Rudyard Kipling's Kim: A Classic Family Adventure (1984) Review

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(More customer reviews)Though less known than the 1950 Errol Flynn version, this made-for-TV adaptation of the famous Kipling story is in fact a pretty good one, being faithful to the book in spirit and in story. The main episodes of the original are not changed much, and still the film manages to realize the world of Kiping's India, where some adventure is waiting for you around the corner.
Kim, or Kimball O'Hara is the orphaned son of an Irish soldier in India, and Kim spends his time as vagabond in Lahore, where he climbs upon the big cannon of the town. From this famous opening, in which he is taken up as a guide by a travelling Tibetan lama (Peter O'Tool, in bald-head wig), the film follows the boy's adventures in the country, meeting colorful characters, the best of whom are the dashing Muhbub Ali (Bryan Brown) and suave agent Babu (John Rhys-Davies).
Assisting the jourey of the lama who tries to find out "The River of the Arrow," Kim also learns the life of the people in India through the mission given to him from the higher officers. The episodic story of Kipling remains basically the same, and you will find the major episodes from the book, such as the two Russians from the north.
The greatest thing about this "Kim" is its location. As it is shot in India, the picture can really show the hot and humid climate of the place (the Planes), or the cold and chilling air of the mountains (the Hills). You will understand why the lama could regain his health after going back to the mountains if you see the film, for you can feel the great contrast between the two places.
The original Kim is slightly enigmatic boy (or a teen?), whose growth is implied between the lines. The Kim here played by an Indian young actor is fairly good though the fact remains that he is virtually an amateur. Still, he looks great, and the supports are effective, especailly Brown as the horse-riding, menaceful (but somehow humourous) Ali. As to Peter O'Toole, at first you might find him miscast, but I think no one can really play the role of the lama exactly as the book shows.
This newer "Kim" is slightly overlong, but its faithful adaptation with realistic Indian background is certainly worth your money, especially when you find the original book charming.

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Kinamand / Chinaman Review

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(More customer reviews)I rented this film from Netflix (but cannot buy this in a Region 1 DVD!), and I loved this film! Keld is much more likable than the product description of "overweight uninspired Danish plumber" would suggest. His basic decency and very human desire to love makes him lovable, and his life situation makes him a sympathetic character. This is truly a love story. The way it shows the growing feelings between Keld and Ling is absolutely heartwarming. This is done in a quiet, genuine way, so the human emotions, difficulties, and successes are the interest factor here. Overall, a really good experience.

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Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story (1998) Review

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(More customer reviews)I think young kids 6 years old and younger would really like this movie. Little kids love animals, let alone animals they think are talking! OK, it doesn't exactly follow the Rudyard Kiplings "Jungle Book" version, but I think this was suppose to be light and fun for young children to enjoy, not so much for us adults. My kids enjoyed watching this video over and over again.

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Alexander the Great (1956) Review

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(More customer reviews)I see that all other reviews where written before the Oct. 19th 04 release of this DVD, therefore referring to VHS only. I purchased and viewed this today, Oct. 27th. 04. It is not my intention to give this a detailed review as has been done at lenght eleswhere. Not my style anyway.
To write about Greek or Roman history/heros with all the factions and diverse warring rulers of those times is tedious at best. And a hard subject to put into a screenplay, to breathe the least. However this is a literate screenplay and all the players are mentioned, just a bit hard to follow unless you've read your Will Durant. Not just another popcorn flick.
No, I just want to say that if anyone is thinking of buying this DVD, I don't think you'd be disappointed, providing you love all the Hollywood epics of the 50's. If you do you may want this one too! Not the spectacle of Quo Vadis, Ben Hur, King of Kings or the pagentry of Cleopatra, but a worthy entry none the less. Matte paintings used in all aforementioned used here as well, but not as many. The Babalonian City is extraordinary and enough glass paintings to convey an epic, unlike the claustrophobic Spartacus. The sets are somewhat meger, like Spartacus, but what lacks there is made up for in the use of Technicolor and Cinemascope and the absolutely remarkable and stunning wardrobe. This is a terrific transfer and will look even better on your 16 x 9 HDTV! The 480 that DVD's put out look as though you might reach for that goblet on wine on the table.
Spain seems to double well for Greece and Persia and although the battles were not of the rousing kind, one over looks this as a trade off to the overall movie. This film also doesn't have that ''Hollywood touch'' of the others of the 50's and seems more adult for that reason {Barabbas 61' is another}.
So if you're looking for another great but not Great 1950's epic just cut the Grodian Knot and ride out of the store on old Bucephalus!
Oh yes, I hope the up coming new release of Alexander, anticipated and welcomed, surpasses this version as there is nothing much better than a good movie, but this 1956 Richard Burton, Fredric March film may be above the mark in the end, as so many remakes or rehashed films can never come close the their predecessors, even with all of the CGI of today. Look at the disappointing Troy, a DVD I won't be purchasing.


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Fierce military commander, magnificent warrior, world conqueror. Legendary Macedonian hero Alexander the Great is celebrated in this definitive film about his tumultuous life. Richard Burton, FredricMarch and Claire Bloom lead a "remarkable cast" (Leonard Maltin) of thousands in this epic film that seamlessly blends spectacular action, vivid character portrayals and an age-old tale of wisdom, blood and glory!Alexander (Burton) is a man torn by conflict between the lofty wisdom of histeacher, Aristotle (Barry Jones), loyalty to his warrior father (March) and his own grand design for world domination. In a turbulent world of political unrest, this ambitious young man must rise above all conflict to unite the continents of Europe and Asia and become one of the most celebrated rulers of all time!

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Jungle Book (1994) Review

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(More customer reviews)Since the special features in "Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book" aren't mentioned in Amazon.com's usually thorough product info, here's a quick rundown:
- Widescreen (2.35:1) - Enhanced for 16 x 9 Televisions
- Audio Commentary With Director Stephen Sommers and Editor Bob Ducsay
- "The Making of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book" Featurette
- Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
- Spanish Language Track
- Spanish and French Subtitles
All in all, a fine presentation of a fine family adventure film.

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One of Disney's most treasured animated classics comes to glorious life -- stunningly photographed on magnificent locations in India! Based on Rudyard Kipling's beloved short stories, this all-new adventure promises a journey beyond your wildest imagination! Raised by wild animals since childhood, Mowgli (Jason Scott Lee) is eventually drawn away from the jungle by Kitty, the beautiful daughter of Major Brydon (Sam Neill). Mowgli soon faces a corrupt Captain Boone (Cary Elwes), who wants both Kitty's hand in marriage and a hand on the mythical treasures of Monkey City, a place only Mowgli can find. Loyal animal friends Bagheera, Baloo, and Grey Brother must help Mowgli survive the untamed peril. All of Kipling's memorable characters spring wonderfully to life in Disney's THE JUNGLE BOOK, a bold, sweeping adventure brimming with treasures for the whole family!

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Spy Game (Full Screen Edition) (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)'Spy game' is a simple spy story with terrific performances by its lead actors - Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. Pitt plays CIA agent Tom Bishop, who is found, hired and trained by Nathan, played by Robert Redford. Tom Bishop's personal mission in China goes haywire and he is taken captive by the Chinese. And then it is all upto Redford to rescue him. How Redford does it is the rest of the plot, which alternates between the present and the past, as narrated by Redford.
Redford plays Nathan effortlessly, with charm and ease. He leaves most of the action sequences to the younger actor and that is a wise thing, considering his age. Yet again, Pitt proves that he has the acting talent to go with his looks. The scenes where Pitt and Redford appear together are nicely written and acted.
The only negative points in the film are the background music, which is jarring at times, and the slightly dragging middle part, but it does build up the tempo for the finale. These defects are more than compensated by Redford and Pitt and this is one film that is worth watching.

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On the day he retires, a CIA agent must rescue an agent he trained, who is trapped in a Chinese prison.Genre: Feature Film-Action/AdventureRating: RRelease Date: 23-MAY-2006Media Type: DVD

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