it seemed larger than life with the palm trees, vibrant colors, etc. I also fell in love with Dorothy Dandridge who I thought was absolutely beautiful.
Looking at this movie now, it seems rather bland and it did not hold my interest. There are a lot of story lines going on in the movie and none of them are particularly exciting. The women looked beautiful (except for Joan Fontaine who seemed quite plain and devoid of any personality) but their characters did not contribute much to the story lines.
The theme of race relations was not really explored the way I thought it would be, except as an undercurrent. The only black person in the movie to address the issue was Harry Belafonte and who does he wind up with but the ever-exciting Joan Fontaine. At the end he basically tells her to get lost.
I compare this movie with one of my all-time favorites, "Black Orpheus" which, while not having a complicated plot, was extremely well done.
In conclusion, while I would recommend this movie for historical reasons and for the boldness (at the time) of addressing the race issue, I would caution that it is not very interesting or exciting.

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Watch it over and over
A Great Tragic Masterpiece by Mikhalkov
Scott Hoerle
Excellent movie, but tragic ending
Nikita Mikhalkov's best

Burnt by the Sun
Starring: Nino Abuladze , T. Akopova , Ion Aksenti , Nina Arkhipova , and Vladimir Belousov (II)
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00009MEKP
Release Date: 2003-07-15

Amazon.com

Russian filmmaker Nikita Mikhalkov is also the star of this tragic 1994 drama about the last happy season in the life of a Bolshevik hero's family. The year is 1936, and Stalin's purges are in full swing. Despite his reputation and revolutionary record, Sergei Kotov (Mikhalkov) seems to be on the dictator's hit list, as indicated by the insulting arrival of his wife's former lover, an agent of government police. Mikhalkov treats all this as a matter of personal and political intrigue dropping like rotting fruit in the middle of a sunny and loving period for the Kotov clan. The director ingeniously understates the mounting threat until one begins to realize that the Kotovs are only geographically distant from the long, bloody reach of Stalin. By the time we do realize it, the shock of change is almost unbearable. A very fine movie all around, though Mikhalkov's touches of magic realism (particularly the presence of a golden orb that keeps popping into the action) are distracting and a subject of controversy among viewers. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Watch it over and over.......2007-09-12

I'm really into Russian literature and film and this one is pure cream. Perfect casting, spectacular cinematography, and a great story. This film is never boring and, for Americans, yields an incredible sense of Russian culture under Stalin; however, the tale is not at all limited to misery -- there is no shortage of light humor and very interesting day to day life experience here.
This film tells the story of a (very likeable) major Russian hero, (retired and living at an art camp of sorts), and his lovely family, and how the tide of his life turns as a direct result of Stalin's lunatic madness and paranoia. Now, I want to say up front that I usually hate smooshy script and there's none of that here, albeit, there's a basic underlying love story.
If you can at all tolerate English subtitles, don't miss this one -- it's just super and SO much better than cheesy Hollywood fluff!

A Great Tragic Masterpiece by Mikhalkov.......2007-05-20

Stalin....was there anyone in the Soviet Union, during the 30's, who's life was not ruined or touched by tragic events, to some degree, in his relentless cleansings and purges? I seriously doubt it. Here we have a truly great film masterpiece by Nikita Mikhalkov...that of General Serfei Kotov, a great hero of the revolution. He has always tried to live like and ideolize himself as a true upstanding communist and respected revolutionary war hero. He is with his family at his dacha, where other guests are present, vacationing, also. However, his bucholic lakeside "visit" moves from one of restful bliss to sheer and utter terror as he realizes he has become another victim of Stalin's supreme spying league. Interwoven are other details and bits of the lives of other characters. Absolutely one of the most beautifully filmed movies ever committed to film (think of the photography of "Days of Heaven")... just breathtaking to look at. The nature of the story makes it somewhat hard to discuss, in review here, without giving away more than one should, and I do not intend to make this review a "Spoiler". Just trust me, it's a "keeper". (I love this film so much, that I replaced my VHS tape with Laserdisc, and then my Laserdisc with the DVD release...if it wasn't really great, believe me, I would not have kept upgrading a copy of it.)

......Another little nudge here would be "Kolya"....get it and watch it, also! It's wonderful.

Scott Hoerle.......2007-05-13

This film offers a nuanced view of Stalin's purges during the 1930s. It tells of Colonel Kotov, a hero from the civil war who is absolutely dedicated to building the Soviet State. Even this good Communist is not immune to the terror, however. A mysterious guest arrives, the uncertainty of Kotov's world unravels, and political realities close in. The film provides an excellent glimpse of the USSR during the period before World War II.

Excellent movie, but tragic ending.......2007-02-13

This is an excellent movie, but sad at the end.

Nikita Mikhalkov's best .......2006-12-21

The movie portrays the dual life in Soviet Russia under Stalin in the mid 30s. The beginning is a story of what Soviet life should have been like; the end is a chilling revelation of the reality. Nikita Mikhalkov plays General Sergei Kotov, a hero of the revolution who is holidaying in his dacha with his family and whose naïve love for the Soviet motherland is rewarded in the same fashion that Stalin rewarded most of the genuine revolutionary communists. But this is not the only story; there are many other little stories that portray the lives of people trapped between the past and the present, between lies and truths, between illusions and realities. Oleg Menshikov is extraordinary in this sense. He plays Mitya, a NVKD agent and an old friend of Kotov's wife, whose ruthlessness is the product of the Soviet spying apparatus, but who has also managed to preserve something noble in his personality from his tranquil past. The movie has a deeply sad finale - like the lives of everyone who lived under Stalin.

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Ciudad del Sol (Sun City)
Starring: Darío Grandinetti , Nicolás Cabré , Jazmín Stuart , Patricio Contreras , and Luis Luque
Director: Carlos Galettini
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009S2K88
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Description

Mystery swirls around the unexpected apparent suicide of a woman whose death deeply affects her distraught daughter, Manuela.

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not as good as i thought it would be
Best in Show at AFFD

Marrying the Mafia
Starring: Dong-geun Yun , Jun-ho Jeong , Jeong-eun Kim , Ji-ru Sung , and Sang-wook Park
Director: Heung-sun Jeong
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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