Rating: 
Summary: Superb film- DVD transfer marred by poor sound balance.
Review: The film has never looked so exquisite - bright restored colors and the full widescreen. Beware though that original negative sound elements were damaged in reels 1,4 and 5. The dialogue is recorded at very low levels compared to the loud, bright musical track - and the dialogue levels vary from left side of screen to right side of screen. This is something technicians could easily have corrected, but chose not to. Shoddy work from Fox technicians mars what would otherwise have been a great DVD film release.
Rating:
Summary: A Romantic Love Classic Forever
Review: This film is really rather a classical love story that will stay in my heart forever. In my opinion, no one can see this film remaining indifferent or apathetic without feeling the incomparable charm of Ingrid Bergman¡¯s and Yul Brynner¡¯s throughout the story. As I remember, the first time I saw the film, it had already been on for about 1 hour on TV. Even if I didn¡¯t see it completely, I was still fascinated by both the complicated plot of the story and the wonderful performances of the actors/actresses. Some scenes in the film were very humorous. And the music that showed the characteristic of Russia in it also left a deep impression on me. Now I have seen this film for several times, but every time I saw it, it always stirred me a lot. Having seen many other films acted by Bergman or Brynner, I still think ¡®Anastasia¡¯ is the one I like most. Without kisses, embraces or sweet conversations, it would still be a romantic love classic forever. As a woman who roamed the streets, Anna might be the Grand Duchess of Russia or even only a poor, bewildered person. She had suffered terribly for a long time and what she only wanted was being accepted. Since no one cared about her, she even had a feeling suicidal.At the begining,though acting a woman who was in dire straits, Bergman still had a unique noble disposition just like a princess wandering destitute far from home. Then a Russian general saved her and changed her life. He wanted to train her to be Anastasia---the youngest daughter of Russia¡¯s last czar. The only thing attracted him was the ten million pounds. Bergman was weak, tender and gentle, on the opposite, Brynner was stern, hard and sharp. Is there any possibility that she would be able to change him? In the film, there were many excellent details that showed the subtle relation between Anna and Bounine. On the one hand, Anna hated him for his only wish for money, hated his using her for his own purpose, hated his not understanding what she really longed for was. On the other hand, she had fallen in love with him. Therefore, she tried flirting with Prince Paul (her former fiance), trying to make Bounine feel jealous. Bergman¡¯s performance was so subtle, ingenious that make the story much more lively. Even if general Bounine was in love with her in spite of himself, too, he didn¡¯t show any concern on the surface. He wanted the money of the legacy, but he loved her more. He seemed rather fierce, but was kind at heart. How many ¡®contradictions¡¯! The scene that left the deepest impression on me was their last conversation just before the ball. They tried to convey their real feelings to each other. But there were so many problems existing between them. At the end of the story, Anna succeeded in changing him. Money or love? The ending of the story was to be expected but unexpected as well. When Anastasia left from her grandmother again, who was so kind, was so approachable, was the person she had wanted to see for so many years, how sad she was at that moment! I was greatly touched by this scene.... I supposed that Yul Brynner might be a most suitable actor to act the white Russian general. His looks, his expression, his posture, his acting, even his bald head were very great. And he had a quite different glamour that made him always attractive. The performances of the other actors/actresses (especially Helen Hayes and Martita Hunt) were also wonderful ones. Everyone must be deeply moved by Anastasia¡¯s close relation with her grandma particularly. The film was also memorable for the acting of the two main characters. It told us that money and position don¡¯t mean love, happiness and freedom. In the film or in the real life, no matter what Anna was, whether she was real or just an imposter, it doesn¡¯t really matter. The most important thing is that the film showed us a history, a mystery, or even a legend. This film was written, directed and acted very well. When it was made in the 1950s, even my parents had not been born. But time doesn¡¯t mean discrepancy, either. I¡¯ll always love this romantic splendid love story and I¡¯m quite sure that it will be a classic in the film history forever.
Rating:
Summary: A Romantic Love Classic
Review: This film is really rather a classical love story will stay in my heart forever. In my opinion, no one can see this film remaining indifferent or apathetic without feeling the incomparable charm of Ingrid Bergman¡¯s and Yul Brynner¡¯s throughout the story. As I remember, the first time I saw the film, it had already been on for about 1 hour on TV. Even if I didn¡¯t see it completely, I was still fascinated by both the complicated plot of the story and the wonderful performances of the actors/actresses. Some scenes in the film were very humorous. And the music which showed the characteristic of Russia in it also leave a deep impression on me. Now I have seen this film for several times, but every time I saw it, it always moved me a lot. Having seen many other films acted by Bergman or Brynner, I still think ¡®Anastasia¡¯ is the one I like the most. Without kisses, embraces or sweet conversations, it would still be a romantic love classic forever. As a woman who roamed the streets, Anna might be the Grand Duchess of Russia or even only a poor, bewildered person. And what she only wanted was love. Since no one accepted her, no one cared about her, she even had a feeling suicidal. Then a Russian general found her and saved her. He wanted to train her to be Anastasia---the youngest daughter of Russia¡¯s last czar. What only attracted him was the ten million pounds. Bergman was weak, tender and gentle, on the opposite, Brynner was stern, hard and sharp. Is there any possibility that she would be able to change him? In the film, there were many very excellent details that showed the subtle relation between Anna and Bounine. On the one hand, Anna hated him for his only wish for money, hated his using her for his own purpose, hated his not understanding what she really longed for was. On the other hand, she had fallen in love with him. Therefore, she tried flirting with Prince Paul (her former fiance), trying to make Bounine feel jealous. Bergman¡¯s performance was so subtle, ingenious that make the story much more lively. Even if general Bounine was in love with her, too, he didn¡¯t show any concern on the surface. He wanted the money of the legacy, but he loved her more. He seemed rather fierce, but is kind at heart. How many ¡®contradictions¡¯! At the end of the story, Anna succeeded in changing him. The scene which left the deepest impression on me was their last conversation just before the ball. They tried to convey their real feelings to each other. But there were so many problems existing between them. Money or Love? The ending of he story was to be expected but unexpected as well. When Anastasia left from her grandmother again, who was so kind, was so approachable, was the person she had wanted to see for so many years. How sad she was at that moment! I was greatly touched by this scene. In the end, Anna and Bounine ran away to seek for their own happiness renouncing their claim to the money, in spite of the public. I supposed that Yul Brynner might be a most suitable actor to act the white Russian general. His looks, his expression, his posture, his performance, even his bald head were very great. The performances of the other actors/actresses (especially Helen Hayes and Martita Hunt) were also wonderful ones. Everyone must be deeply moved by Anastasia¡¯s close relation with her grandma particularly. The film was also memorable for the acting of the two main characters. The story told us that money or position doesn¡¯t mean love, happiness and freedom. In the film or in the real life, no matter what Anna was, whether she was real or just a imposter, it doesn¡¯t really matter. The most important thing is that the film showed us a history, a mystery, or even a legend. This film was written, directed, acted very well. When it was made in the 1950s, even my parents had not been born. But time doesn¡¯t mean discrepancy, either. I¡¯ll love the romantic splendid love story forever and I¡¯m quite sure that it would always be a classic in the film history forever.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and beautifully done film.
Review: This is a real classic. It has color, mystery, and romance It is a film that would probably appeal to anyone, who likes a good story. Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner make a very lovely and romantic couple. The settings, scenery, costumes, and acting are all very wonderful. It was a well made and directed film, and has been loved through the years.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and beautifully done film.
Review: This is a real classic. It has color, mystery, and romance It is a film that would probably appeal to anyone, who likes a good story. Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner make a very lovely and romantic couple. The settings, scenery, costumes, and acting are all very wonderful. It was a well made and directed film, and has been loved through the years.
Rating:
Summary: Story of Anna Anderson
Review: This is the Best drama movie on the Anasatsia. Yul Brenner is excellent in this movie they chose good actors. This is a has to see movie.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome - the only appropriate word for this film
Review: This movie is amazing, I fell in love with it the first time I saw it. Ingrid Bergman gives a realistic, beautifull interpretation of the tortured, ex-princess. Helen Hayes is also rich and vibrant as the grieving grandmother. What I really loved is Yul Brynner. I was weak in the knees just watching him. This movie officially decided that he is one of the sexiest actors ever. If you haven't seen it, you have missed one of the greatest pictures ever.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent film in all catagories
Review: Whether you believe that one of the Czar's daughter survived the slaughter of the Russian royal family or not, this is a compelling and wonderfully acted film. Based on a Broadway play, this film tells an unforgettable story of a woman rescued from a suicide attempt to be passed off as a Russian princess. Slowly she regains memories of events that could only have happened to the real princess. In order to be accepted as the authentic Anastasia, she must be accepted by her grandmother. The confrontation scene between the Dowager Empress and Anastasia is one of the most wonderful scenes in film history. Ingrid Bergamn and Helen Hayes are superb. Bergman received an Academy Award and Hayes deserved one. There is not a dull moment in this wonderful film. The whole cast is excellent. Yul Brynner proves that he could do more than just the King of Siam, Martita Hunt as the Empress lady-in-waiting provides wonderful comic moments. The whole cast could not be improved upon. This is one film that definitely should be put on DVD. There is one main departure from the Broadway play. In the play Anastasia leaves with the doctor who had treated her in a hospital before Yul Brynner stops her from suicide. This was actually a more satisfying conclusion than having Anastasia go off with Brynner's character, the conman who thought he was passing off a false Anastasia as the real thing. To make this change was simply to make Brynner's character more sympathetic and, I think, works against the film. But, unless the viewer is aware of this change, the film is a wonderful experience and deserves to be in the library of anyone who treasures wonderful performances and great stories.
Rating:
Summary: Bergman and Brynner!
Review: Yul Brynner plays a former Russian general who is looking for a young woman to impersonate Anastasia, the late Czar's daughter. He hopes to convince the Grand Duchess, the head of the royal family in exile, that she is the true hieress, and collect a large reward. He chooses Anna (Ingrid Bergman), recently released from a mental asylum and ready to commit suicide. He trains her in the royal ways, and they prepare for the important meeting with the Grand Duchess, played by Helen Hayes. Anna becomes fond of a Prince whom Anatasia once knew, but she is even more powerfully drawn to the General. Ingrid Bergman played the helpless waif character in many films, and does so wonderfully. She is fragile and confused, and only wants to be loved. Helen Hayes is marvelous as the Grand Duchess, who likewise wants love. She is majestic as well as vulnerable, and the scene where she meets "Anastasia" is quite tender and touching. Yul Brynner's macho presence dominates the film, even when he's off-screen: The scene where we hear, but do not see, a drunken Annastasia flirting with a smoldering General is hot, hot, hot. The theme music is haunting and bittersweet, as is the story. Truth or fiction, it doesn't really matter. It's simply outstanding film making.
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