South Pacific Studies Movie Reviews

Related Subjects: Science
Family movie reviews for "South Pacific Studies" sorted by average review score:
Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific
Released in DVD by Disney Studios (03 June, 2003)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Richard Pearce
TV has taken up the slack in keeping the musical (dead on the big screen) in front of audiences. This 2001 adaptation of the smash 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway show, drawn from James Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning book Tales of the South Pacific, is an admirable case in point. The production was a labor of love for Glenn Close, who is clearly too old to play "cockeyed optimist" Nellie Forbush but who throws herself wholeheartedly into the role. Nellie is among the American forces waiting for World War II to arrive on an isolated Pacific island; she clicks with a mysterious French planter (Rade Sherbedgia), while a Navy officer (Harry Connick Jr.) falls under the spell of a Tonkinese girl and the tropical breezes of Bali Ha'i--that mystical place "where the sky meets the sea."

In many ways more satisfying than the uneven 1958 film version, this South Pacific is too casual at times, and some of the glorious songs are pared back. Don't look for Sherbedgia to belt out "Some Enchanted Evening" in the basso profundo of previous handlers of the role. His modest but not-unpleasing voice comes out in more of a seductive purr than a wall-shaking boom, which is not a bad thing. Best of all is Glenn Close, who brings a welcome gravity to the proceedings, and lustily sings the classic "A Wonderful Guy" as though she had been waiting her whole life to play the part. --Robert Horton

Average review score:

WOOF!
I remember seeing this on T.V. a couple years ago. It starts off okay, but later goes downhill with a Shakesphere tragedy plot [copy]! The characters were soooo annoying, the acting was bad, the songs are discouraging, and the dialogue is a bit weak at times. GEEZ, and I thought that a remake of "Annie" was bad! This is even WORSE! I like some musicals, but this wasn't that good. Do yourself a favor and skip this. See "South Park: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT" instead!

Get the original
If you're going to see South Pacific, do yourself a favor and get the original. Debecque in the remake was just plain awful. Some Enchanted Evening was nothing like in the original, he sang it far too soft. He did not put any heart into the part of Debecque. Glenn Close was good, but far too old for the part of Nellie (a twenty-odd year old nurse). I have to admit however, she did do well in terms of acting and singing, and she really got into the part. Another complaint was the relationship between Liat and John Cable was not good whatsoever. They never talk, Cable just gets what he wants and leaves. Their relationship is never explained clearly, Cable just goes to Bali Hai, gets what he wants from her, and leaves the island. The movie doesn't go into enough depth. Plus, "Happy Talk" was cut (very sad in my opinion.) Also, the remake kind of brushed over the important parts about racism and prejudice. It was too casual in the important issues. Added some swears and fighting and stuff too, sorry, but I just don't enjoy that in a musical. Musicals to me are supposed to be pure and fun. But I do have to give some credit, Glenn Close was good despite her being too old, and it was well filmed.

Terrific Adaptation
Infinitely better than the lackluster 1958 feature film, this version gets everything right. The material was approached with intelligence and respect and was never once "dumbed down" as happens frequently with musicals these days. How refreshing to see a musical about and for adults again.

The entire cast excels, with Close as a standout. The musical numbers were fresh, but never deviated from the original intent and mood of the piece. (Note: "Happy Talk has been cut from this production. "My Girl Back Home" was filmed, but deleted from the final version. It appears as an extra on the DVD.) The direction wisely focused on the emotions of the characters, with the songs used to express them, not simply to stop and show a classic R&H song. Finally, a film version of this R&H classic worthy of repeat viewings.

The DVD is fine, with a full-frame picture, a deleted musical song, and the 22-minute ABC Behind-the-Scenes special. The sound mix on the disc is excellent and brings out all the voices and musical scoring quite well.

A nice treat for musical lovers.

Related Subjects: Science