faded_english_monkey

I absolutely love this miniseries.

As a keen amateur historian, I got sick and tired of books and documentaries about the great leaders, politics, geography and basically, the non-bloodshed parts of WW2.

Similarly virtually every time I saw a war movie, it was ruined by flashbacks( thin red line) ridiculous fiction (and yes, i do mean you, The Bunker) or completely unnecessary and out of place sex scenes (who can forget Enemy At The Gates, a powerful film, until that awful sex scene which ruined the whole thing?)

There are good war movies. But this stands out, because not only is there no fiction whatsoever, but because, as a miniseries, more time is available to get to know the characters, and follow their progress, to know them, to love them, to mourn them.

Time allows for detail, and the fact that the 'frills' that other films stick in to make them more viewer friendly and marketable have been left out....

When a character in BoB dies, you mourn not because a flashback tells you they have a young sweetheart or something...but because you know this is real, it happened. The acting is truly superb, and you realise, it isn't a character you are mourning at all, it's a real person. This is because the actors made very strong relationships with their real life surviving counterparts, they knew their roles inside out and it really does show. We feel so strongly for the characters because the actors have portrayed them so faithfully. There are no clichés, because the truth is so accurately reproduced.

After reading Ambrose's book, you realise how religiously each part of the series is portrayed.

The sets are perfect, the effects remarkable, and Michael Kamens score will go down as one of the finest ever written. Everything about the production of this series is phenomenal, the details are so minute yet so important.

This should be watched not just for entertainment value, but as a reminder of the sacrifices made for us.

Easily the best television series ever produced.

Watch it. Now.

This is more than a remake of the 73 version, it blows it away.

It's strong cast is it's fine point, Glenn Carter makes a marvellous Jesus, and his rendition of 'Gethsemane' is truly heartrending. Jerome Pradon (although clearly subject to debate) does make a very good Judas. He does what Carl Anderson fails to do and makes Judas human. He adds depth and character and also, importantly, pitiful for want of a better word, wheras Anderson left me cold.

Renee Castle makes a good Mary Magdalene, and although not perfect, is definetly better than the simpering Yvonne Elliman, who simply made my blood curdle.

Fred Johanson as Pontious Pilate could have been a risk, as he hasn't a wonderful voice, but he manages it well and it is his acting that truly makes this the best performance of Pilate I have ever seen.

When I saw Rik Mayall on the cast list, I originally thought he was just to draw inconsumers, but I was pleasantly surprised. He gives an absolutely sidesplitting performance as Herod, enough to make you totally forget any other Herod you've seen. Some may complain that he mostly speaks his way through his song, but I wouldn'r find this a point to quibble over, he still makes a stellar performance.

The sparce set is perfect, as are the modern costumes (just wait til you see the angels dressed in skintight black pvc and white feathered wings!) and the details such as the diciples' machine guns and crucifix tattoos on some of them, adds a new twist to the original film version, which although has a breathtaking set, leaves you feeling slightly cold. This, in comparison, will not leave as soon as the movie ends, but will be in your thoughts for hours.

If you are any kind of music fan, WATCH THIS FILM. The music is amazing, truly the best musical ever written.

I have to say this film is great to watch, it has a marvellous opening sequence (though not as good as 'Ryan's Omaha sequence) that has you enthralled from the first minute.

The unusual approach on focusing on snipers made for a refreshing twist, and i think gave more suspense, waiting as each person aimed was nailbiting.

The only actor who let the film down I think was probably Rachel Weisz. Far too posh to be a peasant Russian resistance fighter, she simpered her way throughout the film with probably one facial expression all the way.

The star of the film was undoubtably Gabriel Thomson, who I believe was 13 at the time. Unlike Daniel Radcliffe in HP, Thomson is never once wooden and steals the show. He displayed some amazingly mature acting and emotions.

The action sequences were wonderful, as were the sets.

But (and this is a big phobia of mine) they managed to sneak a sex scene in. I don't know how they did it, but it was there, and for me, totally ruined all tension and emotion they had built up so well. Lord knows how sex fits in with the Battle of Stalingrad but it wasn't necessary and spoilt the film.

Other than Weisz and the sex scene, this film would be a near perfect war film.

Oh, where to start. Every single member of the cast is WRONG. Donny Osmond is irritating and annoying as a toothpaste smile Joseph and when in jail, you can't help thinking it might not be such a bad idea executing him after all.

Joan Collins was obviously just roped in to provide a star name, and didn't seem to care about the film at all. Newsflash, neither did we.

None of the other characters are memorable at all.

Don't get me wrong, I loved this musical. I was even in it once in an amdram production. But this is AWFUL.

The only redeeming quality it has are the scenery and costumes.

Everything else left me cold and incredibly bored.

It has ruined the whole musical for me, it was just so diabolical.

So if you like this musical already STAY AWAY.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

I saw this first when it premiered on TV, having a) been too young to see it when it came out in cinema and b) reluctant to sneak my way into a film that was what I thought 'pure mindless violence.'

Don't let the title fool you. This is never mindless violence.

This film is smart, slick and keeps you on your toes from start to finish.

Edward Norton is perfect as the Narrator commonly referred to as Jack. Brad Pitt is also excellent as Tyler Durden.

This film is incredibly mentally demanding and will leave your head spinning.

At the end after a genius twist, you will either be left dazed or confused, or suddenly enlightened as a light bulb switches on in your head.

If you have not watched the film before, my tip is pay attention to Nortons narration. Not only are there some unforgettable lines, it also helps make sense of the ending. Norton delivers his narration with perfection, he IS Jack.

The violence that originally put me off was indeed sometimes graphic and many times did I cringe, but the difference with this film is that I could never take my eyes from the screen. And believe me, if I could stand the violence, anyone can. (I am the biggest wimp, I still can't sit through Jurassic Park ;) )

I would recommend this film to anyone except my mother, this is a film that will literally leave you speechless.

Besides, what other film has a line such as 'I am Jacks' diseased colon'????? Pure genius in cinematic form.

This didn't exactly enthrall me. I was frequently bored, waiting for something remotely interesting to happen.

There was nowhere near enough action in this film, rather disappointing effects really. There were a few fantastic moments, but these were few and far between. The initial battle sequence is often lumpy and doesn't flow very well in places. The sequence is often unclear and it took what seemed forever before we actually saw a Japanese soldier. This may be because they're meant to be hidden, but unfortunately seems as if the budget didn't allow extras. When the enemy did come into play, the interraction wasn't exactly as tense as would be expected from a warfilm, indeed at times it felt like a social get together rather than a war.

The subplot of one soldiers 'girl back home' was a touching one, and very often true. This was refreshment from the already scant action, and although the romance story doesn't ruin the film, the flashbacks were too long and too many. Also, they maneged a sex scene which in my books should be banned from warfilms forever.

Don't get me wrong, this film isn't bad. It's really not. The cast (apart from perhaps Nick Nolte) are good, in some cases excellent (Dash Mihok comes to mind, though his part was too small) and there are a few gems to be found here.

But don't expect this to be a film that leaves your head reeling and that will leave you thinking for days afterwards. This is no Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers.

It is watchable (just) and only occasionly excruciatingly boring. But it's not wonderful by any means and instantly forgettable.

From the stunning Omaha landing sequence to the final battle this film is amazing.

The first sequence, the DDay landings focusing on Omaha are truly shocking yet I think in a good way.

The reality and truth here is a giant step to destroying the ridiculous stereotype of an old man boring his grandchildren with 'when I was in the war........'

All actors were perfectly cast and worked incredibly well on screen.

This film, thankfully, has none of the rubbish frequently added to modern war films. Unlike the abominable Pearl Harbor and other such films, this movie doesn't add romances, sex, or drugged up hallucinations and flashbacks.

This is a no frills movie that tells is like it was, which is a good thing. Not just because it doesn't want to, it doesn't need to. This film already has pure emotion and drama with it's basic theme, anything added to it would only dilute it.

It has so many standout moments, too many to mention here, that had me in tears and images of which stayed with me for days.

I'd like to see anyone top this excellent war film, it'll be hard to beat.

If you are like me, and watched the show on stage first, then this may come as a shock.

I searched for it because I am in an amdram production on it and wanted to have something i could go back and watch time after time.

If you are a fan of the stage production, you may, like me, be disappointed that the movie misses out the Prologue, 'Tower of Babble', 'Learn Your Lessons Well' and 'We Beseech Thee,' all seemingly in favour of adding the later 'Beautiful City.' A shame to cut three songs out for one, but a treat to see the rare song added song that is still often missed out. And, if you listen carefully, you can hear two of the edited songs in cast instrumentals.

The set is amazing. New York totally devoid of people is truly an awe-inspiring sight, yet the dance sequence on top of the World Trade Centre may leave the viewer feeling less than happy.

The cast are enjoyable to watch, though it seems a shame only two ever went on to greatness (Victor Garber as Jesus went on to star in films such as Titanic and First Wives Club. If you are already a fan of his, watch this movie, you won't believe it's him!!!!) And all have wonderful comic talent. The songs are sung well and the dancing is light and fresh.

The only standout performances are Victor Garber and David Haskell as Judas. To this day I find it hard to believe Haskell never did much other than this movie and of course being a member of the original stage production, before his tragic death in 2000.

This is a fresh and witty look at the gospels, with the first half of the film focusing on parables and the second half the Passion.

Will leave you feeling happy, relaxed and cheerful, and hopefully having learnt a few lessons.