My reaction to this film: Outstanding Take Shakespere and put it with great actors, stupendeous music, and fine cinematography, and you have a great film. While I honestly think one would have a better grasp of what is going on had they read the play previous to watching the film (which I have done, only it was several years ago), the film is fairly easy to follow. The story mainly follows England's King Henry the Fifth as he goes forth to conquor France. Along the way, we meet and follow some commoners who were friends of the king when he was still a prince. (Christain Bale plays a lad amongst these--and a fine one.) Harry meets danger from within and without with justice, mercy, and a trust in God that is quite wonderful to see protrayed on the screen. He metes out justice when it is called for--even though it be an old friend whom he must see to death. He is merciful to his enemies. In triumph and in sorrow, he praises God and trusts Him for the outcome of the battle. The main battle scene is very well choreographed and shot--it's almost like being there yourself. The seriousness and confusion, as well as the horror of war are very well protrayed. There are moments of humor as well...probably the funniest being France's princess attempting to learn some English. That scene was amusing and light-hearted. As is the scene where Henry goes about his wooing of said princess. One of the aspects of the film that was the most appealing to me was the humbleness of the king and his love for his people. He understood that he, like them, was just a man and in that they did not differ. And yet, he was king, and therefore was responsible for them and he loved them. He was responsible for upholding justice--and he did; but tempered with mercy when mercy was permissible. In other words, this portrayal of Henry shows him a man; a godly man--a man to be emulated.
If you don't own this one--add it to your collection. Note: some of the violence is fairly gruesome, but it isn't dwelt upon heavily. You might not want to show this film to young children.
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This 1990 adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's book, ranks high up on the scale of my "favorite" movies. This movie is quite accurate to the book (which I have read--Stevenson being one my favorite "children's" authors). It is rare, at least in my viewing experience, for films made from books to be as closely aligned as this one is. The story follows young Jim Hawkins from the day the mysterious (and drunken) "Captain" Bones arrived at the Admiral Benbow Inn. When the Captain dies, Jim comes into the possession of the famous pirate Flint's map of Treasure Island, under some rather dangerous and disturbing circumstances. Soon he is aboard the Hispanola with Squire Trelawney, Dr. Livesey, Captain Smullet, Long John Silver, and a crew of (mainly) pirates. Upon reaching Treasure Island, the pirates and the remaining "loyal" men match wits and trade lead. At the center of the action is Jim Hawkins, acting with bravery and presence of mind. Ben Gunn also makes an apperence and helps in the fight against the pirates. There are a few things I would like to note: 1st--there is some language in this movie. One could cut it and not really lose any dialogue. It could certainly be worse, but that does not excuse profanity. (Most of it is in the form of the D- word.) 2nd--the music is outstanding and really adds to the film. Without the "olde English" style music, this movie would not quite have the 'real' feel that it does. Speaking of feeling real, there is one scene where Jim gets his first taste of being a sailor. I found myself rocking in the rhythm of the "Heave! Heave!"--partly due to the music, but partly because of the angle of the shot. (Not that this has anything to do with the storyline exactly...) 3rd--Jim is a manly youngster. In fact, Long John declares at one point (to the pirates), "He's more of a man than the lot of you!" (or something to that effect). This is quite encouraging and pleasing. He shows fear, but he overcomes it rather than succumbs to it. He is an honorable lad to the point that when he gives his word he will not go back on it, even if it results in his death. Jim is a loving, respectful son to his mother and a respectful young man towards his superiors. He's also not a bad hand with a pistol... 4th--there are some scenes that might frighten a young child. The main ones I'm thinking of occur close to the beginning with Blind Pew....he's scary enough looking with the rag over his eyes, but once that gets removed and one sees the makeup job, it can really give one a jolt. I remember the first time I saw this movie, I nearly jumped out of my skin. It's not so bad the second or third time around, but it's still startling. This is one of those movies that I want to watch again as soon as I'm finished with it, because it is just that good. |
RachealA Reformed Presbyterian girl who enjoys a good movie or a good book any ol' time. Archives
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