Drama > Burton, Richard Drama

Orwell Would Be Proud

Advantages: True to the book, great performances, direction and visuals
Disadvantages: Very depressing and slow moving

...was released in the year 1984 and stars John Hurt playing Winston whose job it is to rewrite history for the government. Winston is opposed to the regime and its oppression and begins a relationship with Julia (Suzanna Hamilton) that is strictly forbidden by 'Big Brother'. Found out he must undergo torture and interrogation for his sins and anti-establishment ways by his former ally O'Brien (Richard Burton). This film is a very gloomy recreation ...
...film. The future according to 1984 is far from bright, or glossy. This is just the first indication of how true to the book the film is and how it does not try to glamorise. John Hurt is exceptional as Winston and one can really feel his doom and weariness throughout. I think it's one of his best performances to date purely for the understated nature of it. I've always found Hurt can be one to get a little too hammy for me but he resists here which ...

Nixu1980 10.11.2009 · Read full review
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Review of 1984 (DVD)

A Sizzling Blockbuster you just HAVE to see!

Advantages: Great production and direction shown off well in this widescreen version
Disadvantages: none!

...must see. The story of Cleopatra is a great one, and this film really delivers on a great script. The chemistry sizzles between Taylor as Cleopatra and Burton as Mark Antony and there are great supporting performances by Rex Harrison as Caesar, Martin Landau, Roddy McDowell, George Cole, Francesca Annis and Michael Hordern, to name but a few. THe most expensive film ever made, at the time, I simply adore every indulgent minute of it. This particular ...
...version with an even longer director's cut, but this is quite long enough, thank you!) If you've never seen this film then I strongly recommend it. This version has a few rather dated extras but nothing worth bothering with. This DVD is worth buying though as the film is such a great visual trat having it on a great big FST on widescreen is just what it deserves! ...

sadoldbag 03.04.2008 · Read full review
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Review of Cleopatra (Special Edition) (DVD)

'Humility is hard on the knees...'

Advantages: Great film
Disadvantages: Slim on DVD extras

...Canterbury, not far from where Becket was murdered/martyred. Becket became a folk hero, a canonised saint, and the stuff of myth and legend, as useful in politics as in literature – Chaucer’s famous pilgrims telling their Canterbury tales were on their way to the same location as Henry II paid his penance for the death of Becket. The idea of the separation of church and state is an admittedly modern invention, but even in Becket’s time, the intertwining ...
...up a background rivalry for Becket and Henry II while they are both on the same side (Henry II appointed Thomas Becket as his chancellor, a position not dis-similar to being his first, or prime, minister). When Henry decided to take control of the church by appointing his own man as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket then has what some have described as a road-to-Damascus conversion experience – the film follows this interpretation. ‘Honour is ...

frkurt 02.06.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Becket (DVD)

The Best Tudor Historical Film I have ever seen

Advantages: A fantastic, award winning film which I wish they had showed me when I was studying Tudor history!
Disadvantages: Not watching it, may be a bit ´weepy´for men !

...had had a relationship with Anne Boleyn´s sister, Mary - and then the younger sister Anne returned from the french court. Henry was transfixed, her dark eyes, slim figure and educated manner were something to which he was not accustomed, but more than that he was not accustomed to being refused by any woman. Anne did refuse him, for three long years he chased her, his ardour growing into obsessed love until finally the only option open to him was ...
...death. Henry was sure Anne would bear him the ever longed for son and heir he had waited all his life for. She did not, Anne bore him a girl, Elizabeth, later to become one of our greatest monarchs, Elizabeth I. Henry, although dissapointed, agreed that next time it would be a boy, but began philandering with other women and contemplating how to escape from Anne whom he began to believe had seduced him by witchcraft. Whilst Katherine still lived, ...

dosolivos 17.07.2009 · Read full review
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Review of Anne Of The Thousand Days (DVD)

Brief Encounter- a fantastic, heart-wrenching film!

Advantages: Romantic, endearing and tear-jerking
Disadvantages: Slightly slow at times

Brief Encounter tells the story of a married GP and a married housewife who fall passionately in love after a chance meeting at a station's tearoom. Their short-lived but breathtaking affair questions the social morals of the period in which it is set. Brief Encounter, directed by David Lean, is an adaptation of Noël Coward’s script ‘still life’. Outstanding performances are given by Celia Johnson (playing Laura, the main character) and Trevor Howard ...
...than made up for this. When watching Brief Encounter I was surprised at how quickly i found myself entrapped in this film. The simple but honest storyline doesn't fail to stir up your emotions and capture your attention. A fantastic romantic tear-jerker, I would definitely recommend this film! ...

bekka101 18.06.2009 · Read full review
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Review of Brief Encounter (DVD)