Reviews

I loved it! Boz Luhrmann meets Cinema Paradiso in numerous ways. The plot is simple, as others here have already described. But it retains an abundance of charm. The undercurrents of antisemitism and fascism that were persistent in 1936 France are themes rarely seen on screen. Ditto for the Communist workers' movement during the same time. The clashes between these two groups were inevitable, and this film depicts that struggle brilliantly, without preaching to us or hitting us over the head with it. All the acting, singing and dancing are extremely well-done, and the cinematography, while Luhrmann-esquire is engaging. Best of all perhaps is the music. This film is destined to be a classic, and will always be on my favorites list. The only thing I would change is that I would retain the original title. The audience for this film is sophisticated enough to handle it.

Like many of you, I saw this movie (notice, I didn't say "film") because of its terrific stars. What I didn't expect was such an awful script. The stars did as well as they could with this awkward, implausible, predictable and boring storyline. The small subplot involving the mother was the highlight (to be kind...) Being in the 50-something target audience demographic, I expected to like this flick; instead I found it by far the least enjoyable evening I can recall at the theater in recent months. There is no humor, no pathos, the characters are neither believable nor sympathetic. Given the great roles that Dustin and Emma have had in their stellar careers, I'm simple aghast that either of them would agree to play this script. I suppose they needed the money. The "5" rating that I gave this was perhaps too generous.

I am a big Jordi Savall fan, having heard him live on several occasions. His wife and daughter appear in this Barcelona performance, and he himself appears as Monteverdi, the conductor. The playing is excellent, but the singing, unfortunately of his family members is not quite as beautiful as the competing versions. (There are several clips from this version on YouTube if you want to hear Montserrat's "La Musica" and make up your own mind.) We are blessed that there are so many DVDs of this fabulous work, and so many worldwide live productions to commemorate its 400th anniversary this year. This is a valid interpretation of this great opera, filmed in a beautiful opera house. I would recommend it in addition to others (such as Harnoncort's), but not instead of it. It is not perfect, but still quite excellent.

This version of Orfeo is an excellent synthesis of music and dance. The costumes and scenery are rather post-modern, but the singing and playing are some of the very best of the lot. Defying convention, La Musica sings from the orchestra while a dancer is suspended in the set, apparently weightless. Speranza is sung by a male soprano. There are plenty of other surprises in this version. Trisha Brown's choreography sometimes appears "affected" and unnatural; but at other times is strikingly beautiful. The conducting (busy but effective) and the original instrument performances are absolutely first rate, at least the equal to any other performances out there, early brass playing especially. The fact that this opera can still work, and beautifully in this rendition is a testament to the timelessness of the work.

This is the Orfeo that sets the standard for all the more recent versions. It is the best filmed by far. Excellent camera work and superior sound- What you'd expect from DGG. Singing and original instrument performances are amazing, especially considering this was 1978. The viewer is brought into the action, as are the duke and duchess of Mantua, the townspeople, and Monteverdi himself. The opera itself is spellbinding, and has endured a full 400 years- and for very good reason! There are no tricks or cute "modern" sets, costumes, etc. This is a true revival with unique perspectives. The scenery and costumes are authentic and very beautiful. This is a very, very special DVD, and can be purchased as a box set with the other two extant Monteverdi operas.

Men with Guns is one of the finest films of the genre. It has legs- really stays with you, for years. The priest's story alone is brilliant filmmaking. I've been a great fan of John Sayles' work for many years, but I think this is both his most original and generally best work. The shame is that no one seems to have seen this film. I saw it 3X in theatres and there were never more than 5 people in the audience. MWG doesn't appeal to the short- attention-spaned sex-and-violence cravers. The history of 30 years of terrible civil war as close as Guatemala is something our children remain ignorant about. This incredible film puts that war into unique perspective. Sayles didn't seem to care if too many people saw it or not- subtitles alone guarantee a fringe audience confined to a few art houses. The film is not perfect- editing could be a little better; but what a story! The opening and closing scenes really work for me. I hope everyone reading these comments will go out and rent Men with Guns ASAP. Sayles at his best.