Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-25 23:42:30

The Rose

This review is from: The Rose (DVD) I had looked for this movie locally for some time. I am REALLY glad that I found it on Amazon. The movie is excellent, it was delivered timely, and as always, the service from Amazon was great!

niara 2012-05-25 17:23:05

"Stay With Me, Baby"

I saw this film in college for $1 in 1980 and never really appreciatedit until now.It is amazing to note that this is the same Bette Midler who did allthose Disney/Touchtone movies (Down and Out in Beverly Hills, etc.)!This is not a happy film. It has no happy ending. Most of the film isdark, adding to the dreariness of the story.But you just watch Bette watching Houston Dyer leave her because hecouldn't put up with her life. Watch him as he pauses before he getsinto the tractor trailer that he's just hitched a ride with, watch himas he looks back at her, almost reflecting, thinking, for just amoment, reconsidering his choice, and then makes the decision to livewith the choice and get on the truck, going God only knows where,leaving her.Camera goes back to Bette, on the ground, wailing in agony, despair,and sadness.You just watch Bette singing "Stay With Me, Baby" at the end of thefilm at the concert when she goes back to her hometown. How many takesbefore they got it right? Once? 37? She's on her knees, she's cradlingthe microphone, her eyes are blackened with the makeup that has mingledwith the tears. Watch David Keith applaud from offstage as he'swatching her give the performance of her life and KNOW that thatapplause was ad-libbed, that he was completely knocked out by herperformance.And then come back and tell me that this film was crap. I've seen NormaRae and always believed that Sally Field deserved her Oscar but I nolonger think that. Bette was robbed, plain and simple.

dbdumonteil 2012-05-24 22:05:49

Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose ...

"The Rose" -which they say was inspired by Joplin's life- has stood thetest of time quite well;the main reason is Bette Middler's sensationalperformance .She has not still yet found another part as rewarding asRose .Full of strong scenes and of extraordinary renditions (the titletrack and "when a man loves a woman" particularly),it grabs you tillthe last picture (a light which goes out).The scene in the gaynightclub where another Rose,"Diana Ross" and "Barbra Streisand" jointhe singer for a song is almost scary.So is that scene when arespectable country singer -Rose covered one of his songs - treats thepoor girl like dirt ,this man must be a saint or else he is ahypocrite:could you imagine ,say,Kris Kristofferson blaming JanisJoplin for covering "Me and Bobby McGee " ,a tune she took to numberone ? With fine support from Alan Bates as the evil manager andFrederick Forrest as the big hearted deserter,"the rose" still remainsone of the best film about the cruel thankless world of rock.It avoidsthe mistakes of movies dealing with true stars (Ray Manzarek did notthink much of "the Doors" ).

jescci 2012-05-24 07:02:05

One long note in a sad minor key

I like Bette Midler as a musical performer. I can tolerate her when used inthe right way as an actress. Some say this was an Oscar worthy performance(believe she was nominated), but I disagree. Not because I didn't like heracting, but because I never knew for sure what she was playing - other thanpain. That's not her fault of course, but she can't get credit for iteither. Thought the film was a mess in general. Most shots were too light or toodark or out of focus or otherwise visually unintelligible. There were sloppyedits and there was no story to speak of. The main characters were onedimensional. All Alan Bates did was scream. It was well acted I supposed -tho the camera didn't catch it nearly as well as it could have - I believedhe was selfish and greedy, but because I was told, not shown. Wasn't even that crazy about the concert footage. Midler added a raucousnessor squelch to her voice which I suppose was some sort of homage to JanisJoplin but it just made her voice sound less pretty. The band was mediocre -this may or may not have been another homage - to Big Brother And TheHolding Company - Joplin's backup band which was often criticized for it'smediocrity - but in any case it was ill-advised. Midler's accent was inconsistent - wasn't sure it ever sounded Floridian,which is where her character was from. We were given little background abouther life other than one brief story about her promiscuity - so we never gota handle on where her intense pain came from. Okay, it was suggested thatshe was rejected as a youth, lonely as an adult and searching desperatelyand unwisely to fill holes and find love. Or do we assume all that becauseof what we know about Janis Joplin? In any case that's a thin plot reed tohang a two hour running time upon. And it nearly snapped for me severaltimes. I gave it the lowest rating I ever give - 4 - if a film is leaningtowards a rating any lower than that I turn the set off.

rb1330 2012-05-24 20:04:56

My Favorite Film of All Time

I have seen this film numerous times and I never tire of it. Withoutquestion, Bette Midler gives one of the best performances of any actoror actress that I have ever seen! She runs the gamut from comedy totragedy and never hits a false note. This is a movie that haseverything. Great acting, great music and a great story. FredericForrest and Alan Bates also shine. But this is Midler's movie all theway. The telephone booth call was a masterful, heartbreaking piece ofacting and she was ROBBED of an Oscar, no question. Meant to be seen onthe big screen, but watch it on a large screen TV and with surroundsound, you'll be transfixed. Not a false note in the whole film. Veryquotable lines as well, Brava!!!

Moe-25 2012-05-24 08:46:31

Compelling and Emotional story about a female rock legend.

Bette Midler was awesome. A sad but compelling story with great rockmusicand Bette is awesome in the concert scenes. She is a woman that can singany kind of music beautifully. Her portrayal as a high energy rock singerwas perfect with her stage presence and personality. Superbmovie.

2012-05-19 13:39:03

immensely touching

The Rose is a classic. It contains excellent storyline writing and drama along with an *incredible* soundtrack. These songs are awesome. I wouldn't expect anything less from the 70's, however. A golden period for music of ALL varities.The film is about Bette Midler playing the role of the main character that goes by the name Rose. She's a character that's a very successful performer and singer, however, her life goes through plenty of ups and downs... mostly downs.For one thing, she has a severe drinking problem. She drinks alcohol like most of us drink water, and she's usually drunk when performing on stage. She's also extremely belligerent and stuck in her ways so it's really hard to explain anything helpful to her. She'll just ignore it. Her manager is a control freak basically who's stuck in his own ways as well. This means the manager and Bette Midler's character constantly get into preventable arguments. Rose wants to take a lengthy break from all the touring and singing because she's burnt out and needs some time to recover, however her contract doesn't allow any time off whatsoever. Sooner, rather than later, her life spirals out of control as a result.She meets a nice man during a limousine ride (the chauffeur) and they quickly hit off a wonderful relationship. If you think for a moment that this extremely courteous man has the potential to change Rose into a better, more civilized woman... think again! She's too far gone, unfortunately. This is what the movie revolves around- her story.I appreciate how the movie writers took time to allow Rose's stage performance to complete a few really good songs. Like I say above, the soundtrack is really surprisingly memorable. What the writers succeeded in accomplishing the most, however, is allowing time to build the character of Rose so we're able to witness every single aspect of her emotions. This is best expressed during the final 20 minutes which is nothing short of brilliant writing.I won't spoil the ending so I'll just say this... I should have paid closer attention to a certain unexplainable scene in the very beginning. Seeing as how the movie is over 2 hours, I completely forgot about it by the 2-hour mark, though.The Rose is a surprise. Sure, it's dated (what movie from the 70's isn't dated though?) but I really love everything about this movie. The writing, the song selection, the acting, everything is really phenomenal.

2012-05-19 01:22:53

one of the greatest movies there is

This review is from: The Rose (DVD) ever since the movie came out. i have loved it. it's been years and i have been looking for a copy for my self. now after all this time there is a copy on my self. I understand there is people that does not like this movie. but at the same time i'v had people say this movie is the greatest they have ever seen (including my self. for me this is one of the greatest find's for me. the pitchure and the sound is Perfect. would i recommend this to anybody? YOU HAD BETTER BELIVE IT!!!!!! love it. will treasure. and do love it!

2012-05-14 09:35:43

loved it then and still love it today.........

inspiring in its own sad way...........true for so many that find sucsess is more to handle than they imagined. portrays how the celebrity status can be so popular, but feel so alone. thought it was a very touching perspective of all the pressures that celebrities deal with.

alexeisch 2012-05-13 18:01:08

Haunting and moving

I loved this movie. Bette Midler is one of my favorite actresses buther portrayal of a washed up, burnt out, alcoholic, drug abusing 'JanisJoplin' was by far her best performance. She looked fantastic and whilesome of the 'concert' scenes were a bit long, overall the movie wasvery well done. The scene where she is walking up to the stage inFlorida at the stadium and almost falls over gave me chills and hersinging 'Stay With Me Baby' was the most moving and powerfulperformance I have ever seen. It literally brought tears to my eyes.The roller-coaster of emotions that you go through in this movie willstay with you long after the last credit has left the screen. BetteMidler at her best, when she collapses at the end you truly feel as ifyou have lost right along with her. The best 'music' movie I have everseen.

Noah Broessel 2012-05-04 21:44:22

One of the greatest performances ever, Midler raised the bar!

Bette Midler was fascinating in this movie which you can pick up atTarget for ONLY $5.50! I agree with the earlier reviewer that there is20+ minutes of footage that could've been axed like her singing in thegay club and the side story with the old lesbian lover which nevertruly developed. Another stale, uncomfortable scene was her in thephone both trying to get through to the stadium. Great idea but way toolong.I watched (listened) to some of the director's comments and he OR thefilm NEVER explain the beginning/ending of the movie with peoplelooking horrified at a big montage of photos including her and othermales. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT? Was that her parent's house? Was it astalker/obsessed fan? Why are they disturbed? That really irks me asI'm confused about this, if ANYONE can explain this please do! Am Igoing to have to contact the director? I saw this for the first timesince I was 7-8 years old, I had a fuzzy memory that she took thedownward spiral, went into seclusion and then came back with a roarsinging THE ROSE in concert ending the movie. Obviously I was wrong inwhat I remembered but the touching song was played in the end causingme to cry as it did when I was a child :-( I'm also curious why shedidn't sing it as "her" song in the movie? This might've seemed cheesyto some but it would've bee more powerful to me.Sincerely, Noah Tempe, AZ

2012-05-04 13:38:14

Inexcusably bad transfer

Midler works hard in the role and it shows. Her performance (along with Bates and Forrest)are what makes what sometimes descends into a cliche-fest have some merit. I saw this movie in a theater, so I know what it COULD sound like. This DVD has such bad audio, and considering the music is the thing here, it's almost not worth watching until they come up with a better transfer.

2012-04-27 12:00:35

GREAT MUSIC

THIS IS ONE OF MY TOP 10 MOVIES... I ALSO LOVE PRETTY WOMAN, URBAN COWBOY, THE COLOR PURPLE, THE NOTEBOOK, THE GHOST AND MRS MUIR AND OF COURSE, THE WIZARD OF OZ

2012-04-26 19:04:12

After many years, still powerful...

This review is from: The Rose (DVD) This film brings back memories, and I'm glad the DVD finally came out, though there are no extras. Bette, in her film debut, was brilliant and deserved every award she got. Often compared to Janis Joplin, I think the screenplay of Bill Kerby & Bo Goldman gave Midler a bit more personality and personal angst. Midler handled it all like a seasoned pro. A truly excellent performance. Her concert scenes were good, too. Frederic Forrest was nominated for an Oscar, and he was quite fine (he was also in "Norma Rae" with Sally Field, who won the Oscar over Midler in '79). But it was Alan Bates as the oily, manipulative agent (baby-sitter?) who truly deserved recognition. The Oscars also recognized the film for its Sound and brilliant Editing. Sorely missing from the nominations were the Adapted Score and the wonderful title Song, written by Amanda McBroom. This is a powerful and entertaining film, with fine acting and great direction by Mark Rydell, loaded with humor, pathos and sadness, and all brought to life by the remarkable Bette Midler.It's worth watching again. Also, watch for David Keith (her personal bodyguard/masseur, later on), who later made such a strong impression in "An Officer and a Gentleman".

2012-04-26 14:54:36

A Lost treasure for the Mrs...

This review is from: The Rose (DVD) My wife was dying to find the DVD version of this movie and of course I was able to find it here. She is more than happy!!

2012-04-26 04:43:04

It's all because of Bette

If it wasn't for Bette Midler's honest, take no prisoners performance of the Janis Joplin-like Rose, this movie would most likely be receiving 2 stars at best. The film is overlong, drags between climactic scenes, and is otherwise a subject that comes across as been there, done that. However, Bette Midler is this film's saving grace, not only with her first rate concert performances (the soundtrack is even more essential than this film), but with the depth she gave to a typically one-dimensional stock character. Rose's slow dissent into drug addiction and self-destruction is not easy to watch, but comes across as very raw and realistic. Midler received an oscar nomination for this performance, and anyone who watches can see why.

2012-04-20 03:15:54

The Rose

This review is from: The Rose (DVD) I brought this for my sister as she has been looking all over for this movie. We both thought this movie was great. Better Midler was great in this movie. I think young people should watch this movie to see the times in the 60s were like.

2012-04-19 14:23:12

Doing Justice to Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin's life story is a testament to her famous words "take another piece of my heart out baby" ... and Bette Midler's portrayal of a very fragile Texas rose is utterly heartbreaking now just as it was in 1979. The remedy of a life of such pain ... the fame and fortune ... alleviated Janis' suffering .... but did not completley eradicate it. Midler's performance is incredible and the Oscar-nomination was very well deserved!

mr_deadly 2012-04-15 02:19:13

Shrill and Dated

Apologies to fans of this film, but I found it shrill and vastlyover-rated.The characters and performances are, on the whole, poorly written andacted. Ms. Midler emotes her heart out, which is occasionally effectivebut is more often histrionic. She is ridiculously over-the-top, veeringfrom vicious drag-queen to out-of-control drunk to weepy little girl.Her manager is a tedious cardboard villain while her boyfriend displaysmoments of charm but can't avoid the overwrought pitfalls of the film.The sequence with the former lesbian lover of the Midler characterhighlights what is wrong with the film. It was contrived andunbelievable, the lovely former lover a wooden prop to set up anotherscene of people freaking out. It all rang hollow and false and loud andmelodramatic. What unlikeable people! The era it documents is tragicfrom an aesthetic point-of-view. Whether it is the hair, clothing, orsets, everything in the film matches the characters: ugly. The sequencein the red-neck diner comes to mind for the same reason: ugly dialogue,ugly behavior, ugly attitudes. This is a film for masochists andconnoisseurs of ugliness.The only blessing is that the ending precluded the possibility of asequel. I was grateful when this film was finally over. If I want atrashy melodrama, I want it to include some fun and some comedy, bothof which are utterly absent from The Rose.

2012-04-14 09:40:23

Good Buy

This review is from: The Rose (DVD) I bought this DVD for my sister-in-law.....she loved it! She said it played great for being an older movie, just like she remembered seeing it before. Highly recommended!~