Reds on DVD (1981)

Andy Erlam from UK , 31/12/2006

This gripping story of an American journalist caught up in the Russian Revolution. Ideal for students studying the period for A level and for the general viewer. A refreshing change from action movies with hopeless plots and excessive violence. Beaty tries to present himself as the romantic revolutionary. The story is a true one.

  3 out of 5 people found this review helpful

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A customer from Aylesbury UK , 05/06/2007

Interesting in parts, moving at times, a different type of love story.

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

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A customer from Brighton , 31/01/2008

'Reds' seems to have dropped off of the general movie radar these days. Few, if any of my friends have even heard of it let alone seen it.

I'd heard good things about it, so gave it a try...

This film is an unqualified masterpiece - truly of the kind that they no longer seem to make...

A beautifully and intelligently told story, that takes the very personal elements of a love story and the universal element of political revolution and fuses the two into a sublime balance, making the two parts compliment each other and drive each other forward. The intricacies of the political revolutions in Russia etc of the 19-teens and twenties never become too caught up in their own worthiness (or wordiness) to lose sight of the drama and the romance is never allowed to become mawkish.

This film can be likened to acknowledged classics such as 'The Godfather' and 'Once Upon A Time In America', not in subject matter perhaps, but in scope, depth and the richness of detail with which it is told.

The performances are stellar all-round, but Keaton and Beatty do an unbelievable job, and what with Beatty writing the screenplay (based on real events, of course, but he's brought real poetry to a complex true story) and directing, I have renewed respect for his abilities...! (that sounds facetious, but is supposed to sound respectful!)

It should also be noted that this film looks fantastic! Vittorio Storaro creates some of his best work...The telling of the huge story never feels forced or rushed...The camera drinking in beautiful, snowy Russian vistas as well as close, intense coffee-shop and kitchen debate without a hint of self-consciousness...

Yes, this film takes time, but allow it time and it sweeps you up in its glorious world and makes other 'epics' like 'Schindler's List' seem extremely arch and simplistic by comparison.

If you've got the patience, this film will reward you in spades...

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

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A customer from Enfield , 26/05/2008

Sadly I couldn't watch this again. I saw it many years ago and I should have left it in the memory bank. It is well acted but boring.

  2 out of 3 people found this review helpful

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A customer from Enfield , 26/05/2008

Sadly I couldn't watch this again. I saw it many years ago and I should have left it in the memory bank. It is well acted but boring.

  2 out of 3 people found this review helpful

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A customer from Aylesbury UK , 05/06/2007

Interesting in parts, moving at times, a different type of love story.

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

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