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OK, so right away, have to disclose that i was an extra on this shoot when i was twelve or thirteen growing up in Boston. My perspective is a bit askew, with nostalgia and personal bias. But re-watching this movie on television the other day, a flood of memories-- and the justification for my film school education-- return. At the time (early 90;s), the period (1955) elements were more impressive to me than the subject matter. However, that period setting also distracts at some times. The sceenplay is written in a very "on the nose" television time constrained style ... one of those "not real" sugary movies that is a very direct vehicle for the message, not much in the way of character or extra story development. This is an amazing ensemble of actors, that compete for the very few words available. But the film is effective nonetheless if you're a fan of period reproduction, and the visual escape of watching an idealized American innocence and beauty that does not exist to us today; but whose subject matter does. odd juxtapositioning. But for true hollywood-craft production value, this is a great achievement by the best of that day's (early 90's) period re-creation technicians. Jeanine Claudia Oppenwall, production designer (very period affective, noted for other period pieces such as Sean Penn's "Paper Moon"; Cinematographer Freddie Francis (who shot many of the Hammer Studios gothic horror masterpieces of the 60s and 70s); Ann Roth, classic american-- the Ralph Lauren of costume design--giving us Brooks Brothers, well tailored men. then there's Robert Mandell. A man who, I'm told, is a very visually focused director. From my perspective, looking AT him, he looked like a frizzy haired aging jewish wizard. We know most of the great names that made and were made by this film. But Robert Mandell doesnt really stick out to anybody as one. I think the film could have been recieved much differently with a stronger name behind the lens. However, from behind to in front of the camera, an almost unbelievable ensemble of great filmmaking/acting talent. A dream team, if you will. However, the film Has sort of a high school play quality about it... as if the actors and sets are all working to convince us of the inaccessible fantasy land of the 50's. this is a cute, but ultimately negative, annoyance. the film narrows its appeal this way, as more a harkening to yesteryear for baby boomers; rather than a powerful strong dramatic vehicle for some very talented up-and-coming actors of the day-- true actors. Alot of the talent was New York cast, as I recall; so right away the movie projects that mature and sophisticated sort of "east coast stage actor" hollywood movie feel. But their script is sort of a cotton candy version of Dead Poets Society. Like, combined together into one film, the two would have made a powerfully dramatic, visually stunning classic. View School Ties as a beautifully nostalgic painting. A shame, as I remember quite a lot of great stuff; some shot and some in the script that never made it to the screen. Brendan Fraser MAKES this film believable; the only actor who's not stuck in the trap of convincing us that its 1955. Regardless, the film does tackle anti-semitism in a mass market way. Then head of Paramount, Lansing, had been pushing this film through development for years, no doubt the reason for its commerical release.Read full review
I have always enjoyed this movie. I needed to replace the DVD I had in my movie collection so I bought the DVD.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I loved this movie a great plot, the acting is excellent, and it is very entertaining. The DVD arrived right on time and in great condition.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a very good and entertaining movie
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
DVD came round, flat and shiny. Cover corresponds to the moviу on DVD. You guys, do not take credit for the movie itself! :-)
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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