Bliss Bibliographic Classification Movie Reviews
Family movie reviews for "Bliss Bibliographic Classification" sorted by average review score:
Enlightenment Guaranteed
Released in Theatrical Release by ()
Starring: Uwe Ochsenknecht and Gustav-Peter Wöhler
Average review score: 
Enlightenment Guaranteed - A real winner!This film, with German subtitles, is an exceptional piece of work. It is warm, funny, clever and has so many subtle nuances, not the least of which is a delightful look at Tokyo and Buddhist temple life, that it totally captured my heart. This film is a "must see" for anyone who calls themselves a filmgoer!
Living Enlightenment in everyday lifeEncounter the east with eyes of the west!
Encounter the True Self in the course of mid- life crisis.
Rediscovering the easily forgotten secret of happy life: Being mindful and Being present in the moment.
Above all, Absoltely Funny but smiles from the deepest!
I highly recommend to you who always feel that there are something missing in your life.
Encounter the True Self in the course of mid- life crisis.
Rediscovering the easily forgotten secret of happy life: Being mindful and Being present in the moment.
Above all, Absoltely Funny but smiles from the deepest!
I highly recommend to you who always feel that there are something missing in your life.
Germans don't understand comedy??I propose that that critics don't perceive subtlety. This is a great film that not only explores adult sibling relationships. but also coming-of-age as an adult (an often ignored life transition). A WONDERFUL FILM for mature viewers. If this film comes to your town, SEE IT IF YOU DARE! And, leave with a smirk of empathy.
The King of Marvin Gardens
Released in DVD by Columbia/Tristar Studios (25 April, 2000)
Starring: Jack Nicholson and Bruce Dern
One of the most subtle and deeply felt--if ultimately downbeat--collaborations between Jack Nicholson and director Bob Rafelson, this film was Rafelson's follow-up to Five Easy Pieces. Nicholson plays a disc jockey whose withdrawn personality translates to radio mystery. But he's out of his depth when he goes home to Atlantic City at the invitation of ne'er-do-well brother Bruce Dern. Dern has a big-money scam that's also high risk, particularly to himself if the black-crime syndicate he's ripping off ever gets wind of it. But Nicholson gets swept up in the blarney of his charismatic older brother, even as he suffers gnawing doubts about the way Big Bro treats his lady friends (including Ellen Burstyn). Low-key but evocative, this is the kind of movie that has you remembering images and moments and feeling for Nicholson's dilemma, long after you've seen it. --Marshall Fine
Average review score:
A Rare Gem-Amazing!This film really is spectacular. From the very opening(which is slightly disorienting-but becomes clear quickly), it weaves a tale filled with some very odd and fascinating characters. Nicholson plays a radio deejay of sorts that spouts some fictionalized, but engrossingly told tales. The story itself deals with his visit to his brother-played by Bruce Dern, who he must attempt to talk out of some financial scheming. Dern turns in a fine performance-comparable to his performance in SMILE(very different characters, both great performances). Ellen Burstyn is also terrific. Photography by Laszlo Kovacs ranks up with his best. A welcome follow-up to Rafelson's FIVE EASY PIECES(a follow-up that doesn't get the press it deserves). Looks beautiful on dvd!
The Best Nicholson Film You've Never SeenThe film opens with Nicholson in a tight shot talking to someone. We aren't sure at first to whom he's talking or why. From that opening scene I was hooked. Nicholson is a radio personality (David) who one day gets a phone call from his brother Jason (Bruce Dern) who is in jail. Jason is basically a big-time loser who has been trying all his life to make something big happen. His latest scheme is to encourage his brother to join him and his female companions (played by Ellyn Burstyn and Julia Anne Robinson) in Atlantic City while contemplating the purchase of an island near Hawaii. Many strange events happen along the way, not the least of which finds the two women competing for Jason's affection. A very strange scene occurs involving a fire on the beach. Without giving too much away, I will say that this is a turning point that has tremendous impact later in the story. So few films today have even slightly interesting characters. These characters are so vivid and interesting that you can't help but be intrigued, wondering what's going to happen next. Each scene seems to have no rhyme or reason, until finally the pieces fall into place. When the pieces do come together, you realize that you've witnessed something very unique, original, and haunting.
The four leading actors are all at the top of their form. I have never seen Nicholson timid, unsure, or at a loss for words before. Dern is hopelessly reckless. Robinson is an innocent in an evil environment. Burstyn is perfect as the key to the whole story, which is one that I'll never forget. You'll think about this quiet little film long after the credits are over.
ExcellentDont miss it, you'll be sorry if you do
Country Life
Released in DVD by Miramax (06 May, 2003)
Starring: Sam Neill and Greta Scacchi
Average review score:
Uncle Vanya Down UnderA fine adaptation of Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya". Set in Australia and quite faithful to the plot. Very well cast (much better than Vanya of 42nd Street adatpted by David Mamet). Even those of you who would prefer an action-packed movie will enjoy this film.
An Australian Gem!!Set in the Australian Countryside during the early 1900's.The talented Sam Neill(Jurassic Park)stars with Greta Scacci in this sensuous delightful film.Spring Fever runs high when a snobbish elderly native son returns to his hometown from London and brings along his voluptuous much younger new wife(Scacci) and before long, every man in this small town finds her irresistable.But passion burns when she finds herself falling in love with the local Doctor/Playboy(Neill), which makes this Australian Gem, a must see Comedy/Drama!!
Virgil Bliss
Released in DVD by First Run Features (20 January, 2004)
Starring: Clint Jordan and Kirsten Russell
Average review score:
Virgil Bliss---Moral force administrator or subjectAt second viewing I was struck by how minimal the dailog was. The first time through I was captured by the total presentation; verbal and visual images combined. The minimalist technique is very effective since it allows you time to process the underlying meaning which you are always groping for in this film. Virgil is an unglamorous hero, but his morality is always on the line and being tested strongly as he copes with the harshness of his environment. One wonders about the source of his resolve and conviction. He is above all human however and cannot escape the overwhelming forces that surround him and try to destroy him at every turn.
THIS MOVIE IS SIMPLY AMAZING..."Virgil Bliss" is one of those rare movies that come along once in a long while--the kind of picture that doesn't yield all the answers in just one viewing, the sort of pic you have to watch more than once. What makes the movie worth watching repeatedly are the incredible performances by Clint Jordan and the cast, some of whom are non-actors with great faces and honest, true-life delivery. A must-see for anybody interested in real stories about real people and not that [stuff] being shoveled out by Hollywood. An antidote to "Harry Potter".
Soul Hunter - City of Fire (Vol. 5)
Released in DVD by A.D. Vision (18 June, 2002)
In what would be the final episodes of a traditional series, Taikoubou and his key allies attack the demon Dakki and her sisters Kibi and Oh Kijin, who have seduced the corrupt emperor Zhou. Sorcery and high-tech weaponry blend in a bizarrely imaginative battle that razes the capitol city of Chouka. But not even superheroes armed with paopei (supernatural weapons) can turn the tide of history: it's too late to restore the empire, and the Yin dynasty perishes. The destruction of the screeching Dakki should mark the end of Project Soul Hunter, but Taikoubou and his immortal minions have another campaign ahead of them. As the aloof demon Shinkohyo predicts, "Now the real fun begins." Based on a manga adaptation of a Chinese ghost story, Soul Hunter offers highly original designs and a lively mixture of high adventure and offbeat comedy. Rated 12 Up: Cartoon violence, profanity. --Charles Solomon
Average review score:
it was awesomeI'd just like to say that once the 5th DVD was over I was happy to learn there was more to come. I love the storyline, the art, and I love the characters. Nothing turned out the way i thought it would, which was a nice surprise. You definantly have to start from the begining, but you better beleive its worth it.
Soul Hunter - The One That Got Away (Vol. 6)
Released in DVD by A.D. Vision (30 July, 2002)
This zany comedy-adventure series reaches an appropriately off-kilter conclusion as all the characters, even the hippo-like Sibu and the aloof clown-demon Shinkohyo, fulfill their roles in a conflict that pits Taikoubou and his bizarre cadre of friends against the Immortals of Mt. Kunlun. The battle evolves into a debate over human free will versus predestination, illustrated with a mixture of fantasy, reality, flashbacks, and farce. Taikoubou learns he has been a pawn in a much greater game; but by remaining uncorrupted yet flexible, he discovers the significance and desirability of a straight fishhook. Based on a manga adaptation of a Ming dynasty novel set during the fall of the Yin (Shang) dynasty in the 11th century B.C., Soul Hunter offers a winning mixture of high adventure, slapstick humor, and strikingly original designs that will delight otaku weary of Evangelion clones. Rated 12 Up: Violence, brief nudity, minor profanity. --Charles Solomon
Average review score:
A Stunning Series!This anime has it all. An excellent storyline, believable characters, humour, and excellent animation. I have enjoyed this entire series immensely. The very basic storyline is that the main character, Taikobou, is sent to the human realm of earth to basically assasinate this list of evil characters. There are many surprising twists and turns in this story and it is well worth the time and money. I really don't want to spoil this series for anyone. I guess the best I can say is that if you liked Escaflowne character devolopment and storyline that I believe you would enjoy this series as well.
The Miracle Worker
Released in DVD by MGM/UA Video (06 March, 2001)
Starring: Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke
Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft had been playing their respective roles as Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, on Broadway for some time before director Arthur Penn (The Left-Handed Gun) built a mesmerizingly beautiful film around their layers-deep performances. Duke is astonishing as the deaf, blind, mute Keller, who awakens to an awareness of language under Sullivan's determined guidance. Bancroft is fascinating and focused. Penn wisely kept his adaptation unencumbered by cinematic indulgence. The black-and-white film is sparse and charged with the immediacy of the drama. The script is by William Gibson, who also wrote the original play. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:
Beautiful PerformancesBeautiful performances by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in a film about overcoming devastating childhood disabilities. The musical score is also very moving. Just a comment about the well-known dining room scene which took several days to shoot. It is very powerful, but if you are attentive to detail, there are some inconsistencies in continuity. But this is the fault of the director and editor, not the actress.
There are many wonderful moments in this film. The last 10 minutes of the movie are deeply touching. It gets to me every time.
There are many wonderful moments in this film. The last 10 minutes of the movie are deeply touching. It gets to me every time.
My favourite film everInspirational. Truly inspirational. An inspiring true story, an aesthetically professional work of direction, and a performance by Anne Bancroft that was "meant to be". For those who can appreciate true greatness, this is a film that will stay with you forever as a constant affirmation of both the true potential of film and of the human spirit.
A Truly Wonderful FilmThe story of Helen Keller is well known. But how she conquers deafness and blindness bears a powerful message for overcoming other prejudices (racism, sexism) as well.
Her teacher, Annie Sullivan (played by the gorgeous Anne Bancroft) is motivated by her own experiences growing up in the dank cruelty of asylums where blind and handicapped children were institutionalized with no chance for education and self fulfillment. She is driven with a messianic zeal to help her charge who, much like herself, has been similarly deprived.
Helen, thought to be dumb, has been relegated by her family's ignorance to the status of a child-like pet; indulged because her infirmities are assumed to be unfixable.
By today's standards, the movie's dialog and pacing are a little intense. And the physical violence (slapping mainly) between teacher and pupil might make some, especially young children, somewhat uncomfortable. But the performances by both Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke (as Helen) are mesmerizing.
Helen, sharp as a tack (which is how she became so manipulative) is starved for knowledge and connection, and Miss Sullivan uses this hunger to bring her out. The story is well paced. And few movies I've seen recently have been so thoroughly filled with love!
The only difficulty I had in watching this work - was my need to constantly wipe the haze from my eyes. This is a truly wonderful film.
American Experience: Return With Honor
Released in DVD by Pbs Home Video (24 April, 2001)
Men who piloted the hottest fighter planes in the world found themselves suddenly transformed from hotshots to humiliated prisoners during the Vietnam War. The story of how American prisoners survived in North Vietnam's notorious prison camps is dramatically told in this documentary, an installment of the American Experience series on PBS. The men, who survived appalling treatment, relate their experiences, and vintage footage, including propaganda films shot by their captors, portrays what they endured. A former POW describes how he was coached before being put on public display, yet he spelled out the word "torture" in Morse code by blinking his eyes, a defiant action that can clearly be seen in footage that the North Vietnamese provided to the world's media. Another former prisoner, who somehow survived massive injuries despite being denied medical care, describes how he had to lie on the concrete floor of his cell for nearly a year, just trying to get his arms and legs to function again. These inspirational stories lead up to an emotional climax as the prisoners, including Arizona Senator John McCain, describe what it was like to be freed after their long captivity. This is a deeply moving and inspiring story told by men who overcame great depths of human suffering. --Robert J. McNamara
Average review score:
Common Men, Uncommon CourageMany of the descriptions of the experiences of the POW's of the Vietnam War that I was aware of centered around the torture that they went through. This video gave a fuller description of who our POW's were rather than the specific torture that they experienced. I don't know if enough was said about the leadership of people like Denton, Risner, and Stockdale. I was amazed at how normal the men looked given the horrors that they went through. I heard nothing of permanent damage. There was a brief section on what the wives experienced. I don't remember anything on the diet of the POW's. I never knew that there had been at least one escape (for which the recaptured POW's and remaining POWs paid dearly). I would have liked to know how many POW's died in prison. I was also surprised to hear that some thought their treatment got better after the death of Ho Chi Mihn.
For a full picture of who our pow's were and what they experienced done in a format that was tolerable for the more squeamish among us I think this was very well done.
Don't believe the running time on the boxThe box of the dvd (and the video do I guess) says this runs about 113 minutes. But really this runs 103 minutes. And if you are a big Tom Hanks fan, and rexpected to see him a whole lot in this film, you will be disappointed. He only makes one apperance in the movie, and that is in the beginning. On the front you see Thumbs up from Roger Ebert from then Roger Ebert and the Movies (now called Ebert-Roper and the movies). I just check at the website and Eber reviewed this with somebody named Norman Mark, and they both gave this two thumbs up. But I believed that the person who he did it with didn't liked it. Because I only saw Thumbs up from Roger Ebert. Looks like this was aired at one time on PBS and now you can buy it on video or dvd. So do you self some good and watch this film, whether or not you are a vertan of war.
An exceptionally good documentary....In what is probably the most revealing documentary ever created on ex-POW's from Vietnam, Return With Honor is an outstanding testament to absolute courage, honor, bravery, camaraderie, and survival.
Individual interviews woven with footage from United States and Vietnamese archives paint a very vivid and oftentimes emotional picture of the brutal experience suffered by our U.S. servicemen held captive in Hanoi.
Leaving very little to the imagination, this documentary explores the many facets of captivity to include barbaric torture, communication processes between prisoners, coping with solitary confinement, demoralizing loneliness, and inhuman living conditions. Additional interviews with the spouses of POW's reveal their pain and emotion they dealt with on the home front while not knowing the fates of their husbands.
Finishing off with their triumphant return home, it is truly inspirational and heartwarming to see the footage of these heroic men reunited with their families.
This DVD itself has superb sound and video qualities and offers good additional features such as 26 biographies of POW's and interviews with the producers on the making of Return With Honor.
This documentary comes very highly recommended to everyone and leaves you with a resounding message of patriotism and a deep respect for America and her U.S. servicemen.
The Secret of NIMH
Released in DVD by Mgm/Ua Studios (06 March, 2001)
Starring: Derek Jacobi, Elizabeth Hartman, and Dom DeLuise
In his book, Robert C. O'Brien called his brave widow mouse "Mrs. Frisby," but Disney escapee animator Don Bluth must have thought kids would laugh the wrong way at that. They renamed her "Mrs. Brisby" for NIMH. That acronym stands for the National Institute of Mental Health, and the rats that live near Mrs. Brisby came from NIMH--they have strange ways. But they're the only ones who can save her house and her children, so Brisby seeks them out with the help of a humorous crow (Dom DeLuise). The magic gets laid on a little thick but this is Don Bluth's most successful attempt to achieve a complete, sincere, animated film. It's often forgotten, but it's a true surprise and a rare treat in the vast wasteland of insubstantial children's fare. --Keith Simanton
Average review score: 
Can I give 6 stars? EXCEPTIONALThis movie is one of the best ever made, animated or live-action, people or animals. Parts may be scary for your children, but those parts are short-lived and can be easily explained to calm their fears.
The plot is quite simple: A fieldmouse, Mrs. Brisby, must move her family's home before spring plowing, but there's a problem: her son is sick and cannot be moved. Therefore, she calls on the mysterious rats of NIMH (a laboratory), who have been injected with chemicals to increase their intelligence. In the process, she has to face an owl's den, a cat, a bumbling and hilarious crow, and treachery in the ranks of the rats.
The ending is truly magical and very powerful when Mrs. Brisby uses her stone ("which holds great power when used by one of courage") to do what even the rats cannot. A great tale of courage, and how you can do anything if you try.
Bottom line: Well-animated, well-lit, well-told, well-voiced. As good as any movie can get, for adults or children!!!
Not the most famous mouse, but the most remembered for me.I true classic that shows the love of a mother.
Watch it and LOVE it!One of the best tales that has ever been made in cartoon!
The Living Daylights
Released in DVD by MGM/UA Video (17 October, 2000)
Starring: Timothy Dalton and Maryam d'Abo
Timothy Dalton made his 007 debut in the lean, mean mode of Sean Connery, doing away with the pun-filled camp of Roger Moore's final outings. He establishes his persona right from the gritty pre-credits sequence, in which he hangs from a speeding truck as it barrels down narrow cobblestone streets, battles an assassin mano a mano, and lands in the arms of a bikinied babe. This James Bond is ruthless, tough, and romantic. The Living Daylights, set during the thaw of the cold war, begins with the defection of Russian KGB General Koskov (Jeroen Krabbé) and his revelation of a Soviet plot to eliminate Britain's secret agent force. Assigned to eliminate Koskov's Soviet boss (John Rhys-Davies, cutting a memorable figure in his brief appearance), Bond uncovers a conspiracy involving Koskov and an American arms dealer (Joe Don Baker). Maryam d'Abo makes a fine Bond girl as Koskov's beautiful cellist girlfriend, a classy innocent who soon loses her naive blush and shows her pluck. The villains are lackluster--Krabbé is a clown and Baker a blowhard--and Dalton hadn't yet mastered the delivery of the trademark quips, but it's a sleek script with a no-nonsense attitude. Veteran series director John Glen's action scenes have never been better--especially the show-stopping mid-air battle on the net of a speeding cargo plane--and he returns the series to the smart, rough, high-energy adventures that made the Bond reputation. --Sean Axmaker
Average review score:
Tipping The Hat To Mr. Fleming!With Timothy Dalton replacing Roger Moore as James Bond, the franchise embarks on a new and welcome direction. Taking advantage of Dalton's tougher and more serious personality, "The Living Daylights" returns to the more authentic style and tone of the Bond novels and early movies, and in doing so recaptures the spirit of Ian Fleming. This was Dalton's original idea behind his portrayal, and the producers chose wisely to back it up. Rightfully so the DVD includes a wonderful documentary with Fleming as the subject. As a result of this renewed approach, the series once again shifts its focus to the Cold War (albeit it nearing its twilight), and the themes of espionage and political intrigue that have distinguished some of the better Bonds. In turn, the action becomes much more realistic and intense than that of the Roger Moore era, with fantastic stunts to be found all around. It's not a perfect film; it's biggest weakness being it's apparent lack of a truly menacing villainous presence. But it's a wonderful breath of fresh air after the Moore years and succeeds on most counts. John Barry contributes his final score to the franchise, beautifully updating the sound to reflect the late 80's, and collaborates with Norwegian rock group a-ha to deliver a good, underrated title song which has been unfairly bashed by many. You be the judge.
The best bond of the 80s (and of all time in my opinion)The Living Daylights is my favorite bond. This is Timothy Dalton's first bond. There's a lot of action (and not to mention a cool car chase!). They finally brought back an Aston Martin for the first time since OHMSS. The girl could have been better though. But I guess there were a lot of things I would have changed in the film but still my fav.
He's Back.. And badder then ever!I had my doubts before seeing this dvd about this film because of all the negitive remarks about daltons portral of bond. After seeing it, I really do beleave that THIS is EXACTLY what Brosnan is missing in his films. Bond is a hardass in this film, who doesent take crap from anyone. Great car, Q sequences also. This film has a great story that makes u watch it to try and figure it out while being treated to a great amount of action. My only complaint about the movie is the main villins dont have that BAD GUY feel to them at all, but maybe it just adds more realism to the movie that these guys are more human bad guys, rather then mad men trying to take over the world. Great film, Great action, great bond girl, IF ONLY DALTON MADE MORE THEN 2 BOND FILMS. A must see.. This is the REAL james bond.