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The Natural
1984
Farm boy Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) is the best baseball player anyone has ever seen. His bat, handmade from the wood of a tree felled by lightning following the death of his father, is magic in his hands. But before his career can start, the mysterious Harriet Bird (Barbara Hershey) inexplicably shoots him, sidelining him for .. Read more
| Starring | Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger |
|---|---|
| Director | Barry Levinson |
| Genres | Drama |
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Critics' reviews (4)
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Based on Bernard Malamud's 1952 novel, this is a wistful and often memorable look at the world of baseball by Diner and Rain Man director Barry Levinson. Robert Redford is at his beautiful best as the player who experiences the highs and lows of the game, and of relationships. (This is one of the many American movies that equates their national sport with the biggest ball game of all — life.) This is more Field of Dreams than Bull Durham: baseball here is seen as something magical — Redford has a mystical bat named “Wonderboy”, which he fashioned from a tree struck by lightning — rather than merely a sport. If you can suspend disbelief and let yourself be drawn into the movie, you'll be rewarded with an emotional and heart-warming experience that will have you cheering.
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Curious attempt to modernize the King Arthur legend, with a baseball bat substituting for Excalibur and hints of magic everywhere. A generally mystifying if occasionally an attractive experience.
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"...Impeccably made....Redford is perfectly cast....[The] supporting roles have been wonderfully filled by topflight character actors..."
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Most helpful members' reviews (3)
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8 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Hobbs, he swings...oh my!
The Natural is a great Redford film yet remains largely undiscoverd in the UK. In it, he assumes the role of baseball player Roy Hobbs, who has a 'natural' gift for the game and seems set to become the next Babe Ruth. However, Hobbs' career is mysteriously cut short at an early age.
The story takes hold when Hobbs returns to his beloved sport and transforms the fortunes of the New York Knights. From there on in, it's tension, intrigue, romance, home runs and plenty of those scenes that send a tingling down your spine - thanks largely to the excellent soundtrack.
There's a big American 'feel-good factor' to this film but it gets away with it. Well worth a watch whether you're a baseball fan or not! -
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Baseball As Legend
Baseball mythology explored through film. Imagine if baseball had been around in Greek times and how they may have told the story of a baseball hero and you can get the feel of what this film is about. Unashamedly sentimental towards the game of baseball, as a fan of the game, I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable, with an over the top style that suits completely the subject matter. Although it does deal with more serious issues as well, it's really during the game play that the film inevitably comes alive. Great stuff.
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
A pleasant interlude
A must for all Robert Redford fans. This is a gentle tale of a gifted baseball player, whose life doesn't turn out quite as expected. Robert Redford is gorgeous and a young Glenn Close and Kim Basinger also add some class. No sex, violence or swearing, which makes a nice change. Some people may find it boring because of this, but if you want some glossy cinematography and a good old American tale, then this is for you.
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Most recent members' reviews (2)
View all -
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
A pleasant interlude
A must for all Robert Redford fans. This is a gentle tale of a gifted baseball player, whose life doesn't turn out quite as expected. Robert Redford is gorgeous and a young Glenn Close and Kim Basinger also add some class. No sex, violence or swearing, which makes a nice change. Some people may find it boring because of this, but if you want some glossy cinematography and a good old American tale, then this is for you.
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Brilliant.
This is the finest sports film I have ever come across. the story line is excellent, and for a change the film is better than the book. Redford is second to none.
I had seen this a few years ago and forgotten about a Michael Madsen also doing an interesting turn.
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8 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Hobbs, he swings...oh my!
The Natural is a great Redford film yet remains largely undiscoverd in the UK. In it, he assumes the role of baseball player Roy Hobbs, who has a 'natural' gift for the game and seems set to become the next Babe Ruth. However, Hobbs' career is mysteriously cut short at an early age.
The story takes hold when Hobbs returns to his beloved sport and transforms the fortunes of the New York Knights. From there on in, it's tension, intrigue, romance, home runs and plenty of those scenes that send a tingling down your spine - thanks largely to the excellent soundtrack.
There's a big American 'feel-good factor' to this film but it gets away with it. Well worth a watch whether you're a baseball fan or not! -
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Baseball As Legend
Baseball mythology explored through film. Imagine if baseball had been around in Greek times and how they may have told the story of a baseball hero and you can get the feel of what this film is about. Unashamedly sentimental towards the game of baseball, as a fan of the game, I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable, with an over the top style that suits completely the subject matter. Although it does deal with more serious issues as well, it's really during the game play that the film inevitably comes alive. Great stuff.
-
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
A pleasant interlude
A must for all Robert Redford fans. This is a gentle tale of a gifted baseball player, whose life doesn't turn out quite as expected. Robert Redford is gorgeous and a young Glenn Close and Kim Basinger also add some class. No sex, violence or swearing, which makes a nice change. Some people may find it boring because of this, but if you want some glossy cinematography and a good old American tale, then this is for you.
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Good film not just about baseball
Robert Redford does his stuff as usual - good film even if you're not a US sport fan - well developed story with a few minor hiccups - all in all worth the watching
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Brilliant.
This is the finest sports film I have ever come across. the story line is excellent, and for a change the film is better than the book. Redford is second to none.
I had seen this a few years ago and forgotten about a Michael Madsen also doing an interesting turn. -
Superb!
One of my favourite films!
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Magical story
Totally undiscovered in the uk, I picked up a copy in the states a few years back and took a bit of gamble with it. I have to say, I wasn't disappointed at all - the story is great even if you're not a baseball fan. Redford and Brimley put in superb performances and you'll find yourself watching this one over and over again just for the feel good factor! One for the collection.
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Goodbye mr Spalding...
One of my favourite films. One of those movies you can watch again and again. Redford is perfect in the lead with a great supporting cast including Wilford Brimley and Richard Farnsworth. Magic.
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A Thinker's Movie
A quite unusual film starring these two fine actors. Redford looks a little too old for the role he is playing but fine acting makes up for it. Similar comments for Close. The story is not original but is intriguing never the less. The cinemaphotography is stunning. The title leaves one wondering whether 'Natural' is used in its human or mystical meaning. This is a great film and will be enjoyed by sports fans and those who enjoy a human story.
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great film
really good fim, robert redford brill in this film.
Critics' reviews (4)
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Based on Bernard Malamud's 1952 novel, this is a wistful and often memorable look at the world of baseball by Diner and Rain Man director Barry Levinson. Robert Redford is at his beautiful best as the player who experiences the highs and lows of the game, and of relationships. (This is one of the many American movies that equates their national sport with the biggest ball game of all — life.) This is more Field of Dreams than Bull Durham: baseball here is seen as something magical — Redford has a mystical bat named “Wonderboy”, which he fashioned from a tree struck by lightning — rather than merely a sport. If you can suspend disbelief and let yourself be drawn into the movie, you'll be rewarded with an emotional and heart-warming experience that will have you cheering.
-
Curious attempt to modernize the King Arthur legend, with a baseball bat substituting for Excalibur and hints of magic everywhere. A generally mystifying if occasionally an attractive experience.
-
"...Impeccably made....Redford is perfectly cast....[The] supporting roles have been wonderfully filled by topflight character actors..."
-
This upbeat adaptation of Bernard Malamud's gritty allegory of the world of baseball is one of those test cases for the... read more on Time Out
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The Natural
Farm boy Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) is the best baseball player anyone has ever seen. His bat, handmade from the wood of a tree felled by lightning following the death of his father, is magic in his hands. But before his career can start, the mysterious Harriet Bird (Barbara Hershey) inexplicably ...
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