Alfie Elkins is an ex-pat Cockney lothario working as a chauffeur in New York. He spends most of his time romancing the ladies of Manhattan and running away when things get too serious. But how long can he keep sprinting from commitment with so many women trying to tie him down.
So, what’s ... Read review
"What's it all about, Alfie?" asked the hit Burt Bacharach/Hal David title song, to which ... more
the less philosophical answer might be: an amoral young man comically seducing a succession of beautiful women in swinging-sixties London. Michael Caine was the t...
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Alfie is not really a bad sort. Its just that he has this overwhelming desire for the ... more
opposite sex. You might say that 'birds' are irresistable to him, sort of second nature.With Michael Caine in the title role, Alfie is a ribald and wild comedy, fille...
"What's it all about, Alfie?" asked the hit Burt Bacharach/Hal David title song, to which ... more
the less philosophical answer might be: an amoral young man comically seducing a succession of beautiful women in swinging-sixties London. Michael Caine was the t...
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Michael Caine stars as Alfie a Cockney Casanova in this outstanding example of 1960s ... more
British filmmaking. Alfie is a good-looking charmer who finds that the Swinging Sixties are a great time to be around in. He's always able to sweet-talk women into...
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The Roth Audio Alfie is sleek, stylish solution for those rooms where space is at a ... more
premium, but looks and quality are still important. Combining a DVD player, CD player, built in iPod dock and an FM/AM tuner, with high quality amplification and built in speakers, Alfie really is a complete system. The compact, beautifully finished case and gently glowing, touch sensitive controls on the top will look great in any room and, with useful features like twin alarm clocks and a sleep timer, Alfie is sure to make himself at home wherever you put him.
Jude Law'sAlfie, much like Michael Caine's in the 1966 original, is what you'd call an ... more
unrepentant womanizer. He beds 'em but never weds 'em, and New York provides ample opportunity to continue the process--until reality slaps him in the face. Because Jude Law is, well, Jude Law, you can see why he gets away with it as long as he does, and the actor also pulls off the usually awkward trick of narrating directly to the camera. Neither his Alfie, however, nor director Charles Shyer's remake emerges completely without scratches. Law has a Chesire Cat carnality, but he emanates too much intellect to buy him as the relatively dim bulb he's supposed to be. The film, meanwhile, is a bit soft around the edges; the whole thing would have more resonance if it wasn't quite so intent on watching the unrepentant repent. Regardless, it's a surprisingly thoughtful diversion, and there's fine work from Marisa Tomei, Nia Long, and Susan Sarandon as the women who understandably make Alfie reconsider his ways.--Steve Wiecking
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Jude Law'sAlfie, much like Michael Caine's in the 1966 original, is what you'd call an ... more
unrepentant womanizer. He beds 'em but never weds 'em, and New York provides ample opportunity to continue the process--until reality slaps him in the face. Because Jude Law is, well, Jude Law, you can see why he gets away with it as long as he does, and the actor also pulls off the usually awkward trick of narrating directly to the camera. Neither his Alfie, however, nor director Charles Shyer's remake emerges completely without scratches. Law has a Chesire Cat carnality, but he emanates too much intellect to buy him as the relatively dim bulb he's supposed to be. The film, meanwhile, is a bit soft around the edges; the whole thing would have more resonance if it wasn't quite so intent on watching the unrepentant repent. Regardless, it's a surprisingly thoughtful diversion, and there's fine work from Marisa Tomei, Nia Long, and Susan Sarandon as the women who understandably make Alfie reconsider his ways.--Steve Wiecking
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Drama - Director: Bill Hays - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Denholm Elliott, Barry Foster, Nigel Stock, Garrick Hagon
Production Year: 1989 - Drama - Director: Ken Cameron - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Nicole Kidman, Denholm Elliott, Hugo Weaving, Joy Smithers, Norman Kaye, Jerome Ehlers, Judy Morris
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Advantages: Great cast, good update Disadvantages: The man is a bounder
Alfie Elkins is an ex-pat Cockney lothario working as a chauffeur in New York. He spends most of his time romancing the ladies of Manhattan and running away when things get too serious. But how long can he keep sprinting from commitment with so many women trying to tie him down.
So, what’s it all about, Alfie? I walked into this remake of the iconic 1960s’ Michael Caine vehicle expecting to loathe it. Not because I am a huge Caine ... ...much as dialogue to make Alfie a far more complex character than in the original film. There are also plenty of twists to keep you guessing and a resolutely ambiguous ending.
The film hinges on the performance of the leading man and Jude Law proves a surprisingly charming and sympathetic lead. He imbues Alfie with a charm and cheekiness that was lacking in the original, whilst showing a remarkable range of emotions as his life unravels ... more
Alfie Elkins is an ex-pat Cockney lothario working as a chauffeur in New York. He spends most of his time romancing the ladies of Manhattan and running away when things get too serious. But how long can he keep sprinting from commitment with so many women trying to tie him down.
So, what’s it all about, Alfie? I walked into this remake of the iconic 1960s’ Michael Caine vehicle expecting to loathe it. Not because I am a huge Caine fan, nor because I thought it blasphemy to try to update a modern classic but because I was in fear of the re-imagining containing the same implicit misogyny of the original. How surprised I was then to find the film transformed into a well-measured modern comedy with a likeable and charming hero and a more balanced view of relationships than its predecessor.
Director Charles Shyer is better known as a screenwriter, having penned “Private Benjamin” and “Protocol” amongst others. His previous directorial outings have been confined to fluff like “Father of the Bride”. Thankfully, he has maintained his eye for comedy and lost the fluff somewhere in his artistic belly button. His version of “Alfie” keeps the two main elements of the original film (Alfie’s licentious nature and his habit of talking directly to the camera) but beefs up the women’s roles, allowing them as much of the power as the titular character. He has put together a varied and uniformly excellent cast that showcases the best of the current Hollywood crop, while throwing in a few new faces. Instead of using sex to pull in the punters, he has opted instead for a strangely chaste approach to the sex scenes that either take place off-screen, are implied or lacking in salacious detail. I’m sure that will be a disappointment to some audience members, but there are still plenty of shots of FBB (face, boobs, bum) for the lads. The script is tightly written and paced and makes the most of flashbacks, split screens and silences as much as dialogue to make Alfie a far more complex character than in the original film. There are also plenty of twists to keep you guessing and a resolutely ambiguous ending.
The film hinges on the performance of the leading man and Jude Law proves a surprisingly charming and sympathetic lead. He imbues Alfie with a charm and cheekiness that was lacking in the original, whilst showing a remarkable range of emotions as his life unravels around him. Taking Michael Caine’s advice to treat the camera as a friend, Law makes the most of the gimmick, allowing the audience to feel as though he is talking to each and every person and that he is sharing his life with them. He may be a cad and a bounder, but he is a likeable chap and it’s easy to see why so many women would be attracted to him.
The supporting cast are a tremendous group that give their all to their respective roles. Marisa Tomei is feisty as Alfie’s long-term girlfriend, Sienna Miller is surprisingly convincing as highly strung Nikki, Susan Sarandon does a lot for the profile of older women as Liz, Nia Long oozes sex appeal as Lonette and Jane Krakowski puts in a doe-eyed appearance as one of Alfie’s many conquests. Omar Epps has very good rapport with Jude Law and as a result their friendship has real resonance, especially when Alfie’s betrayal of him comes into play.
The film’s soundtrack is an appropriate, if occasionally overly literal affair that consists mainly of original music from Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics fame). Of course the producers have shoe-horned in the cheesy “What’s it all About Alfie?” from the original film, but it smacks of overkill.
The costumes have a bizarre retro-futuristic look to them, with the film’s sixties’ origins deeply felt. The women wear their hair Britt Ekland bouffant style, replete with smoky eyes and mini skirts in many cases. The men are all suited and booted (in Gucci rather than Saville Row), though Law comes off the loser in a Doctor Who-ish navy pinstripe number, that fits in perfectly with his naff Vespa (believe me, as long as there are motorbikes, scooters with all the power of a hairdryer will never be sexy). He also goes for the achingly trendy old school scarf bundled around his neck at all times. It’s so now that it will be out of fashion before the DVD comes out. Generally though, Law looks the bees knees in sharp suits and carefully coiffed hair to cover the receding hairline.
“Alfie” is a well-written take on the sex comedy formula that milks its charismatic star for all he’s worth. Sure it may be a remake and it may not win any accolades from the original’s fans, but it introduces an iconic figure to a brand new generation. I found it to be a thoroughly enjoyable film, and even if Alfie is an entirely self-centred character who treats those around him despicably, thanks to Jude Law’s performance, he is rendered a thoroughly amiable cad. The film touches on themes of love, sex, infidelity, impotence and friendship and covers them admirably. The cast is superb throughout and despite his shortcomings, men will come out of the cinema wanting to be Alfie and women will want to be with him.
Advantages: Jude Law is fantastic as the loveable rogue. A great cast and excellent screenplay, fantastic soundtrack Disadvantages: A little slow in places but more than made up for by everything else
...in the back. In fact Alfie will pretty much sleep with any woman who looks at him twice. He’s also got his semi serious girlfriend Julie (Marisa Tomei) hidden away on the other side of town. In fact things are looking quite rosy for Alfie, who even plans to buy the Limo company along with best friend Marlon (Omar Epps).
As we all know though luck doesn’t last for ever and soon Alfie’s world is turned totally upside down. He is thrown out by Julie ... ...to go to pot and Alfie needs to sort himself out, especially as he worries if Lonette’s (Nia Long) abortion was the right decision.
The end result is a movie that’s both interesting and enjoyable. It shows a different side to Jude’s character and it’s a side I think he picks up very well. He has the ability to bring the loveable rogue Alfie to life and this is a real testament to Jude. It’s slightly different to the other characters he has played ...
Andy.mack 28.02.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Alfie (DVD)
Advantages: Jude Law, good cast, good acting. Disadvantages: Tries a bit too hard.
...it, the lasting impression of Alfie is a rather sexy Jude Law smiling charmingly into the camera. Who said I was complaining?
Now, I haven’t seen the 1966 version of the film starring Michael Caine, although apparently my Mum saw it in the cinema at the time. Having read a few online interviews with Jude and director Charles Shyer, they seem to have to answer criticisms of ‘dumbing down’ Alfie’s original character. Caine’s Alfie was misogynistic, ... ...this. Jude Law’s portrayal of Alfie is a good one. He is a smooth talker; he gets away with anything by a quick flash of his ultra-cute grin and a quick quip. He dresses well and takes care of his appearance. He is appealing to women and who can blame them?
Of course, there is another side to him and one which becomes more apparent as the film goes on. The method of using ‘asides’ is employed effectively here. From the start, Alfie confides in his ...
KarenUK 29.10.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Alfie (DVD)
Advantages: Jude, made me laugh, different Disadvantages: Not to all tastes
...himself. From there on Alfie has to face facts, and see how he’s been left with nobody, not even his best friend after a few drinks got in the way. Forgive me for not revealing much about the plot, but I don’t want to give it away.
The narrative format of the film is linear, but chops and changes between characters and how they make an impact on our Alfie, and how he affects theirs. I feel that the narrative mimics our real lives, we often have ... ...address to the audience by Alfie is quite alarming at first, the audience is used to sitting back and watching the events unfold, instead of being told about them from a first person’s point of view. But don’t be put off, it is surprisingly easy to step into the role of our protagonist’s confidante, he says throughout the film that he ‘finds it easy to hide his feelings’ and so we are given privileged position. But even with this we still can only ...
Belle 04.11.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Alfie (DVD)
Advantages: Jude Law, good acting from all the cast Disadvantages: the end seemed slow
...have told you. I KNEW Alfie was a womaniser, but I thought perhaps it was that he womanised until he met Sienna Miller's character and then changed in order to to win her affections. I think I, along with possibly other members of the public who hadn't seen the original, were probably led to believe this because of Jude and Sienna's high profile romance after meeting on the set of this film. Sometimes reality and fiction can blur like that, eh?
... ...at the charming front that Alfie presents to the world. Then we get to meet some of his women. There's Dorrie (Jane Krakowski - otherwise known as Elaine from Ally McBeal), married but getting no loving from her husband. And Julie (Marisa Tomei), the sweet and pretty one that Alfie really should be with except, in the nicest possible way, he doesn't think she is good enough to be on his arm. (Which is ridiculous, because she looks absolutely gorgeous ...
Pmshack99 28.10.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Alfie (DVD)
Advantages: The beautiful Jude Law / Sienna Miller Disadvantages: Not the original
...criticising it...
PLOT:
Alfie is a young English man working as a limo driver in New York, using his undeniable charm, wit and cheeky grin to get the ladies. The first time we really meet him, he gives us his basic morning routine straight to the camera, giving us such GQ tips as masculine men should not fear the colour pink. We even see him working his charm on his elderley neighbour so she cleans his flat, a haven of Alfie's that rarely sees ... ...Alfie's sometime girlfriend. You see, Alfie doesn't do commitment as right before he goes to see Julie, he takes married Dora for a "ride" in the limo. Not to mention the drunken mistake he makes with Lonette, his best friend's ex who he is still very much in love with. This leads to all kinds of lies, deceit and generally hurtful behaviour. Not that Alfie realises how much he hurts people. In the end, Julie has had enough and calls it a day. Although ...
lush_lozenge 03.11.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Alfie (DVD)
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Advantages: Stylish, Sophisticated, Sexy Jude Law, Sex & City esque Disadvantages: Drags on a bit too long?
something you would want to dance about to but if you are in a contemplative mood, maybe its your thing. Not something I would rush out and buy though to be honest. I much prefer the old Burt Bacharach version of 'Alfie'.
Availability
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A quick search on Kelkoo.com brought up these results for Alfie.
Play.com £13.99 & Free P&P for DVD - Box set with old version
Amazon.co.uk £5.97
I got my VHS from Poundland so I recommend if you are unsure whether this film is for you to get it from there then you aren't losing out on much money if you despise it.
It is available from all good high streets and supermarkets also.
Who this film would appeal to
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Fans of Jude Law and Sienna Miller unite for this is the film for you. If you are into chick flicks, adored Sex and The City ...
cherwaite 16.11.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Alfie (DVD)
Advantages: Double the fun and entertainment Disadvantages: Have you got a spare 200 + minutes?!
"The Alfie Collection" ~ DVD Box set of the orginal 1966 film starring Michael Caine, and the 2004 re-make starring Jude Law.
Hmmm ? I bought this in HMV on Saturday afternoon for £22, reduced from £42. However, I have just logged in Amazon to find that it is currently on sale for £12.97 + postage ~ dohhhhh!!
As I stayed in last night, I decided to sit myself down and watch them both, so another review was bound to follow shortly thereafter!
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Vital Statistics
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* Region 2 encoding (Europe, Japan, South Africa and the Middle East including Egypt).
* Box set, PAL
* Number of discs: 2
* ASIN: B0006Z6GPW
* Catalogue Number: PHE8755
* Certification ~ 15
* Language ~ English, German
The DVDs have no special features.
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Alfie ~ 1966
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Running Time ~ Approximately 109 minutes ...
Advantages: Great Soundtrack, slick direction Disadvantages: Not enough depth to the characters
This 2004 film is a re-make by Charles Shyer of the 1966 film starring Michael Caine, this time with Jude Law in the title role, and the location moved to Manhattan (but Alfie's still English). I have not seen the original, so I cannot compare them. I have also never really liked Law as a romantic lead, which is just as well as this isn't really a romantic film.
Alfie is an eternal womanizer who is looking for something else, but can't quite put his finger on it. Will he find it before it is too late? Throughout the film he addresses the camera directly, and I found this a tad annoying, especially as it sometimes interrupted the (albeit limited) conversational dialogue. His shallow shagging around New York, at times, seems as empty and pointless to the viewer as it does to Alfie, although the film is ultimately quite ...
Essexgirl2006 18.01.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Alfie (DVD)
The story of a Cockney lothario with no conscience and proud of his numerous conquests. Suddenly, faced with a serious illness, he finds the magic of his life has gone and he becomes a lonely, rather sad figure.
Remake Of
Alfie ( 2004 United States of America ), Alfie ( 2004 United States of America )
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT; TECHNICOLOR DIST. SERVICES, PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Mono, Dolby Digital
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English Dolby Digital Mono German
Professional reviews
Review
"...Caine's personal charisma reels us back in with a series of disarmingly open straight-to-camera monologues..." -- 4 out of 5 stars (Total Film, p.100, 01/06/2001)
DVD Description
In ALFIE, Michael Caine stars as the title character, a guiltless London lothario whose only pleasure in life seems to be a good time--he has a date with a different woman for each day of the week. After accidentally impregnating his live-in girlfriend, Gilda (Julia Foster), Alfie takes a vacation in the country to think about things--but he can't hide forever. Dodging his fatherly responsibilities, Alfie continues to engage in sexual affairs with a variety of women: millionairess Ruby (Shelley Winters), young runaway Siddie (Millicent Martin), and eventually his friend's wife, Lily (Vivien Merchant). The good times seem endless until misfortune strikes and Alfie is forced to face the product of his reckless debauchery. Based on the novel of the same name by Bill Naughton, ALFIE touches on a number of controversial topics (polygamy and orphaning, for starters). Director Lewis Gilbert cleverly mixes comedy and tragedy; the end result: a crucial lesson about immorality and the rewards of peace of mind. The film features one of Caine's finest performances as well as an excellent supporting role by Merchant.
![Alfie [DVD] [1965]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78549467.jpg)
![Alfie [DVD] [2004]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78505648.jpg "Alfie [DVD] [2004]")
