Rating: Summary: A simple classic Review: I don't care if you like it or if you don't like, just watch it and love it!
Rating: Summary: race sex and class Review: South Pacific, the movie, is a fascinating sociological snapshop of 1950's white America's racism and ignorance of other cultures. The absurdities (such as interchanging cliches and visual cues from Africa, Vietnam, Aleut, etc. culture in the depiction of Tongan and South Pacific life) would be hilarious, if it were not so pathetic that most Americans then and now in the 21st C probably still don't know the differences. The ignorance goes beyond that of non-white culture. The casting of an actor with a thick Italian accent -who in different garb would fit well on the Sopranos set - for a Frenchman is nearly as absurd as casting a lithe French / Vietnamese actress dressed in a white silk mandarin collared top, as a Tongan - a people not known for their svelteness or their east asian attire. Meanwhile, Liat's nearl naked male cohorts are elsewhere shown doing the wild native thing - only they look racially and tribally as if they came right out of Africa.The subtle or not so subtle (depending if one is colored or white ) message is that Tongan (in casting actually depicted as "oriental" or any non black colored women) when young are exotic, submissive sex objects who will not need more than a half minute to jump into the arms of and bed of a white guy from the Philadelphia main line and Princeton. Their moms, even in Tonga, know a good catch, and Bloody M. makes no secret that hitching her daughter to this white guy is a way to move up in this world. ( While the inter-racial thing may have been a daring foray into forbidden sexual love in the 50s, this movie may have marked the beginning of what is now the ubiquitous white rice king phenomenon that started on elite college campuses in the early seventies.) Enough about race. Now gender. That a sophisticated European would be interested in Mitzi Gaynor's character is beyond credibility. The vapidity and sickening perkiness, not to mention extreme racism - even for an American - would in reality have been a total turn-off to the European. Plus, Mitzi is pretty darn chunky and dorky looking. With regard to the other romance in the move, yes one can easily see the sexual attraction between Cable and Liat. But how can Cable mistake that lust for love??? Someday Liat would look like Bloody Mary. Then what? Happy talk? Altogether, this is a very entertaining movie.
Rating: Summary: Disappointing Treatment of a Classic Show Review: I saw this film about 2 years ago, and was not impressed. I tried to watch it again last night and was thoroughly disappointed. What is a great and moving show on stage becomes one big thudding dud of a film. One of Rogers & Hammerstein's best scores is lost amid this wan cast. Mitzy Gaynor is far too earnest and perky, though she can sing. Rosanno Brazzi is pretty right-on casting - sensual and sexy; one can understand why a younger woman would fall for him; I echo the sentiments about John Kerr - not exactly the type one envisions as the great lover. Ray Walston is an embarassment as the "comic" lead. The use of the color filters is distracting beyond tolerance. Apparently, Logan wanted to elminate them, but there wasn't time or money. I look forward to seeing this classic on stage to do justice to how wonderful it can be with the right elements.
Rating: Summary: vintage movie watcher Review: "South Pacific" is a beautifully filmed, acted, scripted movie, that will take your breath away! The acters and actresses are superb! The movie is a must see for all ages, especially, vintage movie fans! I loved this movie, I cried in certain scenes, and I am a man! The movie has blend of romance, action, mystery, comedy, and drama. It's a movie you will not forget; and a great musical. I highly recommend it!
Rating: Summary: A Long History of Enjoyment Review: When I was a student at Hilo High School in Hawai'i in 1961, our chorus put on South Pacific: the first such ambitious project done at the school. I saw it several times in double-casted performances, and came to bond with the story and its characters. Then I got to see it on TV and DVD: the most recently two days ago. The story is great, the acting is great (Maltin may disagree). The stage version of course has its physical limitations, which the film is able to overcome. The one character that showed up better (funnier) on stage was Luther, played by Douglas Conol, who passed away recently. May this film be a tribute to his memory and to all those other actors in the flim and on stage who have gone before us.
Rating: Summary: My favorite musical Review: Don't listen to the criticisms of the color filters -- they are a reflection of the movie's stage heritage and I think they are done effectively. The setting, the music, the storyline, and the moral point are all artfully woven together to create a movie masterpiece. This is one of my favorite movie's of all time and my top choice among many outstanding musicals. If you have a heart for racial equality, shoot -- if you have a heart at all, you're gonna love this one.
Rating: Summary: Once you have found him, never let him go. Review: Believe this or not, but the first time i saw this movie i was a kid and my parents took us to the drive in movie, and it was actually shown in 70mm. The picture quality on that huge screen was the most brilliant i ever saw but of course the sound was from those tinny window units, but it was enjoyable enough. I saw re-issues of this movie from time to time and ran this at my theatre back in the early 90's also in 70mm but this time in 6 channel magnetic stereo sound. A BIG difference.Now this film is available for me to watch on my large-screen TV in DVD and on my THX Sound System and it is WONDERFUL.One of the things i like the most about "South Pacific" is the color tint that is used on some of the musical numbers. For some reason it's a very nice touch and gives you that warm feeling all over. The DVD is also presented in it's Roadshow format with Overture, Intermission, Entr'ce, and exit music. The acting in this version is wonderful but please don't get it mixed up with the Glen Close made-for-TV version. I love Glen, she's a very gifted actress, great voice for this movie, but the production itself is horrible. I call it "South Pacific Confused." Please stick to this version with Mitzi Gaynor and Rossano Brazzi. This is truly a breathtaking classic.
Rating: Summary: Great Movie, Great Songs ... but we need a Karaoke soundtrac Review: I love this movie. The plot is a bit cheesy now but it does the trick in glueing all the songs together. The songs are excellent, you'd already know them all, they are that famous. Judging from the previous reviews the stage version must have been a lot different but that was well before my time. I also never knew most of the voices were dubbed until I read these reviews. The only thing that is lacking is the karaoke soundtrack, what could be more fun than belting out all these classic songs ourselves?
Rating: Summary: Very memorable Review: Absolutely one of the best musical films I've ever seen! I fall in love with it every time I see it! I've heard the music all my life, but only saw the film for the first time about 5 years ago.I only have two critcisms, and they are - They ruined some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen by putting colored lenses on the camera. 2- As many times as I have seen the film, I still wish for a happy ending.
Rating: Summary: South Pacific is a must own VHS for all collectors Review: No collection will be complete without South Pacific in it. A rare classic.
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