Drama Movies, Videos, DVDs

FullReviews Index

Pick of the Week: [i]21 Grams[/i] DVD
21 Grams is an actor's film, but to my mind, it is more cerebral than character-driven. I'd describe this movie as a mood piece and a sometimes maddening one. Although most of this film is filled with despair and chaos, towards the end there are hints of hope and redemption. But it took me some thought after finishing the movie to understand this.

Pick of the Week: 'The Hours' DVD
I found The Hours to be emotionally and intellectually engaging, and I thought the performances of the 3 leading actresses were terrific. But the film may speak mainly to those who love novels.

Pick of the Week: “The Dancer Upstairs” DVD
The Dancer Upstairs is an adaptation of Nicholas Shakespeare’s novel of the same name inspired by the search for the head of the terrorist group known as the Shining Path in Peru. The movie is in English and marks the directorial debut of John Malkovich, although he remains behind the camera. Read a full-length DVD review of The Dancer Upstairs on DVD.

Pick of the Week: The David Lean Collection
I can't think of another DVD box set that provides so much entertainment that will be enjoyed by almost anyone. Two of the films -- Lawrence of Arabia and The Bridge on the River Kwai -- are great, and the third -- A Passage to India -- is very good indeed.

Pick of the Week: "Schindler's List" DVD
Schindler's List won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Also, it ranks ninth on the American Film Institute's list of 100 greatest movies. I've always been a big admirer of Schindler's List, and when I watched it at home on DVD after not having seen any version of it for several years, I came to realize I regard it as a masterpiece of world cinema.

DVD Pick: "Gangs of New York"
Gangs of New York is not quite at the level of Martin Scorsese's best movies, but it's still a stunning achievement. I like the film’s operatic look at American life in the mid-19th century. Read a full-length review of Gangs of New York on DVD.

DVD Pick: “In America”
“In America” (2002) is an English-language drama that received three Academy Award nominations: Best Actress (Samantha Morton), Best Supporting Actor (Djimon Hounsou), and Best Original Screenplay. The film was on scores of 2003 Top Ten lists, and after I watched it on DVD recently, I could certainly see why. I found In America to be one of the most emotionally engaging movies I have ever seen. Read a full-length review the movie of In America on DVD.

Pick of the Week: “Runaway Jury” DVD
Based on a novel by John Grisham, Runaway Jury is unabashedly pulpy, but I found it very entertaining. Read a review of the movie Runaway Jury on DVD.

Pick of the Week: "Seabiscuit" DVD
Seabiscuit, based on the best-selling nonfiction book by Laura Hillenbrand, is one of the most entertaining films I’ve seen in a long time. Featuring fine performances by Jeff Bridges, Tobey Maguire, and Chris Cooper, it’s a terrific piece of Americana. I really enjoyed watching the movie on DVD, which also provides a number of worthwhile bonus materials. Read a review of Seabiscuit on DVD.

Pick of the Week: "Whale Rider" DVD
I think Whale Rider is terrific as a feel-good film, but to me, it's a good movie that misses being a great one. It simplifies complex issues, losing emotional depth in the process. Still, the sheer cinematic beauty of the film makes up for a lot, as does the charismatic performance of child actress Keisha Castle-Hughes. This seems to me to be one of the few movies that appeal to most viewers in any age bracket.