This is my favorite adaptation of Emma so far. I really enjoyed it! The acting is superb, with Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma and Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightly. The supporting cast is also very, very good. Great script, although it doesn't match Austen's novel exactly. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, as well as the costumes. The direction was great, music was wonderfully composed and put together. Bottom line is: although not a very deep and moving story, it was pure entertainment. A very fresh and lovely take on Austen's novel. If you are a Austen fan and wish to see something with a lot of substance and a very moving story, rent Sense&Sensibility with Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant. However, if you just want a good romantic comedy, this is the movie for you. Did I mention Jeremy Northam was in this? 8/10
Reviews
10 Reviews
Jane Eyre
(1996)
A big disappointment.
26 August 2000
I must admit, when I heard that Franco Zefferili was doing an adaptation of my fave book ever, I was very excited. After all, this was the man who brought us Romeo&Juliet! Therefore, I expected nothing but excellence. How wrong I was! This was a terrible adaptation! Why, you ask? Several reasons. #1 Really BAD writing. Charlotte Bronte would have been abhorred at what they've done! The writer took out all the most important scenes between Jane and Rochester, leaving audiences very little understanding of the passionate love that they have for each other. #2 Not enough time. The whole movie was RUSHED! They didn't take the time to show audiences this beautiful story. The ending was especially rushed. They took 20 minutes to wrap everything up and that completely back fired. #3 Bad casting. All of the actors in this movie are very very talented. However, Charlotte Gainesburg and William Hurt are wrongly casted. Appearance wise, they are right as Jane and Rochester but the chemistry was just not there and chemistry is very important. I felt both were very stiff in delivering their lines, especially in their scenes together. Where is the sizzle, the passion? In order to convey a successful story of Jane Eyre, you must first have passion between the two leads. This is not just merely any love story, this is a love story between two very passionate people. This is also a story about sexual attraction, so how can the movie lack passion. However, with all the bad there are some good. The scenery and mood was very well done. Zefferili got the dreary and Bronte feel of the Victorian Era perfectly. Anna Paquin, who portrays the younger Jane is excellent, as always and Joan Plowright is as amazing as ever, playing Mrs.Fairfax.
Bottom line is: if you want to see a true adaptation of Jane Eyre and a really good one, rent the 1983 BBC version with Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clark. At least with this one, you wouldn't have to say to yourself, "Hey this isn't how it's suppose to be!" Better yet, if you can find the 1973 version, then watch that one, it is the best of all the Jane Eyres out there. 5/10
Bottom line is: if you want to see a true adaptation of Jane Eyre and a really good one, rent the 1983 BBC version with Timothy Dalton and Zelah Clark. At least with this one, you wouldn't have to say to yourself, "Hey this isn't how it's suppose to be!" Better yet, if you can find the 1973 version, then watch that one, it is the best of all the Jane Eyres out there. 5/10
Onegin
(1999)
Hauntingly beautiful and completely mesmerizing!
24 August 2000
This is truly a great and wonderful film! A marvelous adaptation of Alexander Pushkin's classic story about the love and obsession of Eygney Onegin for the beautiful Tantianna Ladin. Ralph Finnes is the young,dashing and playboy Onegin, who goes to settle his deceased uncle's estate in the country. There, he meets the young and beautiful Tantianna Ladin, played astonishingly well and seductively by Liv Tyler. Their love sets off a chain of tragic events that will forever alter their lives. A great tear jerker!
Besides an excellent cast and story, the scenery and majesty of the film is amazing. Filmed in England and Russia, the film gives viewers, a feast for the eyes. The camera work is so well done and every shot is done with such care and precision that it is absolutely breathtaking. Director Martha Finnes has truly outdone herself. The score by Magnus Finnes is also terrific and adds so much depth and feeling to the story.
The costumes are also something to be commended, they are so gorgeous and well made. Bottom line is: great movie for anyone who appreciates good literature and a good period drama. This movie moves along very slowly so action fans beware. However, romance lovers, don't miss this film. 9/10
Besides an excellent cast and story, the scenery and majesty of the film is amazing. Filmed in England and Russia, the film gives viewers, a feast for the eyes. The camera work is so well done and every shot is done with such care and precision that it is absolutely breathtaking. Director Martha Finnes has truly outdone herself. The score by Magnus Finnes is also terrific and adds so much depth and feeling to the story.
The costumes are also something to be commended, they are so gorgeous and well made. Bottom line is: great movie for anyone who appreciates good literature and a good period drama. This movie moves along very slowly so action fans beware. However, romance lovers, don't miss this film. 9/10
The best SM movie ever.
24 August 2000
Sailor Moon R: The Movie is really really good. Even if you are not a big fan of the show, you will enjoy this film. The animation is terrific and the story is great. This film has something for everyone, romance, drama, action, suspense, and comedy. This is also a great family film, (at least the American version is) and teaches a lot of important values, such as friendship and love. No matter what age you are, you will surely enjoy this Japanese treat.
Breaking the Waves
(1996)
The most haunting and thought provoking film of the nineties, perhaps ever.
21 August 2000
I had heard about Breaking the Waves on Siskel&Ebert when it came out in '96. I wasn't into independent films at the time, but boy have I missed out on some great stuff. Mainly, Breaking the Waves. This film is one of the most brilliant and hauntingly beautiful films I have ever seen. This is what real Cinema should be, not that Hollywood crap. The way the movie forces you to give your all and suffer as much as the main character (Bess) suffers, is absolutely amazing.
Breaking the Waves is a story about unconditional love. The love of one being for another and the ultimate sacrifice for the beloved. This haunting story echos the story of Christ's suffering to save humanity. THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE! This is the perfect story about love, devotion, and selfless sacrifice.
Emily Watson gave one of the most beautiful and painful performances in the history of films. She doesn't just ACT out Bess McNeil's character but she lives it too. She becomes Bess and she suffers like Bess, and finally in the end, she receives redemption as Bess. I could think of no one else as Bess but Watson. The scenes in which she talks to God and plays both roles is pure heartbreak. Yes, Frances was great in Fargo, but nothing compare to this. The rightful recipient of the Best Actress Oscar is definitely Emily Watson.
The recipient of Bess' unconditional love, her husband Jan, is played wonderfully by Stellan Staarsgard. The wonderful supporting cast was vital to the effect of the story and deserves just as much acclaim.
Lars von Trier shows that he is the master of real Cinema. The panoramic shots between each act was brilliant and absolutely breathtaking. The hand held camera shots were very necessary to give the audience a personal connection to the story. It gives the sense of almost being there.
This is a film containing a very disturbing yet beautiful story. At times, you are ashamed by it and you feel responsibility for Bess' actions. This is not a movie for everyone. You have to be willing to give yourself up and be willing to become violated because at times, you feel as though you are. Watch this film with someone you love and see how they react to the message. If anyone ever ask you what is true love and devotion and true sacrifice, recommend them this film.
Bottom line is: you either love it or hate it, there are no in between. Perhaps this film might offend some people or perhaps this may become a revelation to some. However, this is not a film to be missed or taken lightly. If you are like me, this will be one of the best films you will ever see in your life. But definitely, this film will provoke discussion.10/10
Breaking the Waves is a story about unconditional love. The love of one being for another and the ultimate sacrifice for the beloved. This haunting story echos the story of Christ's suffering to save humanity. THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE! This is the perfect story about love, devotion, and selfless sacrifice.
Emily Watson gave one of the most beautiful and painful performances in the history of films. She doesn't just ACT out Bess McNeil's character but she lives it too. She becomes Bess and she suffers like Bess, and finally in the end, she receives redemption as Bess. I could think of no one else as Bess but Watson. The scenes in which she talks to God and plays both roles is pure heartbreak. Yes, Frances was great in Fargo, but nothing compare to this. The rightful recipient of the Best Actress Oscar is definitely Emily Watson.
The recipient of Bess' unconditional love, her husband Jan, is played wonderfully by Stellan Staarsgard. The wonderful supporting cast was vital to the effect of the story and deserves just as much acclaim.
Lars von Trier shows that he is the master of real Cinema. The panoramic shots between each act was brilliant and absolutely breathtaking. The hand held camera shots were very necessary to give the audience a personal connection to the story. It gives the sense of almost being there.
This is a film containing a very disturbing yet beautiful story. At times, you are ashamed by it and you feel responsibility for Bess' actions. This is not a movie for everyone. You have to be willing to give yourself up and be willing to become violated because at times, you feel as though you are. Watch this film with someone you love and see how they react to the message. If anyone ever ask you what is true love and devotion and true sacrifice, recommend them this film.
Bottom line is: you either love it or hate it, there are no in between. Perhaps this film might offend some people or perhaps this may become a revelation to some. However, this is not a film to be missed or taken lightly. If you are like me, this will be one of the best films you will ever see in your life. But definitely, this film will provoke discussion.10/10
Shakespeare in Love
(1998)
Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful,Beautiful
20 August 2000
This has got to be one of my favorite movies. Shakespeare in Love balances comedy, romance, drama, suspense, brilliant film making, and amazing performances. I must admit that at first I was somewhat skeptical, being a true lover of Shakespeare, I feared that this would be another historical documentary on his life. However, I am so glad that it went beyond my expectations. The direction, cinematography, editing, and writing was of sheer brilliance. The costumes very absolutely breathtaking and gives the film it's beauty and mood. Never have I loved a cast so much. Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Finnes, Geoffrey Rush, and Ben Affleck, just to name a few. I always thought Paltrow was just a glamorous movie star but with Shakespeare, she proves that she can really act and not just act, but act well. She deserves the Oscar for best actress because no one else could have portrayed Viola better than she can. Joseph Finnes was just as brilliant. The little brother of Ralph Finnes can act just as well. The supporting cast was remarkable. The movie would not have been what it is without them. I absolutely adore Dame Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth! The score was beautiful. Director John Madden cleverly weaved the score throughout the film, helping to add texture and bring out the genuine emotions of the film. Bottom line is: this is a must see film for all film lovers. It doesn't matter if you like Shakespeare or not, but as long as you love great films, you can't miss this one. 10/10
Sense and Sensibility
(1995)
One of the best films of all times.
20 August 2000
I have to admit that I was a little skeptical at first about this movie. I was a big Jane Austen fan and Sense and Sensibility was one of my favorite books of all time. However, after watching this movie and reading the book, you get a better understanding of all the characters and the genius of Jane Austen. The performances were extraordinary, with Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, and Hugh Grant. The costumes were beautiful and the scenery was breathtaking. Thompson, who wrote the screenplay herself, did an amazing job. Although she took some liberties to change some of the materials in the book, she deserved the Oscar for best screenplay. The scene in which Col.Brandon carries Marrianne back to the house is so hauntingly beautiful and a startling echo of the earlier scene where Willoughby does the same to the injured Marrianne. Alan Rickman, I believe, gives his best performance as the moody Col.Brandon who is completely taken by Marrianne. You wonder how he can be her second choice when he is such a gentlemen and so full of charm. This film renewed my faith in good film making completely. Ang Lee is one the most talented and brilliant directors ever. It might have surprised a lot of people to see a Taiwanese director directing such an English film, but I say the choice was well made. Bottom line is: S&S demonstrates what great film making is and what great writing is like, as well as what great performances are. A must see. 10/10
Little Women
(1994)
A brilliant adaption of one of the most beloved classics ever.
20 August 2000
Little Women is perhaps one of the beautiful story ever told. The story of the March family living amidst the Civil War is one of my favorites ever. The characters don't seem made up at all, instead they become part of your family and part of your life. That is why, the performances of Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Kristen Dunst, and Christian Bale was so moving. This group of talented young actors brought to life the lives of Jo, Amy, Beth, and Laurie. They do such a convincing job playing these characters that, Ryder is no longer Ryder, instead you see her as the real Jo. Claire Danes performance as Beth was so hauntingly beautiful. The death scene was acted with such genuine emotions and true brilliance, that you can't help but break out into tears. Bottom line is: this is a definite classic and great for the whole family. I love this film. 9/10
Smilla's Sense of Snow
(1997)
Julia Ormond's best role ever!
19 August 2000
I really, really, really liked this movie. Yes, I know the plot was a little twisted and the ending was very confusing and somewhat unbelievable at times, but this was a great movie. Julia Ormond's portrayal of the ice princess is absolutely fantastic. This has got to be her best role ever. With SSOS, she proves that she is not just a movie star, but that she is also a damn good actress. The supporting cast is superb. All first class actors, Vannasa Redgrave, Richard Harris, and Gabriel Byrne. I love Byrne's portrayal of the mysterious mechanic. Yes, he could have done a better job but that didn't hurt the movie. I have heard so much criticism from others regarding this film but the bottom line is, you either love it or hate it. I happen to love it. This is a great thriller/mystery/sci-fi/drama. Did I mention Gabriel Byrne, as good looking as ever? 9/10
Charade
(1963)
Audrey Hepburn and Gary Grant in a Standley Donen picture, what more can you ask for?
19 August 2000
This is one of the best movies of all time. This is a mystery/thriller/comedy/romance and absolutely succeeds in everything. The cast is superb, with Audrey Hepburn, Gary Grant, and Walter Matthaue. The chemistry between Hepburn and Grant are amazing. The dialogue is sharp and witty and the cinemotography is great. The movie was shot on location in Paris and you get to see some great shots of the different monuments and sites in Paris. For any lover of classic movies with real movie stars, don't miss this. Bottom line: Audrey Hepburn, Gary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Gary Grant. Have I mentioned, Audrey Hepburn and Gary Grant? 10/10
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