The Apostle - Collector's Edition

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Summary: A struggle between a human nature and a divine calling.
Review: The apostle is one of the most outstanding movies produced by Hollywood that I have ever seen. Robert Duval has always been one of my favorite actors, but to think that he would write, direct and finance this movie is truly amazing. I think all the characters are believalbe and well played. He truly presents the Gospel in the flavor of the south without being demeaning as so often is the case. I was deeply touched by this movie. While the characters themselves obviously have their faults I think the message is "Christians are not perfect, just forgiven! I truly hope that someone who would never go to church or listen to a preaching service on TV will hear what is being said in this movie and give God a try!"

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Summary: A great film
Review: Much as "Tender Mercies" explored the idea of grace (and redemption) , this film, although radically different in tone and in the personality of its lead character, rings with the same kind of sentiment. I was hoping it wasn't going to be a cynical, "Elmer Gantry" type of movie that focused on hypocrisy, and it wasn't. It instead becomes a joyful celebration of transcendence, against all odds. Those who didn't "like" the apostle character should perhaps take a deeper look. The opening scene is both dramatic and telling as to the essential goodness in the man. Through the rest of the film, we see him lose his way and struggle to find it again, in a fuller and more consistent way. What makes this character so intriguing are his contradictions (hey, just like real life!) and his quest to overcome the consequences of his dark side by commiting to cultivate the good -- in himself, and others. Probably not teen fare, but a fine, reflective movie for us older folk How do you rate DuVall's performance in this one? He's always great, but he is absolutely amazing in this movie. And there are some rich performances by others in the cast as well.

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Summary: Best movie I've seen this year!
Review: Robert Duvall is wonderful as an unusually charistmatic yet in many ways, ordinary man struggling very openly, sincerely and heriocally - if not always successfully - to let Jesus, rather than the Devil, direct his every step. Throughout the movie, Duvall is surrounded by the rather strange but fascinating characters that one encounters in daily life but rarely has the opportunity - or perhaps the courage or compassion - to really get to know. The movie treats these characters respectfully and their beliefs neutrally. Very entertaining, believable & memorable. I will watch this one again!

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Summary: Great acting; less than great story
Review: "The Apostle" was not a very good film. However, Robert Duvall was so great that he almost challenges George C. Scott('Patton') for the best acting performance I have ever seen. I came away from the theater nearly convinced that Duvall really was a preacher. I actually had a similar feeling after the "Godfather" and "A Civil Action"- he is so good he makes you believe that he is what he plays. His brilliance makes up for a less than grand movie.

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Summary: captures the small-town South perfectly
Review: This movie was excellent. I particularly loved the scenes filmed on the Mississippi River. Duvall captures the small-town South perfectly. His portrayal of a flawed preacher is touching, and the love he finds in his small church even more so. I would highly reccomend this film to anyone. The soundtrack is also wonderful!

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Summary: The worst movie I have ever seen.
Review: Siskel and Ebert should have their thumbs chopped off for giving this movie two thumbs up. It took all the strength I had to stay awake. The lead character was a sleazy preacher that I hated from the first moment I saw him. The characters and their relationships were hard to follow. June Carter Cash was the only good thing about this movie.

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Summary: A Family Favorite
Review: This movie is so realistic of the southern gospel church services, I wanted to stand and shout in the movie theater!

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Summary: Brilliant in every way
Review: The casting was superb. The story was subtle yet very powerful. The sound track was wonderful. The acting was outstanding. Robert Duvall definitely should have gotten the Academy award for Best Actor for this one. I plan to buy it when it gets less expensive!

Rating:
Summary: Good acting, BAD MOVIE.
Review: Robert Duvall did a great job in this movie. The movie itself was horrible. I had no feelings for the main character. All main characters were horribly immoral. I don't recommend this movie to anyone.

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Summary: "That which I would, I do not... that which I would not do..
Review: This film is deep as the main character is enigmatic. The ability to understand its meaning is found in familiarity both with the old time classic Pentecostal scene and the reality of the struggles of man. These struggles go back as far as Jacob wrestling with the angel and the apostle Paul recounting his own bitter struggles as a spiritual man bound by his mortal, carnal desires.