Amazon.co.uk Review
It isn't difficult to imagine why this 1988 retelling of the Crucifixion story was picketed so vociferously on its release in the US--this Jesus bears little resemblance to the classical Christ, who was not, upon careful review of the Gospels, ever reported to have had sex with Barbara Hershey. Heavily informed by Gnostic reinterpretations of the Passion, The Last Temptation of Christ (based rather strictly on Nikos Kazantzakis's novel of the same name) is surely worth seeing for the controversy and blasphemous content alone. But the "last temptation" of the title is nothing overtly naughty--rather, it's the seduction of the commonplace; the desire to forgo following a "calling" in exchange for domestic security. Willem Dafoe interprets Jesus as spacey, indecisive and none too charismatic (though maybe that's just Dafoe himself), but his Sermon on the Mount is radiant with visionary fire; a bit less successful is method actor Harvey Keitel, who gives the internally conflicted Judas a noticeable Brooklyn accent, and doesn't bring much imagination to a role that demands a revisionist's approach. Despite director Martin Scorsese's penchant for stupid camera tricks, much of the desert footage is simply breathtaking, even on small screen. Ultimately, Last Temptation is not much more historically illuminating than Monty Python's Life of Brian, but hey, if it's authenticity you're after, try Gibbon's. --Miles Bethany
Customer Reviews:
Controversial for the wrong reasons?.......2007-12-08
Great cinematography, but it really needs to be seen on a big wide screen at the cinema I think personally. Most of the story is your normal bible stuff - OK a little strange at times, but near the end it went completely bonkers. I thought I was getting an LSD flashback it was that weird. There he was having sex with anybody called Mary and married to a child! It did have a lovely twist at the end though that puts everything back in place and order so don't fear. Nice cameo from David Bowie as Pontius Pilate - Strange! Lots of other faces - too many to name. All in all worth watching.
A thought-provoking masterpiece.......2007-11-04
I have just rewatched The Last Temptation of Christ on video and shall definitely be upgrading to DVD. I think this film stands the test of time very well indeed. It is thought-provoking, moving, has breath-taking visual imagery and a great score. I thought the performances especially from Dafoe, Keitel, Hershey and Bowie were excellent. I am not a Christian but found the drama of the struggle between Christ's divine and human natures which is at the heart of the film a realistic and relevant meditation on the figure of Christ. I find it hard to understand how some Christians were offended by this film when it was released as ultimately it endorses the significance of Christ and his teachings, albeit in an unusual way. I would describe this as a must-see film for believers and non-believers alike.
The Most Controversial Film of the 80's.......2007-09-30
The last year of Jesus Christ ( Played by William Defoe) becomes the messiah of the Jews and showing them his teaching of love and life, then persecuted then crucified, during his crucifixion he dreams of a archangel showing him of what would it be like it he was a mortal Israelite, married to Mary Magdalene ( Barbara Hershey) and as a family man, also being driven by divine doubt, the voice of god and human desires.
A great and highly misunderstood biblical movie that was heavily criticized as blasphemy and sacrilege by some religious groups, it was the most controversial movie of the year 1988, some theaters refused to have it shown and Universal pictures whom owned the movie was protested as well. I think this is a very artistic and well done movie showing what Christ would be like as a mortal man, Dafoe plays Jesus good including the other cast like Barbara Hershey, William Defoe, and David Bowie.
a fairy tale but with a point to put........2007-08-15
I do consider myself to be a christian but bible bashers do put me off a tad bit. I enjoyed this movie because it caused me to think about the historical character of Jesus and the sure fact that on the cross he must have thought to himself, whats the point of all this. After all most of his followers had gone underground and everyone else who he must had thought he had won over were unable to prevent his death being played out in public. Thats why I also think it is the most accurate account of the trial and crucifixion on film. It was not the show trial of the gospels where the will of Pilate was shouted down by the mob. Pilate did not know or care who or what Jesus was, only that if the jewish leaders considered him dangerous he was not going to argue the case. It was brief and the execution was swift. Thats the problem with films such as passion of the christ....too much majesty about it. Why do you think the apostles had their work cut out spreading the good news after the event ? Real life is never like the movies, and nor was the greatest story ever told !
Whether JC really was the son of God, we will never know until we meet our maker ourselves, but if he was like the rest of us, the film simply tries to put into perspective what had led Jesus to the cross and what the alternative could have been. In the end, Jesus decides to go through with what he had started in a form of self redemption. And that only confirms that there is more at stake than simply the pleasures of life, such as keeping the faith in the face of what ever the devil will throw at you. For me it was a great film, not ment to cause uproar but to throw open disscusion. I would have gone even further with the controversy....As the devil I would have said to Christ on the cross...."you know what, After the Romans have long gone, in a world so so different from yours, 2000 plus years away in fact, they will still say that you died for them. These unknown generations with the power to stand on the surface of the moon as well as destroy the entire world with the push of a button will still talk about you. Now, do you want to carry on with this ? I think the real historical Jesus would have been horrified !
Now that does not sound very christian does it. But that is the very thought provoking stuff that films like the last temptation of christ give to those who are prepared to open their minds and think about what these films are trying to say. Its not anti christian, its somthing that some other religions are sadly missing. The power to question and learn.
Not for born-agains, anyone else should try it........2007-07-19
The controversy surrounding this film,generated largely by evangelical Christians on it's 1988 release and subsequently,is mostly misplaced.It's not a rewriting or heretical version of the New Testament,but a film based on a novel by the Greek Nikos Kaznantzakis.
It's vision of Jesus(well acted by William dafoe) as human,full of doubt and fear of his relationship with God is such a refreshing contrast to most Biblical films.A fantastic Peter Gabriel soundtrack,and wonderful desert photography,add to it's impact.Great supporting acting from Kietel and Hershey too.
The plot twist at the end-"The Last Temptation" of the title-is well done too.4 stars only as it could have done with a bit more rigorous editing,it's a bit too long.
As for those who are offended by the idea of Jesus in a physical relationship with a woman(which dosen't happen in the film,it's part of the temptation)-well,either don't watch it or contemplate the following.If Jesus was fully human,surely he must have had sexual thoughts?I honestly can't see why they are offended.
Customer Reviews:
THE TEMPS.......2007-11-29
AS THE TEMPS ARE MY FAVOURITE GROUP OF ALL TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT. A FEW UNTRUTHS MAYBE BUT BASICALY PRETTY CLOSE I REMEMBER JIMMY RUFFIN COMMENTING ON THE FILM AT RELEASE AND HE WASNT VERY HAPPY WITH THE WAY HIS BROTHER WAS PORTRAYED. AND FOR ME RUFFIN AND HENDRIKS WERE THE TEMPTATIONS AT THERE BEST BUT EDWARDS I THINK FITTED IN VERY WELL AND KEPT THEM ON TOP SADLY MOST HAVE GONE NOW SO LETS ALL REMEMBER HOW GREAT THE ORIGINALS WERE AND THE FOLLOW ONS AND THE PRESENT TEMPS BASICALY ITS ALL A BALL OF CONFUSION THAT IVE LOVED AND ALWAYS WILL SO WHEN MY TIME COMES I WILL HOPEFULY BE IN HEAVEN UP THE FRONT ROW WATCHING THE TEMPS AT THERE BEST. ENGLANDS NUMBER ONE TEMP FAN, IAN CHEERS
Sizzling Temptations.......2007-05-05
I had watched this Film some years ago but did not realise how brilliant it was. The acting, the sensational music throughout was just breathtaking. Always on my dvd machine when I have the time. Motown at its best and probably the best film I have ever seen, truly.
Buy it, you wont be disappointed. A must for ALL Motown enthusiasts
First half 5 stars, second half 3 stars........2007-03-09
I am a HUGE fan of The Temptations. Well to be precise the classic formation consisting of David Ruffin and also the Psychedelic formation which included Dennis Edwards but after 1971 when Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams left I admit, I lose interest...anyway this made for t.v. film was first shown in America in 1998 but to my knowledge has never been shown on t.v. in the UK which was what prompted me to buy it on DVD when my American friends recommended it to me.
To be honest I have very mixed feelings about it. One thing I cannot complain about is the actors that play the five original Tempts, the acting is amazing and you really get the sense of the bond between the characters. The actors that play Paul Williams and David Ruffin in particular are revelations and should have been showered with awards. The story basically follows the group from their formation in early sixties Detroit and is narrated by Otis Williams character. It shows the true price of fame and the obstacles the group faced within the group like David's ego and drug issues. I personally really enjoyed the first section of the film as I loved seeing how the group got together and also the performances of the groups earlier hits like 'The Girl's Alright With Me', 'My Girl' and '(I Know) I'm Losing You'. All of the actors are amazing in the performance sequences and seem to challenge the spirits of their counterparts.
The trouble I have with the film is that its supposed to be based on a true life story but I think that thats very mis-leading. Williams basically white-washes the plot so that he and Melvin Franklin come out of it smelling of roses while Ruffin is seen as a egomaniac druggie, Kendricks, a meddling trouble maker with no back bone and most depressingly, Williams is seen as a raging alcoholic which is such a blatant stretch of the truth.No mention is given to the fact that Williams had the debilitating disease Sickle Cell which caused him alot of pain and was largely responisble for him leaving the group. As a result, the second part of the film loses alot of momentum for me and its very annoying seeing the blatant lies being classed as truths.Nevertheless, I would recommend the film to all Temptations fans for the music alone but I would advise ignoring the lies as it can be annoying at times, but overall its a pleasure to watch a portrait of the Temptations as they were a one in a million group and this film is incredibly entertaining.
Customer Reviews:
5 Star group........2007-06-07
Top rating for a top group of singers,still as fresh to me as they were when I first heard them all those years ago.Classic songs from one of the top Motown acts of the time,a real nostalgic trip down memory lane,really great sounds.This is pure,plain,musical enjoyment to soak up and enjoy.Give your ears and eyes a treat and listen to the music that gave a whole generation a lot of pleasure,get it now and find out for yourself.
THE WAY THEY DID THE THINGS THEY DID .......2006-11-29
This is an astonishing DVD that showcases the immense talents of America's, ney THE WORLD'S, finest vocal group. THE TEMPTATIONS.
You are guided through their history by the last surviving member Otis Williams. He offers an insightful and heartwarming portrait of the group and their life and times.
Of course it's about the music. And what music. You get 16 performances, starting in the black and white days of 1965 and finishing in the glorious technicolour of the fabulous funky 70s. Everything is here from The Way You Do The Things You Do, My Girl, Get Ready, Ain't Too Proud Too Beg right through to the ultra gritty street funk of Cloud Nine and Ball of Confusion.
Then there'the extras. Audio only a capella versions of 16 tracks, fresh from the Motown vaults. Words cannot describe just how great this segment is. It'll make you smile and cry by turns.
If you only get one DVD for Christmas, get this one.
Fabulous stuff.
Thanks for the memories!.......2006-09-25
Truly an extraordinary DVD package which includes the very essence of the Temptations!
Most of the performances were lip-synched, but just to see them perform on these classic clips, you can truly feel the magic either for the first time if you haven't seen them during their glory days or if you are a nostalgic fan revisitng the past! Groovy shows such as the Hollywood Palace, The Ed Sullivan Show (of which I have many video clips of the Tempts on VHS) and Murray the K features the Tempts doing what they are known around the world for...doing their precise movements, singing their tight harmonies AND looking good doing it!
For me, the extras are what impress me, especially viewing the Tempts hard at work on SORRY IS A SORRY WORD, a taping for the CBS News segment, THE MOTOWN SOUND.
Otis's interview throughout the DVD and during the bonus feature is also another highlight for me. He was there through it all and is still around to tell us about the magic of the Temptations!
The acapella section on 15 of their biggest hits continues to awe and astound me! It is like they didn't need a rhythm section...the harmonies were that tight!
Complete with never-before released photos and another excellent essay by Rob Bowman, this is a must have!
Customer Reviews:
great movie.......2006-03-23
this movie was never going to win a lot of awards and i didnt expect a'lot because a lot of the cast are predominently singers not actors but when i watched it i forgot about that. its just a fun, feelgood movie with great songs (especially by beyonce and angie stone) that make you want to get up and dance. truly a movie for the whole family to enjoy
Please watch this........2005-11-07
Oh, please watch this. I wish I could give it 5*. It's so heart-warming, fantastic and I can't even find the words to describe it. Beyonce is lovely, evidence of a true human with soul. Beautiful.
great cast and music highlight an entertaining film.......2005-06-26
Predictable plot, and a script and editing that could have been better are saved by the talent and enthusiasm of a terrific cast, and some fabulous music that is full of joy and life. "The Fighting Temptations" is also family friendly by today's standards and has a balance between the religious and secular that should provide "something for everyone". The only disappointment is that it had the potential of being so much better, as in the audition scene, which could have been hilarious, but lags and at times falls flat.
The cast: Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. has a charisma and energy that fills the screen, and is a marvelous actor. He deserved better direction and script here, but nevertheless always gives us 100% of his overflowing talent as Darrin Hill, a con man forced to face the truth of his superficial life. "Destiny's Child" Beyoncé Knowles, who became even more voluptuous for the role of Lilly, a single parent and lounge singer, is absolutely gorgeous, and does as well with her acting as she does as a singer. Among the many standout performances, some are memorable: Mike Epps as Lucius, Melba Moore as Bessie, Wendell Pierce as Reverend Lewis, Eddie Levert Sr. as Joseph the barber, and Rue McClanahan, Lou Myers, Angie Stone, Mickey Jones, and T-Bone.
The music: My favorite numbers are "Rain Down", with Angie Stone and Eddie Levert, Sr., and also with Eddie and his fellow "O'Jays" Walter Williams and Eric Nolan Grant, "Like a Rock". "To Da River" with T-Bone, Zane, and Montell Jordan is exceptional, a rare combination of being a rap song with a melody, and other fabulous numbers are sung throughout the film, including a sultry rendition of the Peggy Lee hit, "Fever", by Beyoncé. The Blind Boys of Alabama and Melba Moore are among the many other fine performances.
Weak moments don't stop this from being a very enjoyable film, and well worth its 123 minutes of one's time.
--THIS IS ONE RUBBISH FILM !!!!.......2005-01-06
Ok I was really excited to see this movie because i love beyonce but the movie is total rubbish she dosent even really sing in the movie all she does is lip-sync its terrible and beyonce's acting is another issue plzz do not buy this movie !!!
It's no masterpiece but it'll leave you smiling.......2004-08-13
I actually bought this DVD in Tesco a few months ago, mainly because I'm a big Beyonce fan. I had read some pretty bad reviews and thus wasn't expecting much, and by the till attendant's comment I almost put it back on the shelf (and I quote "Oh! I watched that the other night...brought it straight back the next day.")
However, after watching the movie I was actually pretty surprised as it wasn't half bad.
I agree that the storyline is oh-so predictable, and that about a dozen characters could be cut without making hardly any difference to the overall movie, not to mention the fact that some of the one-liners don't make the slightest bit of sense.
But with those things aside, you're left with a happy, feel good movie that can be enjoyed by anyone from the ages 5 to 85!
Beyonce shines, as her acting continually improves and her vocals are, as per usual, flawless. Contributions from the likes of Angie Stone and Faith Evans, who not only add to the soundtrack but feature in the movie too, give the film another edge.
So to close, 'The Fighting Temptations' will inevitably leave you with your toes tapping in the name of the Lord and a smile on your face!
Alleluia!
Good Points = Beyonce! A brilliant soundtrack and a great rendition of Stevie Wonder's 'Isn't She Lovely'
Bad Points = Predictable story, too many characters and some dodgy acting at times
Customer Reviews:
The Temptations in concert.......2008-03-02
Be very careful if you already own 'The Temptations Live In Concert' - they are one and the same DVD - hence the comparitively low rating. It is still an excellent DVD, but it's a bit of a con to re-issue with a new name and let people think it was first released in 2007 - when it clearly wasn't.
Customer Reviews:
A dazzling spectacle and a treat for the senses.......2007-08-23
Saw this when it was released, and I was immediately hooked. Mesmerising visual scenery, montage work, puppetry and surrealist imagery, with human characters as well as puppets. This sort of thing could so easily go terribly wrong in the hands of someone who doesn't have as much artistic ability and taste. Aren't we lucky then, that Svankmajer has astonishing ability and impeccable taste and knows exactly what he's doing! This is a treat, mostly visually but also aurally, as he has put in large chunks of Gourniad's opera score. The dialogue is beautifully assembled and mirrors Marlowe in patches with its lovely poetic lilt. An absolute gem of a film, I cannot recommend this highly enough, and while it is definitely arty, it shouldn't require viewers to be out and out aesthetes, but it may make many who aren't, appreciate the visual arts a bit more. Film art at its most worthy.
A fantasy to dream with again and again........2000-04-23
Wonderful blend of real-time and stop-motion storytelling by a master of the surreal. An apparently ordinary everyman is led by curiousity into a dilapidated building which turns out to be a strange cross of theatre, a puppeteer's workshop, and an alchemical laboratory. Suddenly, he finds himself becoming the legendary character Dr. Faust, selling his soul to the devil to gain magical powers.
Jan Svankmajer is the real sorcerer here and blends stage sets with real settings, seven foot puppets with live actors, and makes magic of it all.
The film has been dubbed for English audiences, but I have never seen a less obtrusive film dub. The voice performances are excellent and actually add to the surreal quality of the film.
Just one caution: This is not a "family" film. There is some adult material, so don't confuse this with Bass-and-Rankin style claymation.
UK DVD:
- The Michael Haneke Collection
- The Mosquito Coast [1986]
- The Night Porter [1973]
- The Pallisers
- The Powell And Pressburger Collection
- The Secret Life Of Us - Series 2 Complete
- The Turning Point [1977]
- The Verdict [1982]
- Tumbledown [1988]
- Two Thousand Acres Of Sky - Complete - Series One To Three
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