Loved Sam, John, Liv; Castle; but "required reading" film ??
590873
I need to watch this film again, especially after reading all the wonderful reviews others wrote.  This is not a movie that goes with my popcorn.  This movie was not entertainment, but rather work!  It's castle location is splendid, and the actors are very pleasant because their personalities show through.  Enjoyed smiling at the poet's role (John Heard), and also enjoyed the charm of lost-Presidential-race-politician (Sam Waterston), but I felt sorry for all the WORK Liv Ullmann went to just to learn ALL those lines rather than what her character was saying, which took up the majority of the movie.  Perhaps I just don't care for so much philosophy outside the college classroom.  My summation: I'm probably not the audience to fully appreciate this kind of movie in the evening when concentration is ebbing.  I will, however, give it another try, if only to make myself feel brighter.  Perhaps other viewers will give this one a chance.  (MindWalk is part of the "Sam Waterston Library" that we're collecting.  We particularly appreciate his roles of the past 12 - 15 years rather than his earlier works.)
69779
It would be impossible to add to what's already been written here except to say, if you don't yet own this but desire to, just go buy it already.

And, for a purchase tip: You can occasionally find this at Sam's with the price hovering around the $60 mark. FWIW.

Update 5/10/2006
I just finished watching this whole series again a second time (since 2002). My opinion is stronger than before---this is an absolutely awesome film, and to anyone reading this, if you a lover of history, especially the USA & Europe, then you must own this. Please, buy it for yourself and your children.

On a personal note, I am so thankful that men such as these preceeded me and made it possible to enjoy a wonderful life here in these United States today. Surely, if there is a Heaven, a special place must be reserved there for the Easy Company.
300221
I actually haven't read this yet, but upon reading many reviewers mention that Hitchcock's "Suspicion" film was not as good as the book, I have to remind people that "Suspicion" was filmed when the Hays office was in place.  Hitchcock was severely limited what would be acceptable by the Production Code.  I personally thought it was an excellent film.  Just because a movie doesn't not strictly follow the book, doesn't mean the movie is inferior!  Think of "The Godfather" - did you ever read that book?  Sort of belonged in the garbage.  I'll get off my soap box now, thanks for reading.
813807
Fanny, who is supposed to by shy in the book, is a vivacious gal who loves to write stories.

This movie throws in an entire section on slavery (screaming from the ships as Fanny drives off to Mansfield), including Fanny discovering a book of Tom's drawings featuring slave mutilation and sexual abuse in graphic detail.  (Committed by Mr. Bertram and Tom in Antigua!)  Mr. Bertram is an upstanding gentleman who, as far as Jane Austin is concerned, doesn't chop, hang and fornicate with slaves.

Fanny also walks in on Maria and Henry while they are in flagrante in the room next door to where Tom is recovering.  Later, Mary actually says the content of her private letter to Fanny concerning how to reintegrate Maria into society in front of the entire family!  Yes, she suggests in front of the father and mother that it would be great if Tom died so that Edmund could be rich and they could give parties and dinners.  Amazing.

Furthermore, the brother William is entirely left out of the movie.  In Portsmouth, Fanny actually accepts Henry's proposal, and then changes her mind the next day.  The whole point of Fanny is her constancy and strong morals.  She would NEVER do that.

Fortunately, you can by a very good version from WGBH Boston, starring Billie Piper and Blake Ritson.

Some of my favorite actors are in this film, including a young Hugh Bonneville as Mr. Rushworth, and I had really been looking forward to it.  I was very disappointed.
2910841
I  watched the  film, <The Dressmaker>  before reading it.
I love both, especially the book.
4735153
If you have theater background in the US late 20th c. a must. I had experiences in some of the same places. I learned a lot. I liked his childhood narrative especially. He had an affair with Liv Ullmann...who knew.
4344999
Probably the only time I can claim enjoying the movie more than the book.  Now if someone could give me a cut of this baby with only the Theo and Jai parts, I'd be one happy girl! Can we make that happen?
2614868
Arguably my all time favorite book.  Its cliche, but the film version did not do it justice.  Kinda the opposite of how I felt about Fight Club, where I loved the film (arguably my fave film, go figure lol), but while the book was great, it didn't quite measure up to the film.  Maybe it depends on which (book or film) you experience first?

Anyway, I read Fight Club before Choke, but this was the book that truly got me into the work of Palahniuk.  Definitely the most hilarious, outrageous book I've ever read.  It was around early-mid 2008.  The film would come out later that year.  I was recently out of work and at a crossroads in my life, trying to figure out what to do next.  I suddenly had a ton of free time.  So I decided to start reading a bunch of books I'd always kinda wanted to, but never had the time to before.  Since I'd heard about the upcoming Choke movie, and since I was a fan of Chuck from Fight Club and did want to check out more of his stuff, decided to give the book Choke a shot.  And did not regret it.

Love how Chuck can take such quirky, seemingly disparate situations and weave a coherent book out of them.  I think I'll just leave it at that :)  Wish his more recent stuff was as good.  And I wish more films would be made of his stuff, since I still think a lot of his early material (Survivor, Rant, Lullaby) could (potentially) make highly entertaining films.  And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the Choke movie was bad.  Just not in any way in the same league as the book (or Fight Club movie).  Anyway, if you agree with my review at all, you can mostly find me these days at twitter dot com/ShyLivesMatter Peace :)
799048
I love the British classics and period piece movies.  I find short story books convenient to read when time is short and can't read a complete novel.  History is one of my favorite topics and reading materials, especially biographies.
3290327
I was curious to see what other viewers thought of this. While loving historical pieces, I am also guilty of liking silly romance novels. This fits into what pleases me on days that I don't want to think too deeply...

The plot was entertaining if not terribly engaging. Although I really disliked the rape scene and the end. The end was rushed and choppy....it seemed to all occur in a few days or weeks. The rape scene - who ever wants to see that? Nonetheless, it just did not seem to fit. It was harsh. I mean, I know Henry must have been angry that suddenly his country was being turned upside down by the whims of a vixen he had fallen for, but why the abrupt turn of passions? It was just a bit over the top and probably just done to show the differences between the relationship with the sisters.....

Someone previously had mentioned that Mary and Henry's conversations in the movie seemed inadequate and unfulfilling....I think that for the time it was appropriate. The king was looking for a pretty face to entertain him and Mary was an easily swayed girl looking for love. A few words and glances were all that were needed for someone to be convinced they were in love then (perhaps now?)

Overall I enjoyed the film. Overdramatic and intense sometimes sure, but mostly a nice, easy watch for those who wish to fill their heads with romance :)
2907221
Read the book then watch the silent movie with Rudolf Valentino. The book is better but it made Valentino the heart throb of Hollywood. Called a 'romance' novel at the time, I read it as more than that.
4805163
So, jaileigh, ugggg, and Kate are dragging this down. High schoolers?

I am an English teacher. I came across this video while taking a Shakespeare class in my Masters program; my strategy was to read along with the BBC audio play and annotate as I went. Then I would watch the BBC video version of the plays. Then I would write whatever I was supposed to write about, usually a 10-15 page paper. I would review the play and search for things using a combo of the book and the video. This was a class that was all about scholarly exploration of the plays on a fairly deep level. My plan worked for me. A key part of what worked was having this video; the true to the text interpretation, no frills costuming and props, and scant creativity with regards to cinematography make it ideal for viewing as a work of Shakespeare. The fluff and glitz of other versions take away from the words and the meanings. If you are looking for a Hollywood version of the play, this is not it. If you are looking for a true and honest rendering of the content of the play, this is for you.

For use in the class:  To start we read I.i-ii. using the audio only from this and then the kids translate these two scenes. Then we watch the first two scenes using this version and discuss the quality of video with relation to the play itself. We then complete Act I and complete several other activities, including a quote activity called 'Who said that and where, and what do they mean?' Then we watch the whole of Act I using this video. After that, with regards to viewing, we mix it up by watching several other adaptations as we continue through the play. And that is that...
4889711
I saw this when it first came out and it touched something in me, maybe because I always felt a little like a misfit (but not like these boys were).  I also had a slight crush on Billy Mumy (Lost in Space).  Between the slaughter of the bison, the soullessness of the adults, and the rite of passage these boys put themselves through, I needed this film.  I've since read the book too.  Maybe this is just one of my private pleasure movies.
1419783
I've never seen this film but want to because Christian Bale is flat out brialliant. But by reading the synopsis doesn't this seem like just a different slightly altered version of Farenheit 451?
986100
If you've just watched the movie and you're interested in this, it's almost necessary to read the book from which the movie was inspired. However, this is one of those extremely rare occurrences where the movie is kind of actually......better than the book? It depends on what you liked about Nerve. Do you like the heart-stopping action and the mysterious past of Ian? Or would you rather gain insight into Vee by reading the book and seeing everything through her eyes? A major warning I would give people reading this book? THE PLOT IS NOT THE SAME. I repeat, THE PLOT  IS DIFFERENT. Vee and Sydney and Tommy are all involved in the school play, where Syd is the star (of course) and Vee does costumes. Ian technically does want 'freedom', but not from Nerve, rather from his household and life. I would read the book if you want a different look at how Nerve could end up being played, but if you're looking for an extension of the movie, you won't find it here.
2122151
I didn't read the book - I know many people love books more than movies, but I just saw the movie so I have no bias there.

And despite all the rumors I heard about it being bad - I absolutely LOVED it!

I think it showed a lot of guts and a woman searching for change and joy!

The critic IMO are jealous and would never have the bravery to do something like this in their own lives so they can shut it!

Every time I watch this movie I learn something new. It's beautiful.
4500435
"And baby makes 3!"
Would you consider the audio edition of Texas Winter to be better than the print version?
Didn't read it, loved the audio though.

Who was your favorite character and why?
Again, Jack, I love how patient he is with Riley while he continues to adjust to all the extreme changes in his life.

Which character  as performed by Sean Crisden  was your favorite?
Jack, see above. I also love the sexy cowboy drawl Crisden uses for Jack.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Trouble seems to always find me.

Any additional comments?
Great series from an amazing author brought to life with fantastic narration!