The Razor's Edge

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN MOVIE HISTORY
Review: THIS IS A MOVIE THAT IS GUARANTEED TO BE A GREAT DISCOVERY. I HAVE WATCHED THE RAZOR,S EDGE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS. IT NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME. EACH TIME VIEWED I DISCOVER SOMETHING NEWER AND DEEPER. I BEG EVERYONE WHO INTRESTED IN THIS MOVIE , LETS WRITE ,CALL ,COMPLAIN, WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO GET THIS FILM OUT ON DVD. THANKS TO ALL

Rating:
Summary: An Underrated Movie
Review: First off I think Murray was excellent, I believe he intended to keep his portrayal of Larry Darrell a bit aloof or understated. I think one of the most interesting scenes of the movie is when Darrell is holding his friend and mentor (can't remember his name) who is dying in the foxhole after having just saved Larry's life. I have always liked to believe a rumor that Murray used the death of John Belushi for inspiration during that scene. Anyways I read the book years ago and love to watch this movie over and over again. I pray it comes out on DVD soon.

Rating:
Summary: A truly exceptional movie--an all time favorite--must see!
Review: If you are an intelligent viewer who is looking for a significant and possibly mind expanding movie event then "The Razor's Edge" is for you. It has remained one of my favorite films for fifteen years, and I have owned it and replayed it many times. If you look at the viewer feedback for this film you will find that the vast majority of people rate is as "Excellent" (76% of imdb raters give it a 10/10 rating) those who fail to see it's qualities can be divided fairly equally into the "don't get it" camp (Unlike the typical Hollywood lowest denominator flick, the minimum IQ for viewing is Razor's Edge is probably 100, and that leaves ½ the population out) and the "disappointed" crowd, who have so typecast the star (Bill Murray) that they wanted "Caddyshack" and just can't allow him to be a serious actor. You must set aside you prejudices and give the man a chance-Bill Murray is a Harvard grad, he co-wrote the screen play-this was a labor of love for him. Just because he has a sense of humor does NOT make him a lightweight, as this film demonstrates for anyone with the eyes to see it. Based upon the 1942 W. Somerset Maugham novel, it follows the evolution of a spoiled upper class boy from Illinois (Larry, Bill Murray), who volunteers to be an ambulance driver in WW I for a little "fun and adventure" and instead gets a dose of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). His world was forever changed by the events he experienced. He literally could not go home again after the war. He tried, and found the lives of those around him to be shallow and meaningless, and their pursuits and interests just trivial. There had to be a reason why he was here, and this sets the stage for the real point of the movie, which is an exploration of the meaning of life. (I told you it wasn't Caddyshack!) Obsessed with these existential issues, and finding that alcohol did not make the need go away, Larry travels to Paris, and starts to read, serious books on philosophy and religion, supporting himself as a laborer. He does not care much for his surroundings-his lack of materialism is in marked contrast to his peers and friends from before, whose dreams are to grow wealthy in the stock market. An early Bohemian. I found this particularly poignant: to watch this movie that foreshadowed the tech boom and bust, and realize a whole new crass materialistic generation's world was just as rocked by a stock market crash AFTER this movie was made! His fiancée could not deal with this, and left him, to marry someone she did not love but who had money. Another contrast to the shallow and materialistic, which is a recurring theme throughout the film-what brings happiness to a man? Larry's journey took him to India, and Hindu religion, and then on to Tibet to discover Buddha-the scenes filmed there are absolutely breathtaking, so I hope you can find a letterbox laserdisc or they finally bring this out on DVD-it is worth it to see the whole screen. There is romance, and love, and loss. I won't reveal the ending, which is truly bittersweet, and a bit nihilistic. This is truly the best thing this fine actor ever accomplished, and I rate it a strong "10". This should have won many awards, and should also be considered a true classic; I am disappointed in my fellow man that they so typecast the star that they could not see what a great contribution he made with this effort here. Not light fare, and a long film, but one worth seeing.

Rating:
Summary: Ricky's thoughts on The Razor's Edge
Review: The Razor's Edge in my opinion is a movie that focus' on a life(Larry), in a time of change and confusion. It is an execellent depiction of how a life can change through tragedy. Larry has been put in an aweful situation, but miraculously, changes his life for the better, becoming a well rounded man. It is an excellent movie. Larry has found a new person within himself that he never knew existed, and now is helping others to do the same. He wants others to experience what he has, and if looking for a movie to lift your spirits, this is an excellent film that I recommend

Rating:
Summary: This movie is a conundrum
Review: The number of stars you give this movie have no meaning without the background of the reviewer.

Some people watched this movie because it had Bill Murray in it. For them there is no hope, as they are the type to watch Evita (1996) ASIN: 6304806418 just because it has Madonna in it. There is on hope of objectivity. They would give Porky Pig five stars for plying Trigger.

Some People only saw this version ASIN: 6302800498 and not letting this just be a Bill Murray movie actually got something out of this. They usually give it five stars.

Other people read the book ISBN: 1561005878and/or grew up on the Tyrone Power version ASIN: 6303333079. After the initial shock, they have the most chance to be objective.

We know this is not the book. The question is did the message come through and did it hold your attention. The smartest thing that could possibly be done was not to try to copy the Tyron Power version. On a good day Bill just doesn't look or act like Tyron. If you are looking for some one that looks like the book Larry Darrell, forget it.

However this movie took the time and energy to place you in the war. So you can get a feel for the question Larry asks and not just be an observer. Larry's evolvement with Sophie MacDonald once again takes you out of the realm of an observer. Possibly to save time and enforce the "you are there" feel, W. Somerset Maugham was completely removed from the story. I really like Anne Baxter but I have to say that Theresa Russell made an excellent Sophie MacDonald

Bottom line if you have nothing to compare the movie with it is watchable and insightful. However it is missing the Razor's Edge.

Rating:
Summary: As silly & pretentious & empty as a movie can get...
Review: I loved the book when I was 14. It was my first taste of eastern mysticism and the power of the mind over the body. I particularly fell for the coin trick & practiced it endlessly. At 16 I saw the first movie version & fell under the spell of Tyrone Powers dark dreamy eyes. Well into adulthood I saw this silly thing & was deeply embarrassed. For myself, for its audience, especially for anyone associated with its production. Bill Murray is Bill Murray. He stands there & does his deadpan thing. No Larry Darrell he.

Rating:
Summary: An amazing movie
Review: The amazing part of the movie is its messages that for some reason, you just "get," and you understand completely. There were at least three times during the movie where I broke out into a giggle, because I understood the message, and when I tried to explain it to those watching it with me, I just got odd looks.

It's a profound movie on a number of levels, but if you're looking for a "message" movie like Denzel Washington's "The Siege," or a Bill Murray movie like "Ghostbusters," you're looking in the wrong place. It's a very introspective movie, and if you're not into those, You won't enjoy "The Razor's Edge."

Rating:
Summary: Slow but oddly moving
Review: I'd like to see Isabel slaughtered. Never in my life have I ever hated a fictional character like I do her.

While you don't get much insight into what spiritual awakenings Bill Murray's character is going through the impression of these episodes works fairly well for me.

For those who'd rather shirk the good job to escape the superficial clowns that infest the working world this movies is a must.

Rating:
Summary: AWESOME!
Review: If you enjoy true drama,very light comedy(Not the usuall Bill Murray variety at all) and do not mind a slightly tragic end this film is definately for you. That was all of the bad stuff. The good stuff is Bill Murray in a serious role that he pulls off without a hitch. The movie gives you pause to reflect upon yourself and almost compells you to examine your everyday actions-days after you have finished the movie. It is a movie about a person in search of himself and his attonement, and it's effect on others around him. The ending as forementioned is a little tragic, but as life generally is, it is quite beliveable.After you watch this movie you will definately want to share it with a friend.

Rating:
Summary: Don't bother!
Review: Do yourself a favor and see the 1946 adaptation with Tyrone Power. This version is just dreadful. The casting makes no sense and the characters are butchered. I like Katherine Hicks but she just doesn't make a convincing Isabelle. Theresa Russell as Sophie is the only cast member that could have pulled off her character but with this script and ensemble she is wasting her effort. Bill Murray as Larry Darrell is the worst idea anyone has had in a long time? What a mess this is! I could hardly sit through it. W Sommerset Maugham wrote an amazing story. The 1946 movie does it justice but this one doesn't even come close.