dr_strangelove_69's reviews
This page compiles all reviews dr_strangelove_69 has written, sharing their detailed thoughts about movies, TV shows, and more.
6 reviews
This movie was a failure, no one can argue that fact. It made pittance at the box office and stained the careers of the stars involved.
Despie this, however, 'Revolution' is one of the least comprehended films in the history of world Cinema. I suppose it made one mistake, it told history, but not as people want to hear it. If you want the American Revolution told as a 'Patriotic' yarn with goodies and baddies, over the top battles, and a sickening veneer of US history, then watch the aptly named 'The Patriot' with Mel Gibson. It's a good fun movie to sit through, but it's not fact, or to be honest, remotely accurate.This is where 'Revolution' scores the highest marks.
In 1776, American Colonies were a jumble of States that were inhabited by Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Native American, English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, German, Dutch, French, Eastern European and Scandinavian settlers. Many have criticised the accent used by Pacino as Tom Dobb but be fair, if you were an illiterate trapper in remote New York, I somehow think your accent would be rather disjointed to say the least.
The Story line is of the highest quality and is deeply touching, that of a man who has lost his wife and most of children and has only one son who is his life. They are caught up in a ruthless and fervent Civil War that erupts as the American Revolution. Dobb and his son Ned want no part in this war but are dragged in against their will. Many die in a ruthless series of battles around New York and Brooklyn. Amongst this tragedy Dobb meets and falls for Daisy, the daughter of a Colonial Loyalist. After much hardship and cruelty they meet at Valley Forge where Daisy is captured and thought dead at the hands of Lord Hampton, played by the great Richard O'Brien. At Yorktown the war ends and Tom returns to New York with Ned to find Daisy. That is a condensed version of the plot but there is so much more in this movie. I heard some claim they sensed a Paedophillic undertone amongst the British, well I see their point but will let the viewer decide that for themselves.
The costuming, uniforms, flags, battles.... this is all how it really was back in the 18th century, rain, dirt and filth. This film is a splendid tribute to those who fought for what they believed in and those who fought for King and Country.
Please, I beg you, give this gem a chance.
Despie this, however, 'Revolution' is one of the least comprehended films in the history of world Cinema. I suppose it made one mistake, it told history, but not as people want to hear it. If you want the American Revolution told as a 'Patriotic' yarn with goodies and baddies, over the top battles, and a sickening veneer of US history, then watch the aptly named 'The Patriot' with Mel Gibson. It's a good fun movie to sit through, but it's not fact, or to be honest, remotely accurate.This is where 'Revolution' scores the highest marks.
In 1776, American Colonies were a jumble of States that were inhabited by Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Native American, English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, German, Dutch, French, Eastern European and Scandinavian settlers. Many have criticised the accent used by Pacino as Tom Dobb but be fair, if you were an illiterate trapper in remote New York, I somehow think your accent would be rather disjointed to say the least.
The Story line is of the highest quality and is deeply touching, that of a man who has lost his wife and most of children and has only one son who is his life. They are caught up in a ruthless and fervent Civil War that erupts as the American Revolution. Dobb and his son Ned want no part in this war but are dragged in against their will. Many die in a ruthless series of battles around New York and Brooklyn. Amongst this tragedy Dobb meets and falls for Daisy, the daughter of a Colonial Loyalist. After much hardship and cruelty they meet at Valley Forge where Daisy is captured and thought dead at the hands of Lord Hampton, played by the great Richard O'Brien. At Yorktown the war ends and Tom returns to New York with Ned to find Daisy. That is a condensed version of the plot but there is so much more in this movie. I heard some claim they sensed a Paedophillic undertone amongst the British, well I see their point but will let the viewer decide that for themselves.
The costuming, uniforms, flags, battles.... this is all how it really was back in the 18th century, rain, dirt and filth. This film is a splendid tribute to those who fought for what they believed in and those who fought for King and Country.
Please, I beg you, give this gem a chance.
Peter Watkins's much underestimated Docu-Drama that, frankly, has to be watched by the individual to have the maximum impact. This is, without doubt, the fairest and most realistic depiction of war in cinema history. Here we have no poetic licence and no particular bias, despite some claiming a strong swing in favour of the Jacobites. Men are men, war is war and blood is blood.
There are few ways in which to describe this masterpiece in a simple review. If you desire a stark wake up call to the brutality and pain that war and Civil War creates, get hold of a copy of this film.
If you are not moved, then you have no heart.
There are few ways in which to describe this masterpiece in a simple review. If you desire a stark wake up call to the brutality and pain that war and Civil War creates, get hold of a copy of this film.
If you are not moved, then you have no heart.
Just one word to sum up this fantastic new dose of Sharpe and that is 'SU-BLOODY-PERB'.
It's been ten years since we saw Richard beat the Imperial Guard on the bloody field of Waterloo, and, like many of the life long fans, I believed that was the last time we would see Sharpe on screen. Of course, there was always a rumour that 'Tiger' would be made into a feature film but that hope died after a few years.
Now, we have been treated to an extra long two parter that was excellent in every aspect. A plentiful amount of tension, action and valour. Beano and Daragh were top hold as usual, excellent to see the old faces such as fopp Simmerson, Ramona and Wellington back on the screen.
The new characters were utterly splendid, Stephens as Dodd was one of the most evil villains ever to face Sharpe and Peter Hugo-Daly as Sgt Bickerstaff was a vile sight, yet a great performance. Even prompting Bean to jokingly remark in the 'making of' feature that he looked 'F***ing 'orrible'.
Not enough time to list all of the supporting cast, but none were a disappointment.
In conclusion, one of the best Sharpes to date and I would not be wrong in stating that the series as a whole is THE best historical drama to grace British television.
To any of the Producers that might browse these boards, I hope that another two movies are made to give a complete feel to the saga. Plus if you want any extras who want no pay, there's a huge fan base out there plus plenty of ready-trained re-enactors.
As you can tell, loved the whole show. Can't wait for the DVD on May 1st.
It's been ten years since we saw Richard beat the Imperial Guard on the bloody field of Waterloo, and, like many of the life long fans, I believed that was the last time we would see Sharpe on screen. Of course, there was always a rumour that 'Tiger' would be made into a feature film but that hope died after a few years.
Now, we have been treated to an extra long two parter that was excellent in every aspect. A plentiful amount of tension, action and valour. Beano and Daragh were top hold as usual, excellent to see the old faces such as fopp Simmerson, Ramona and Wellington back on the screen.
The new characters were utterly splendid, Stephens as Dodd was one of the most evil villains ever to face Sharpe and Peter Hugo-Daly as Sgt Bickerstaff was a vile sight, yet a great performance. Even prompting Bean to jokingly remark in the 'making of' feature that he looked 'F***ing 'orrible'.
Not enough time to list all of the supporting cast, but none were a disappointment.
In conclusion, one of the best Sharpes to date and I would not be wrong in stating that the series as a whole is THE best historical drama to grace British television.
To any of the Producers that might browse these boards, I hope that another two movies are made to give a complete feel to the saga. Plus if you want any extras who want no pay, there's a huge fan base out there plus plenty of ready-trained re-enactors.
As you can tell, loved the whole show. Can't wait for the DVD on May 1st.
The performances were superb, the costumes delivered a unique feeling for the period and being a Victorian Living Historian, I was impressed with the accuracy of weaponry and attention to detail.
I wouldn't say you need any knowledge of the Kelly saga to stay with the flow of this movie but to comprehend the happenings and attitudes of the time you will require a bit of basic historical knowledge. Do not expect, as some rather silly people do, any of the characters to have the Auzzie accent as we know it, it was, at that time, a country during infancy.
OK, the story had some elements of fiction but these are required for a wider following of the film. Gregor Jordan said in the extra feature on the DVD that he wanted his movie to 'inspire an interest', and that is exactly what happened with me so this movie gets the thumbs up here.
See it and you WILL NOT be sorry
I wouldn't say you need any knowledge of the Kelly saga to stay with the flow of this movie but to comprehend the happenings and attitudes of the time you will require a bit of basic historical knowledge. Do not expect, as some rather silly people do, any of the characters to have the Auzzie accent as we know it, it was, at that time, a country during infancy.
OK, the story had some elements of fiction but these are required for a wider following of the film. Gregor Jordan said in the extra feature on the DVD that he wanted his movie to 'inspire an interest', and that is exactly what happened with me so this movie gets the thumbs up here.
See it and you WILL NOT be sorry