Equilibrium

Amazon.com

A broad science fiction thriller in a classic vein, Equilibrium takes a respectable stab at a Fahrenheit 451-like cautionary fable. The story finds Earth's post-World War III humankind in a state of severe emotional repression: If no one feels anything, no one will be inspired by dark passions to attack their neighbors. Writer-director Kurt Wimmer's monochromatic, Metropolis-influenced cityscape provides an excellent backdrop to the heavy-handed mission of John Preston (Christian Bale), a top cop who busts "sense offenders" and crushes sentimental, sensual, and artistic relics from a bygone era. Predictably, Preston becomes intrigued by his victims and that which they die to cherish; he stops taking his mandatory, mood-flattening drug and is even aroused by a doomed prisoner (Emily Watson). Wimmer's wrongheaded martial arts/dueling guns motif is sheer silliness (a battle over a puppy doesn't help), but Equilibrium should be seen for Bale's moving performance as a man shocked back to human feeling. --Tom Keogh

Description

Delivering awesome high-tech action in the power-packed style of THE MATRIX and MINORITY REPORT, EQUILIBRIUM stars Christian Bale (REIGN OF FIRE) and Taye Diggs (CHICAGO) in a thrilling look at a future where the only crime is being human! In an attempt to end wars and maintain peace, humankind has outlawed the things that trigger emotion -- literature, music, and art. To uphold the law, a special breed of police is assigned to eliminate all transgressors. But when the top enforcer (Bale) misses a dose of an emotion-blocking drug, he begins to realize that things are not as they seem! Also starring Sean Bean (THE LORD OF THE RINGS) and Emily Watson (RED DRAGON).

Customer Reviews:

impressive.......2007-09-10

if you liked the matrix than this movie is right up your alley. christian bale is the lead actor and does a great job as a sense offense officer and then actually an offender. this movie makes you think of big brother or 1984 great movie. it is easy to picture yourself in this story line and his reactions are very real.

A new generation SCI-FI dramas with fast packaged action! a classic along with Matrix.......2007-09-03

It looks like Matrix marked a new age for Sci-Fi movies by showing deep phylosophycal drama, fast paced action sequences, complex martial arts ballets and doomy/gloomy societies. Anyhow, if you want these ingredients in a sci-fi movie I invite to buy this one! The main plot exposes us to a very good human question as to whether will we be able to annihilate war by supressing our own feelings...Like or not, it is a valid point of view. Very good political view of a not-so-far future and a resistance which tries to gives us back our humanity. The fight sequences, thou not having the complexity of those of Matrix they are really good because they have martial arts and gun shoots everywhere. If you are also looking for very emotional performances take Bale's and Watson's lookings at each other. I highly recommended movie that I am totally satisfied of and if you are a good sci-fi fan just like me, go and get it!

Better than "The Matrix".......2007-09-01

This movie is, in some ways, better than "The Matrix". It definitely gets you thinking about what is important in life, and all the actors are fantastic in their roles. "Equilibrium" is a really nice find among underrated movies.

Very derivitive.......2007-08-21

The movie was okay in itself, but for virtually the entire viewing I felt I was watching scenes that were re done from other movies. I saw Metropolis, V is for Vendetta, The Matrix, Ultraviolet and Logan's Run to name some of them. It wasn't a bad film, but there was nothing original in it and some of the "spectacular gun battles and fight scenes" described on the box were simply laughable in their execution. All in all, I would recommend watching it, but I question those who say they fell in love with this film or those that state this is the greatest film of all time. It was an hour and 47 minutes of fair entertainment. Not great - not terrible. Just a nice diversion.

An Okay Movie.......2007-08-21

Equilibrium is a movie that portrays a world where human emotion is forbidden. Society is vaccinated with serums to suppress and control human feeling. When one militaristic elite misses his required dose he discovers the beauty of human emotion. Armed by his emotions he decides to destroy the "Big Brother" system he once protected.
The overall concept of the movie sounds interesting; however, the lines and overall story plot were shallow. The characters in the movie lacked depth. It seemed like the director just wanted to focus on the fighting scenes rather than showing any meaningful dialogue between the characters.
The fighting sequences were pretty amazing though. They were artistic and compared to most action movies very unique.
The movie was not as amazing as I expected but at the same time not a complete disappointment.

Average customer rating:

Awful
and more ******
a truly unforgettable film.........
Beautiful Story
Life is Beautiful is Beautiful

Life Is Beautiful
Starring: Claudio Alfonsi , Lidia Alfonsi , Gil Baroni , Massimo Bianchi , and Sergio Bini Bustric
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Life Is Beautiful (La Vita E Bella)

ASIN: B00001U0DP
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Amazon.com

Italy's rubber-faced funnyman Roberto Benigni accomplishes the impossible in his World War II comedy Life Is Beautiful: he shapes a simultaneously hilarious and haunting comedy out of the tragedy of the Holocaust. An international sensation and the most successful foreign language film in U.S. history, the picture also earned director-cowriter-star Benigni Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actor. He plays the Jewish country boy Guido, a madcap romantic in Mussolini's Italy who wins the heart of his sweetheart (Benigni's real-life sweetie, Nicoletta Braschi) and raises a darling son (the adorable Giorgio Cantarini) in the shadow of fascism. When the Nazis ship the men off to a concentration camp in the waning days of the war, Guido is determined to shelter his son from the evils around them and convinces him they're in an elaborate contest to win (of all things) a tank. Guido tirelessly maintains the ruse with comic ingenuity, even as the horrors escalate and the camp's population continues to dwindle--all the more impetus to keep his son safe, secure, and, most of all, hidden. Benigni walks a fine line mining comedy from tragedy and his efforts are pure fantasy--he accomplishes feats no man could realistically pull off--both of which have drawn fire from a few critics. Yet for all its wacky humor and inventive gags, Life Is Beautiful is a moving and poignant tale of one father's sacrifice to save not just his young son's life but his innocence in the face of one of the most evil acts ever perpetrated by the human race. --Sean Axmaker

Description

An inspired motion picture masterpiece, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL was nominated for 7 Academy Awards(R) -- winning 3 Oscars, including one for Best Actor Robert Benigni. In this extraordinary tale, Guido (Benigni) -- a charming but bumbling waiter who's gifted with a colorful imagination and an irresistible sense of humor -- has won the heart of the woman he loves and created a beautiful life for his young family. But then, that life is threatened by World War II ... and Guido must rely on those very same strengths to save his beloved wife and son from an unthinkable fate! Honored with an overwhelming level of critical acclaim, this truly exceptional, utterly unique achievement will lift your spirits and capture your heart!

Customer Reviews:

Awful.......2007-09-11

I was extremely disappointed with this movie. I read the raving reviews and thought it would be great but it wasn't. Some parts were funny but I don't think you can make light on something as dreadful as the Holocaust no matter how good the acting is. I think this is taking dark humor too far and I found it extremely offensive and over rated!

and more ******.......2007-09-10

Yes, I cried too. In a world, where we forget to appreciate our beloved ones, Guido gives the most strength to his beloved ones in the most difficult times. A smiling face, a loving heart, a courage to give that strength to his family in the most beautiful way. a sharp thinking capability... With his love, Dora and Joshua find the direction to survive and with his love, I am sure both Dora and Joshua find the way to move on... lovely...

a truly unforgettable film................2007-09-01

I had the privilege of seeing LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (LA VITA E BELLA) in the movie theater, right after star and co-director Roberto Benigini had won a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor. There is no other word to describe it. This film is beautiful, and it definitely makes you appreciate and value life more.

I know some people have trouble picturing a film whose subject matter is the Holocaust that starts out as such a bubbly comedy. But, that is exactly the tone that the director and writers (Roberto Benigni and Vincenzo Cerami) developed, and it's brilliant. Guido (Benigni) is a young, Jewish-Italian man with a wonderful sense of humor and a gusto for life. He falls madly in love with Dora (Nicoletta Braschi), a beautiful woman who he continues to pursue (even when she is engaged to be married to another man!). Of course, love conquers all. However, the second half takes a decidedly different turn when he and his son (Giorgio Cantarini) are placed in a concentration camp. This is when Guido's inventiveness and imagination become invaluable tools in shielding his son from the horrors they encounter there.

It is rare that I see a fillm that leaves me so breathless as this one does, ten years later. This is the film that Roberto Benigni will be most remembered for, and for good reason. I suggest that you watch this for your heart, your soul and your spirit. Be sure to have a box of kleenex and prepare to lose yourself in the spellbinding beauty of this movie.

Beautiful Story.......2007-08-09

The love of a man for his wife and son is remarkably touching. This is a very well done movie. I enjoy it every time I see it!

Life is Beautiful is Beautiful.......2007-08-03

My entire family adored this charming tragicomedy about life in Italy just before and during World War II. Director and star Roberto Benigni has created a fairy tale with an edge. An irrepressible Jewish waiter falls in love with a socialite, winning her away from her Fascist fiance with a mix of humor, coincidence, opportunism and whimsy. They have a son and find themselves in the midst of a Jewish pogrom that transports them to an unnamed concentration camp. Father "Guido" uses the same skill set that he used to win his wife to protect his four-year old son from the brutality that surrounds him, convincing him that the camp is an elaborate holiday and game in which the winner will receive a new tank.

Benigni's performance (which won a Best Actor Academy Award--rare for a foreign language film) is a masterwork--manic, touching, hilarious and affecting in about every possible way. The scene where he translates a German soldier's camp instructions for the benefit of his son is priceless ("No lollipops! Don't even think about asking!") His wife Dora is beautiful and bemused in the first act and exists more symbolically, but still powerfully in the second. The very young actor who plays son Joshua is amazing--portraying the wide-eyed enthusiasm of his father combined with a mistrustful wisdom well beyond his years.

Like the recent French film "Amelie", "Beatiful" has a whimsical soul. The concentration camp sometimes seems a little too smooth, a feature that Spielberg films on serious subjects are sometimes accused of. Still, the Germans were known for the their organization and order, and the story doesn't really need grisly depictions of much of what went on during the Holocaust to make its point. The production design also fits with the fairy tale feeling of the tale.

My wife doesn't much care for foreign films, but said she felt like she'd learned some Italian watching this one. My daughter doesn't like foreign films or period movies. Both loved "Life is Beautiful." You will too.

The Da Vinci Code (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Ok movie, but no hit....
A rough transistion from book to movie
Disappointing
DaVinci Code more truthful than the Fiction in the Bible!!!
ugh Tom Hanks...

The Da Vinci Code (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Tom Hanks , Audrey Tautou , Ian McKellen , Jean Reno , and Paul Bettany
Director: Ron Howard
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B00005JOC9
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Amazon.com

Critics and controversy aside, The Da Vinci Code is a verifiable blockbuster. Combine the film's huge worldwide box-office take with over 100 million copies of Dan Brown's book sold, and The Da Vinci Code has clearly made the leap from pop-culture hit to a certifiable franchise. The leap for any story making the move from book to big screen, however, is always more perilous. In the case of The Da Vinci Code, the plot is concocted of such a preposterous formula of elements that you wouldn't envy screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, the man tasked with making this story filmable. The script follows Dan Brown's book as closely as possible while incorporating a few needed changes, including a better ending. And if you're like most of the world, by now you've read the book and know how it goes: while lecturing in Paris, noted Harvard Professor of Symbology Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is summoned to the Louvre by French police to help decipher a bizarre series of clues left at the scene of the murder of the chief curator. Enter Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), gifted cryptologist. Neveu and Langdon team up to solve the mystery, and from there the story is propelled across Europe, ballooning into a modern-day mini-quest for the Holy Grail, where secret societies are discovered, codes are broken, and murderous albino monks are thwarted… oh, and alternative theories about the life of Christ and the beginnings of Christianity are presented too, of course. It's not the typical formula for a stock Hollywood thriller. In fact, taken solely as a mystery, the movie almost works--despite some gaping holes--mostly just because it keeps moving. Brown's greatest trick was to have the entire story take place in one day, so the action is forced to keep moving, despite some necessary pauses for exposition. As a screen couple, Hanks and Tautou are just fine together but not exactly memorable; meanwhile Sir Ian McKellen's scenery-chewing as pivotal character Sir Leigh Teabing is just what the film needed to keep it from taking itself too seriously. The whole thing is like a good roller-coaster ride: try not to think too much about it--just sit back and enjoy the trip. --Daniel Vancini

Visit The Da Vinci Code Store

On The DVD
The DVD extras on a film as popular as The Da Vinci Code should be plentiful, and this version doesn't skimp. With over 90 minutes of special features, including ten behind-the-scenes featurettes, there's a lot here to explore beyond the film itself. The question is, is there anything new here that we haven't heard before, in all the hype, pseudo-documentaries, and controversy surrounding the movie, to make it worthwhile? For most viewers, the answer will be "yes." Essentially, if you like the movie, if you enjoyed the book, you will get a lot out of them.

Just as the movie is intended to make the book come to life, the DVD extras should make the film come to life by pointing the audience into the world of the filmmakers, connecting the dots between print and film, and for the most part they do just that. The extras here range from the typical look behind-the-scenes to more in-depth features on the supporting characters, the locations, and the Mona Lisa herself. "First Day on the Set with Ron Howard" features the director gushing about the opportunity to film in the Louvre and work with Tom Hanks again (the two worked together before on Splash and Apollo 13). It's a short piece that doesn't reveal much beyond making an attempt to share Howard's excitement (with the "Gee, I really loved working with him/her on this project" that you hear in every such featurette), but viewers might enjoy seeing how the stage was set up in the famous museum, down to the spike tape on the floor showing actors where to hit their marks. The Filmmaking Experience, Parts 1 and 2 further explores the creative and technical aspects of the filmmaking process. A Conversation with Dan Brown starts out feeling like a puff-piece (the man who wrote this book got started at age 5 with a story called The Giraffe, The Pig, and the Pants on Fire. "It was a thriller," he says.) and unfortunately it doesn't go very deep into much of anything of interest. But on the other hand, this isn't 60 Minutes here; it's intended to give viewers a better sense of the man behind the franchise, which it does. Much of the footage from this interview is sprinkled throughout some of the other featurettes. Meanwhile, the character behind the franchise, Robert Langdon, is examined in his own featurette, as is Sophie Neveu. The cool thing here is getting under the skin of the actors to see how they approached the characters, knowing that most of the movie-going public already has formed their own ideas about the characters from the book.

The most interesting extras are the featurettes that focus on the history behind the mystery. Or is it the mystery behind the history? Either way, the first one on the Mona Lisa, and the second featurette on the many codes and symbols that are hidden throughout the movie balance out the remainder of the extras nicely by demonstrating the sense of intrigue, mystery, and game-playing adventure that made The Da Vinci Code so popular in the first place. --Daniel Vancini

Beyond The Da Vinci Code

The Films of Tom Hanks
The Films of Ron Howard

The Da Vinci DVDs: Decoding "The Da Vinci Code"
More About The Artist

Stills from The Da Vinci Code (click for larger image)

Description

Dan Brown's international bestseller comes alive in the film The Da Vinci Code, directed by Ron Howard with a screenplay by Akiva Goldsman. Join symbologist Robert Langdon (Academy Award® Winner Tom Hanks, 1993 Best Actor, Philadelphia, and 1994 Best Actor, Forrest Gump) and cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou) in their heart-racing quest to solve a bizarre murder mystery that will take them from France to England - and behind the veil of a mysterious ancient society, where they discover a secret protected since the time of Christ. With first-rate performances by Sir Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina and Jean Reno, critics are calling The Da Vinci Code "involving" and "intriguing," "a first rate thriller."

Customer Reviews:

Ok movie, but no hit...........2007-09-08

Like most everybody else, I'd already read the Da Vinci Code before I saw this movie...Glad I did, or this would have been difficult to follow.
The movie wasn't terribly bad, but neither is it a hit, by any means. I suppose this is a difficult book to make a movie out of, anyway.

The supporting cast was much better than the two main characters played by Hanks and Tautou. Tom Hanks seemed almost stony; he showed very little emotion. Tautou was a fairly convincing young French policewoman, but again, not a lot of "acting" on her part...Jean Reno, Prochnow and the others were far better.

The movie contains some flashback scenes to the middle ages. They were quite fake looking, to me. Should have pared these down a lot.

I get a feeling this film was a rush job. Wish more time or thought had been put into it.
(PS - remember, Brown's novel is FICTION...too many credulous people have gotten carried away with the book and movie:)

A rough transistion from book to movie.......2007-09-07

A funny thing "The DaVinci Code". When you're reading through the fast paced car chases and Indiana Jones like romp through history, you think to yourself, "This has `Hollywood Movie Script' written all over it." But when you actually watch the movie, it feels remarkably like you're reading a book. Yet one more example of a story that, for one reason or another, didn't survive the jump between mediums very well.

Although it is tempting to say that Ron Howard really mucked this up, I'm not sure how well the story would have fared with a different director. Although the book at first glance might seem to be the perfect Hollywood movie, on further reflection this probably would have been a difficult transition in any case. The success of Indiana Jones and his ilk is based upon the fact that they are action/adventure movies with a bit of history thrown in for flavor. "The Davinci Code" is essentially a historical thesis, with some action thrown in to make it an interesting novel. But there's just too much information in the book to pack into a Hollywood movie. Anyone who hadn't read the book would be left confused about what was going on, and yet the movie already seems terribly long and talky as it is. I thought it was one of the longest 2 1/2 hours I ever sat through.

There has already been much discussion about the accuracy of this book (to put it mildly) and how much of this Dan Brown can get away with in the fictional genre. I don't approach this book with any sort of religious axe to grind, but at the same time I don't particularly like being lied to. Which was my main criticism of "The Davinci Code." I do realize its fiction, but I would have felt a little better about the whole thing if the author had been upfront about it.

However when this turns into a big budget Hollywood movie, all bets are off. I don't expect it true, and I don't care if it's true. I just want to watch something interesting. If I wanted to actually learn about the knights Templars, I'd read a book or rent a documentary.

And this I think is the second big problem with this story in the film medium. I'm not saying Hollywood films shouldn't be educational. Hollywood does some great history bi-opics, but they do it by actually showing the life. The kind of talking heads in "The Davinci Code" is not why people go to the movies.

In short, this film may represent another example of "The Last Temptation of Jesus Christ" phenomenon. It's a mediocre film that would probably have faded quietly away, if the religious right hadn't made such a big deal of protesting it.

Disappointing.......2007-09-01

The curator of the Louvre in Paris is murdered in the museum, leaving behind a series of cryptic messages for an American author and expert on symbols and ciphers. Along with the curator's granddaughter, a French policewoman, they must follow the clues while evading the police to uncover a secret that would change 2000 years of Christian history.

Having read the book and enjoyed it, I was very disappointed in the movie. Maybe is just wasn't meant to be a film. There is a lot to explain as the story line moves along and Dan Brown was able to make it informative and exciting on the page. Unfortunately on the screen these scenes are long and dull. The movie on a whole was too long and for a thriller had very few thrills. The whole mood just didn't work, making everything happen too slowly to really engage the viewer. Even Tom Hanks, one of the best actors in the world, was not good in this movie. The only person that escapes unscathed is Ian McKellan who gave a believable, fanatic performance.

DaVinci Code more truthful than the Fiction in the Bible!!!.......2007-08-24

The DaVinci Code is the BEST movie and the BEST book I ever read! Dan Brown keep up the good work for standing up for the True Kingdom as told by Jesus in the earliest text of the historical Jesus, "The Gospel of Thomas." Mary Magdalene was the founder of Christianity and no doubt the greatest Apostle in the Circle of Jesus! Even the New Testament says that! She is the founder of Christianity, by being selected by Jesus to be seen by her first as the Resurrected Jesus! The Church we have grown up in and believed in and downsized Mary Magdalene as a prostitute! This happened in the 3rd to 4th century by emperor Constatine, who felt he was the 13th Apostle and that he was the savior of Christianity, not Jesus who died and failed in his mission as the Messiah! The Church we grew up has grown up believing a lie! The Truth is that we are brothers and sisters of Jesus in worship of the Father!!! The Kingdom and the Resurrection are here and now, if we just believe! The Gospel of Thomas says that eternal life begins today, as a resurrected soul in the here and now! Not in an organized church made of humans who have thrown out Jesus as the Cornerstone, and made the Kingdom a group of political and monetary wolves that thrive on the ignorant! Please share the Word, of Jesus, the Truth in the Gospel of Thomas! All our salvation has arrived in the Words of Jesus, Honor in his name!!! Amen!!!

ugh Tom Hanks..........2007-08-23

Anybody who has read the book knows that Tom Hanks is NOT in no way Robert Langdon. No. Way. When I first heard that I thought it was a joke, but unfortunetly, it was the awful truth. And he did ruin the movie for me. That and the fact that they butchered the beautiful novel. It was barely recognizable. What's even worse is that they are making 'Angels and Demons' and still keeping Tom Hanks. Another disaster waiting to happen.

Average customer rating:

Real or not?
A Movie That Anti-War Media Loved!
POLITICS IN JUNGLE BOOTS - A VIETNAM WAR DEPICTION THROUGH MOVIES
Greatest Vietnam movie of all time!
The Nightmare of War

Platoon (Special Edition)
Starring: Tom Berenger , Willem Dafoe , Keith David , Johnny Depp , and Kevin Dillon
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005AUJQ
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Amazon.com essential video

Platoon put writer-turned-director Oliver Stone on the Hollywood map; it is still his most acclaimed and effective film, probably because it is based on Stone's firsthand experience as an American soldier in Vietnam. Chris (Charlie Sheen) is an infantryman whose loyalty is tested by two superior officers: Sergeant Elias (Willem Dafoe), a former hippie humanist who really cares about his men (this was a few years before he played Jesus in Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ), and Sergeant Barnes (Tom Berenger), a moody, macho soldier who may have gone over to the dark side. The personalities of the two sergeants correspond to their combat drugs of choice--pot for Elias and booze for Barnes. Stone has become known for his sledgehammer visual style, but in this film it seems perfectly appropriate. His violent and disorienting images have a terrifying immediacy, a you-are-there quality that gives you a sense of how things may have felt to an infantryman in the jungles of Vietnam. Platoon won Oscars for best picture and director. --Jim Emerson

Description

Winner* of 4 Academy AwardsÂ(r), including Best Picture, and based on the first-hand experience of OscarÂ(r)-winning** director Oliver Stone, Platoon is powerful, intense and starkly brutal. "Harrowingly realistic and completely convincing" (Leonard Maltin), it is "a dark, unforgettable memorial" (The Washington Post) to every soldier whose innocence was lost in the war-torn jungles of Vietnam. Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen) is a young, naive American who, upon his arrival in Vietnam, quickly discovers that he must do battle not only with the Viet Cong, but also with the gnawing fear, physical exhaustion and intense anger growing within him. While his two commanding officers (OscarÂ(r)-nominated*** Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe) draw a fine line between the war they wage against the enemy and the one they fight with each other, the conflict, chaos and hatred permeate Taylor, suffocating his realities and numbing his feelings to man's highest value life.

Customer Reviews:

Real or not?.......2007-08-02

I was born during the Vietnam war years, and have no idea if what Stone depicts in this movie is realistic or not; however, it is my favorite. There is so much more to this movie than many realize. The dynamics of the relationships between characters, especially Sgt. Elias and Sgt. Barnes are like taughtly pulled violin strings ready to snap. In fact, they do snap in an extremely dramatic and lethal manner. The scene where Sgt. Elias is literally running for his life is made even more heart wrenching when coupled with Barber's Adagio for Strings. This particular piece of music is haunting in it's self; but with the death scene of Sgt. Elias it is emotionally devestating. This particular piece of music portrays the despair, sorrow, and isolation felt by Chris Taylor (Charlie Sheen's character), and probably many men who were truly there.

I will admit, not having been there, not learning much about Vietnam in school (it was a topic quickly glossed over), and having an older brother who was in Vietnam not talk about it, does lend itself to misinformation/misimpressions gathered from films such as this one. Having said that, what I take away from the movie is the Hell too many men experienced, and how the Vietnam war affected all of us in ways we don't even realize. Is it real? I believe many parts of it are not, as a whole, but did those things happen? Unfortunaley they probably did to some extent.

I watch this movie to remind myself of the atrocities done to man by man, and to remind myself why I honor our service men and women. With every watching I am humbled and awed by the sacrifices so many men gave. That is the value of Platoon.

A Movie That Anti-War Media Loved!.......2007-06-04

First off, this film is fiction and what happened in the movie is not totally square with the facts of this war nor does it protray Vietnam veterans as they really were. It is a liberal attempt to justify their anti-war stance and to show America and the world that all of us Vietnam veterans were out murdering people and burning villages. The plot of this movie does not fly - and yet so may people think this is one of the best war films ever made. It shows what people think of that war and what they wish to keep believing about the men who fought it.

This film helps feed the media's image of crazzy veterans. I was offended by the movie but even more so by the huge reception it has gotten as a "realistic movie" about the war. They could have filmed this at Berkeley and cast the actors from the Cal student body.

I know it is just a movie but it serves no veteran - and is not healing for this nation. It is a very popular film, there is no doubt about it - and the acting is done well. The action is realistic in the battle scenes - but it is plot and the message of the film that gets in the way of me viewing this as nothing more than another attempt to make veterans look bad. I am not against anti-war films - I am just against films that demean the images of veterans.

I served my tour of duty in Nam from October 1966- October 1967 - I was wounded and saw my fair share of combat as a crew-chief/ door-gunner on a Huey. I have been helping my fellow veterans now for 3 decades trying to adjust from that war and our poor welcome back home - this film hurts that effort and is an insult!

Do us all a favor and do not buy this film and enrich those who made this propaganda. Reach out and help those veterans coming home from this war on terrorism - they are in need of your support! Let us not do to them what this country did to us Nam veterans!

POLITICS IN JUNGLE BOOTS - A VIETNAM WAR DEPICTION THROUGH MOVIES.......2007-06-01

BY: Fernando de Mello Pimentel

The world we see today, thrusted by a globalized set of integrated political and commercial trading practices, is arguably very dissimilar from the bi-polarized and ideologically lugubrious background of the 20th Century's post World War II years, also known as the "Cold War". At a time when an imaginary line divided the globe in two geopolitical blocks -the capitalist and socialist -, the United States and the former U.S.S.R where the two major players at the chessboard in charge of the strategy for the rest of the World's fate. Both sides designated what was known at the time as their "Spheres of Influence", which in practical terms meant that strategic alliances with other ideologically close countries were drawn with the sole purpose of achieving world-wide domination. Such concept was clearly materialized with the construction of the Berlin Wall (1961-1989), also known as "Iron Curtain", which literarally divided the world into zones of capitalist and communist ideologies.

America's role at the time was to secure the deployment of capitalist economical aid, political influence and military support to other areas of the world in detriment of Soviet communist regime expansion, and vice-versa. The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), the wars of Korea (1950-1953), Vietnam (1959-1975) and the Soviet-Afghan (1979-1989) and the constant and widespread fear of nuclear annihilation - at the verge of a massive arms race - were all under the spotlight of world foreign affair policies promoted by both parties. The Vietnam War was perhaps one of the most intriguing outcomes of this conflicted era. It has been increasingly depicted in countless hollywood productions and television series ever since the mid 70's.

Debuting in 1978, in this sphere of cinematographic story telling, is Michael Cimino's epic "The Deer Hunter", which describes the friendship of 3 Pennsylvania steel workers of Rusyn ancestry. As strong and realistic as this tale is, perhaps no other film is as psychological and nerve-wrecking as Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now", with its intense narrative about an american special forces elite soldier having gone totally insane in the jungles of south asia and having decided to take matters by his own hands and methods. This 1979 motion picture has stirred up audiences around the globe by portraying the horrors of war and its tormenting effects on both civilians and military personnel. Embracing all of this chaotic nature is the fictional Nung River, which metaphorically stands for Colonel Kurtz's gradual but irreversible psychological navigation towards a derranging stream of consciousness which undeniably led him to cross over to the dark side of mental sanity.

While "The Deer Hunter" was a film about friendship ties dilacerated by mental breakdown caused by imprisonment in Vietnamese P.O.W camps and the unbearable hardships of coming home, and "Apocalypse Now" was a harshly psychological metaphor for military desertion and misconduction of War, Oliver Stone's 1986 auto-biographical "Platoon" is the definite account on the sheer loss of innocence every young enlisted man underwent during his tour of duty. In the movie, Stone explores the 25th Infantry Division's Bravo Company Platoon as a microcosm which emblematizes the Pentagon's controversial and misleading military policy to restrain communist expansion in southeast asia.

Political and ideological clashes erupt between the outfit's two main leaders - Staff Sergeant Barnes and Sergeant Elias - triggering a polarizing conflict within the platoon which precipitates the decay of morale. The inoperative Lieutenant Wolfe is incapable of controlling the ongoing joust within his group. His total lack of authority over the platoon is accurately portrayed throughout the movie and is somehow Stone's testimony on America's incompetence in directing the war.

Politics is a recurring theme in "Platoon" which uncompromisingly displays the military's unquenchable thirst for power. While Sergeant Barnes is the personification of the ambitious quest for unlimited power, Sergeant O'Neil represents a submissive class of `boot-licking" scoundrels who will give unconditional support to their superior officers in exchange of personal benefits. On the extreme opposite end lies Sergeant Elias, a hippie humanist who cares for his fellow men as if they were his own blood. Elias is an authentic crusader who has been in country long enough - at least three complete tours - to become completely acquainted to the devastating sub-products of war and thus form a solid contrary opinion about it - traces of pacifism can actually be inferred by his non-violent behaviour and clear pursuit of escapism. His natural leadership skills spontaneously blossom as he constantly finds himself supporting and coaching rookies who have just been freshly shipped into the combat zone. On the other hand, Sergeant Barnes gains similar respect from his men by casting terror among both foes and friendlies - which pretty much builds his reputation on being feared. Although morally distinct in character, both leaders are equally sharp on combat skills and military tactics.

In addition to the testimonial nature of the film, "Platoon" is also renowned for its scenes of graphic and verbal violence which have been warmly captured by Stone while in duty. "Platoon" is arguably one of the most authentic and visceral movies to depict the tragedies and misfortunes of an entire generation of Americans living during the cold-war era. It also realistically depicts the crude "Politics in Jungle Boots" of a nation struggling to find its role in a Post-World War II nazi-fascist free world.

***** - A CINEMATOGRAPHIC MASTERPIECE!!!

Greatest Vietnam movie of all time!.......2007-05-26

I'm a huge fan of war movies, especially vietnam era ones. Probably because I've been in war and I like to see it depicted on film. This movie does a wonderful job of showing what the vietnam war was like through one particular army platoon. Now I read several reviews that discredited this movie becuase it didn't depict the various men serving in vietnam in a good military manner and I will say that Stone does highlight the drugs and insubordination alot but that stuff did go, a good bit from what I've read and heard from vets. lets face it, people want to see action and drama, not boring robot, do what your told all the time, every time. No matter what people might say, I still think this is an awesome movie and a must see for ANYONE.

The Nightmare of War.......2007-05-24

I have watched Platoon more than any other war movie. So much so that I've had to give it a rest over the last few years.
Why is it so good?
Perhaps because it is the most realistic (certainly Vietnam) war movie ever made. Its based on Oliver Stones own experiences in Vietnam. Now I doubt whether there were actually two so clearly good and bad characters, as represented by Willem Dafoe and Tom Beringer in the film, but it is the spark between these two that creates much of the films atmosphere.
There are quite a few scenes in this film, such as when the Charlie Sheen character wakes up in the middle of the night (in the jungle), that are wonderfully done. You really get an idea of just how scary being a soldier might be.
I'm also sure that the film would not not have been as successful as it was, without its marvellous soundtrack. Most noteably Samuel Barbers 'Adagio for Strings'. This piece of music alone adds an extra dimension to the scenes it is used in. A very haunting and sad piece of music.
The ending of the film is perhaps the only weak point, but it is a minor quibble about a very powerful and moving film.

Average customer rating:

Stories As Old As Man Himself
A worthy edition to the Bible series / faithful adaptation to the Bible
Another Good One
Love the Bible Collection
One of the best

The Bible Collection
Starring: Nathaniel Parker , Jonathan Pryce , Leonard Nimoy , Sheryl Lee , and Ben Daniels
Director: Robert Markowitz , Joseph Sargent , and Peter Hall
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BI0WKY
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Product Description

Includes:

Abraham

David

Jacob

Joseph

Moses

Samson And Delilah

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Stories As Old As Man Himself .......2007-07-14

I knew what I was getting because I have been watching these stories on TV for years, the joy of buying the DVD's is that I can watch them commercial free, and enjoy them now at my schedule not TV sponsers. The only one that surprised me was Samson and Delilah, I had never seen this version before, and I admit I enjoyed this more than past versions. Overall the quality of the DVDS are good, and if you enjoy bibical stories, which I have since being a child, I would recommend them, I never get tired of the stories.

A worthy edition to the Bible series / faithful adaptation to the Bible.......2007-06-20

This movie is a faithful adaptation from the biblical account of David and it gives a positive portrait of him.

A. The acting

Nathaniel Parker does a commendable job of portraying David as a reverent yet flawed servant of God. There is an interesting contrast in the earlier David versus the latter David. The earlier David was very focussed on God and was very assertive and focussed. The latter David, while dependent upon God, was hesitant about his actions, prone to failures and needed constant encouragement.

Sheryl Lee was very believable (and beautiful) as Bathsheba -- as this movie portrays her, she is David's favorite wife and constant source of encouragement in his latter years. She is constantly at David's side (during the 2nd half of the movie).

Jonathan Pryce played the role of Saul as a tragic man who was rejected by God and who could not escape his doom. Saul's tragic end at the hand of the Philistines (along with his sons) was very heartbreaking to watch.

Leonard Nimoy does a great job of portraying the godly prophet Samuel. Franco Nero is very believable as the loyal prophet Nathan.

The actor who played Joab looked way too old to be David's nephew. He did a great job but he looked like David's uncle. Joab is portrayed in a much more positive light in this film than in the biblical account, which describes him as a power hungry and ruthless man.

B. The account of David

This film is the most complete account of David captured on film. This film is the only one on David that shows David's rescue of his wife Abigail from the Amalekites, Absalom's hatred toward David and his conspiracy toward David / the rise and fall of Absalom, Amnon's rape of Tamar, and God's covenant promise to David regarding his kingdom and his future descendants who will build the temple.

One word of caution for family viewers: there are some scenes in this movie that might be too intense for younger viewers: a lot of people get stabbed in the battle scenes, several people commit suicide (Saul, Ahithophel), and the witch at Endor is pretty scary looking as she conjures up the spirit "Samuel".

C. What could have been improved

a) The close relationship between Jonathan and David could have been better depicted. In this film, David's friendship with Jonathan seems more detached. In the Bible, David describes his friendship with Jonathan as surpassing that of the love of women.

b) The fight between David and Goliath could have been better portrayed. Goliath was a towering giant -- the Goliath in this movie was just a tad taller than David (and bears somewhat of a resemblance to Sylvester Stallone). Also, Goliath met David with his armor bearer -- this movie had Goliath meet David alone. This movie shows Goliath throwing a rough stone at David, which David then uses to strike Goliath with his sling. In the biblical account, David carefully chooses 5 smooth stones to bring with him to the battle.

The fight between David and Goliath was a bit cheesy in the acting. However, to its credit, this movie shows David telling Goliath that he came to Goliath not with spear and sword but in the name of the Lord of Hosts. David tells Goliath he will strike him down so the whole world will know there is a God in Israel. I enjoyed that part.

c) The Absalom character sometimes seemed more like a buffoon than a real threat to David.

Conclusion:

In spite of this, I thought this movie was a very good adaptation of the biblical description of David. It made me want to read the biblical account all over again. It is a very worthy edition to the Bible series collection, and it is one of the better movies on King David on film. It is much more accurate than the dreadful "King David" with Richard Gere.

Another Good One.......2007-05-15

The story of King David is a natural for cinematic production and there have been many attempts. This is another of the good ones which is to be expected since TNT's Bible collection has set a high standard.

This account takes a long view, from the time when David was a shepherd boy all the way through the pinnacle of power. Like the scriptural story itself, David is portrayed as a good, but not perfect man. The warts are in there as well. David does some things that are not too admirable.

A big part of this production is David's friendship with Jonathan, the son of the prior king. In his relations with Saul, Jonathan and even his faithless wife, David keeps the faith.

It is a good but not perfect story that is well done.

Love the Bible Collection.......2007-05-12

I purchase this set for my brother,He once mentioned how he would like to have the bible in movie format, so he could understand them better. He is a visual Person as well as I am so i decided to buy this set. Hoping they would be close to Biblical Scriptures. and he loved them and on weekends i see his friends coming over to watch the movies. The stories make it easier to understand the bible because now there is a picture to go along with.

One of the best.......2007-05-12

This is definitely one of the best Bible story collections ever done, with excellent acting and drama, full of life and not bland or plain, like many Bible story movies have been. Awesome job.

Average customer rating:

Man of la Mancha Movie
Triumph over unbeatable odds.
The acting is what counts here...
good
"I Really Like Him"

Man of La Mancha
Starring: Peter O'Toole , Sophia Loren , James Coco , Harry Andrews , and John Castle (II)
Director: Arthur Hiller
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001AW11A
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Amazon.com

It's hard to imagine a finer Don Quixote than Peter O'Toole, who's spent most of his career with a slightly mad, dreaming look in his marvelous eyes. O'Toole's suitability for the role is tested by the Broadway treatment of Man of La Mancha, the film version of the hit stage musical. Everybody knows "The Impossible Dream," that indomitable hymn to, well, quixotic questing, and it is indeed the best of the Spanish-inflected songs. Despite the location shooting in Italy, Love Story director Arthur Hiller can't elude the stagey concept (in which Cervantes, imprisoned by the Inquisition, acts out the tale of Don Quixote for his fellow prisoners). James Coco, as Sancho Panza, is overshadowed by the film's irresistible Dulcinea: Sophia Loren, at her mature peak. (Her singing, alas, is not as ripe as her beautiful self.) If you love Cervantes for his earthy ironies, this movie will seem a curious slice of inspirational shtick. --Robert Horton

Description

Academy AwardÂ(r) winners* Peter O'toole and Sophia Loren are magnificent in this lavishlyproduced (LA Herald-Examiner) and beautifully acted (The New York Times) epic masterpiece. Featuring an OscarÂ(r)-nominated** score with the classic 'the Impossible Dream, this original and daring (Films & Filming) musical is an experience not to be missed! Jailed during the Spanish Inquisition for offending the church, author Miguel de Cervantes (O'toole) is forced to act out one of his manuscripts for the entertainment of fellow inmates. Cervantes delivers a rapturous performance as the legendary Don Quixote, the chivalrous knight whose choice to see lifeas it should be, not as it is, takes him into battles with an imaginary foe and into romance with the beautiful Dulcinea (Loren). *O'toole: Honorary Award (2002); Loren: Actress, Two Women (1961), Honorary Award (1990) **1972

Customer Reviews:

Man of la Mancha Movie.......2007-07-08

The DVD contents are of excellent quality and the movie is a true copy of the original movie with excellent video and audio quality. The Special Features as well as the 4 language possibilities are a pleasant extra.

Triumph over unbeatable odds........2007-06-28

Peter O'Toole does an exceptional job playing Miguel de Cervantes who in turn plays the crazy Don Quixote de Lan Mancha in the version of a Broadway play brought to the screen. The DVD still has the feel of a Broadway musical in terms of sets and the movement of the actors across the stage.

Sophia Loren is exceptionally beautiful in this film though like O'Toole, her singing abilities are limited. James Coco does a respectable job as the realist Squire, Sancho Panza.

The continued assualts upon Sophia Loren by the gangs of criminals and thieves eventually got on my nerves. Whereas it created situations for highly choreographed musical numbers where Loren fights off attempted assailants, the assault of a woman by gang rapists is a difficult theme to choreography. I wish the assults were less emphasized since the viewer realizes this peasant woman survives as an waitress at a broken down Inn and services the male guests at night to survive.

The bleak Spanish countryside is realistically portrayed in the few non-set vistas in the film. Much of the film takes place in a set that is derived from the approach used in the stage production. The scrappy costumes also were well done.

The theme and story line however are the most compelling aspect of the film as we see a parable of triumph against unbeatable odds.

The acting is what counts here..........2007-06-19

As a "Don Quixote" enthusiast, I have many recordings of the musical and, of course, had to own a DVD of the movie. I would say that the acting is what counts here. The outstanding Peter O'Toole is a very convincing and memorable Don Quixote, although it is a distraction when he lip-sincs thorough his songs (it's quite noticable). I still have to say, however, that the movie is outstanding in that the beautiful and sexy Sophie Loren is an appropriate Aldonza/Dulcinea. James Coco also brings the right essence to the role of Sancho.

I really enjoyed this movie and would like to see a remake for the new millinium that reflects the musical styles popular since the original movie (disco, rap, hip-hop). A Latin/Spanish version would also be quite appropriate as that kind of music and culture is becoming more a part of our American melting pot.

This wonderful score and it's profound message could surely withstand such variety of interpretation.

good.......2007-06-14

It is truely replay the original script. The songs were sung not as good
as the New York Broadway one. I enjoy watching it. All the actors had done their excellent job to show each character.

"I Really Like Him".......2007-05-27

To use the title of one of Sancho Panza's songs as the title to this should be indicative how I feel about this transaction! Excellent work and I apologize not sending this ion sooner, however I am a professional actor and am "out of town" playing Sancho Panza!!

Average customer rating:

Wonderful film, a moving look at the early life of St Francis
Unique and Sublime
Just as avertised
Spiritual Wisdom
Brother Sun, Sister Moon: Maybe their is Hope!

Brother Sun, Sister Moon
Starring: Graham Faulkner , Judi Bowker , Leigh Lawson , Kenneth Cranham , and Lee Montague
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00015HX9A
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Amazon.com

It seemed like a good idea in 1973: a musical scored by Donovan about the life and times of St. Francis of Assisi, the passionate ascetic who expressed love for God by loving nature. But the finished product was something else. Filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli (Endless Love) makes a decorous effort at communicating the ideals of Francis and even tweaking the character toward flower-power relevance. But the result is feel-good fluff, a boring movie that doesn't penetrate its subject as much as reinvent him toward a modern bias. Graham Faulkner is entirely forgettable in the lead, and Donovan's songs on this project aren't exactly first-rate, either. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful film, a moving look at the early life of St Francis.......2007-07-22

10 Stars.

This movie is inspirational, beautiful, and moving. It brought St. Francis to life for me. I often think of this movie, months after watching it. A wonderful glimpse into the life of a Saint, with lessons we all may benefit from. One of my favorite films of all time!

(When I was a child my mother took me to see this and I did not like it - how things change!)

Unique and Sublime.......2007-06-27

If you have ever been believed that butterflies glide and swoop with thoughts of pure delight, or that the souls of men may indeed soar like birds delighting in the freedom air and sun, then this is a film for you. A rarity among the movie making gendre, for there is no spin, no contradictory message to fog the moral compass of the soul. This is just the true story of an exceptional man, a rebel against the values that enslave the thoughts, which are but chains of misery, of present day as with 13th century Italy, masterfully told by one of the greatest director of all time. A film to be cherished on high as with the rare likes of "A Man for All Seasons." And one that I can never tire of as a result of its profundity.

Just as avertised.......2007-06-08

Was delivered quickly, well packaged and in condition as described. Absolutely no complaints

Spiritual Wisdom.......2007-05-13

This is by far one of my favourite movies of all time and is a must watch for just about everyone on the planet. It is a great rendision of St. Francis. If you watch this movie and don't like it, then you need to watch it again and open your heart and eyes to love because you missed the point the first time. Whether or not this is the best picture about St. Francis does not matter. It's the movie it'self that draws on an open heart concept. Don't miss this film. I highly recommend buying this one for anyones collection.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon: Maybe their is Hope!.......2007-05-12

I am not a religious person nor do I beleive in life after death. That being said, seeing Brother Sun Sister Moon gives me hope in the human being in that the message behind of it all is: what ever people may say on you or however you are judge, just fallow the path you think is yours.
It might be an odd review, but the rest you must see; its a Masterwork.
The scenes are breathtaking and the actors are beautiful. The music and songs will take you elswhere, and that is precious. If possible: THREE thumbs up!

Average customer rating:

Rough Riders - a Great Movie
Entertaining film on a little known piece of US history.
TNT's Rough Riders Review
One of the best Presidents of the United States of America
We need more movies about Teddy Roosevelt

Rough Riders
Starring: Tom Berenger , Sam Elliott , Gary Busey , Brad Johnson (II) , and Illeana Douglas
Director: John Milius
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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