Editorial Review

Director Gillo Pontecorvo's 1966 movie Read more

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Reviews (91)

I have finally seen this movie and it is excellent
I travel to Algiers many time a year for work. As a result, I visited the Algiers casbah many times and each time, as I passed in front of the house where Ali Lapointe was killed by the French, along with another man, a woman and a 10-year old boy, I was reminded I needed to see this movie.
Extraordinary film
I'm a good friend of Haskell Wexler, and edited his film, "Medium Cool," in 1968. This film came out the year before and was required viewing for all of us -- especially because of the way it made a scripted story look like a documentary. I loved the film back then but hadn't seen it again until last week. I admit I was a bit worried that it would appear dated and irrelevant.
Original and Superb!
One of the most realistic war movies ever made, Battle of Algiers is a must see for those that would like a deeper insight into revolutionary mentality and/or expert film making. From actual FLN rebels used in the film to the scenes being shot on location, Gillo Pontecorvo is able to combine a terrifying event into a cinematic masterpiece.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Foreign Film - French    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. International    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

This superbly acted, mordantly funny romp through 70 years or so of Roman history is one of the best-loved miniseries ever made, and deservedly so. Derek Jacobi plays Roman Emperor Claudius, who reflects in old age on his life and his remarkable family, giving us a history lesson that's unlike anything you learned in school.Read more

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Reviews (167)

There's nothing of value there and the people make terrible slaves
Is the succinct summing up of ancient Britain by "Drusus," Roman General and stepson of "Augustus Caesar," in what is probably the most ambitious BBC mini-series ever made, the incomparable "I Claudius." Spread across 13 episodes and 5 discs, "I Claudius" tells the story of 70 years of Roman history and the founding of the Caesarian dynasty, driven almost entirely by the vaunting ambition and twisted machinations of Caesars wife, the malevolently evil "Livia." Over a period of decades she plotted and maneuvered, elevating some, destroying others, as if playing a monstrous game of chess with peoples lives, `til she finally achieved her ultimate goal, the placing of her eldest son, "Tiberius," on the throne of Empire. But so blinded by her ambition was she that she lost sight or ignored the consequences of some of her own actions, and was, for instance, responsible for unleashing the insanity and horror that was the reign of "Caligula" on the then known World!
Fascinating history
OK - it must be admitted that this BBC production has the look and feel of a play, rather than even a low budget movie production. And so I say four stars and not five - but for the story and the acting - I'd give it ten if I could. The play like qualities, might take some getting used to for those born and bread during the Star Wars era. For my part - I soon find I am no longer paying the least bit of attention to the production shortfalls, as the story being told is totally engrossing.
Supreme Moment in Television Programming
"I, Claudius* along with "Elizabeth R", "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" and Kenneth Clarke's "Civilisation" ranks as the apex of supreme television programming.Save for "Civilisation" what makes these productions shine is not just the superlative acting and writing even by secondary level charecters but the very fact that the sets and production budgets were so sparse and elemental.The acting and story lines are so good you don't care.All these programs show that with a good plot, a good story and quality acting you really don't need sumptuous, big-budget sets and spectacular fx to carry the day.Programs such as these show the paucity of the contemporary push to spend great deals of money on fx and lavish sets at the expense of storyline, acting, directing and all those other annoying things which get in the way of quality.If your idea of high television programming is "LaVerne and Shirley" or "Gilligan's Island" this series is not for you.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Gift Set    4. Movie    5. Television   

Editorial Review

Even though one can view each segment of Krzysztof Kieslowski's Read more

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Reviews (64)

intense
these movies are beautiful and intense, one of those you must watch and enjoy

artful films about life's inherent ambiguities
I would be remiss if I didn't decry the injustice that none of the films or the director, Kieslowski, ever won an Oscar. In 1995 the screenplay for The third film, Red, was nominated for best original screenplay, and Kieslowski was nominated for best director; but alas, neither won. Inexcusably, the film wasn't even nominated for Best Foreign Film. three of the best movies to come out of the ninties
These are three of my favorite movies.I've seen them each repeatedly, they never stale.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Foreign Film - French    3. Gift Set    4. Movie   

Editorial Review

Leading off the set of four Akira Kurosawa classics is

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Reviews (17)

To the Criterion Collector.....
Buy now as this set is going out of print.... Don't say I didn't tell you so.

Awesome movies, but way too expensive.
Awesome movies, but way too expensive for the product itself. Kurosawa Movies
Every one who likes Cenema, should see/have this collection by the great One Akira Kurosawa. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Foreign Film - Japanese    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. Gift Set    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (30)

A classic film for admirers of Japanese culture, history and martial arts
The content has been summarized by others.For the person who has not seen these films, the summary cannot convey the content of these 3 films.
the great Toshiro Mifune
I do not wish to compare these films to the works of Kurosawa as others have done (of course they aren't as modern or innovative) but to assess their impact as a trilogy and as a great realized vision of a historical figures' spiritual development. Their are not too many trilogies that hold together this well - maybe 'Star Wars' gives us this sort of vision as well. Toshiro Mifune, of course steals the show, and is very convincing in this kind of role. The cinematography is quite nice (especially in the first and last film) and we get to see a lot of beautiful natural images throughout the film - I am reminded of the Japanese love for nature that has been written so much about (read D.T. Suzuki's 'Zen and Japanese Culture' as another fine example). Overall, I am satisfied with this purchase. I think it has the power to inspire.

Once a masterpiece but now just a classic...
First, we must understand that this film was made in 1954 and that the move industry has advanced technology, acting, cinematographer - in all aspects and the film cannot compare to some masterpieces of today. However, what we see in this 51 year old film is the benchmark that made films what they are today.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign    2. Foreign Film - Japanese    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. Gift Set    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

It was instantly acclaimed the crowning masterwork of Ingmar Bergman's career, and time has not dimmed the Olympian status of Read more

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Reviews (58)

An Ingmar Bergman Masterpiece. One of the Greatest Films Ever Made!
I've been meaning to comment on this film for a few days now, but I haven't had the time or the energy (been really busy lately) to do so. Maybe it was Sven Nykvist's recent passing (btw, his Oscar-winning work in this film is one of unparalleled magnificence and beauty) that inspired me to write about it. There are so many things I want to say about this film that I don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll start by saying that this has been the shortest 5 hours I've spent watching a film. At first I had planned to watch it in parts as the film is divided in acts, but I was so instantly taken, engrossed and fascinated, that I just felt like watching the whole thing in one sitting. I know that a 5-hour long film can sound very intimidating and exhausting, but the film is specifically divided in 5 distinguishable acts that make it more digestible, and believe me, it's so absorbing that you will barely notice you spent all that time watching it; it's that good. I've skimmed through the 3-hour theatrical version, and while it is a great film, some of my favorite parts are either shortened or completely cut from the film, which for me, lessens the impact the whole 5-hour extended TV version has. Both versions work, of course, but if you want to get a greater understanding of Bergman's vision, I totally recommend the extended version.
Lightness and the Dark Side
After reading that Sven Nykvist had just died I decided to look at Fanny and Alexander again after 23 years.He was the cinematographer of this film and was very interested in capturing light and darkness.This film is a quarter of a century old.Our digital ideas of film cinematography certainly have changed as well as our morals. I was just so carried away by the wonderful story of a delightfully unconventional and, by today's standards, disfunctional family of philanderers as contrasted to an extrodinarily harsh fundamentalist Protestant family and as contrasted to a family of almost magical Jews.I don't believe this film could be remade today and it is a pity that our moral culture has changed so.

A Mesmerizing Masterpiece
II can remember the exact details of when I saw certain films for the first time. I remember the hot July 4th I saw THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT with the family. We went because the theatre was air conditioned and it was better than standing in the heat watching a parade. The film made me discover the magic of Hollywood. It was a rainy afternoon and I was sick on the couch when I saw SINGING IN THE RAIN on television. I was in awe. THE SOUND OF MUSIC was a Saturday afternoon matinee for children, long after the original release, but it was the beginning of a love affair. I had to see JAWS but I was too young as far as my parents were concerned, so I managed to see it by convincing an elderly uncle to see it. Not only did my parents never suspect I just wanted to see the film, I was praised for being so attentive to Uncle John. Now that I think of it, I saw THE TOWERING INFERNO and THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE under the same premise. For FANNY AND ALEXANDER, I had to walk two miles in the cold to a small theatre to see it. I was so captivated, I purchased a book with the screenplay the next day, began reading what I could about Ingmar Bergman, rented his other films that were released in VHS, and saw FANNY AND ALEXANDER about three more times and rented it as soon as it was available on VHS. I suppose it's ironic I purchased this edition of FANNY AND ALEXANDER during a blizzard. It has just been released and I had to have it.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Foreign Film - Swedish    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. International    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

The release of Read more

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Reviews (15)

doesn't connect the dots
Three films, Ring 0, Ringu & Ringu 2 and Rasan (the original Ringu 2 was not given official sequal status because it was such a departure from the first film). All four are watchable, Ringu & Ring 2 may be the better but Rasan is the direct sequal and tells the fate of the surviving characters of Ringu. The real let down is Ring 0 wich really leaves us more confused about events, not enlightened. Each is entertaining, but they don't fit together they way they should.

I would have to say this is a fascinating series
For years I've watched American horror movies.From a teen to an adult, I've probably seen it all...from stalker to slasher, from aliens in outer space to boogeymen in closets.So. With that in mind.I've become tiresome with American horror films.It seems the new wave in horror films are nothing more than fake snuff films, i.e., Hostel, Saw 1 and 2, Wolf Creek. As someone who has a undergrad degree in world history, I've read enough about torture from Romans to the Nazis.I really dont want to sit in a theater or watch at home for 90 some minutes film that has no real plot, just victims to torture (basically American films today are upping the anti on the age old Jasonish vs. teens films).I realize the films are not real, but, torture like that does happen in the world, and I dont want to watch torture just for torture sake.I want a bit of mystery, a bit of horror, a bit of dreamlike phantasmagoria.That is why I have fallen in love with Asian horror movies like the Ringu series.The Ringu series, along with other Asian horror films like Audition (which yes has torture in it, but it is woven into the greater plot, not the full focus of the plot like Hostel), are captivating in how well the stories are constructed.You aren't sure what is going on, but slowly, surely, you find yourself drowning in the murky uncertainty of the lines between reality and dreams, as with the haunting and stalking of Sadako.These films are intelligent, they are scary, and they have a great deal of imagination involved in full focus.I highly suggest these films if you are tired of the remakes, the torture, the painfully dullminded American horror movies that are being pumped out in theaters today.

The Video Curse gone sour
This DVD Trilogy, as we all know, is what inspired the movie "The Ring." However, you may just want to stick with the American version. Yes, I know the original series is, well, the original. But before you go and waste money on this LOL be prepared to watch a series of films with terrible acting, awkward directing and fright scenes that are not quite up to par by American standards. The AMERICAN version is ten times scarier thanks to masterful makeup work on the cursed individuals and the digital touch up on Sada at the end.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - Japanese    2. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    3. Gift Set    4. Horror    5. Movie   

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Reviews (2)

Two words: Get it
I don't have a lot to add to "Randroid"'s review.Wong Kar-Wai is one of the world's premier directors, making audacious, complex films that grab one's heart.Influenced by the French New Wave, bent through the prism of Hong Kong cinema, his is a stylish and unique vision.This box set contains five of his seven films that have been released to DVD:
A magnificent set of magnificent movies
Wong Kar-wai is simply one of the best directors working in Hong Kong today, and in all the world, for that matter. His characters are brilliantly realized, his style is stunningly kenetic, and cinematography (mostly by Christopher Doyle of "Hero" fame) is gorgeous. All in all a good set. Thus far, I would rank these films as follows, from best to . . . well, least best:
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - Other    2. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    3. Gift Set    4. Miscellaneous Non-Music Video    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

The six-film Read more

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Reviews (12)

BUY THIS!
I can't help but add my voice to the chorus of positive reviews for this set. It is without a doubt the most well put together dvd box set I have ever seen. Even the packaging is awesome. Whoever is responsible for the physical look of this collection should win a product design award or something. All the movies (except Woyzeck) have very entertaining and insightful herzog commentary and most of the movies have english tracks aswell. I'm not sure what restoration was done on these movies but they all look great! I would say that if you are thinking of buying any of these movies alone on DVD just go ahead and opt for the box set. Chances are, if you like and understand the Herzog aesthetic, you will love all of these movies! Cobra Verde, which I once thought was the weakest of the Herzog/Kinski efforts, has become my favorite upon multiple viewings. Could not have a higher possible recommendation!

Kinski, One Of The Greatest Actors Of His Generation?
I think that he is, his on screen presence is as powerful as any actor I have ever seen. From the dark ferocity, burning evil of Kinskis portrayal of 'Nosferatu'; without question he is the greatest 'vampire' to have ever graced cinema. To the manic depressive/shockingly haunting eyes of his portrayal of 'Woyzeck' his character in the films name-sake; indeed one of the most troubled yet somehow believeable characters seen on film.
A Match Made In Hell
It is said that all drama stems from conflict and there was certainly no shortage of it between Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski. Their relationship reminds me of a troubled romance that is doomed to eventually fall apart, but ignites with such passion when the two are together that it's more than worth the grief. One would expect an arrangement of this nature to result in one or two films before the rift became so great between director and actor that they could no longer tolerate one another. Yet, there exists an undeniable sense of brotherhood between these cinematic legends that underlies their artistic struggle.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Foreign Film - German    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. Gift Set    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Between 1961 and 1963, Ingmar Bergman released a remarkable trilogy of so-called chamber dramas, each one concerned with the futility of sustaining faith in God, family, love, or much else. The series proved transitional for the internationally renowned Swedish filmmaker, securing his crucial collaboration with cinematographer Sven Nykvist (with whom Bergman would go on to make his many masterpieces--including

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Reviews (22)

Ingmar Bergman's "Trilogy Of Faith"
-The Faith Trilogy-
Arguments with The Father

The Best of Bergman
Through a Glass Darkly
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Foreign Film - Swedish    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. Movie   

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Reviews (3)

the finest sword and kung-fu movie series ever made!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this six film series is about the former shogun excutioner,now on the run from his insane shogun(after the shogun has his family killed,but missing the lone wolf and his young son) and getting ready to take the old man out.(but only after killing the shogun's son in front of him) and now works as an assision and advenger to anyone with the right amount of gold.
the best action film series in the world
this is the first film in a series of 6 movies that has some of the best sword and kung-fu play in any other movie you will ever see. lone wolf worked for the shogun as his excutioner until the shogun goes crazy and has lone wolf's family killed. his young son is saved and the two start down the road of revenge and become hit men of their time to eat.
Totally Awesome!!!
For pure, unadulterated, visceral entertainment, the "Lone Wolf and Cub" series can't be beat.The acting, directing, the screenplays, and the cinematography are all top notch.The action sequences have to be seen to be believed.Each and every film feature loads of "money shots".Fans of Tarantino will immediately see where he drew much of his inspiration for the "Kill Bill" series.I suspect that these movies were an influence on "Mighty Python and the Holy Grail" as well. Another little known fact is that the manga that this is based upon was also the inspiration for "Road to Perdition".
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Subjects:  1. Anime / Japanimation    2. Foreign    3. Foreign Film - Japanese    4. Gift Set    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Like Tolstoy's novel, this epic-length Read more

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Reviews (53)

Widescreen, 2.35:1 with 5.1 in English
I ordered this from Amazon around 2004 and copy I recieved was not the one pitcured here, and it is widescreen with an excellent picture (though much flickering from the film frames). The sound is excellent and the film is as close to the novel as you'll ever see.
a noble failure -- just like the ussr
everyone should sit thru this 7-hours-long epic at least once in his life, tho i doubt anyone would ever want to watch it again. you know how often fans of a novel gripe about how a movie leaves out too much of the book? well, here is an example of what happens when filmmakers INCLUDE too much (tho, truth be told, they still only managed to get in about 85 % of tolstoy's loooooong novel). made with the cooperation of the soviet army (who had nothing else to do in the years between invading hungary and czechoslovakia), one cannot deny the sheer spectacle works; in the era before CGI, one IS simply blown away by the shots of thousands strewn across huge battlefields, and the like. still, the movie while well acted never takes off; it is always flat and workmanlike and massive: arguably the best metaphor one could find for the 1960s-era soviet union.
War and Peace
Excellent casting and outstanding performance from the principal actors.The production follows the novel very closely with only minor omissions.The DVD sound and picture quality is very good for a 40 year old production. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Foreign    2. Foreign Film - Russian    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. Gift Set    5. Movie   

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Reviews (8)

Excellent TV
i was very impressed with mutant x the third season.the plot lines were fantastic and special effects great.the thing that i most enjoyed about the series though was how the characters had develeoped and the relationships between them had developed.
The best show on television!
When it comes to originality and a medley of fresh idea's ,creativity , great cast chemistry, brilliant storylines and sharp martial arts that dazzle the eye and thrill the mind; Mutant X has it all and more.
Love it. The onlyreason I got into the show
So... The only reason I actually even came into the whole Mutant X thing was because of Season Three. Because of Karen Cliche who fabulously played Lexa Pierce. I loved every episode of this season and slowly bought the first two seasons and finally, my friends bought me the third season for my birthday present. Like all true fans of Mutant X, I was distraught when Season Three was the last one. But I guess it is better then it failing after only two seasons or so. For people who have never heard of Mutant X before, you can really come into the middle of the season without that much trouble. I know I didn't and I only saw the last two episodes of season two before this one. Because this season only had half of the original cast, it was so easy to just be pulled into the show. It started out with three members of Mutant X just realizing that two members had died. Then they grieve, and the whole show just jumps with action. They meet the mysterious mutant Lexa who seems to have a business interfering with their life and the show continues from there, revealing something every episode until the finale.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    2. Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy    3. Japanese Animation Video    4. Movie   

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Kieslowski collection . . .
A dirty Warsaw frames A Short Film About Killing, symbolizing a society in decay. Murder . . . both state sanctioned and random are shown in counterpoint. The film is a powerful indictment about the death penalty, and the barrister reflects the outrage of the heart. The second theme is random chance . . . if only the killer's sister hadn't been killed, if only he had a good friend to talk to, if only someone had intervened. The film is so hard to watch because it reflects the mirror back at our souls.
Some of the best movies I have ever watched
Each movie of the collection is a masterpiece, a refreshing experience, leaving a deep, intense after-taste. Do not miss them !

Bravississimo!
SO FAR THE DVD EVENT OF THE DECADE!
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Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama    2. Foreign    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. Gift Set    5. Movie   

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Reviews (7)

A Zatoichi starter set
Zatoichi is an institution in Japanese film, almost like James Bond or Star Trek films, but with the difference that the same actor has played the main character since the series inception, and with an amazing consistency of quality from the original film in 1962 through the final installment, #26, in 1989.Shintaro Katsu played many roles in his life, but in the minds of hearts of everyone who loves samurai films he will always be Zatoichi.
Shintaro Katsu: 1000 Oscars would not suffice.
This guy's acting is beyond this world. The stories and landscapes are incredible. Maybe the film-making technique is a little rusty some times, but in the whole it is effective.
If you must have all of the Zatoichi films
A well priced collection of the less wonderful story lines.Zatoichi is always the great blind swordsman but there is less atmosphere and character development in the films included in this collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anime / Japanimation    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Foreign    4. Gift Set    5. Martial Arts / Kung-Fu    6. Movie   

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Reviews (22)

I was not impressed
This film has some impressive production values, but the storyline is pretty lame.The idea that a weather girl could flip up her skirt on air and that would somehow make her famous nationwide is just silly.There's a brief moment of eroticism in the film after a powerful female producer assigns a girl to become the weather girl's personal slave, and the girl is consequently shown bathing her new mistress, even licking soap off of her legs!But that one scene was hardly enough to save this otherwise silly, pointless video.

ok people liked it but 1 thing you 4got to mention
yeah all these reviews say how good this collection is but you people did not mention the 2nd movie is not in english.

Satire without cynicism
This is a great little film with lots of interesting (and hilarious and erotic) twists and turns. I'm always a little put off when I hear "satire", but this is satire that never desends into cynicism . The film makers obviously enjoyed making this. I also highly recommend the sequel, "Weather Woman Returns", which is just as good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Erotic [Non-XXX: Straight]    2. Foreign    3. Foreign Film - Japanese    4. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    5. International    6. Movie   

Editorial Review

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An Ephemeral Vision of Life and Death
Orpheus is the second film in the Orphic Trilogy by Jean Cocteau and after watching "The Blood of a Poet" it makes much more sense. You are thrown into a similar world, and if you embrace the magical realism that is somewhat haunting, it becomes quite a delicious story with a purpose.
A superb centerpiece.
Jean Cocteau's "Orphee," along with his earlier "La Belle et la Bete," must be ranked among the greatest of French films. This highly personal version of the myth of Orpheus remains a testament both to the the power of poetic imagery on film and to Cocteau's genius as a creator of such imagery. Cocteau's Orphee (Jean Marais) is a brusque, egocentric, dissatisfied soul who, to paraphrase Keats, is more than half in love with Death. As portrayed by Maria Casares, Death is far from the easeful presence Keats envisioned, but imperious, severe, and tres, tres chaud. Setting his fantasy in then-contemporary France (1949, to be exact), Cocteau dresses his angels of Death in leather and puts them on motorcycles, the roar of their engines as inexorable as a buzzsaw, and sends Orphee cryptic messages from the underworld via a car radio. "Orphee" is an unforgettable story of obsession and renunciation, the characters constantly going forward and backward through mirrors in a miasma of love, pain, and time lost and regained. Just as Orphee and Death act out their torrid passion, Eurydice (Marie Dea) carries on a sadder, more delicate version of the same story with Death's servant Heurtebise (Francois Perier). Meanwhile, the drunken poet Cegeste (Edouard Dermithe) finds himself a nearly mute witness to the drama, severed for eternity from the passions swirling around him. This three-disc set is worth owning for "Orphee" alone; the other two films are interesting, but not extraordinary. "The Blood of a Poet" (1930) feels like warmed-over Bunuel these days, while "The Testament of Orpheus" (1959), Cocteau's valedictory address to the cinema, is an intermittently interesting but overly talky apologia for Cocteau's life and career. They are interesting mainly for the light they shed on "Orphee"; "The Blood of a Poet" contains many of the motifs found later in "Orphee," especially Cocteau's fascination with mirrors, while "The Testament of Orpheus" brings back the lead actors from "Orphee" to serve as Cocteau's guides and artistic judges. (Cocteau, always a bit of a name-dropper, also brings in his pals Pablo Picasso and Yul Brynner for cameos.) The judgment is unavoidable: "The Blood of a Poet" proved that Cocteau needed a story on which to hang his images, while "The Testament of Orpheus" proved that he told a story better with images than with words. Among the many excellent technical credits is that of Georges Auric, surely one of the greatest of all film composers, who wrote the superb music for all three films. The first disc also contains a fascinating and informative documentary about Cocteau, in which he reminisces about Picasso, Nijinsky, Debussy, Satie, Diaghilev, and all the other great artists he knew. It was Diaghilev who exhorted Cocteau, "Astonish me!" Cocteau proceeded to astonish him and everyone else for the next fifty years. (In watching "Orphee," it's also fun to play Cocteau's version of "La Ronde"; he cast both his former lover, Jean Marais, and his current one, Edouard Dermithe, while simultaneously Marais was having an affair with Marie Dea. Only Michael Powell--having his former mistress Deborah Kerr and his current mistress Kathleen Byron fight to the death at the edge of a cliff in "Black Narcissus"--was equally daring.)

Astonish Us
Criterion's done a nice Criterion-quality job in assembling Jean Cocteau's 3 most famous films, but seeing them all together left me a little disappointed. In returning to the Orpheus myth three times over a thirty year span, Cocteau displayed an ongoing fascination with the artist as a chosen creature, attuned to a special realm of beauty that eludes the common run of humankind. To my mind though, these films are more concerned with revering the Poet than with being poetic. The special effects they rely on to convey the world on the other side of the mirror, the artist's domain of wonder and dreams, are awkward even for their time and struck me more as stagecraft than a real engagement with the subconscious as a creative force. Outside of the imagery, the films have little to offer in the way of narrative or acting or cinematographic wizardry. For surrealist filmmaking, Buster Keaton has Cocteau beat hands down.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Foreign    3. Foreign Film - French    4. Movie   

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Reviews (13)

Difficult to Put into Words...
...how or why this is such a fascinating drama.Maybe because there are just too many aspects that make it so, from the costumes to the acting, to the content itself.A beautiful glimpse into the past of a culture many Westerners may not be familiar with.My 12 year old son watched with me as I sat in front of the TV for 5 hours(!) each Saturday and Sunday during the recent "Korean Drama Summer Marathon" on AZN.If I had to get up to go to the kitchen,etc., he read the subtitles for me.Once, when I had to go out, HE called ME on my cell to read to me until I reached home.The strong, patient, moral character of Jang Geum really made an impression on him.It was worth spending more time in front of the TV in two days than I normally do in a whole week.I cannot recommend this drama highly enough!

It's a winner!
I am not one to watch foreign productions generally.I have to say, though, this one captured my attention from the beginning.I found myself sitting for hours watching episode after episode, not being able to tear myself away from the next exciting plot twist or cliffhanger!If you like intrigue, suspense, action, drama, romance, and a well-written script brought to life by competent (and might I say quite attractive) actors, this is definitely the series to order!

Not Your Typical Melodrama
There are some shows you watch where you feel like you've been cheated and you just wasted your time (and money). Definitely not this one. This series took many Asian countries by storm, but I believe that given the opportunity, it will also fascinate Western audiences. Costumes painstakingly recreated from the Han period, recipes and folk remedies of that time equally well researched, political intrigue. The culture of that period just unfolds before your eyes: how it is to be part of the king's inner court, what the inside of the Palace is like, how it is to be a palace girl, the hierarchies and politics of it all. Why, even the kitchen staff has hierarchies from the Lofty Madame to the lowly kitchen assistants. And at the heart of it all: the story of one girl who came into the palace hoping to one day bring honor to her mother, and how she makes the leap from being a palace girl, to being a kitchen madam, to being the king's physician. Above the pageantry, the gorgeous costumes, the interesting insights into Korean court life, this series' greatest strength is its complex, intriguing, and unpredictable story. I have been watching tv series from everywhere--- this is the best I have seen yet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art House & International    2. Television    3. Television & Documentary    4. DVD    5. Drama    6. Foreign    7. Movie   

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Reviews (1)

Mi Destino is this novella
I've never been fond of novellas.Quite frankly, I thought they were dumb, cheesy, and overly melodramatic. Then i spotted this DVD in a store and I decided I thought I'd give a novella a chance.I'm glad I did.Mi Destino Eres Tu is simply amazing! I was hooked on every minute of it. Especially after the early death in the novella.While the entire series was heavily edited, it doesn't seem so until the 2nd disc.Instead tHe first disc is an edge of your seat experience and the characters are great.Lucero was great as Andrea and quite frankl;y I wish I could've seen the novella in its entirety.I wouldn't mind shelling the bucks for it too.(come on telivisa, release them complete!).THe theme song is superb and made me fall in love with the novella even before I began watching it.There are suprisingly a decent amount of special features.Overall it was a great buy and I'm truly glad to add this DVD set to my collection as one of my favorites! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Drama    3. Foreign Film - Spanish/Misc Sa    4. Movie    5. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

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Features

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Reviews (11)

Antoine And The Art Of MovieMaking
For my money, "The Adventures of Antoine Doinel" might be my favorite Criterion release.Period.One of the reasons I respect Criterion (and not every choice is a slam dunk) is that it allows regular people to really learn about cinema.As someone who attended graduate school in film, I feel as if my education and appreciation has never waned due to the influx of great choices on DVD.The constant improvement of special features and supplemental material adds a new level to the movie going experience.This set alone has scores of pertinent interviews, commentaries, a short, promotional art and a 72 page book of contemporary essays and Truffault's own notes.
A Unique serie in the history of Cinema
Antoine Doinel is filmed as a troubled child in 400 Blows, as an adolescent in Antoine & Colette, and as young man in love in Stolen Kisses, as married man an a father in Bead & Board and as a divorced, yet-trying-to-reconstruct-himself man in Love on the Run. The actor Jean-Pierre Leaud gets older during the films, still he is the same person, dealing with the same unresolved conflicts, defending the same values, entonating the same voice, 5, 10, 15, 20 years later ... as in real life. Each movie is a jewel on its own, however seeing the whole serie and getting the full, coherent picture is a unique exercise, as when you know a person from childhood from adulthood, you know what will happen, and it just happens.

François Truffaut -- Best director of all time.
In every way, shape, and form of moviemaking, Truffaut is the best. Best French director, best director, PERIOD! I wish Criterion would release all his films in bundled sets like this one.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Foreign Film - French    3. Foreign Film [Dub Or Subtitle]    4. Gift Set    5. Movie