Walk the Line is a real life love story about two people forced together by their related careers. It is a good story showing how being on the road and away from your family in an entertainment venue can make it close to impossible to keep a family together back home. Joaquin Phoenix did a great job playing the dark, moody, Johnny Cash. He portrayed him as a tortured soul affected by the tragic events of his childhood. He didn't stay faithful to his wife for very long. As soon as he met June Carter, he began pursuing her. Reese Witherspoon was a very convincing country girl and performer. They both did a great job doing their own singing. It was bittersweet when the two lovers finally made their relationship official. Unfortunately, it was at the cost of Johnny's marriage along with the lives of his three children with his first wife. June went through two marriages before finally marrying Johnny. As for the "rest of the story", she ended up being good for him and they lived happily ever after...or did they? Yes, Johnny Cash became famous and rich and found true love, but was it worth the cost? Ask his grown children by his first wife.Read full review
In WALK THE LINE, Joaquin Phoenix shows that he's come a long way since his role as the crazy Caesar in GLADIATOR. Those going into WALK THE LINE thinking it's a comprehensive film bio of Johnny Cash may perhaps come out slightly disappointed. While there's a relative brief sequence of his early years growing up on an Arkansas cotton farm, an even briefer sequence of his time in the Air Force in the early 50s, the film really begins in 1955 when, failing as a door-to-door salesman and wannabe gospel singer, he cuts a rock 'n' roll record for Sun Studios in Memphis and his career as a CW crooner takes off. The film ends with his marriage to June Carter in 1968. In between, against the backdrop of early hits, it focuses on his failed marriage to first wife Vivian (Ginnifer Goodwin), his self-destructive abuse of amphetamines, and rocky relationship with singer/actress Carter (Reese Witherspoon), a twice-divorced single mother of two. The real treat of WALK THE LINE is watching Phoenix and Witherspoon amaze with Oscar-caliber dramatic performances. Who would have suspected that the latter was capable of anything other than light comedy? In case you haven't seen the film and you're wondering, Phoenix and Witherspoon themselves sing the Cash/Carter material; they're surprisingly effective. Mind you, I've never been such a Cash fan that I've possessed any of his albums, and I've only previously downloaded one of his songs ("City of New Orleans"). Indeed, when Phoenix and Witherspoon recreate the Cash/Carter duet of "Jackson", my first thought was: Didn't Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood do that? Coming out of the screening, my wife remarked that Phoenix sounded very much like Johnny himself. My response was a non-committal but prudent "Mmmm". Back home at the computer, I downloaded a couple more Cash songs, including his "Jackson" duet with Carter. To my ears, the real Cash had a singing voice that was slightly hoarser, and with a more pronounced slow drawl than Joaquin's version. While that doesn't detract from the actor's performance, it may cause purists to grumble. The film's opening scene is of two guards on a tower at Folsom Prison listening to the bass "thump, thump, thump" washing over the prison yard from the hall in which Cash is about to perform his famous concert before the inmates. My wife and I were sitting in the front row of the studio screening theater and the sound reverberated through our bones. I knew then that WALK THE LINE was going to be an exceptional film.Read full review
Having been a Johnny Cash fan since the 1950's, I rated this movie a Four Star, even though his life story surely is a Five Star. He was a man of huge talent, deep emotions, and full of demons. His voice and style of singing was unique and soon copied. He created special sounds with his guitar, and blended harmonica and other sounds. He was a story teller, and many of his songs told lifes lessons, many of which were assumed to be connected with Cash's demons. He loved June Carter and they found happiness together. Joaquin Phoenix and Reece Witherspoon did a good job of playing Cash and Carter, but the vocals pretty good were not great. He was the first to venture into prisons and bring forgiveness and human compassion to the inmates and touched many lives. This film only chronicles the period of Cash's life until his marriage to Carter in 1968. In many ways this was only the beginning of his life's odyssey. For practically all of his professional life he struggled with drug addiction, and hit bottom many times. He managed to come back several times. All in all, I believe that he was in many ways as big a star and was as large an impact on American music as Elvis Presley.Read full review
was not a big fan of Jonny Cash's music before seeing this film, and it really does not matter if you were a fan or not the film is simply brilliant. At it's core this is a story of Cash's difficult childhood and his long running love for his backing singer June Carter. The acting by the two principal actors, Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon is of the highest order and it was not until after watching the film that I found out they both sang thier parts. Neither stray into pastiche impersonations, which would have been an easy trap with a well known character like Cash. For me this was even better than "Ray" (and I was a big fan of Ray Charles), which has many parallels in the story. Deserves the accolades it has received, see it you will love it.
The story of Johnny Cash had a less than perfect portrayal of the "Man in Black." Although this film was accurate, it certaintly missed several key details of how Johnny Cash's career was propelled to superstardom. Johnny Cash loved music, his wife, and had a temper that would sometimes lead into manic fits of rage.This film was more soft than the truth. Obviously Cash was played by Joaquin Phoenix, who did an average job of emulating Johnny. He sang Cash's songs with vigor, but his voice was not as rich in timbre as Johnny's. He was also flat on a multitude of numbers. It seemed as if Phoenix tried too hard to match Johnny Cash. His stage presence was there, but his facial expressions, and nonverbal behavior were subpar compared to Cash. Next, Reese Witherspoon was the most scintillating of all. She matched June Carter Cash's persona with great accuracy. It was not perfect, nor do I expect it to be, but it was exceptionally noteworthy. Witherspoon stole the show with her animal magnetism, and natural charm. Thumbs up for Reese. Overall, this is an average film, with a slightly above average acting performance by Joaquin Phoenix. This film is not totally accurate, because they put the Hollywood spin on this film, as they do many autobiographic films. Although, they did try to keep it somewhat real. Reese Witherspoon kept the film afloat. The rest of the cast(besides Robert Patrick) were merely extras. They did the job, but with unispiring performances. I would rent this film, but not purchase it. It is too long to see twice. Walk the Line got mixed reviews from film critics, and that is understandable considering this film is a love it or hate it film.Read full review
This biopic follows the life of Johnny Cash from the beginning of his career through his ten-year-long romantic pursuit of June Carter. The strength of any biopic rests in its ability to pull you into the story whether or not you know, or even like the main character. This film clearly accomplishes this. But it also does much more, in part, by using great music not just as an ego trip for the actors, but as an integral component of the plotline. Each song moves the story forward by showing us how Cash and Carter’s relationship changes over time. And key to making this work are the commanding performances from Phoenix and Witherspoon. Who knew these actors can belt out a number with the best of them? They so completely take over their roles that they turn familiar music into something fresh and exciting, as if it’s happening live and you’re hearing it for the first time. ¶ But this movie is more than just about music. It’s about redemption and salvation, as Cash discovers when he becomes lost in a drug habit and finds himself descending into hell. Terrified and alone, he looks up and sees June Carter standing by his side, offering her hand to help pull him out of the flames. ¶ You may not have paid much attention to Phoenix and Witherspoon before now. After seeing this compelling picture, I think you’ll agree both of these actors have just crossed the line and moved onto the A-list.Read full review
Walk The Line is no doubt destined to someday be dubbed a classic. Few movies reach into the heart and soul and touch ones deepest emotions. Walk The Line examines, with great accuracy, the life and times of The Late Great Legendary Man In Black, Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash was able to verify most of the film, before passing away, and held nothing back in his human mistakes along the way and lessons learned. For Instance: His struggle with drugs puts you in the same room with him as he fights withdrawals. His compassion for the down and out in society. The guilt and raw emotions from the accidental death of his older brother when they were kids... The rise to stardom and the sacrafices and self-disipline that come with walking the line. This is a movie you won't just want to rent, you'll want to own it and play it on special occasions. The Director, James Mangold, does a brilliant job in accomplishing the tone in every facet of the life of Johnny Cash. You certainly will not find yourself worrying about the length of the film, quite the opposite, you will not want it to end!!! Johnny's undying love for June Carter is very much felt from the time he meets her till the end. I was fortunate to see Johnny Cash and June Carter several times in Nashville while I lived there and I will always remember how their love for each-other and how it truly glowed!!! Walk The Line makes you feel that love, the desperation, isolation, and desire. If I were to classify this movie, what would I say??? Its a Drama, Romance, Comedy, Musical, Suspense. Do yourself a favor and own Walk The Line, I promise you will never grow tired of watching it!!! Some interesting Facts: The film also reveals something that many have never realized and thats how Johnny, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis all ended up at practically the same time in the famous Sun Records in Memphis TN. and all became superstar legends!!! Something they also shared was they knew they would be stars, there existed no doubts in their minds. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon performed all of the songs themselves, without being dubbed. They also learned to play their instruments (guitar and auto-harp, respectively) from scratch. June Carter Cash died before production began on the film, so Reese Witherspoon's research included looking through Carter's closet for inspiration. Johnny Cash chose Joaquin Phoenix to play him in the film on the basis of his performance in the movie Gladiator (2000). June Carter Cash also reportedly chose Reese Witherspoon for her role in the film. The film took alot of hard work to even get the ball rolling and it is sorrowful that they could not see the final product. Sony, Universal, Focus Features, Paramount, Columbia Pictures, and Warner Bros. insanely passed on the project. Johnny Jr continued to push the film as he knew this was a story that needed to be shared. There is light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to walk the line.Read full review
Loved most of the movies in the 'Lot' but had never heard of a few. No worries there, I'm all about regifting. lol Don't own a cell phone. Cannot upload any pictures.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I must say.. To me this movie was excellent. I watched this movie and it right about 2 hours long and it just flew by. I must say I Knew NOTHING about Mr. Cash, other than he was a good song writer and good performer and had many hits for the older generation.. I am in the twenty something age bracket.. As I watched this movie I watch Cash ( Joaquin Phoenix) Struggle from the ealry ages of his life in Arkansas to becoming the Contry legend and recording star at Sun Records in Memphis. The battles with his Father his small stint in the army to the troubles of his first marriage. All the way through his first album and tour where he met June Carter ( Reese Witherspoon), Who Was a counrty singer who did not have the pipes to sing.. Well Johnny fell in lover with her, and it takes you on a wild ride as June battles with her inner demons!! This movie Was Fantastic.. If you are on the fence on this move I suggest you watch it My grade A- Great acting, Great Singing (actors all sang there own parts) I wish This movie was longer!!!Read full review
Love is a burnin' thing. This was a 2005 Academy award winner for Reese Witherspoon portraying June Carter Cash. J.R. Cash takes an early interest in music while growing up on an Arkansas cotton farm in the Great Depression. He is very close to his elder brother Jack, who dies in an accident involving a table saw in 1944 when J.R. is out fishing. His guilt about this event is not helped when his father blames him as well, so it comes as a welcome escape when he is old enough to enlist in the air force and is sent to Germany. Inspired by a film he sees there, Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison he composes a song, "Folsom Prison Blues." Leaving the air force Cash marries and attempts to succeed as a door-to-door salesman in Memphis, Tenn. but his heart is in music and he succeeds in an audition with Sam Phillips at Sun Records. Soon Johnny is touring and meets June Carter, who has been a country star since childhood. Although they are drawn to each other, they are married to others. Touring takes a toll on Johnny's marriage, and in the 1960's he becomes addicted to amphetamines. His marriage ends and June helps him beat the drug dependency. Reading fan letters from prisoners inspires Cash to perform a concert at Folsom Prison, which leads to a very successful album. June finally accepts Johnny's proposal of marriage given as they perform together on stage in Ontario in February, 1968. Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick, Dallas Roberts, Directors: James Mangold Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Region: Unknown. Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Number of discs: 1 Rating Studio: 20th Century Fox DVD Release Date: February 28, 2006 Run Time: 135 minutes DVD Features: Available Subtitles: English, Spanish Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (DTS 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 2.1 Surround), Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.1 Surround) Commentary by co-writer and director James Mangold 10 Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by James Mangold Trailers: Love Me Tender Special Edition Theatrical TrailerRead full review
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