Reviews

I liked this film because it made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me think. The ending was not something you might have expected at the beginning of the film but was definitely foreshadowed before...With an ending like this movie had I usually would not give an 5 star rating because I am sucker for the more typical Hollywood ending...But the acting, the characters, the cinematography, the editing, all of it just cried out for a thumbs up/5 star and so that is what I gave it...The dialogue was awesome, and everyone was really sharp and on point (the actors as well as the directors). The characters all looked great and the film had a very real feel to it. I hope you enjoy this film as much as I did...

One of THE MOST important films I just saw is "The Garden" WATCH IT!! Do you care about democracy? Do you care about the rights of PEOPLE vs. profit?? Do you care about the environment?? Do you care to see political realities and the reality of LIFE in America?? If all the above is true then do not delay and watch this film and get at least five others to as well...And then DO something. That is my spare change but for information about the grassroots South Central farmers who fought in the struggle (and are still fighting) please check out: http://www.southcentralfarmers.com/ and also thegardenmovie.com/ of course as well as the IMDb page...

I saw virtually no redeeming qualities in this movie. The only thing I did see was Quentin Tarantino's seeming insane obsession for it... There were some attractive women in this movie and perhaps that is one decent quality. Overall however, I found this movie surrealistic and ridiculous. The hand held film making coupled with slow motion and other cinematic gimmicks I found clumsy and dizzying, even sickening. Overall the music throughout was horrible and repetitive to the extreme as well reminding me of psychological warfare of the U.S. military against various malcontents.

The various vignettes that made up the movie are haphazard in their placement and unfulfilling and unresolved in their content and "conclusions." A depressing movie (not a true _film_, a term I reserve for true art) that left me with a bad feeling. Do not believe the various people that try and spin this as a "romantic comedy" though there are certainly isolated elements of both this movie repudiates in content, form, and conclusion any association with this genre.

I suggest staying far away notwithstanding the seemingly overwhelming positive views of IMDb and other ratings sources.

This is one of the only and best documentaries about Yugoslavia, its breakup, and the factors/reasons underpinning all of this that exists to this day.

Perhaps, as some have criticized, the documentary could have been better at identifying the talking heads, giving a more multifaceted view, etc.

However, these small points aside this documentary should be seen by anyone and everyone interested in the past and current situation in the former Yugoslavia and its individual parts, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia among others. Other reviewers have already ably set out what the film does much better and more comprehensively then I have but in the end my review is simply up here in order to add another voice of rationality and fairness to the cacophony of irrational ideologues that often make up any discussion around this topic.

I urge anyone who is sincerely interested in the realities of the Balkans to view this film.

Definitely not a film for everyone. But even in spite of the horrible poverty and other realities of "living" in Armenia I would recommend it. The lead actor and actress plays their roles admirably as do most of the more minor characters. I especially recommend this film for its displays of Armenian culture and tradition. These scenes were all touching, funny, and hopeful. The ending is a little too surrealistic for me and this unexpected conclusion certainly does not help me in recommending this film. However, all things considered, I would still recommend this film to all who would like a meaningful view of real developing world poverty, tradition, and humor.

I really am having a hard time understanding the people who laud this movie. Please. A coming of age story? Yes. And here the movie does succeeds. There are some of the traditional clichés of this genre evident. However, the cinematography is horrible, virtually every scene leeched of color, of any hint of hope. Some of the scenes make you laugh in spite of yourself (usually regretting it immediately after).

Perhaps for some the movie is a worthwhile view as another example of a coming of age movie. For me it is an example of promise and potential dashed to ruin (in more then one way). If you have any semblance of hope and motivation I urge you not to see this movie. It will not help you in any of these regards if you do.

I really wanted to give this film a chance. I was a great fan of the originals from the 1970's and 1980's.

However, I think, even taken as a whole, the movies of '99 and 2000's really ruined the series. None of the "sense of wonder" that I love real science fiction (can you even really call Star Wars _science_ fiction?) for was evident in any of these movies.

The acting and dialogue always seemed forced, clichéd, and substandard. The special effects and particularly those that dealt with creating landscapes I thought were one of the only bright spots of any of these movies. I cannot understand how this movie currently has an 8.0 average perhaps after such horrible precedents anything that is at least marginally different or "better" is desperately hailed. The action, acting, and dialogue was so clichéd and ridiculous in parts meant to be "dramatic" that I often found myself laughing out loud. (See particularly, Darth Vader's "Nooooooo..." scene).

Just watched this film and I have to say there were very few moments in the movie when I was not doubled over in full-out, belly-achingly laughter. This masterpiece has very little if any weak or down moments (in fact I can't name any).

This is one of, if not the, best films I have seen dealing with relationships. Its observations are irreverent but also incisive. Other films along similar lines like the Tao of Steve, cannot really compare (though in truth it is hard to compare the two)though perhaps you might check out other good but much darker comedies like Roger Dodger.

This is a must see for everyone that can take it (and a good instruction and test for those who can't).

Enjoy!

An excellent film which definitely goes on my "favorites" list of films. The film is a political thriller of the highest caliber. Probably one of the first of its kind and a catalyst for more of a "no-holds-barred" iconoclastic political cinema in a still very restrained and censored era.

The political machinations, intricacies of political procedure, idiosyncrasies, personal conflict, suspense, mystery, the thrill of the hunt, all this and much more are masterfully put on display by director Otto Preminger. The acting is overall superb and a great introduction and primer for some of "old" Hollywood's big stars that those of younger age would probably not be familiar with.

I would have liked if the ending had been a bit more decisive and specifically got "my guy" in...but I fully see the utility and positives of the type of ending the director chose to go with and my own inclination is simply idle speculation...

Another reviewer complained of the film's tendency to take "liberties" with its adaptation of the novel it is based on. But exactly the problem that this critic sees with these liberties, that the conflict over the nomination of Leffingwell for Secretary of State is handled in a more ambiguous fashion than the black and white-evil/good conflict in the novel, I think is one of its strongest and best qualities. This is what politics is (as much as someone can say speaking from the outside), this is real life. We do not deal with black and white very often (if ever) in the real world, there are many grey areas, and I think that this film does a great job of teasing out and painting these complexities into a many-hued cinematic tapestry.

A great favorite film of mine that is complex in its analysis of international relations, war, etc. and offers excellent and remarkably in-depth understanding and accurate critiques of American foreign policy.

Especially relevant film for those who are looking for a better understanding of the current situation in Iraq. The film is ahead of its time in many ways such as the aforementioned analysis of foreign policy as well as technically in terms of cinematography, writing, etc.

Perhaps one of the best parts of the film is that it deals with its serious subject matter with sharp dialogue and comedy. The comedy is a great strength in the film that sets it apart from other films that tackle the same sort of issues but without the invaluable laugh-out-loud comedic aspects which help to make the film a enjoyable experience.

A hugely under-appreciated film. A must see.

SEE THIS FILM.

If you are an American (especially but a variation on this applies to everyone else) and think that our freedoms and being proud to be an American is still important then you should see this film.

Well, I have to say that I used to be a wholehearted supporter of Moore and then his decision to support klarke in the presidential race really soured my opinion of him. F/9-11 though and his actions since have however notably increased my opinion and renewed admiration for what he has accomplished.

The film is a powerful indictment against the illegitimate bush administration, at times gut wrenchingly powerful and saddening and at others body-shakingly hilarious, it points out the ties of the administration to Saudi Arabia, corruption of the rest of the administration, and most importantly the toll that the (again) illegitimate Iraq war has had on U.S. soldiers and their families at home, and finally a powerful argument against ruinous war on the innocent civilians-PEOPLE of subjected target nations.

If you value the continuation and progression of the human race and generations to come...

If there is one film that you see this year this should be it.

P.S. Of course I have to say to call this "documentary" really stretches the definition though what that really is many still argue. At first some scenes may almost may make you cringe with some "over-the-topness" I submit though -in my own experience- that perhaps this is the initial shock, once you have some time to digest the enormity and power of the film you will see its WORTH.

P.P.S. For a AWESOME 10/10 documentary (much easier to see as one) I suggest the film, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," I can almost guarantee you will not be disappointed but I can't go that far ;).