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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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Rambling, occasionally interesting
In this loose (emphasis on loose, for sure) adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest, John Cassevetes takes on the Prospero role for all it's worth and delivers a piercing performance as Philip Demetrios, successful architect with a failed marriage. He moves with his daughter Miranda (Molly Ringwald in her first film appearance) to a Greek island where he meets the beautiful Aretha Tomalin (Susan Sarandon in the Ariel role) and promptly hooks up with her, as they say.
On hand as well is Raul Julia as Calibanos, a goatherd who exhibits one of the more representative characteristics of "goatness", namely, lust, but also evokes Zorba in his dancing, his use of the term "boss" to refer to Phil, and other stuff; he's utterly convincing as a Greek native. His name is the obvious link to the Shakespeare character.
At 140 minutes, this does tend to ramble in a number of places. But Cassevetes, Sarandon, and Julia are strong enough actors to carry it and make it shine in more places than it rambles. Cassevetes' real-life wife Gena Rowlands is also here as his movie wife; their marriage breaks up, the impetus for his flight to Greece. Rowlands is also very good, as is Vittorio Gassman as Rowlands' new lover--who, as it turns out, is Phil's boss in New York City before Phil's departure. The director, Paul Mazursky, shows up as a movie producer (big stretch...).
If you don't mind a laid back script that lets the characters talk about a lot of stuff that is not necessarily punchy, then this is the movie for you. It's not bad, but in my opinion, could have been tightened up by at least 20 minutes, more like half an hour. Not bad at all--but not great.
Rating: 
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Subtle hilarity!
Set on a beautiful Greek Island, this somewhat surreal plotline is the perfect vehicle for outstanding performances by John Cassavetes and Raul Julia.
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YES! Finally out on DVD !!
This movie is one of the most entertaining I've ever watched.
I've waited years for it's release. I've asked for it many times
over the years in the video stores and no one has ever had a copy.
Do yourself a favor and rent or buy this one ....... it's a pearl!
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Cassavettes & Co. "Show Us The Magic!"
A brilliant adaptation of Shakespeare's play. The ensemble cast of regulars from the glory days Cassavettes' independent films are well represented - included the ageless Gena Rowlands. Casting Raul Julia as Calibanos was inspired. He creates a hilarious and utterly humane character that is as over-sexed and under-loved as it gets. However, part of director Paul Mazursky's "magic" is to blend the "independents" with Hollywood. Susan Sarandon and Molly Ringwald round out this pitch perfect ensemble cast. This version of "The Tempest" is among the best adaptations of Shakespeare on DVD today. Contrast it with Peter Greenaway's "Prospero's Books" to see how versatile this play really is.
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Just a great movie
I first saw this movie in the 80's when it came out on VHS. At that time the picture quality was not great but the story was. Good story, good music (sinatra) and beautiful locations. Susan Sarandon was just georgous and even Molly Ringwald was cute. Makes you want to go the Greece and live on an island. The DVD picture makes it even better.
