DVD Collectors Online

Rome, Open City, a review by Rich

flit through beautiful italy



Title: Rome, Open City

Runtime:103
Certificate:12
Year:1945
Genres:War, Drama

Plot:One of the greatest foreign language films ever made, Roberto Rossellini's 'Rome, Open City' was filmed in the direct aftermath of World War II on the war-ravaged streets of Italy. Shunning Hollywood gloss and glamour, this frank tale is set against the backdrop of extreme conditions, and characterises neorealism's principal traits - natural lighting, handheld camerawork and a cast composed largely of non-actors.
Due to the scarcities of war, scraps of film acquired from photographers had to be used, giving the film a uniquely gritty style. Now digitally restored, Rossellini's masterpiece appears as never before.
Based on real events that took place in Nazi-occupied Italy in 1944, it examines the choices that people are forced to make in wartime. Centring on the Resistance and its members, this is a tragic and emotional exploration of human spirit and the effects of war.
My Review:
Cinematic history, slightly depressing content but with an underlying hopeful message. Probably to scholarly for my own tastes


(From Around the World in 80 DVD's on January 11th, 2008)

Primal Fear, a review by Dragonfire

Primal Fear Guilty? Innocent? Those questions aren't for high-powered Chicago attorney Martin Vail (Richard Gere) to decide. His job is to defend - especially if a case will put his name in the headlines and further his career. When Vail hears that a penniless altar boy (Edward Norton) is accused of murdering the local archbishop, he snaps up the case, eager for the media spotlight. Little does he know that it will uncover a viper's nest of corruption, pit him against a prosecutor (Laura Linney) who's his ex-lover, and test all his skill, judgment and even his win-at-any-cost attitude. My Thoughts I first saw this one several years ago after it was out to rent.  The plot is very interesting and I think there are a good number of surprises, one or two of which really shocked me the first time I saw the movie.  The movie does have a slightly slower pace, though it isn't so slow that things get boring.  The movie is very interesting and entertaining and I think it has a good amount of suspense.  I think it has held up well and it still works as a good thriller.  The characters are interesting, each with enough little quirks or issues to make them more believable.  The cast is wonderful, especially Edward Norton.  He is absolutely amazing as Aaron.  I can see why he received so many award nominations and won some too.  I think he should have gotten the Oscar too.  I really like this movie and think it is one of the better thrillers that I've seen.  it is definitely worth watching. I did get a review posted at Epinions if anyone wants to take a look. Primal Fear

(From Primal Fear on June 3rd, 2010)

Tom's Random Star Trek Reviews, a review by Tom

ENT 4.19 In A Mirror, Darkly, Part II
Cast: Scott Bakula (Jonathan Archer), John Billingsley (Phlox), Jolene Blalock (T'Pol), Dominic Keating (Malcolm Reed), Anthony Montgomery (Travis Mayweather), Linda Park (Hoshi Sato), Connor Trinneer (Charles "Trip" Tucker III), Gary Graham (Soval), Gregory Itzin (Admiral Black), John Mahon), Derek Magyar (Kelby), Pat Healy (Alien), Majel Barrett (Computer Voice), David Sobolov (Slar)

In this second part, Archer has taken control of the Defiant (which is of the same starship class as the original Enterprise). So we get to see his crew onboard a ship which is very similar to the old Enterprise. They even wear the appropriate uniforms.
This episode is a good conclusion to the two-parter.

Rating:

(From Tom's Random Star Trek Reviews on September 26th, 2009)