Rating: 
Summary: A Quiet Film That Speaks Volumes
Review: The first thing that captured me when I inserted the DVD was the music by composer Pierre Foldes that plays at the title screen. It made me hope that L.I.E. would deliver. I dove into the added features first, including the movie's trailer. Upon playing the feature I was a bit leery when I heard the first words by Howie (Paul Dano) at the very beginning. I thought it might be a movie saturated with narration, but it wasn't at all. Let me cut right to the chase: L.I.E. grabbed me and held my attention from start to finish. At some stages I wondered where this disturbingly well- written and acted movie would go. I became uneasy at times as the story developed, but wanted to watch completely before making an opinion. At just a few different moments it was predictable. But director Michael Cuesta still managed to blend everything well. I have yet to watch L.I.E. with the commentaries, but I plan to after submitting this. And I plan to add this movie to my list of essential films. It is an intelligent movie. I empathized with Howie; his character unfolded in some surprising ways. Most of the characters who know Howie have prejudged him without bothering to sincerely want to understand him. And he spends the movie discovering himself, eventually getting help of the most unlikely friend. The filming by DP Romeo Tirone had some nice, but simple visual moments. A very quiet film that spoke volumes. The DVD showed some evidence of what looks like Macrovision protection lines in some of the dark scenes. You may see them if you choose to make your monitor slightly brighter to view some of the dimly- lit scenes. In addition to the trailer there are deleted scenes, an audio option to listen to the commentary of Cuesta or of actor Brian Cox (Big John), plus an option to watch other trailers of movies from New Yorker Video, which has been in existence since 1965. They have added some info about the company that you can read by going past the additional trailers area. ***Spoilers revealing the movie's unfolding theme, but essential reading for those who are sensitive on topics about youths*** There are suggestive themes of homosexuality and child molestation, which was why the movie was blackballed with an NC-17 rating (preventing its widespread theatrical release). If you decide to view and watch more than half the movie, I urge you to view the rest. I don't want to give away too much.... Let's just say that L.I.E. really pushed the emotional envelope on some taboo subjects but didn't go overboard, IMO. It's hard to describe how I like the film, but it's a must- see. No gratuitous violence, pyrotechnics, or special effects.
Rating:
Summary: Complex And Daring
Review: "L.I.E." is one of the most underrated movie in 2001. Its complex and daring storyline has a lot of depth that forces the audience to think clearly about the scenes and what's truly happening. The plot was written brilliantly. Its combination of two different stories connect as one beautifully: a boy, Howie, struggling with many demons in his life and a pedophile, "Big John", in action. Its graphic nature deserves the producers tremendous respect for exploring what few others have dared. The eyeopening scenes begin as Howie walk along the Long Island Expressway ledge. Many twists and turns occur, keeping the audience interested, especially Howie's yearning for a deeper relationship with his male best friend and his struggles against his newly widowed father's neglect. After Howie and his best friend burglarize "Big John's" house, the film's complexity builds up to the end, and lots of irony from the first half is discovered. Paul Dano makes a triumphant acting debut as Howie. He pours every drop of heart and soul through his character. Such quality proves that he will become a big-name celebrity in the near future. Brian Cox plays "Big John" brilliantly. Despite many not liking the character, he plays one of the best pedophiles in independant film history. All other actors, major or minor, also play their roles wonderfully. Dano and Cox are to be most noted for their highly daring movie roles, deserving tremendous respect as actors. "L.I.E." is a great film for those looking for something unique. This is an unforgettable experience. Those interested in watching this film should watch the unrated or the NC-17 rated version. The R-rated eliminates some important details, though still excellent. Most must watch this more than once to further understand the events. All will be glad they did.
Rating:
Summary: Stunningly Beautiful, A masterpiece
Review: L.I.E. is a movie that will leave you breatheless, and speechless. The end has a twist that you would of never imagined, yet you want to see more.
Howie is a very smart young boy who is in the process of finding who and what he is. He gets involved with some kids that are nothing but neglected, problematic teenagers and as a result, he ends up getting in trouble.
Big John is an Ex-Marine spy who likes young boys and becomes almost instantly attracted to Howie whom had broken in his house with one of his "friends."
Howie is neglected by his father, who has a girlfriend who is good for nothing but sex. His mother died in a car accident so he is left at the merci of the world. Howie's dad gets arrested by the FBI towards the end of the movie, and big John takes care of him. To my surprise, he does not take advantage of Howie who was vulnerable at that point.
This movie is a must buy! It will teach you a lot about how we should appreciate life, and take care of those whom we love and cherish.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best I've seen...
Review: While the subject matter may be contravercial the overall story is well told, directed and acted. This comeing of age story left little in the way of questions about what was going on and was at times fast paced. I enjoyed the way "Big John" treated his young friend/psuedo-adopted "son" after learning that the youngsters biological father was incarcerated and his mother was deceased. Over all it's a very good movie, but not recommended for those under 16.
Rating:
Summary: L.I.E. Is Great
Review: Having seen this movie, I think that it is one of the best movies ever. Paul Dano and Billy Kay are great together. Also look for Brian Cox to mix things up. This movie is superb in telling the story of a man and a boy and how their live cross. Look for some hard lessons and some risky behavior in this movie. I like the bathroom scene with Kay and his .... It reminds me of time that I spent with my high school friends.
Rating:
Summary: L.I.E. Review
Review: L.I.E. is an excellent movie. I think that it really gives it's viewers a reality check. It shows that no one's life is perfect. I would highly recommend this film. Paul Dano gives an amazing performance as Howie Blitzer, a young teen who is befreided by Big John (Brian Cox) after breaking into his house with his friends. This movie has caused conterversy on what is should be rated. It was given a NC-17 by the MPAA, but then was given a R rating at movie stores, because 87 seconds of the film were cut out by Lot 47 in order for it to achieve this rating.
Over all L.I.E. is such a wonderful film. It would be worth going out and renting the editing version from video stores, or getting the un-cut version form Amazon.
Rating: 
Summary: A big L.I.E!
Review: So now we're meant to feel sorry for child molesters? He wasn't such a bad guy after all? What next, the Tenia for president? It's political correctness gone mad.
Rating: 
Summary: A touching story that should be watched
Review: Other reviewers have given the plot synopsis, so I'll spare that. But this is a wonderful movie about a controversial subject--intimacy between a teen and a an adult. Paul Dano gives an excellent performance and a very believeable one. (He is a handsome young man too.) On the surface, people may miss the point that this movie is really about friendship and not sex and gives a redeeming quality to the older man (Brian Cox). This movie is not to edify pedophilia, or make it okay. But what is wrong with with caring relationship with another human being that doesn't have to focus to sex? I'm glad this film was made to present another reality of life that really exists. I gave this movie a 4.5 which isn't possible by this rating system, but decided not to round up. The only thing I didn't like was the Hollywood ending--why does someone always have to go to jail and/or die to make a movie? Definately an under rated film that should be viewed.
Rating:
Summary: An in depth look....
Review: I admit that this was a good movie, not exactly what i expected. It had a lot of twists and turns. Not exactly and "edge-of-your-seat" movie. It shows the depth of the teen-agers feeling and emotions. Espically all that this kid goes through. A lot of kids that would have been in his situation would have committed suicide. It shows strength, courage, and endurance. Shows the light and dark of the teens life today, dealing with pressure, sexual identity and what not. Great movie. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: L.I.E. shows the truth!
Review: I see a lot of "gay story" films and although I am not at all comfortable with the idea of a young boy being with an old man, this film shows how it can happen and it does. If the "old man" staring in this film was to go to court for having sex with the boy he (with no doubt) would be convicted as a child molester. But if a jury saw this film and how it happened it would most likely return with a message to the judge recommending no punishment.
Besides all that, the movie is very well done with a great story line and beautiful color along with good camera work and great acting. Wow! I really suck as a reviewer. Just trust me... anyone would like this movie gay or straight! By the way, it has some really hot youngs guys and shows what goes on in the N.J. Turnpike rest areas! The Daytona Beach Guy!
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