Stanley Kubrick did the movie The Shining in the early 80's, and at the time, I did not like the movie. The reason I didn't like the movie was because I had read the book, and many things were different, examples of this being the ending and the maze instead of the animal shaped shrubbery. With the release of Stephen King's The Shining, I actually liked that version compared to Stanley Kubrick's version. As time as passed though, I have rewatched the Stanley Kubrick version and have taken more of an appreciation to what he did with that film, especially with what he did with the camera work. I don't like it better than the Stephen King version (actually I like it about the same), I just think it's different. Same thing happened for me with A Clockwork Orange. When I initially saw the film, I hated it. I thought it was weird and I just wanted the movie to get over with. I've also rewatched this movie several times since then, and I have a different take on the movie than when I was younger. Set in the future sometime from the 70's (when the film was made), A Clockwork Orange is about a guy named Alex (played by Malcolm McDowell) who, along with his gang of "droogs", goes around committing acts of violence with no care for anyone else and no remorse for his actions. Among these acts of "ultra-violence" (a term I've never heard before or since) are beating up on old drunks and raping women. Alex eventually gets caught when he attacks a woman who has called the police while he is breaking into her home. Upon realizing that the police are coming, Alex hurries outside only to have his cronies turn on him, by smashing a milk bottle over his head and leaving him helpless. This movie then takes a turn, as Alex is charged with murder (even though he didn't realize that the woman had died). He then claims he doesn't know right from wrong and agrees to take controversial experimental treatment to change his ways. Unable to do evil things anymore, Alex is let back into the world a free man. Things then get really tough for him, as bad things begin to happen to him. A Clockwork Orange is a strange movie, but I really like the way that Stanley Kubrick has used a lot of irony. The viewer doesn't know who to cheer for really because even though Alex is so evil, Kubrick actually makes him look like a victim later in the film. So you don't know if Alex is actually a hero, victim, or villain. The ending kind of leaves you going "What the...?", but it's also kind of a fitting ending for the type of film that it is. It's truly an imaginative and original story that can make for interesting conversation (I've talked with other who like the irony of the violence and reform, and others who just simply hate the movie). I think this movie is a classic and should be viewed by pretty much everyone at least once (young viewers not included, it was initially rated X when it first came out for the rape scenes). But since many people I know actually hate this movie (not nearly as many who love it though), I recommend renting it first before you decide to own it.Read full review
"A Clockwork Orange" (directed by Stanley Kubrick, original novel by Anthony Burgess) is the story of Alexander DeLarge, an English boy who loves ultra-violence, rape, and classical music, particularly "the old Ludwig Van," as he calls him, and "his glorious 9th." He was eventually caught for his crime of passion and the government tried to reform him using a highly experimental cure, known as the Ludovico technique, which, while detrimental to his well being, Alex enthusiastically went along with just to get out of prison. They were successful but, even though his desire to commit acts of ultra-violence and rape were long gone, something goes terribly wrong with his psyche (which I will not reveal here because where's the fun in that?) and becomes considered a victim of the government. I think the moral of this story is that humans should not play God. This moral also explains the film's obscure, yet poetic and metaphorical title, taking something natural, the orange in this case, and making it do something unnatural or outside it's purpose, hence "clockwork." Alex plays this poor little orange. I absolutely love everything about this movie. The plot, the plot's progression, the visuals. Mr. Kubrick obviously has a natural talent for holding someone's attention for two hours. I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie. This movie only furthers Kubrick's reputation as a master filmmaker. First Dr. Strangelove, then 2001: A Space Odyssey, then this?!?! Damn, Mr. Kubrick, you're on a roll! What's next? Barry Lyndon? The Shining? Oh wait, I already saw those! Great movies! The icing on the cake is the soundtrack, conceived by Wendy Carlos (then known as Walter Carlos), whom some of you may already know as the genius behind the classic album "Switched-On Bach." The soundtrack includes classical music, electronic synthesizer music, and the popular show tune "Singin' in the Rain." Pretty obscure mix, eh? My advice: If you're gonna buy the movie, buy the soundtrack while you're at it. You won't regret it! This is, in my opinion, Stanley Kubrick's magnum opus, and possibly my favorite movie of all time now. I only saw it for the first time a few weeks ago from the iTunes store and even a week later, I still felt the bittersweet aftertaste of the movie. I decided immediately I had to have it on DVD because I knew this was something I wanted to experience over and over again. Great buy!Read full review
I am sure a lot of people would argue with the title of my review but this is an opinion and different strokes for different folks! I love, absolutely adore other Kubrik films - Dr Strangelove, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket and Lolita to name a few - my favorite has to be Clockwork Orange. It is actually my favorite movie period. Based on Anthony Burgess's brilliant novel, Clockwork is set in the not-so-distant future (actually looks like Britain in the 60's) where ultraviolence is the rage. Gangs roam the streets, breaking into people's homes, vandalising, raping women. You name it they do it. One night the Alex, leader of one gang, gets left behind after a night of fun. The police arrest him and he is chosen to undergo a new type of therapy that will reprogram Alex to become physically sick at the thought of inflicting violence on anyone - even in self-defence. Poor little Alex get sent out into his ultraviolent world without his own ultraviolent armor. Malcolm McDowell is brilliant as Alex - he is psychotically charming. The dialogue is just like the book and should have its own dictionary. And you will never - ever listen to Beethoven the same way again. This is the type of movie that will make you sick to your stomach. That is what is supposed to do! The violence is not supposed to be entertaining, the "therapy" is not a cure or even a good thing - although it may be good revenge. Not for everyone, I should say - not for most. This is a very violent and graphic movie, it was first released with an X rating or what now would be considered an NC-17 rating.Read full review
This is an extremely violent film and a plausible view of the future. There is some sex which is hardly memorable because of the degree of violence, although there is one implied rape/murder scene. There is a vicious beating of an old drunk. There is another vicious fight between groups who somewhat recall the mods and rockers of the 60's. In this case, the white clad "mod" types beat up the dark clothed rockers. We are left with a scene of the victors standing over the vanquished, beating them on their heads with clubs. One wonders if it is a multiple homicide. It would be hard to find a film with more vicious one on one violence. Films like "Predator" feature multiple death by shooting. The leader, played by Malcolm McDowall is caught an imprisoned. He is introduced to the bible in an attempt at rehabilitation. He responds to this by reading the account of the scourging of Jesus by Roman soldiers, imagining himself as one of the soldiers applying the beating. Thus, the film presents a future of random violence inhabited by sociopaths. The film is from 1971. One might conclude that part of the vision has already materialized. For that reason I gave it a 4, as everything it shows is done well.Read full review
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This movie is a true classic that stands the test of time and still beats out almost any movie made to this day. With great stars, a timeless story that rings true and strong decades later and a soundtrack that can be listened to over and over and still be entertaining, this blockbuster cannot be beat. With enough violence, action and nudity to hold even the most modern viewer's interest from scene to scene let alone from beginning to end, this is a must see for everyone over the age of 18-21, depending on your taste and temperament. What was filmed so many years ago has stood the test of time and will I am sure be a masterpiece to watch generation after generation. Run, not walk to your nearest library, video store or retail outlet to view, if not own this piece of history.
This is a great movie that has an even better plot twist to it. I would recommend this to anyone that likes drama's. I would say that this movie is fine for anyone 15 years of age or older as long as they know their rights from wrongs as this movies has a lot violence. The imaginitive language brought by Anthony Burgess. Stanley Kubrick did a great job of portraying what happened in the book, while only missing a few minor scenes that were present in the novel. I would recommend to read the book first as it is much better and has more character development than the movie. All in all this a great movie to pick up and watch. If you plan on watching this movie or have allready seen it then it is a must to read the novel by Anthony Burgess.
I ordered this film because it is one of my favorite films. It has a witty social satire, a terrific performance by all performers, and also an amazing musical score. I personally love this movie for the fact that i can identify with the main character Alex. Yeah, it's hard to explain. In conclusion I love this movie and highly recomend it. Thanks
i received a much desired dvd at high quality, and at a great price, i am pleased
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
DVD is in great shape!! Product lived up to its advertising!! Very pleased with purchase!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The film is entertaining but lacks the message of the novel. Kubrick amended the ending of the novel in the film adaptation, which eradicates one of the major points Burgess was trying to make (in the original, English publication of the novel - the American version does what Kubrick did). But even as it lacks the major theme of Burgess's original novel, the film is very entertaining and well done.
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