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The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Poor edition of a great film.
Review: Anyone who doesn't already know the brilliance of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg need only read the critics whose commentaries are available on line from Amazon.com. This film was so innovative and refreshing when it was released in 1964 that it has since become a landmark in film history. Due to loss of quality in theater and video prints since then, the director's (Jacques Demy) widow Agnes Varda produced a completely remastered print that has been seen in theaters and on laser disk.

Unfortunately, the DVD edition by Fox Lorber pales in comparison to both. This is no way for people who love the film and those just being introduced to it to see it. This may be the most disappointing DVD release of the year and a waste of great film material.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Nice film, something only a French Director could make
Review: This was an unusual opera, and quite nicely done. TV and video, however, hurt the images. It is much better to see it at a movie theater with its large screen. The music is what makes this movie. As I understand it, the actors did not sing, only lipped the words. There must have been very few "takes" using that technique because of the expense, thus its wooden acting. I think in the end Guy got the better deal: his wife was faithful, beautiful woman and they drove a Citroen. Genevieve drove a Morris Minor and was married to a diamond broker with a pencil-thin mustache. (Ha, ha). How about an updated version of this movie such as "A Man And A Woman 20 Years Later."? Jacques Demy has passed on, but somebody could do an update. PS does anyone know what became of the actor who played Guy: Nino Castelnuevo? BW Reilly Box 100 Linden CA 95236

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: In many ways, the finest film ever produced
Review: I was an undergraduate in the early '60s when this film was released. Had a penchant for the local "Art Movie" theater. During the first five minutes of the film, I was disappointed by the rather hokey operetta-like character, but after the second five minutes I was totally hooked. When VCR's were introduced this was the first videotape that I bought. Alas, it was on Beta format. I'm delighted that the film has been reworked and preserved for future generations. Legrand's score is clearly the best ever written. Think of how many popular tunes have emerged from it--and people don't even know their source.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: not so great -- fluffy, slightly sad, grating music
Review: the movie was ok, but not as great as i have heard -- best parts: the fauvist set design, the sweet characterization of the two protagonists, the performances of the two leads -- worst parts: legrand's melodies, the shallow depiction of the mother, flaws in the plot (why did he not write?)-- i'll confess: i fell asleep twice during the movie

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A different but amazing film
Review: Catherine Denueve in her film debut is just about the most beautiful woman who has ever appeared on the silver screen. This film, which I stumbled across at a showing in my high school in Scottsdale, Arizona, the month I graduated, held a lot of nostalgia for me. I wondered would it hold up years later. It does and seems to have affected a great many people as deeply as it did me. The surreal colors are funky and rather in tune with the 60s. Some of the tunes are a bit hard to take, while others are nearly classics. But if you sort of come to it openly I can't help but think it will charm you.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: An absolutely enchanting and haunting film! Don't miss!
Review: I loved this film. I'd seen it years ago and loved it, but I fell in love all over again,especially in the superb dvd version! Incredible!!!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Chick Flick That Even Made This Guy a Little Misty!
Review: I first saw this film with my high school girlfriend when I was about 16, and thought I'd take another look. WOW! What a beautiful film to look at, listen to, and argue about. Do we only have one love of our life? What role does fate play? What might have happened if Guy had been a more frequent letter writer? And what was director Demy really trying to say to us?

The ending is both powerful and teary and very, very French, i.e. thoughtful and a little ambiguous. I cannot get the song "I Will Wait For You" out of my head (why would anyone want to?!) This film will stay with me for at least another 25 years. I'm going to watch it again tonight with my wife and teenage daughter (a great way to practice her French!). A real beauty!

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Strange film
Review: For several years, my husband had been telling me how wonderful this was, so, I bought it for him for Xmas, and settled back to enjoy. My husband loved it, finding it very moving. I found it peculier, not relating to any of the characters, and thinking that the music was dreadful - it seemed to be the same tune most of the way through.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: So romantic it will break your heart
Review: The first time I saw this movie, I was in a high school French class. The print was scratchy and the colors were dull, but the story and music made a lasting impression on me. I was thrilled when I heard that the movie was being restored, and seeing the movie through thirty-something eyes I understand better how rich this movie is in plot, characterization, and pure movie-making technique. It's wonderful - I dare you to watch the scene of them parting at the railroad station and not be moved.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Gorgeous-
Review: - just about sums it up: on the eyes, ears, and heart


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