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Summary: THIS IS A WORK OF ART!!!!
Review: One of the best films ever made--no kidding. A real work of cinema art. Beautifully and sensitively directed, subtly acted by an outstanding cast, and the haunting theme song will keep coming back to you over and over all you life. A beautiful story of friendship in all its colors and dimensions. Don't miss this one!!!
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Summary: DESERT RATS GET ACTUALIZED!
Review: Filmed not too far from here in the town of Baghdad in the Mojave Desert, Percy Adlon's BAGHDAD CAFE has charmed just about everyone who has stumbled across this literally off-the-beaten track 1987 gem that's now available for the first time in a bare-bones widescreen DVD transfer. The story is deceptively simple. Marianne Sägebrecht is a German tourist who leaves -- and is subsequently abandoned by -- her husband(?) in the California desert. In the middle of nowhere, she makes her way to the run-down, failing, Baghadad Cafe and Motel run by C.C.H. Pounder (ER's Dr. Hicks). The rotund Sägebrecht quickly becomes a part of the eccentric family under Pounders tough-talking rule. Not only that, her presence is the catalyst that transforms the forgotten roadside stop into a bustling business and a life-altering experience for all present. Jack Palance is extraordinary as an ex-Hollywood set designer and artist who sees Sägebrecht's true beauty and becomes obsessed about capturing it on canvas. What he sees Sägebrecht becomes and in the process impacts those she touches. This wonderful film is about loving and accepting and believing and discovering and being. The original music by Bob Telson includes the haunting "Calling You" sung by Javetta Steele. This is one for the digital library. Highest recommendation.
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Summary: Hidden Gem of a movie
Review: This is absolutely one of my favorite movies. Baghdad Cafe has so many levels to it that it can truly be appreciated by everyone who has ever had to say goodbye to their best friend.
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Summary: Magic in the Desert
Review: ...was absolutely delighted with this funny, charming and completely entertaining movie. Each performance was perfect, from cafe owner Brenda's belligerent attitude to Jasmine's quiet demeanor, to the tattoo artist's contempt for harmony, each and every character in Bagdad Cafe lends to the overall charm of this wide spot in the road where these diverse personalities all work off of each other. Jasmine's ability to make the best of a bad situatiuon and bring some magic to the cafe/gas station/motel in the middle of nowhere is the spark that gives life to the desolation seen in every direction. Individual performances including Jack Palance as the resident artist make Bagdad Cafe one of the finest movies in my collection.
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Summary: A wonderfully rewarding film!
Review: This is a wonderful film about a German tourist (Marianne Sagebrecht), who leaves her husband while they are in the Mojave Desert and makes her way to Bagdad Cafe, a small cafe/motel inhabited by a bunch of lovably eccentric people. She and the feisty owner, played perfectly by CCH Pounder, become friends but only after numerous disagreements precipitated by Brenda (CCH Pounder). This is a great offbeat film that will appeal to foreign film buffs. But this is so good a film, anyone can enjoy it! The film is German, but the dialogue is in English. With a nice soundtrack, great performances and a desert setting, this film is a must see. Also starring is Jack Palance as a former Hollywood set painter. Buy this one!
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Summary: This off-beat film first
Review: appeared years ago on PBS. It's certainly different but very enjoyable. I can only describe it as a melding of different people, personalities, cultures and circumstances to a very unexpected and happy ending. I will warn you, this is not a film to watch once; one has to view it many times to catch all the nuances missed on the previous viewings. For those of you who like foreign films, this is the flick to buy! And, unlike the PBS version, all the good parts are there. For the rest who do not like foreign movies, well, try "Bagdad Cafe" you probably will like it.
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Summary: A great sleeper to wake you up.
Review: Many could call this movie a "chick flick"....maybe, not necessarily, as each person in it has to deal with somebody they don't like nor feel they need butting into the lives. When you think you're having a tough time of it, think again and check out this little goodie. Two women, different completely in every way, shape and form who are thrown together out in the middle of the hot, dry, dusty desert, at a motel that looks like a wretched place to even stop for water, each with her own agenda. They have to deal with one another; they don't have any other choice in life; their husbands have been total buttheads and basically left them to fend for themselves. (Brenda boots her old man outa the house, only to have him peering down at her from the top of a hill with binoculars for half the movie...he's not a bad fellow, just a bum) Well, fend they do............the entire movie is about people working out their differences no matter how huge they may be. Jack Palance plays a really mellow painter in this movie and something completely different from his usual creepy portrayals. The ending is perfect, everyone's happy, productive and friends...probably slow to some viewers, I enjoy a good movie for my "head" every now and again. This is it.
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Summary: "making lemons out of lemonade
Review: I bought Baghdad Cafe because it is a quiet story about transformation and about a human being's ability to transform their life into something magic. In small ways there are wonderful visual allusions to classical transformation stories. The performances of the entire cast are wonderful. This is an upbeat and joyful film - rarity among films filled with violence, and despair.
Rating: 
Summary: Quirky but accurate
Review: This film presents an interesting relationship between two women from opposite ends of the world. The people are stereotyped, however, contain the necessary quirks to make them real. Highlighting the German's taste in coffee was an interesting touch. The haunting soundtrack and distinct visual style add to the mood presented by the script. Certainly keeps one thinking
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Summary: Bagdad Cafe
Review: This film is an absolute gem on all levels! The cinematography really takes you "between Las Vegas and no where.". It also has a soundtrack that is a must have, the haunting vocals & melody of "I am Calling You" the signature track, will make you want to watch this film over and over. For anyone that has ever thought about leaving somewhere, for ANYWHERE, Bagdad Cafe will speak to you!
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