Rating: 
Summary: Beethoven and ultra-violence
Review: Clockwork Orange is not like anything you have seen before or probably will see again. It is not a five star movie by any means but it is a good one all the same. Essentially the story, derived from the inventive book of the same name by Anthony Burgess, is set sometime in the future (looks very dated though and the book's slang dialogue can be a little off-putting), about a young leader of a gang of thugs who spends his free time raping, stealing, joyriding, fighting and eventually murdering. He is sent to prison where he volunteers for an experiment to help cure him of his ultra-violent tendencies. However, even though the experiment works (with a small musical side-effect), it is very little more than just a political gimmick to win votes. While on release he encounters everybody that he did wrong too but can not defend himself because he gets sick whenever he gets angry or is aroused.The acting, score and camerawork are on top form but the film suffers from the confines of its restrictive storyline leaving very little room for character development, except for that of the protagonist. What it does not lack in is violence or plenty of moral proclamations about the world in general. It is more of a philosophical statement about the nature of a corrective society than anything else. Everyone seems just as guilty as the other and Kubrick has no qualms about turning the husband of a rape victim into a sinister materialist who exploits anything to his advantage. There are no "good" people in this film and even our horror star of the show has his turn at the innocent victim in the end. The film is a strange play on society in general but does not really merit repetitive viewing. As a side note the film was banned in Great Britain for years. Kubrick pulled the film from distribution himself because he felt that England was not ready for his film. He would also not allow the former Soviet Union or the Eastern Block to watch it either. He certainly was a bit of an odd character and even though critics hold Kubrick as a master director he did make a lot of bunk films too. This is not one of them.
Rating: 
Summary: they don't give the option of zero stars
Review: This film is yet another load of crap from Kubrick. A complete waste of time.
Rating: 
Summary: Best film ever
Review: This is the best film ever, It achevies balance between insanity beauty and composition. This film is also helpfull as a physacriactric gag, I mean try acting like alex without all of the "violence" of course. You will quickly rise to the top of whatever.
Rating:
Summary: I was cured alright!
Review: When I first heard of this film I thought "What could a film called 'A clockwork orange' possibly be about? I was curious. It was as if I were meant to see the film, signs were coming from all over the such as a decoration of Alex DeLarge on someones refrigerator, my friends bringing the film up very often, and on a classic theater reading "Midnight show will be 'A Clockwork Orange'," so I decided to see it preparing for that ultraviolence. I don't know what it was but this film cought my attention very quikly and I could hardly ever keep my eyes off of it. It wasn't really the films brutality that cought my attention, at first it was the way the film made a joke out of sex, then it interested me the way Alex started being tortered, I don't know why but to me the scenes with Alex in the screening room remain among the best of the film. The movie seems to put a mirror on todays society and asks "What is this world coming to?" Needless to say I think the film was awsome and I'm already getting signs telling me to see it again: a girl came up with an idea to take a feald trip to an old theater and see it on the big screen. I just might do it.
Rating:
Summary: One of Kubrick's finest films brutal to the core
Review: It was rated X when it first came out. Why? The violence is so repulsive that the ratings board decreed that it should only be seen by someone over the age of 21. That didn't hurt its box office. A Clockwork Orange captures many of the bleaker aspects of Burgess novel. Kubrick wraps the story in a pop art day glo look. It's very much a movie of its time. Our hero is Alex the leader of a violent gang who is captured after committing "ultra violence" which includes the rape and murder of a prominent writer. The government decides to make an example of Alex. Using a form of behavior modification, they make violence repulsive (to the point where Alex becomes physically ill). He's proclaimed "cured" and released now a potential victim vs. the predator he was before. While Kubrick's film decries the esmasculation of others in pursuit of peace, he also satirizes the very government that attempts to make Alex safe for society. Kubrick seems to be arguing that redemption isn't possible for Alex and that, in fact, society will never be free of the predators around us. He implicates everyone in this failure of society and suggests that it's (much like he did in Dr. Strangelove, Paths of Glory and 2001)that violence fuels much of our society. The imagery in Orange is still amazing fresh and vital 30 years on. As a satire, Orange occasionally fails; Kubrick's point of view doesn't exist. His detached style makes the film nonjudgemental about Alex and the world he grew up in. That approach makes it appear as if Kubrick approves of the very violence he deplores; the film is celebrated by those who miss the point for the violence at the heart of the film. This DVD transfer is a huge improvement over the first release. There's very little of the analog artifacts (i.e., scratches, dirt, etc)that marred the original release of this classic film. The oustanding transfer does justice to Kubrick's vision. The color, flesh tones, blacks and grays are right on target as far as I can tell. There's little of the edge enhancement that marred the previous release as well. The widescreen composition is intact as well. The sound has been digitally remastered in dolby digital 5.1 and sounds much improved over the previous version as well. The improvement doesn't jump out at you the way the visual improvements do. Obviously the 5.1 format isn't used here quite as effectively as more contemporary films (when it was released stereo was a luxery afforded few film releases) but it's utilized quite nicely. There really aren't any extras to speak of except for the original trailer. Why a documentary wasn't produced and added to this release is beyond me. Perhaps it had more to do with Kubrick's private nature. Since Malcolm McDowell, David Prowse and other cast members are alive, the least that Warner could have done was provide an audio commentary. Perhaps with Kubrick gone they'll do that with the next edition. Hopefully we'll see a quality documentary about the controversy surrouding the film similar in nature to the one recently added to the Dr. Strangelove re-release. Orange isn't an easy film to watch or to appreciate. It also isn't an easy film to pidgeonhold. Those very qualities make for great cinema. Unfortunately, Kubrick's and Burgess' vision is subject to intrepetation which has allowed Orange to be both misunderstood and misjudged ever since the day of its release. Kubrick's film doesn't make the case for violence but does suggest that violence is the heart and soul that fuels humanity. His cool, detached style also suggests that there is little hope of escaping the qualities that allowed us to arise out of the muck of creation and rule the world. It's a sad but true observation about our world.
Rating:
Summary: They Don't Make Romantic Comedies Like This Anymore
Review: This charming romantic comedy (and symphonic-backed musical) is a superlative break-the-ice movie to watch on a first or second date with someone you've just recently met, and for whom you feel strong attraction of the "she/he-may-be-the-one" type. Equipped with dynamic performers and extremely cute costumes, it explores the delightful antics of a singing clown named Alex and his backup group, the Droogies (they perform in a conceptually similar fashion to Donny Osmond and his brothers, occasionally punctuating their music with lively dancing). Or, this would be an excellent dinner-and-a-movie film for a youth fellowship or elderly ladies' church group -- just make lots of popcorn and watch it on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Alex and his friends bungle through all sorts of rib-tickling situations. The ice house at which they hang out features some fashionable furniture you will find yourself wanting for your own den, and many interesting patrons. Alex and his friends, in the manner of Mister Rogers and Captain Kangaroo, amble from place to place, interacting with the intriguing characters who populate the magic little world Stan Kubrick has created for us. There's the Funny Little Man Who Sings On His Back By The Canal. There are Good Old Billy Boy and his mates (who, in genuine romantic-comedy tradition, are vying for the attention of a pretty girl when we first see them). There's the Writer who can never seem to figure out why the doorbell is ringing, and his spirited wife -- one of those sorts who will try just about anything once. There's Mr. Deltoid, who visits Alex at home and they frolic on the bed during an innocent horseplay episode, along with Alex's parents (The old Pee and Em). There's the quaint old woman with the cats, who leads a hilarious impromptu exercise session in her living room before getting somewhat fed up with Alex. And many more -- believe it or not, you will even see Darth Vader!! The undisputed Best Supporting Actor is Dim (Warren Clarke), who appeared to have a fantastic time making this film. Dim is Alex's best friend in the world, always ready for a good joke (especially when it's a joke on DIM, as when Alex playfully pushes him for a dunk in the local reservoir). Of the other two, Pete and George, Pete makes the stronger showing and adds the proper degree of character conflict always necessary for quality humor. I don't think I've spoiled any surprises. Please disregard whatever else you've heard about this film, and give it a chance to let the ins and outs of Alex's adventures elevate your spirits like few other movies ever could. Enjoy it today!
Rating:
Summary: Another masterful film by Kubrick
Review: This is a great adaptation of a great book. Since this is Kubrick you get all the usual ingredients : great direction, great acting, great music, great set pieces & decoration, great cynical humour. A lot of scenes from this film are now considred as classics due to the mix of violence and classical music. The book mentions that Alex loves Beethoven and classical music but the movie emphasizes the beauty violence has for Alex by choregraphing the fight scenes to music. Also Kubrick cut the last chapter of the book from the script which I think makes the movie better. Who would want to see Alex growup and become "normal" as is the case in the book? After viewing the film you will want to ponder on the questions of violence, society, jail and human freedom. I think it's a shame that Kubrick didn't win best director at the Oscars for this & that Malcom Mcdowell wasn't even nominated ( this is his best performance ever!)Be warned though the film is very violent and might be shocking to some people who can't stomach that kind of thing. For the rest of you see this film and it will always have a special place in your heart!!
Rating:
Summary: the absolute greatest
Review: A Clockwork Orange is, in my humble opinion, the finest piece of cinema ever made. That is as simply as i can put it. If you have the capacity to appreciate fine cinema, then i most highly recommend this masterpiece. If you are the type to go and drool over the latest overproduced, droll, packed with action but no plot or brains summer blockbuster then you have no business watching this film. If that sounds elitest...it is. And another thing. You idiots that get hung up over the violence in this film... GET A BLOODY LIFE!
Rating:
Summary: superbly terrifying
Review: a clockwork orange was a masterpice of ultra-violence and morals. its a movie you feel like a pervert to love, but something you can hardly help. not for people with weak constitutions. it shows a future being created by us all, and shows us something to try to prevent. my all time favorite movie, with emotionaly tearing scenes, like whether to feel sorry for alex or not.
Rating:
Summary: I make no appy polly loggies for liking this movie...
Review: Wow. I have to say that I have been wanting to watch this movie for some time now, and after finally getting to watch it I can say wow. Now, I don't think this is a perfect movie, however I can say that it is mesmerizing and thought provoking unlike anything I have ever watched. I know that some people get offended by this movie, and I can clearly see why, but I also see why you shouldn't be offended. The movie does not glorify violence or rape as some are led to believe. It uses these to make us feel hate and contempt against our antihero Alex to the point where we are glad that he is getting what he deserves. It then uses those events in the beginning to provide a clear contrast to the end. And the only thing that bothers me is the exclusion of the last chapter of the book, which brings everything to a close much better than the movie, but then again, I think Kubrick likes it this way, and it is his movie. In the end we learn that is better to be able to live with a free will, whether it be good or evil, than to be a clockwork orange. I highly recommend this movie to anyone with an open mind, and everyone should watch it for the 'Nadsat' language if for no other reason. So hop in your Durango Number 95 and get this movie now.
| 
