Visitors Review

Lee Eisenberg (2012-05-25 20:11)

the gathering storm of Nazism

Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave continued their streak of formidableroles with "Julia". Lillian Hellman (Jane Fonda) was childhood friendswith affluent Julia (Vanessa Redgrave). Julia has since abandoned herwealth and devoted her life to fighting Fascism. She is currentlyhelping the resistance movements in Europe. Lillian decides to bringsome American currency to help Julia in her struggles. While in Europe,she can certainly see the imprint of Nazism.This movie does a masterful job not only showing the takeover by theNazis, but it also puts some other things in perspective. Since I sawit a few days before the US invaded Iraq, I got the feeling of asimilarity in that way. Maybe the fact that someone in my dormitory wasplaying a somber song on the piano (it may have been the "Schindler'sList" theme music) also contributed to that. But either way, theperfect direction, script, cinematography, and performances by Fondaand Redgrave, plus Jason Robards Jr as Dashiell Hammett and MaximilianSchell as Julia's friend Johann, make this a perfect movie.

(2012-05-25 07:40)

Amazing motion picture!

This review is from: Julia (DVD) Julia is simply a perfect movie. Jane Fonda's performance is one of her very best. And Fred Zinnemann's direction is flawless. Alvin Sargent's screenplay movements between past and present and from present to future are so smooth and fascinating. Just a brilliant movie all around. Beth

(2012-05-22 03:39)

Film with unusual atmosphere

I watched this film several times and it always had a big impact on me.It is an unusual American film, since it is more "european" or intimate in style. It is very gentle, a bit feminine, more about feelings than action, still a very interesting.The actors, especially Jane Fonda and beautiful Vanessa Redgrave are amazing! I loved the scenery. I loved the girls who played Julia and Lilly as young girls. They were so charming and pure. There was something unique about the friendship of these women but I also could identify with both of them.Vanessa Redgrave played herself, since she is a political and social activist. This helped her to be very natural.Lilly (Julia) was also very real with her devotion to the friend but also fear of the consequences. I loved the film, I loved the main plot and all these extra twists caused by the impending war. I was born in Poland and I know how war can affect people's life in all aspects.

Steffi_P (2012-05-21 07:09)

"I still carry too much"

The great thing about the more liberated cinema we got in the 60s and70s, was not just that it could be more frank about sex, violence andthe like, but that stories of a bleaker nature could be told withoutthe need for a cosy happy ending. Not that the glee and glamour ofclassic Hollywood is something I disapprove of – far from it – butcinema, like all things, needs a bit of the darkness to make the lightworthwhile. With this adaptation of Lillian Hellmond's semi-fictionalmemoir, we have one of the rare masterpieces of harrowing cinema.To make something like this work, you need a really superlative cast,and fortunately Julia features some of the best of their era. JaneFonda is one of those performers who just has such an effortlessrealism about her. She gives an impression that she is really livingthat life, more convincingly than the finest method actors, and yet sheis also as captivating as the most theatrical of players. MaximilianSchell gives a short but memorable performance, putting on an act oftender shyness, beneath which lies a real sense of urgency. JasonRobards gives a kind of stable anchor to the movie, confidently playingthe one major character slightly to one side of events. VanessaRedgrave gives a delightfully mysterious turn, with this continualeager, earnest look in her eyes, as if she is perpetually on the brinkof laughter or tears. And this is very apt for a picture of suchuncertainty and emotional turmoil.This was one of the final pictures of director Fred Zinnemann, an oldpro whose quiet, thoughtful style had survived amid the new generationof filmmakers. And he shows the benefit of years of experience. Neverafraid to break the cinematic conventions, Zinnemann opens the firstflashback with three close-ups, the young Julia, the young Lily andthen a profile of Julia's grandmother. This odd sequence of shotsnevertheless engages us instantly, impressing the characters upon usand, with the shot of the grandmother, giving us a hint of hercharacter and the context these girls are in. In contrast with thoseheartfelt close-ups, at other times his camera is agonizingly far fromthe action. When Fonda visits Julia at the hospital, the camera staysat the foot-end of the bed, refusing to give us a closer shot ofRedgrave – as would be conventional. Zinnemann is also very good atcovertly planting a thought in our heads with something that looksinnocuous. For example, when Fonda wakes up and notices Julia is gone,a soldier walks across the shot, giving us the idea that perhapssomething sinister is going on, without actually stating anything.But none of this would be anything without the right story. Hellmand'swork, adapted for the screen by Alvin Sargent, is simply exquisite. Theflashback structure, so often a cliché, does not just serve to give thestory background, it supports the main line of narrative. Lily'sreminiscences have such passion and life that it seems Julia is savedthrough them, as if past and present could almost co-exist. Julia is astory of devastating effect on many levels. It is the telling of ahorrendous chapter of history on a most personal, intimate level, apainful tale of loss and regret, and yet also one of the most movingstudies of love and friendship ever created.

(2012-05-21 06:27)

One of the BEST FILMS of the latter 20th Century.

This review is from: Julia (DVD) I have seen this over 20 times, and find the story, pacing and settings captivating. Let us review the film on its merits as a docu-drama and the wonderful and deep characterizations portrayed by Vanessa Redgrave and Jane Fonda. A woman's memoir of a turbulent time in her life and the world's. A story of devotion and sacrifice.I had seen this in the cinema with my best friend when we were very young, and it has stayed with us over the years. I purchased two DVDS: one to replace my old-"taped from TV" and the second as a gift to my dear friend.I recommed this film highly for anyone looking further into the life of one of our pioneer female writers and playwrights, and for a vision into what sacrifice can mean.For more interest in Socio-polictical topics, I also recommend Citizen Cohen...The story of Judge Roy Cohen, the infamous second to MaCarthy...and the subsequent Red-hunts of the late 40s and early 50s. Starring James Woods (HBO).

(2012-05-21 01:03)

I don't understand all the hype over this

Another case of when I side with the minority. I didn't get through it. Decided I had much better ways to spend my time. The only thing I really enjoyed was Meryl Streep's bit. I don't whether she resurfaced later in the film but I guess I'll never know now.

(2012-05-19 11:43)

Julia

I had great hopes for this film, it was after all an Oscar winner, but I now understand why the film was not widely available. I found it disjointed. There seemed to be a lot of time spent shouting down the telephone and smoking cigaretes which would be fine if the conclusion satisfied me, it didn't.The main Character, played by Jane Fonda, seemed naive and hopeless, the title character, played by Vanessa Redgrave was such an enigma that she was unbelievable in substance and played far to minor a role in the film. The only reason that I would like to know what happened next is simply to find out if any strength of resolve would be found! I think probably not.

(2012-05-18 23:23)

Julia

Based on a section of Lilian Hellman's PENTIMENTO, it tells about Hellman's gradual involvement in the resistance movement during WW II. Jane Fonda plays Hellman, Jason Robards is Dashiel Hammett in a bit role, and Vanessa Redgrave is Julia, a rich friend of Hellman's since childhood who is deeply involved in the German resistance. Hellman is asked to smuggle $50,000 into Germany on her way to Moscow; she does so under great risk, and then Julia is arrested and murdered. Julia is supposed to represent great courage, and Redgrave plays her with an angelic quality; Hellman is the initiate into all that Julia is. Done very artfully, though it's lacking in drama.

(2012-05-17 05:21)

Good movie,

Great acting, refreshing to watch an "old" movie with more content and less just "holywood action". Also the DVD in itself (physical media} is in great shape, plays flawlessly. I'm very pleased.

(2012-05-17 00:44)

MARVELOUS FILM

"Julia" is a truly marvelous film; literate, fascinating, fun. Its DVD release (finally due on 2/7/06) should serve as a welcome addition to any DVD collection. Jane Fonda and Vanessa Redgrave are spellbinding as devoted girlhood friends who face a dangerous test, with ultimately devastating consequences, together. Meryl Streep makes her film debut here; both Redgrave and Jason Robards won Best Supporting Oscars for their roles. Fonda was also nominated (much deserved), as was the film itself - undoubtedly one of the best pictures of 1977. My suggestion? Buy it.

(2012-05-16 05:31)

Decent movie

The history aspects were good. The movie was too deep for my taste and I didnt like the ending.

(2012-05-15 17:58)

Be aware!

This review is from: Julia (DVD) This cd does not work for a european cd player!They should have warned me when buying from Europe.I am not satisfied with it.

(2012-05-13 05:50)

Julia

This review is from: Julia (DVD) If you like Jane Fonda or Vannassa Redgrave you'll like this movie.The content is dark but considering it's WWII that won't be a surprise. The movie is touching,sad,and in someways makes you feel nice about love and friendship and in another way makes us wonder how far we'd go in the name of friendship.

(2012-05-12 12:59)

Ancient awful reminiscences!

Two women: One of them a female writer -Lillian- feels and professes a profound admiration by Julia, a very illustrated woman, art lover and first order intellectual. Through a very smart device, the story is told in two levels: Lillian is passing through a serious lack of creative breath and due her sad memories, we'll know about the political activities of Julia who has bet for the hope of a better world, inflamed by her antifascist ideas. Lillian has been designed as a free lance collaborator along the train travel. They have a brief encounter in Berlin and Lillian feels the coldness of her old friend: the war face sharps attitudes and dissipates standpoints.Poignant drama , wonderfully acted by an impressive cast: Jane Fonda, Vanessa Redgrave, Maximilian Schell and Jason Robards, four winning Awards actors under the impecable direction of Fred Zinnemann ( The day of the Jackal, High Noon, From here to the eternity)

gpeevers (2012-05-07 06:01)

Part Biographical and part Fictional Drama

The story of playwright Lillian Hellman's (Jane Fonda) friendship withher fictional best friend Julia (Vanessa Redgrave) a left wing activistwho opposes the rise of the Nazi's in Europe, and to a lesser extenther relationship with her lover Dashiel Hammet (Jason Robards).The film three leads are all fine though somewhat mannered in theirroles, and I wouldn't have thought Oscar worthy. In support;Maximillian Schell is good in a small role, though Hal Holbrook is notwell used in a role that is against type. Further Meryl Streep appearsin one of her first roles, but get almost no screen time and both LisaPelikan and John Glover also appear in early roles.None of the relationships between the characters are fleshed outsufficiently. There are some nice moments between Fonda and Robards butnot quite enough and the Fonda and Redgrave relationship seems onesided and lacking a real basis.The film does build some tension on Hellman's clandestine visit toBerlin but the character is a little to awkward here to be entirelycredible and the fact that many would be aware that she would continueto live a fairly long life after this time bleeds some of that tensionaway.Director Fred Zinneman does an adequate job but I think the film palesin comparison to some of his other work including; High Noon, Day ofthe Jackal, From Here to Eternity and even The Nun's Story.The fairly extreme political affiliations of both Hellman and Hammetaren't really covered or addressed in the film and their conversationsnever really touch on them. Instead we have the character of Julia (whopossibly incorporated aspects from acquaintances) serving as anexpression of their beliefs.It's a fairly good movie but in retrospect it's hard to believe thefilm got 11 Oscar nominations including Best Picture for which neither"Saturday Night Fever" nor "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" werenominated that year. The film would win 3 Oscars.

(2012-05-06 12:15)

Lives of the saints

Fred Zimmerman's 1977 film based on one of the sections of Lillian Hellman's memoir PENTIMENTO has not aged so well, despite some lovely compositions and the undeniable star power of Jane Fonda as Lillian Hellman, Jason Robards as her lover Dashiell Hammett, and Vanessa Redgrave as the titular heroine, a wealthy young woman who was Lillian's best friend in childhood and has grown up to fight injustice in general and the Nazis in particular. The film was made with Hellman's assistance (that's the real Hellman in the rowboat fishing in the framing shots), and you can see why almost immediately. Both Lillian and Julia are basically enshrined in the film as ideal heroines, brave, brilliant, beautiful, and resolutely heterosexual. (Fonda decks John Glover for implying she and Julia are lesbians in one scene that seems specifically included to forestall the audience getting any funny ideas.) There's not much plot except for a long Ambleresque sequence where Hellman is sent into Germany to smuggle in money to bribe officials to save victims of the Nazis; it's much more interesting than the rest of the film, which mostly alternates scenes of the young Julia (the lovely Lisa Pelikan) being saintly alternating with Fonda sulking at the typewriter, trying to please Robards's hardbitten Hammett. There's been quite a bit of controversy whether Julia ever existed, whether she's a composite of women Hellman knew, or whether she was the famous psychiatrist Muriel Gardiner who shared a lawyer with Hellman (but whom Hellman herself never actually knew).

(2012-05-05 14:22)

Thinly-diguised lesbian love story

If this is your cup of tea, go ahead and buy it.

(2012-05-05 04:23)

Should be in the Top 10 of all time film greats

Although proven to be untrue, playwright Lillian Hellman's "memoir" about her friendship with the high-spirited Julia makes for a poignant and haunting film. Fonda plays Hellman and the glowing Redgrave is the enigmatic Julia. Some of the finest moments ever committed to celuloid are here: Hellman throwing her typewriter out the window, walking through Paris convincing herself to smuggle money into Nazi occupied Berlin, Hellman meeting up with the mysterious Mr. Johann (the excellent Max Von Sydow), Hellman's final meeting with Julia and the heart-racing moment as Julia ultimately meets her fate. A masterpiece.

(2012-05-02 08:00)

Julia still delivers.

This review is from: Julia (DVD) Director Fred Zinnemann's final film, "Julia", is an ageless classic that looks and feels every bit as good today as when first released in 1977. Based on Lillian Hellman's short and reportedly autobiographical story, "Pentimento", "Julia" explores the dynamic boundaries of love and friendship against the backdrop of the growing political and social diaster called Nazism. The exquisitely lovely Jane Fonda stars as struggling playwright Lillian Hellman who finds herself drawn into a little known pre World War II resistance movement by her enigmatic friend Julia, portrayed by Vanessa Redgrave in an Academy Award winning performance. "Julia" also stars Jason Robards in his oscar winning performance as the famed detective/mystry writer, Dashiell Hammett, along with Maximilian Schell, Hal Holbrook, Cathleen Nesbitt and in her screen debut, Meryl Streep. The DVD transfer is first class and shows this beautifully crafted film to its best advantage.

sergei1954 (2012-05-02 02:13)

Excellent! No other word comes to mind.

The most impressive and chilling are the the scenes on the train. Imagineyourself in this situation when every step you take is guided by somebodyelse for the purpose you don't have the slightest idea about. Yet you haveno choice but to trust the guide.