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Summary: the discreet charm of the bourgeoisie....
Review: Renoir's social satire is really a timeless piece. Sure it is a pretty old film and does not have the same pace as you would get from Fellini, Bunuel, or even Welles - but the relevance of this film has to do with how it fits in with the situation of Europe in 1939 - the famous hunting scene speaks volumes both about the classes to which it pertains (the poacher) and the very act itself is a parallel to the mounting war. See this movie and experience something important to history.
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Summary: Renoir's vision of the disappearing French aristocracy...
Review: Rules of the Game is a film that displays the dishonesty of the French aristocracy and the rules that they play by in order to remain in good standards with their upper class. It begins with André, a heroic pilot, that has crossed the Atlantic in order to display his love for Christine. However, André is rejected by Christine as she does not appear when he lands on French soil. Christine's husband, Robert, is attempting to put an end to a long love affair with his mistress, but is incapable of breaking up the affair. The four of them are united with a large group of aristocrats at their chateau for a weekend hunting party and this is where the game truly begins and the rules are set into action, which are even mimicked by the servants. Rules of the Game is directed by the cinematic genius Renoir and this shines through in this film as the story unfolds. It should also be mentioned that this film nearly got destroyed during World War II, but was reconstructed in 1959 in order for coming generations to be able to view Renoir's vision of the disappearing French aristocracy.
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Summary: Renoir's vision of the disappearing French aristocracy...
Review: Rules of the Game is a film that displays the dishonesty of the French aristocracy and the rules that they play by in order to remain in good standards with their upper class. It begins with André, a heroic pilot, that has crossed the Atlantic in order to display his love for Christine. However, André is rejected by Christine as she does not appear when he lands on French soil. Christine's husband, Robert, is attempting to put an end to a long love affair with his mistress, but is incapable of breaking up the affair. The four of them are united with a large group of aristocrats at their chateau for a weekend hunting party and this is where the game truly begins and the rules are set into action, which are even mimicked by the servants. Rules of the Game is directed by the cinematic genius Renoir and this shines through in this film as the story unfolds. It should also be mentioned that this film nearly got destroyed during World War II, but was reconstructed in 1959 in order for coming generations to be able to view Renoir's vision of the disappearing French aristocracy.
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Summary: A film of a "rare breed" indeed
Review: RULES OF THE GAME is the CITIZEN KANE of France. The 2 films were made within 2 years of one another; both used innovative techniques such as deep-focus photography, long takes, and overlapping dialogs; both were rejected by the public upon its first release and re-discovered in the fifties. Fittingly, both films were often ranked side by side in many polls of the greatest films ever made. Most importantly, the two films succeeded where few films did: advancing the art of film, providing spectacular entertainment, and shedding profound insights on the human condition.(I will reveal plot details below; those who haven't seen RULES please read no further! My brief analysis of the film, of course, does not do justice to it.) Though a comedy on the surface and raucous at times, RULES consistently delves into the dark themes of deceit and death. Throughout the film we see lies being told, infidelity being committed, hypocrisy being carried out. At the film's midpoint, the violent, belligerent nature of man is potently depicted in a barrage of killings that occur in the famous hunting sequence. Near the end, the film teases us briefly when enemies seem to reconcile and past offenses are about to be forgiven. Then, in one of the most memorable endings in film, death and deceit resurface: a man is shot to death as a result of an extramarital love affair, and his death is explained away neatly as an accident in order to hide all the "dirty linen"; it is a moment that makes you laugh out loud at its absurdity and sigh in sadness at the same time. The film concludes with one of the most haunting images: a funereal procession of the shadows of people moving past our view. To paraphrase the old general in the film, films like RULES are "a rare breed" indeed.
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Summary: Great, but Overpriced
Review: The Rules of the Game is a Great Film. Unfortunately it is being put out by Criterion and is overpriced. When you can get any other DVD that comes out on sale for $14.99 or $19.99, you'll have to shell out $27.97 to Criterion for Rules of the Game. I've heard the justifications before -- Criterion's transfers are the best and their added features are of the highest quality. This is true, and back in the days of laserdiscs and the early days of DVDs it made a difference. With the DVD craze in full fury, too many DVDs are being published today with the same care that Criterion puts in, but at a significantly lower price. Criterion is stuck in the past. Which is too bad, because the only way you can get The Rules of the Game and similar classic films is to pay Criterion's exorbitent prices. In a way, Criterion is holding these movies for ransom. A price I'm not willing to pay.
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Summary: Great for Cinephiles, Torture for the Average Viewer
Review: There are plenty of pretentious review on this site declaring this "One of the greatest films of all time." To offer a different perspective, I will tell you right now, unless you live for deep social meaning and long takes, seek elsewhere. The film has its moments of beauty and exquisite cinematic technique. In particular, the hunting scene which shows creature after creature being carelessly shot and suffering the quick throes of death is powerful and difficult to watch. However, I don't agree with the "greatest" label. The plot was diluted and almost nonexistent. The characters seemed so flighty that they lacked depth. In fact, very few of them were even likable. The ending seems unresolved and somewhat careless, based on a series of ridiculous coincidences. Overall, I was unimpressed and surprised at the acclaim showered on this film. Social commentary is great in it's own right, but I have yet to have any critic present a convincing argument as to why this film is so great.
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Summary: Perhaps the greatest film of the twentieth century
Review: This film is perfection. I first saw it as part of a film-appreciation class in college, and I was blown away by its insights and poignancy. It perpetuates itself in my mind's eye as a vivid example of something extremely well-crafted elevating itself to art.
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Summary: A classic. Beautiful dialogue, great story, fabolous movie.
Review: This is arguably Jean Renoir's best film (Grand Illusion is his other masterpiece). I recommend this movie for sophisticated viewers, and people who love foreign movies. But it is also, romantic, comic, dramatic, tragic and smart. The idea that three men can be in love with the same woman is an excellent premise that is expertly executed, but also the movie is like a mockumentary of the upper class. See this movie and you'll be wiser for it.
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Summary: Movie Collector's Dream Come True
Review: This is the best DVD release I have ever seen. The print quality is better than new, and the extras are endless. We are lucky that Criterion acquired this movie, which has been universally praised. If there were such a thing as a 'priceless' DVD, this would be it.
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Summary: Great Criterion DVD of Renior
Review: This is yet another fabulous DVD from the Criterion Collection. The packaging is neat: presented in a fold-out case enclosed within a blue plastic outer-shell. There's two disks in this set - the film itself and some extras, such as interviews and a BBC bio of Jean Renior's career as a filmmaker. This classic film is a look at class divisions in France between the world wars. It's similar in style to the recent "Gosford Park" but with a whole lot more poignancy. Whereas Gosford looks back nostalgically, Rules of the Game does so with a judgemental vengence. There's a lot of passion behind this film, which is probably what initially scared most reviewers when the film first premiered. Great movie - Great DVD
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