Rating: 
Summary: This is Robert E. Howard as I imagined him
Review: I have looked forward to seeing this film for quite a while. Finally I got hold of a VHS copy and sat with my wife (and such kids as were interested) and watched it. Impressions: The two principle actors are just about perfect for the roles of Howard and Price. Having been a Howard fan for years, and being familiar with his life's story, I was sceptical that any film would play it straight. But this story seems to not have needed any embellishment to make it more romantic, sad and triumphant. I agree with what one reviewer has already said: that KISS is probably the most passionate I have ever seen in a movie ! And it is important too; because it shows up how hard it is to recapture feelings when things are said (and left unsaid) and love fades away. The timing of their lost love for each other (which was growing by fits and starts first one feeling it, then the other) is what forms Novalyne Price's life-long regret (so I gather from the tone of the story): that had she just said the right things - felt the right things - at the right time, Howard would not have been lost to her. (That constitutes almost a spoiler; and for those who do not know the story I appologize.) But the triumph of the story is also in the ending of it: it has to do with faith and hope.For those who want a real-life romance, this film is perhaps the best I have seen. It is sort of like "Out of Africa" in that respect; but I enjoyed it far more, because it is about someone (Howard) that I care about.
Rating: 
Summary: Conan's Creator
Review: I can not vouch for the authenticity of this film, but it just feels right. This movie is based on the last few years of Robert E. Howard's (Vincent D'Onofrio) life. He was the creator of Conan the Cimerian for Depression-era pulp magazines. Howard fell in love with a school teacher, Novalyne Price (played by Renee Zellweger). Zellweger plays Price as sweet, pretty Texas spitfire. It is D'Onofrio who commands our attention as the wild tempered writer. He is funny with his excentric behavior, but at the same time sad in his devotion to his ill mother. Eventually Howard commited suicide, and his friends (including H.P. Lovecraft) declared how sad his death was, and how the literary world was robbed of a great talent. This movie focuses on the human loss, and it is sad. For all his faults, he was a jubilant personality that would be missed by his family (he was survived by his father) and friends. I generally don't care for bio-pics, but this is pretty good stuff.
Rating:
Summary: DVD version is missing 12 minutes of the film
Review: I first saw this film on Showtime(cable TV)and was immediately struck by the chemistry between Vincent D'Onofrio and Renee Zellweger. There is never a slow or dull moment in the movie. You are transported back in time to the 1930s not only by the props, clothes and settings but also by the actions of the actors. They truly capture the era in their portrayals of Robert E. Howard and Novalyne Price, two star-crossed people who wanted to love one another but just couldn't make it happen. This movie has what I would consider to be the MOST PASSIONATE KISS in film history. My spine tingles every time I watch it.
The DVD however, is a disappointment. I don't know who is responsible for re-mixing the film for DVD release but they have OMITTED 12 minutes of the film that really help to tell the story with much more clarity. They have also rearranged some of the scenes to try to camouflage their butcher job. Interestingly enough in the special feature commentary Dan Ireland, Vincent D'Onofrio and a few others begin to comment on an upcoming scene when they realize it is no longer in the picture. They quickly change the subject but not without the viewer picking up on their obvious embarrassment.
The jacket for the DVD shows one of the omitted scenes on the back cover. Personally, I feel that any film that has been remixed, especially when scenes have been deleted for a DVD release, should be labeled as such so the buyer is aware that they are NOT GETTING the same film they may have viewed at the theatre or on TV.
With that said....I would still buy the DVD just for the kissing scene. It is THE BEST!
Rating:
Summary: Pleasantly Surprised
Review: I just ran across this movie on cable and thoroughly enjoyed it. When Renee Zelleweger thanked Vincent D'Onofrio at the Oscars when she won for her role in "Cold Mountain," I didn't understand why. Now I do. They were brilliant together. I've long been a fan of Vincent D'Onofrio and his work and this film was no exception. It really let me feel what life was like in the 1930s and the frustrations that go with it. Truly a wonderful film.
Rating:
Summary: What a find!!
Review: I watched this movie only because Vincent D'onofrio was in it. And am I glad that I did. I had heard of Robert E. Howard and knew he was a writer, but I didn't know anything else about him. This film shows the depth and loneliness of a man who didn't fit in with the rest of the world; and then he meets a woman who begins to understand and to love him, but ultimately cannot be with him.
Vincent D'onofrio gives a wonderful impassioned performance as Howard and Renee Zellweger matches him as Novalyne Price, the woman who befriends him. This film is well worth seeing and I recommend it to everyone. It also contains the most passionate kissing scene I have every seen in a movie. I had to rewind and watch it more than once. (Actually, it was quite a number of times!!).
If you're thinking of watching or buying this movie: Go for It! But beware, you will need kleenexs at the end -- I did, and I never cry at movies.
Rating:
Summary: This is a gem that should become a classic...
Review: ... but I'm afraid it won't. A "little film" that so captured my heart four years ago that I bought the book upon which it's based and the video when it came out. I'm writing this review after viewing the video yet again in the hopes that someone else will watch this treasure and spread the word so that it will get the recognition and audience it deserves. The story of the love between Robert E. Howard and Novalyne Price is brought to life effectively by actors Vincent D'Onofrio and Renee Zellweger. They show an incredible understanding of their characters and depth of feeling in their portrayals. You can't help being frustrated by their attempts to connect, and yet you know that their true hearts somehow do. What this film also shows like no other I've seen is the reality of loving an artist--one who is consumed by his work, his art, his passion. And how you can be dear to that person but still outside of his world. Added to this, of course, is an obsessive mother-son relationship that somehow comes across as sympathetic. So Novalyne had her work cut out for her, but she also had incredible strength and will forces of her own. Although she doesn't deeply question the conventions of society, she recognizes her debt to them. She achieves much in her own life and refuses to get cynical. And Renee Zellweger embodies her and makes us feel her deep esteem and appreciation for Robert E. Howard. Vincent D'Onofrio is a wonder. You've got to see this movie to appreciate the way he brings the pulp writer to larger than life. D'Onofrio has done many great roles, but I think at this point his portrayal of Robert E. Howard is a career-best. It's a romance, an adventure, a history, and an intrigue all in one, featuring one of the most passionate screen kisses ever, a great score, beautiful vistas, and wondrous performances.
Rating:
Summary: It is true what everyone says about The Kiss
Review: Incredible movie and it really IS the best screen kiss I have EVER seen.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect Movie and unperfect DVD version
Review: As many reviewers here, I happen to watch this movie through the TV without any high expectation. However, the movie proves itself to be such an excellent masterpiece that I immediately decide to buy a copy into my wonderful movie collection. The story, the sence, the actors/actress, the director, everything about the moive is made flawlessly. The only problem I have and strongly wish the distributor to fix is that the DVD version lost many very touching and romantic sences that impress me so much on TV.. I hate whoever did this to a wonderful movie. I searched every store in my local area to find out the VHS or other DVD version of this movie. But unfortunately get nothing. I do wish the distributor can give out a new version of this movie without any edition. Please keep those beautiful sences!!!
Rating:
Summary: Pleasantly Surprised
Review: I just ran across this movie on cable and thoroughly enjoyed it. When Renee Zelleweger thanked Vincent D'Onofrio at the Oscars when she won for her role in "Cold Mountain," I didn't understand why. Now I do. They were brilliant together. I've long been a fan of Vincent D'Onofrio and his work and this film was no exception. It really let me feel what life was like in the 1930s and the frustrations that go with it. Truly a wonderful film.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie, great performances
Review: I just stumbled across this movie when it was on cable. It was riveting. The story itself (which has been described by others here in detail) is interesting and touching and I cannot say enough about the cast's performances. I immediately went online and purchased the DVD and then went to a search engine to find out what I could about Robert Howard and Novalyne Price...truly a fascinating story. Warning...have a tissue or two handy for the ending.
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