Reviews

I didn't view this film until today because I simply wasn't interested in women in boxing; however, I wish I'd seen it years ago! Hillary Swank can never make another film and this one would be her crowning glory. It takes you on a wild ride of emotions from the beginning and Clint Eastwood's curmudgeon self is part of it all. Naturally, the "voice of God" in Morgan Freeman is there to explain it all and give some meaning to what each of the characters fell. By now, everyone knows the ending but I still won't spoil it for late-comers to the film like myself. I do believe much has been made about it and it's unnecessary. Yes, you will be torn about what is morally right but you can certainly understand how Eastwood's and Swank's characters feel! Please see this film. You will understand pugilism more than ever before and you just might see some of your own self in the film! It is well worth the time!

I don't know if there's been a more perfect made-for-TV movie than this one! If you've ever been involved in a corporate takeover, and I have, you know how perfect this film is. This was the largest corporate takeover in history at the time and the personalities involved are no different today than they were back then. In fact, many of them, particularly Henry Kravis, are still involved in this sort of thing. (I wouldn't want to have to go up against Kravis in a takeover, as few have ever won when KKR was in the mix.) One other reviewer said this film was the "zenith of greed" and it was in the '80s but this sort of greed is exactly what has led to the downfall of Wall Street here in the late-'2000s too! James Garner is perfect in this film, as he is in most anything he acts in, and he truly steals this film from the other actors. Jonathan Pryce is exactly what Henry Kravis is, conniving, brilliant and evil. What really makes this worth watching is the writing skill of Larry Gelbart - a real genius at verbal machinations of all sorts. My favorite line from the film is about the "healthy" cigarette and James Garner delivers! "This cigarette tastes like a turd!" - still cracks me up! If you haven't seen this film, please do sit back and enjoy a priceless bit of entertainment. If you haven't read the book, please find it and read it. Both the film and the book are worth every minute you will spend!

I suppose in this day & age the story in "Fanny" will appear dated and not at all relevant but it remains filled with lessons of life. I too saw this as a young girl and it remains one of my all-time favorite movies. My favorite scene is Charles Boyer lighting a match, blowing it out and telling his son, Marius, that a woman's honor is like the match - it can only be used once. Today, when we have such a plethora of unwed mothers and young girls who think nothing of being "Friends With Benefits," this must sound very trite; however, it has a great deal of relevance as to self-respect and Fanny understands that.

The marriage of Panisse and Fanny, while one of mutual benefit - she saves her family from the shame of having an unwed mother in their midst, Panisse gains a son to inherit his money and business - is always one of respect and a certain kind of love almost unheard of today. Quelle dommage! You cannot find better acting than that of Boyer and Chevalier in this film. Horst Bucholtz is gorgeous and Caron is the perfect young girl in love with him. The cinematography is incredibly beautiful.

Perhaps, it is my longing for the days Fanny lives in but the world was a much better place when words like 'honor' meant something! If you have sons, they should see this movie. If you have daughters, MAKE them see this film!

As someone else commented, this is a feel-good movie. It's got glorious scenery and the wonder-filled voice of Luciano! I've seen this movie many times and just saw it again this afternoon. I'd forgotten how much I miss Pavarotti's singing of Nessun Dorma and I need to get out the CD! It's a great movie to just while away the afternoon engrossed in fun and reverie. Eddie Albert is grand as the agent and a bit over the top, but all agents are just that anyway. The Italian countryside is gorgeous but nothing tops the balloon ride for the perfect view. If you need acting of Olivier proportion, this movie isn't for you. If you just want a flight of fancy and some wonderful music, watch this film. Just enjoy!

I saw this gem on IFC and I was happy to see others enjoyed this movie as much as I have. It's a quirky premise but so well-acted that you fall under its spell in a very short time. It's also beautifully photographed, btw. Roth is a first-rate actor and uses his skills to the fullest here.

The one point I couldn't digest was the lack of loneliness displayed by 1900 (main character's name from his being born in 1900). Through most of the movie, he's obviously in his early 30s but never says a thing about his living in such isolation. Perhaps, as it's the only thing he's ever known, he just doesn't know what could be his in the outside world.., One of the highlights of the movie is the piano duel between the character acting as Jelly Roll Morton and 1900. It's really something to see and I'd love to know whose hands were doing the actual playing, as it was phenomenal.

An excellent movie for a rainy day afternoon or, for that matter, anytime at all!

I don't get this looking for hidden meanings, etc. in the movies these days. How on earth do you ever enjoy a movie if you're constantly hyperventilating over what this or that "means?" Existentialism just isn't meant to be practiced when you're out to simply escape and enjoy a movie. This is definitely not rocket science! I happened on this movie on a Sunday afternoon and really liked the performances of Spacey and DeVito (can't recall NOT enjoying any performances by either of these two!). The writer(s) actually gave them something to say and it was worth listening to, particularly the last fifteen minutes. A little "foor for thought" doesn't hurt anyone if given in small doses and just now and then. This movie provides just that. I was struck by the relevancy of what was said to today's headlines, particularly the comments made by DeVito's character re conversations trying to convince people of Godly points of view being ad men's pitches. Amen!

Actually, this movie is better than most, with a good deal of the credit going to the myriad cast of star-quality actors. I suspect it was part of the Hollywood WWII propaganda stable but the story still resonates today and, just maybe, provides a cautionary tale as well.

Interesting seeing a young and slim Jackie Gleason (billed as Jackie C. Gleason) and noting this was just one of seven movies he was in in 1942! Bogart had perfected his small-town crook role by the time this movie came out. He unwittingly gets involved in a Nazi spy ring and it all begins with his love of a cheesecake made by an old man who is found murdered. The chase for the killer(s) is on...

You cannot watch this movie without smiling at the antics of Frank McHugh, the character actor who endeared himself to many during the 30s and 40s.

Conrad Veidt is phenomenally evil as the Nazi spy and it's important to remember this man actually fled from Germany to reside in England and America, giving all of his monies and salaries to the British Government to fight the Nazi menace. He is always good in the Nazi genre but it surely must have galled him to play these roles on so many occasions when he despised the very people he portrayed. His interaction with the imperious Judith Anderson (later, Dame Judith Anderson) is actually a la film noir at its best.

Excellent cast brings this movie up a notch from the formulaic movies during WWII and this one is well worth watching.