Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful in every way
Review: Robert Mulligan hardly directed any films of note, which is what makes To Kill a Mockingbird such a pleasant surprise. It is a stunning film, a fable of fear and prejudice told with striking visual flair. The haunting shadows and eerie hues of Russell Harlan's camerawork evoke the myths and nocturnal fears of childhood, and Elmer Bernstein's quintessentially American score supplements the imagery well, creating a film laden with atmosphere.Harper Lee's story follows a lawyer (Atticus Finch) who puts himself on the line to defend a black man accused of rape in the 1930s deep south, told through the eyes of his two children, who are on a journey of their own to overcome some lesser prejudices of their own. The young Mary Badham and Philip Alford give excellent performances. The subject matter is bold for the time, and there is little evidence of the kind of bowdlerization that plagued many other films of the same, and an earlier, era. The heart of the film is very simple: It wants very earnestly to show us that prejudice and bigotry are nothing but those childhood fears, borne of ignorance, and resolved by those brave enough to step beyond the barriers, confronting their fears, and, in so doing, finding that differences are nothing to be scared of.
Rating:
Summary: Loving Treatment of A True American Classic
Review: Everyone who has ever taken high school English classes will no doubt be familiar with Harper Lee's time honored story. As is mentioned in the accompanying DVD, Fearfull Symmetry, it is second only to the Bible in the hearts and minds of U.S. readers. This is probably also the most often-shown film in said classrooms. No need to reshash the story-line, then. This DVD set offers an excellent transfer of the famed black and white cinematography of the prolific Russel Harlan. It's a real treat to hear from so many of the people who were involved in the production, from the producer, Alan J. Pakula, to the now grown actors who played Scout and Jim. The audience gains great insights into what made this film so special, not only to the legions of its admiring fans, but to everyone involved in creating it. We learn the scenes that Horton Foote, the screenwriter added from the book to advance character development (the scene showing Atticus putting Scout to bed and her questioning Jim about their mother as Atticus overhears them from the porch, was not in the book, for instance). We get to hear from Elmer Bernstein talk about the genesis of his unforgettable soundtrack. Due credit is also given to Stephen Frankfurt, for his highly creative and original title design, which sets the tone so beatifully for the rest of the film. There is no question that this is director Robert Mulligan's greatest film, nor that in his portrayal of Atticus Finch, Gregory Peck found the role most perfectly suited to his character and rock-solid persona. This is a film about integrity, essentially, and there is not a false moment in the film. This compilation should be included in any film collector's library. I hope it continues to be shown in English classes until time immemorial. It's message and its relevance to the human condition will never go out of style, one hopes. Major Praise to Universal Studios and to all those involved in assembling this perfect DVD special edition. BEK
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie!
Review: This movie was shown to my 10th grade english class upon the completion of our "To Kill A Mockingbird" novel unit (that goes without saying, really). Most of my class didn't enjoy the film, but me being the old movie lover that I am, I instantly fell in love with the movie. I would recommend this movie to anyone who has read the book, or who is looking to read the book. The movie did leave out several important parts of the book, but nonetheless, it is a great American classic. I highly recommend this movie to anyone, and the DVD special features are great!
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Movies of All Times
Review: This is one of my personal favorite movies based on one of my favorite books. The cast has done a terrific job bringing the book to the screen. The movie revolves around Scout, a young girl who finds her family in the middle of a scandal that rocks her entire town. This book offers many lessons to be learn about standing firm in your beliefs, the love of family and friends and the importance of equality. Scout's father, Atticus represents the father figure that every impressionable child needs - full of love for his children and worthy of their respect. The actions of many of the townspeople demonstrate how fickle people can be. The message will teach you to open your heart and mind to the world around you.
Rating:
Summary: A classic!
Review: If you haven't seen this movie, then you should. And if you haven't read the book, you should. Rarely has a great classic of literature been so perfectly cast and so perfectly transformed to screen. Harper Lee's nostalgic look at life in 1930's Alabama is a lazy walk in yesteryear that somehow gets hold of you and has you on the edge of your seat. I read the book and watch the movie at least once a year and I still love it. The characterizations were perfectly done in the book and very well imitated in the movie. Gregory Peck makes the perfect Atticus and you are amazed at how well the children played the parts. You'll laugh as the children try to figure out how to get reclusive "Boo" Radley out of his house (leave a trail of lemon drops and he'll follow it, eating them) or get a message in to him (put a note on the end of a fishing pole). Yet you find yourself crying when you realize how much he must have loved them and tried to protect them. Interwoven in all this is the story of racial prejudice in the old south and it's effect on the children, their father and the town. It's a powerful story in a slow, summer-in-the-south kind of way. Definitely a keeper!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best films of the sixities
Review: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is a classic, a masterpiece, and one of the best films of the sixties. Gregory Peck is at his best here, and although his character is the star, the film is told through the eyes of his two children. It's simply a great film. You should definately rent it. Never mind. BUY IT.
Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest movies ever
Review: What can anyone say about this movie except that it's perfection itself! With outstanding performances from all the actors, especially Gregory Peck. For having very little time on the screen I think Robert Duvall was amazing as Boo Radley, he was everything I ever pictured Boo to be without having so much as one line, he was absolutely terrific! The children in the film also give wonderful performances and I think overall it's one of the best movies ever made. Don't miss this one!
Rating:
Summary: This Story Should Be Required Reading AND Viewing
Review: The film adaptation of Harper Lee's classic novel is spellbindingly wonderful. Gergory Peck is at his absolute best as Atticus Finch and the rest of the cast is equally impressive.
The DVD also includes a documentary on the making of the film -- Fearful Symmetry -- that includes interviews with cast members.
The analog-to-digital transfer of the film is first rate. There is no loss of picture quality and no pixelization that is so obvious in many other film transfers. And despite the colored images on the box, the film remains in it original, glorious black and white.
Rating:
Summary: Touching,inspiring film
Review: I first saw"TKAM" back in the 60's when it came out.I had read the book first,and was anxious to see it on film.I wasn't disappointed.The cast is perfect.I think this is Mr.Peck's finest film.The dignity and grace he instills in the character of Atticus is inspiring.And it inspired a whole generation of kids(I was 14 when it came out)who turned out to be social workers,lawyers,and activists in the fight for equal rights.This is one of the best films you will ever have the privilege to see. (Look for Robert Duvall in one of his first roles.)
Rating:
Summary: As Good As It Gets
Review: I read the book when I was a young man. When the movie came out in 1962 or so, I paid my $.75 to see it on the silver screen. Even though I was still pretty young, its brilliance was not lost on me. It is simply one of the best books and movies that has been produced. Period.
Atticus is the focal character, but the story is told through the eyes of one of his children. One can almost get lost in her voice as she tells how the small town of Maycomb came of age one summer and fall.
The race relations that we struggle with today were being struggled with in those years depicted in this story. Wonderful story-telling at its best.
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