5 comments about A State of Mind.

1. Of course, aside from politics, the spectacle that all of these highly talented individuals put on is truly amazing in the Mass Games ... of course, once again, everything isn't what they seem to be. In this case, communism-driven Mass Games.
   
   I guess, in short, everyone (the kids, the adults, the elderly---all) is brainwashed by the government of the ever-ruling communist General. Seriously... controlled food, controlled leisure, controlled household, etc etc etc. How dare they (especially the kids!) hate us and call US evil, call US "Bloody Americans!" ... The kids are taught this hatred when young and it continues through the rest of their life! They are CUT-OFF from the outside media! They are informed? HA! Only through the government! And they only share what pleases their communist lives.
   
   Nice talent. Pitiful ruler. Do they harbor this hatred because of the Korean War? I thought we attacked them because they invaded South Korea? In any case, this war was over FIFTY years ago. Times change AND people change. North Korea is a pathetic brainwash hogwash.



2. North Korea fascinates due to it being the most isolated (by its own choice) and most severely repressive nation on Earth. There are, to my knowledge, three insightful DVDs on the subject: `A State of Mind', `National Geographic - Inside North Korea' and `North Korea: A Day in the Life'. I have purchased all three. An important point to note is that any footage allowed out of North Korea is almost exclusively of the capital, Pyongyang, which is far from being representative of life in the country as a whole. Only a fraction of the population are specially selected to live there; even for these `privilaged' souls life is bleak and dominated by political propaganda.
   `A State of Mind' concentrates on the preparations of two young gymnasts for the showpiece Mass Games performance. Of the three, this DVD gives by far the best and deepest insight into the brainwashed mindset of the North Koreans, with its excellent documentary narration and carefully selected material. It is also important to bear in mind however that this film only shows what is approved by the regime - all the despicable aspects of the North Korean experience are not covered. There also has remarkable footage of the Mass Games of course and the grand military parades (both visually stunning) that seem to be the focus of life there.
   `National Geographic - Inside North Korea', being told from our outsider's perspective, is the only complete and balanced overview of North Korea here. It puts North Korea on the map with its historical context, draws widely on footage from many sources and - free of regime censorship - shows as best it can the true horror story that the regime tries to hide at all costs. Information presented on health standards, nutrition and the extensive concentration camp system are quite staggering.
   `North Korea: A Day in the Life' is what the title says it is; it follows a day in the life of a `typical' (regime selected) family in Pyongyang. This is not narrated and concentrates solely on the daily routine, so really brings across the bleakness of these people's life. Again this officially-approved film only shows what is approved by the regime. The carefully selected images shown (for example the table overloaded with food in a city known to be tightly rationed) and the often unreal scripted dialogue only really serve to show how out-of-touch the regime is which choreographed it. This film does show well the grinding inefficiencies of North Korean life, but all-in-all compares poorly with `A State of Mind'.
   For a good understanding of North Korea, I recommend viewing `National Geographic - Inside North Korea' and `A State of Mind', in that order.



3. Unbelievable. This should be required viewing for all politicians. Underneath the shocks and awes of this documentary though, are people. Real human beings and it's so nice to see that! So many documentaries try to skew the facts and showcase people as either angels or demons. What hold this together is the humanity beneath it all. You won't ever forget this movie.



4. North Korea is difficult to learn about because of its deliberate isolation and intense government control. Obviously the nation stresses subordination of the individual to the community, and this is the theme underlying the two girls followed in their training for the Mass Games of 2003. The big honor for participating is to be seen by The Great Leader - Kim Jong-Il.
   
   The two girls are always very polite - introducing their parents and other relatives, and bowing to their parents upon returning home. They are dedicated and work very hard to perform well, though it is painfully clear that their time would be much better spent on other activities, such as school. Usually there is no electricity in the evening. The one family has a small color TV - given to the daughter for prior Mass Games participation. Some 80,000 gymnasts were used to act out 13 scenes reminiscing on North Korea experiences in the Korean War. (The U.S. is viewed as extremely evil.) About 12,000 other schoolchildren are used to present impressive visual displays of Kim Jong-Il and other scenes.
   
   Rationing is still in effect in North Korea - even in Pyongyang, its showcase capital; six international flights arrive there each week. The city is bright and clean on the main street, rather drab in other locations. Residents there get one chicken and 5 eggs every month, plus an undefined amount of other items. The two families went to a flower show - the two flower types on display were each named after one of the Kims. One of the families was able to take a 30-mile weekend trip to visit one of the father's former army friends - first time in ten years, and it required a permit and two hours of travel each way. The countryside was attractive, though it was obvious that North Korea has few vehicles and only narrow roads, though lots of statutes. Scenes at a construction site showed dirt being moved by hand - without even a wheelbarrow.
   
   Summertime practices ran from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. One group was eventually replaced because their performance was not up to standard - I'm thinking they were the lucky ones. Eventually the Mass Game performances were held, but Kim Jong-Il never showed up. Festivities began with a mass military parade, then a citizen parade, followed by a youth candlelight parade. In total, one million marched in the parades that day. There were then two shows/day for 20 days. Training for the next Mass Games began the next day.
   
   Problems with the film include generally poor quality video, audio that is so low it is very difficult to hear, very, very little translation offered and no subtitles.



5. Is propaganda having more adherents truth, and that having fewer mind-control? Power is self-serving. It only seeks to extend itself, consolidate itself, protect itself. To that end control of the population's world-view is crucial. In some countries it's less sophisticated; in others it's more so. People, however, are quite alike in fundamental ways. It's a shame we don't have more statesman encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding and promoting the COMMON GOOD (which, it seems to me, should be a matter of common sense). "ALL MEN are created equal . . ."

5 comments about Beginning Gymnastics for Girls: Skills and Progressions.

1. My daughter is 6 years old and just recently started Gymnastics and she loves this video. She was able through the video to learn all the moves that he taught through the video. It was a great buy and we will buy more.



2. Now this is a good dvd if you want real instruction on how to do correctly. Much better than others I've used.



3. Agree with all the positive reviews above, it has neat and precise instruction that is crucial but easy to follow, very nice demonstration.



4. This video is very, very good. It's well worth the price for someone wishing to learn basic gymastics skills, learn about the various apparatus used in women's gymnastics, and learn the names of basic skills, stunts, and techniques.
   
   Steve Nunno, a two-time Olympics coach, U of Oklahoma coach, and coach to numerous elite athletes, narrates this instructive guide. He is so pleasant, encouraging, soft-spoken -- and he knows exactly how to talk to and instruct the most inexperienced beginners in the most basic of skills -- it is difficult to imagine that he also coaches the world's finest gymnasts. The only time he seemed anything other than laid back was when he was explaining just how much fun vaulting can be if you understand how to do it. His emphasis is on keeping it fun and helping kids overcome the fear factor.
   
   This video is no-frills and no-nonsense. It shows several young women gymnasts demonstrating skills using what Nunno refers to as "progressions" -- building on skills one step at a time to learn how to perform increasingly difficult skills. Nunno provides clear instruction on proper body position, alignment, and technique.
   
   The focus is on beginning skills. The video covers biomechanics, stretches, and basic floor skills -- forward and backward rolls, cartwheels and roundoffs, and back walkover on floor. On the balance beam, the most challenging stunt is the roundoff dismount. The sections on vault and uneven bars are excellent in showing how to get started on the apparatus, working up to more challenging skills.
   
   There's plenty in here that you could do at home -- and the instructions are so clear and the moves so basic that most kids could follow along on their own. Great video for parents and kids alike.



5. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1VIXC06DML9F1 Beginning Gymnastics for Girls featuring Coach Steve Nunno

5 comments about A Secret.

1. Claude Miller has created one of the more challenging and intensely human dramas about World War II in his film UN SECRET (A SECRET). Though one of many stories about the plight of Jews during the events that led up to and exploded into WW II, Miller's story is less about the cruel destiny of the Jews in Hitler's plundering of Europe than it is a study of a few individuals who struggled with their identity in the face of probable extermination.
   
   Based on a true story in Phillippe Grimbert's novel by the same name, UN SECRET gracefully and artistically draws the viewer into the psyche of the narrator François Grimbert (played at ages 7, 14 and 37 by Valentin Vigourt, Quentin Dubuis, and Matthew Almaric) whose relationship to his father Maxime (Patrick Bruel) has always been strained. The story winds from contemporary time, to the period in France before WW II, through the horrors of the Holocaust, and the years of rebuilding following the war.
   
   Maxime `Grinberg' (Patrick Bruel) marries Hannah (Ludvine Sagnier) in a beautiful Jewish wedding. Hannah's brother is married to a brilliant athlete Tania (Cecile De France) and even at the wedding the equally athletic Maxime has eyes for Tania. All possible conflicts seem to diminish when Maxime and Hannah have a son, Simon (Orlando Nicoletti) who develops into a naturally gifted athlete - the joy of Maxime's life. As WW II approaches the Jews of Paris are instructed to wear their yellow Star of David patches, and while Hannah feels pride in her ancestry, Maxime refuses to be `labeled' and defies the ruling. When the SS come to transport Jews out of Paris, Hannah and Simon are removed to a camp while Maxime manages to stay in Paris with a new French name. Popular as a fashion model and designer, Tania is able to stay unnoticed as a Jew also, but her husband is off to war and extermination. Maxime and Tania learn of their families' demise and bond, eventually marrying using French names (Grimberg becomes Grimbert), join the Catholic Church and have a son - François - who is nothing like Simon nor does he know of his father's rejection of him as a poor comparison to the perfect Simon But as the years pass François discovers his family's past and a reconciliation with his Jewish heritage confronts him. How the maturing François ultimately relates to his distant father brings closure to the story.
   
   The cast is excellent, gifted actors all, especially in some of the lesser roles (eg. the ever-present Louise (Julie Depardieu). Claude Miller's recreation of time lapses is successfully highlighted by interchanging black and white with color photography (by cinematographer Gérard de Battista) and the changing moods of the story are greatly enhanced by the musical score by Zibigniew Preisner. UN SECRET, then, is a stunning work that explains many aspects of the varying responses of Jews to that horrid period of history designed by Hitler. It is a deeply satisfying and profoundly moving film. In French with English subtitles. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, March 09



2. "A Secret" (Un Secret) is a World War II drama based on the novel of the same name by Phillipe Grimbert, which has also been published under the title "Memory". It has a complex time structure, shifting between 4 different time periods in the life of Francois Grimbert and the earlier lives of his parents during the War. Seven-year-old Francois (Valentin Vigourt) is frail, reclusive boy living in the shadow of his athletic father Maxime (Patrick Bruel) and beautiful mother Tania (Cecile De France) in 1955 Paris. He finds a stuffed animal in the attic one day that elicits strong and inexplicable reactions from his parents. Seven years later, his neighbor and longtime family friend Louise (Julie Depardieu) tells him the long-suppressed story of his parents' past that puts his life in a new context.
   
   A lot of films have been made about the struggles of French Jews during World War II. Every time I see one, I think it's going to be like all the others. But I'm usually wrong. For some reason, this subject has produced great cinema in France. There is always a restraint in how these stories are told, and the characters are strong enough to engage the audience's interest, yet ordinary enough to represent whole communities. "A Secret" is no exception. Maxime, Tania, Louise, and, later, Hannah (Ludivine Sagnier) are vibrant, sympathetic people no matter what they do. Sometimes I wondered if the complex structure of this film was necessary or beneficial (it was borrowed from the book). And I would liked to have known more about Francois as an adult. But these characters are captivating and their story is affecting.
   
   The DVD (Strand Releasing 2009): The film is in French with English subtitles that cannot be turned off. The only bonus feature is a theatrical trailer.



3. 'A Secret' is a multi-layered movie that deals with myriad themes. The central character is Francois Grimbert who has always had a rather distant relationship with his father Maxime [Patrick Bruel]. As a young boy, Francois is not keen on sports and appears rather frail [he was a four lb baby] and very unlike his athletic father and swim champion mother Tania [Cecile de france]. His young mind conjures a phantom brother that is very athletic and strong, driving his parents to distraction. When Francois discovers a toy in the family attic, secrets long hidden begin to unravel, thanks mostly to a long-time family friend, Louise [Julie Depardieu] who reveals all that she knows.
   
   Told via a series of flashbacks, the story unfolds. Ironically, the flashbacks to the past are portrayed in color, and the present [where the now mature Francois goes to meet his old dad] is in black and white. This is ideal as in this story, the past is of the most significance. As the 15-year-old Francois learns, his 'imaginary' brother of childhood was very much real, and was called Simon, much beloved by his father Maxime, and his mother Hannah [Maxime's first wife]. As the story progresses, we learn of a complex love triangle, involving Maxime, Hannah, and Tania. Maxime first sets eyes on the gorgeous, blonde Tania at his wedding to Hannah. At the time, Tania is married to Hannah's brother, but when the Nazis begin expanding their power across Europe, Tania's husband becomes a prisoner of war and this brings Tania closer to Maxime and his family, which now includes the young Simon. As the Nazis occupy France, Maxime refuses to wear the yellow star, turning his back on his Jewish identity, much to the chagrin of Hannah, who is proud of her heritage. Hannah also slowly realizes to her horror that Maxime desires Tania, and this realization later plays a tragic role in shaping the ultimate destiny of Hannah and Simon.
   
   The plot here may come across as incredibly convoluted, yet despite the many layerings to the story, conveyed by the frequent flashbacks, the plot flows well, almost seamless, and I could easily follow the stories of the main characters.
   
   This is a riveting human drama that not only portrays the complexities of love and relationships, but also shows how the French Jews, as portrayed by Maxime, his family and close friends were affected by the Nazi occupation of France, and how the French government basically turned its back on its Jewish citizens. Final verdict: a well-made Holocaust-themed human drama.



4. I borrow movies from our libraries. They have a good selection of French films. Just finished watching it today. There is a typical French style of storytelling--nothing too direct, always something left unsaid or about to be said. The excellent touch was using color for the past and black and white for the present. Conventional wisdom dictates that color for the present scenes and to signify something of the past/or dream, use black and white. The director/producer sent a subtle message by reversing the order. Also of note the movie's not over using the Jewish issues--rather using Jewish experience as a backdrop to draw a larger sketch of universal human psyche, with color of love, jealousy, envy, romance, hurt feelings of a neglected child, the paradox of love and passion, guilt--a lot of things said in a rather short time, very eloquently. The narrative of the movie was of matter of fact style. I find it amusing how casually, yet necessarily, French movies show the force of eros and sensuality. Look at the massage session when the family friend gives the female main character a massage. Speaking of erotic scence, it was very well-done--not through groins and groping. But through the eyes of a male and female. the longing and surrender, the animal desire in silence, the expression of mutual understanding of two bodies-expressed through minimum of sound and physical actions.
   The music was good--nostalgic. I do not understand French, but got the vibe of being in Paris, with cobblestone street and the normal, spontaneous human friction. The movie will also interest psychologists--it shows how a shadow is created in someone's mind through repression and denial. What I find most interesting is that the humanness of each character was the profound theme in every scene. The political and social issues were peripheral--as if it was there and the producer had nothing to do with it, and he did not want to send any socio-political, even cultural message for that matter, through this movie. What he/she wanted is to tell a neat story of few lives centered on few points on the historical canvas. Of course, tragedy of WW-II was unavoidable, but to me, the lives came foremost.
   Well, a good show, for a French movie, which to me are often depressive.



5. A much too long film with an interesting premise, but one that has been touched on several times before in French cinema--i.e. someone uncovering, "What really happened" to one's family during a period of nationalistic bigotry, collaboration, and deadly religious persecution. Nonetheless, the acting is fine and the period costumes impeccable. Go for it if you're specifically interested in this historical era.

5 comments about Walt Disney Treasures - The Complete Goofy.

1. This set of the Walt Disney Treasures series presents the career of Goofy starting from his early cartoon, "Goofy & Wilbur" to the evolution of his character, to become a father, sportsman, and deal with many other issues. It's interesting to see Bill Farmer perform the voice of Goofy, as it sems somewhat strange. The warnings on this are minimum, and considering this set is the first wave, the warnings are easily skipable.



2. there are a few cartoons missing in this dvd set
   How to Ride a Horse (1941), El Gaucho Goofy(1943), Freewayphobia (1965),Goofy's Freeway Trouble (1965), And Sport Goofy in Soccermania (1987).



3. Cartoons are swell. However, it's a MAJOR disappointment/ Hassle to have to click "Play" on EVERY Single toon. You can't simply "Play All". You must reload each toon from the menu. Not only that, you must click down to the next one, it doesn't do it automatically. It's not out of laziness, but necessity! I put this on for my 2 year old so I can do some household chores but every 6 minutes my son's screaming for me to change the dvd. [A real Horse & Buggyesque Menu, Disney!] I think these discs should be recalled and replaced to us owners free-of-charge by the corporate giant.



4. As a childhood Disneyholic, I grew up loving these cartoons and movies with my family, watching them over and over again. Now I am sharing them with the next generation, and having even more fun the second time around. I purchased the Complete Goofy a while back, and have been very pleased with the product as a whole.
   
   While it's true that the intro's by Leonard Maltin can be somewhat annoying, he is easily bypassed with a click of the button, and I enjoy having the option of hearing him sometimes bring more scope and background to what went on behind the scenes. A play-all feature would have been nice as well, but this is easily overlooked by a true Goofy fan like myself. I gave this one five stars.



5. This is one of the better Treasure sets. Every single short is unedited and looks really, really good! Beyond the 6 shorts listed below all the other shorts that have Goofy are available on other Walt Disney Treasure sets.
   
   How To Ride A Horse (1941) - from the Reluctant Dragon - also on Walt Disney Treasures Behind The Scenes At Walt Disney Studio set. There's some talking over the title cards. See below for a release without talking over title cards.
   
   El Gaucho Goofy (1943) - from Saludos Amigos (on DVD but Goofy's cigarette edited) - only available unedited on the laserdisc 'The Three Caballeros/Saludos Amigos Exclusive Archive Collection'.
   
   Freewayphobia (1965) - available only from Disney Educational Productions - Driver Safety DVD unavailable retail
   Goofy's Freeway Trouble (1965) - available from Disney Educational Productions - Driver Safety DVD
   
   Sport Goofy In Soccermania (1987) - "Extreme Sports Fun" DVD - is not on the US Version of this DVD - only on imported PAL Versions, the UK, Sweden etc. Extreme Sports Fun also includes How To Ride A Horse without talking over the title cards.
   
   and for good measure
   
   How To Hook Up Your Home Theater (2007) - Not on any release - however Disney has this available on iTunes for 2.99 or 1.99

5 comments about Classic Cartoon Favorites, Vol. 5 - Extreme Sports Fun.

1. We bought this for our son because it contained the short "How to Play Football", which is one of my all-time favorites. As with most of the 'toons of that day, much of the verbal humor is subtle and goes right past the kids. My wife and I are laughing at the sarcasm, the kids are laughing at the visuals and we all have a good time.



2. One of the best of Goofy. When I was young (1988 approx.), my sibling and I used to watch it at least one in a week and we were laughing every time.
   Few years ago, I found it in a video store (like Blockbuster) and I rent it and enjoyed like in the 80's.
   
   I strongly recommend it for yourself or for your children. You're gonna love it!!!



3. This is such a great DVD....and the words "classic" and "favorites" truly describe this DVD. It's so much fun to watch over and over again....fun for kids of ALL ages!!!



4. Lots of fun. Ths kids love it. Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, Football, Golf, and Gymnastics.



5. The DVD didn't work at all. I tried it in my DVD player and in my computer and it didn't work in either.

5 comments about The Gymnast.

1. This movie was AMAZING!! Hands down one of the best movies I've seen in a long time!! It was just so real and could relate to so much with what we go thru in our day to day lives in hopes for a better future...Beautifully written, directed, choreographed and acted!! Five Stars All The Way Baby!! I am a huge fan of these two phenominally talented women!! They were beyond words with incredible unique talent during the Cher Tour... LUV U GIRLS!! WAY TO GO!! I highly recommend this movie for the gay/lesbian/bi/heterpsexual fans out there!!



2. This movie creates two very different but overlapping impressions. The first earns the movie's title - the gymnastics are beyond belief. The aerial work is gorgeous, like nothing I've seen before, carried out by two athletes with incredible power and grace. I could watch that visual spectacle for hours, and never wonder for a moment how it's done. That achievement is so far beyond anything I could do that I wouldn't understand the answer anyway.
   
   The second impression lacks easy words. If the characters were in their teens, maybe even early twenties, it might be called a "coming of age" story. Instead, Jane (played by Dreya Weber) inches up through her forties, in a childless marriage to a husband that you'll love to hate. So, in this "coming of a certain age" story, Jane falls for the young, beautiful, fiercely talented, and decidedly lesbian Serena. They strike some tasteful sparks, but real heat between them is left to your imagination. Different viewers will see the crumbling marriage and self-discovery with different eyes; my own response is largely no response.
   
   Beautiful stunts by beautiful, powerful women - others will see more, but that's enough for me.
   
   -- wiredweird



3. While it may look so entacing the sad truth is anyting but, so if you want to see great acrobatics I slightly recomended other than that the drama department in this movie is plainly horrible.



4. Although this film has been placed in the lesbian/gay genre, I would consider more of an artistic film. This rich inspirational film has the magic of love, determination and commmitment to one's passion plus inspiration to achieve your desire even with setbacks and "age". The rhythmic love with two of the woman is gentle and moving (unless you are offended by two woman kissing, even though it is artistic.) The artistic approach of the gymnastics is even more than I expected from the film. I suggest everyone watch all the specials especially the making of this film. I loaned my copy to many people men and women alike and everyone agreed this is an exceptionally beautiful film.



5. The movie is kind of slow, so if you are not used to this kind of tempo in films refrain from seeing it. You will grow desperate very soon. However, if this is not an issue for you, it is a good movie that you can really enjoy.
   
   It's quite interesting to see how this woman in her early 40's if faced with a promising new life that can take her away from her loveless marriage. The husband is so self-centered and so self-satisfying that it's nauseating. He treats her like some cornered furniture in the house. You can really tell how miserable she is, but I don't think she realizes about it until the door to a new life is opened. Before she starts practicing this acrobatics with the other ladies, she was just comfortably uncomfortable. But once she gets started and hooked on the gymnastics, she's in her element and loves every minute of it. You can tell this is her true long lost passion. She literally comes back to life.
   
   Life also reunites her with an old acquaintance, love and opportunity knock on her door. She is all set. The plot is good, and the story truly is about hanging on and letting go. It's about being fully present in life as opposed to living life in automatic pilot. It's about coping with ones fears, and finding the courage to take true leaps of faith in life. The lesbian plot is very subtle, which works perfect on this movie. You don't have to see a lot of sex of fooling around to know what's going on between them. The story of these two women weaves itself without them knowing, and it turns out to be quite a strong bond.

5 comments about Cirque du Soleil - Varekai.

1. The amazon editorial review states, "this artsy circus aspires to weave a narrative..." keyword: aspires
   
   If your a big fan of cirque..., please disregard my opinion. The show is filled with excellently synchronized dancing and extraordinary acrobatics and I can understand the appreciation cirque...gathers. However, I don't believe this type of show is entertaining for the common folk (the hoi polloi).
   
   If you enjoy opera and or a couple hours of acrobatics and tangents of dances then go see it. I just got back from Vegas and am glad I didn't pay the money... I was curious of the hype and borrowed this DVD and again am glad I didn't pay for one of their shows.
   
   Most of the summary/plot reviews are about two sentences long. That pretty much sums up the show correctly. The other 95% is just filler: a variety of incontiguous dances, contortions, juggling, and impressive acrobatics. Though many of the acrobatics are simply amazing (they kept me from walking out due to lack of interest), when it comes to continuity or any sort of story line Varekai comes up short. They cram their show full of random 10 to 15 minute performances that don't really seem to follow each other- a various talent show. It was like a soap opera in which everyday brings a completely new cast of characters and plot. I really wish these very talented acrobats (of whom are simply amazing at what they do and obviously spend a lifetime of what must be daily exercises) could find better writers.
   
   Costumes are dissimilar from set to set, which further inhibits the poor attempt at a story line. I appreciate the effort put into said costumes. They are very eclectic. Although for me downright creepy. If I didn't have xenophobia before the show, I certainly have it now. I can see why they don't let children under 5 into many of their performances. If I were dreaming and some of these characters started to appear, I'd freak out.
   
   Conclusion: This was my first Cirque du Soleil show and more than likely my last. Though, if $90-$150 is nothing to you then go ahead and see one of their shows for yourself. After all, opinions vary.



2. All of the Cirque shows are marvelous (Haven't seen a bad one yet). But this is just delightful. The "end" segment is just the best. Can't go wrong buying this one!!



3. If you are a fan of Cirque du Soleil, or performance art, theatre, or acrobatics, this product is for you. Varekai is one of the most abstract, "artsy," and theatrical shows I've seen so far by Cirque. The costumes are stunning, the music is enchanting, and, as always, Cirque delivers some of the most entertaining and amazing acrobatics you'll see anywhere, all seamlessly molded into a continuous narrative about the central characters and story. Watching Varekai is like watching a strangely beautiful dream unfold before your eyes. Absolutely enchanting.



4. This is so interesting - I guess I have some questions for Amazon.com. I left a highly critical review of the Varekai show that I saw in Moscow on Oct 26, 2009. I could only stomach the first part of the show and that was more than enough. The fact that it was boring, mostly old numbers from the Soviet Union circus shows of the 80s plus some kindergarten boy junglers and revamped Georgian dancers thrown in, that was nothing. But they had a comic/magician act that was purely insulting to human common sense as well as your general good taste and manners.
   
   The interesting fact is that I left as soon as I could (without bothering other people in the audience - if I find smth in extremely bad taste but somebody still looks at it, who am I to argue with them?) and asked Varekai for the money back. 100 euros. They promised to return it but they never did. But that's a different issue.
   
   The most interesting fact is that Amazon never published my review - in spite of the fact that I described what exactly I saw on the stage, why I was offended, never used any bad language - just provided a feedback on the show, a one that had a right to existence, very much like the others.
   
   Funny. I have no idea why. Other people gave 1-star reviews as well. Why did mine dissapear? Because I provided some rather unflavorable details about the show?



5. Arguably one of the best filmed versions of the Cirque du Soleil show out there, Varekai marks the company's movement into a flashier, more modern type of production that still manages to capture imaginations and make viewers soar. Varekai does break some of the Cirque "rules" and does different things with the universe, as newcomer director Dominic Champagne wanted, but manages to feel fresh and welcome at the same time.
   
   Varekai continues the story of Icarus, a figure in Greek mythology who flew too close to the sun with wings made of wax. The wax melted, and Icarus fell. In this version, Icarus lands in a forest at the base of a volcano called Varekai, a land of survivors. Due to the fall, Icarus lost his ability to walk, but with the love of a caterpillar (later turned butterfly) and the support of the forest creatures, Icarus learns how to continue his life and keep surviving.
   
   Varekai is a visual feast with amazing, bright costumes and edge-of-your seat acrobatics that will keep viewers enthralled from beginning to end. From the opening right up until the finale, it's absolutely mesmerizing. The first act, "Flight of the Icarus" is a powerful and unique opening that brings the audience into the Icarus's life and his emotions. Other stand-out acts include the risky "Icarian Games," the beautiful yet sensual "Triple Trapeze," the explosive "Russian Swing," and the unique "Aerial Straps" act. When compared with other Cirque shows out there, Varekai wins the award for most show-stopping acts and, in my opinion, funniest clown act. Claudia's perfectly-executed spotlight humor routine may seem like an old gag, but it always manages to make me roll.
   
   Varekai is an amazing show that celebrates the power of the human spirit, survival and the journey of personal healing. Most importantly, Varekai is about rising up from the ashes and continuing to live. The show is filled with heart, emotion and passion, even more than many other Cirque shows out there. I'd recommend it for Cirque veterans and newcomers.

5 comments about Stick It.

1. "Stick It" has been one of my favorite comedies since it was first released. It's a story about a rebellious gymnast who gets sentenced to VGA (Vicerman Gymnastics Academy) after a run-in with the law. In an attempt to get her back into the sport she used to love, her coach pushes her to train again after walking out on the world championship a few years prior. With an extremely sarcastic but never-give-up attitude, she is able to find some real friends and put her trust in people once again.



2. If you enjoyed `Bring it On', then there is absolutely no reason for you not to enjoy `Stick It', a very similar sports themed chick flick that is nearly just as funny and clever. Sure, you cannot beat the teen queen sensation that was Kirsten Dunst, but Missy Peregrym (better known for her television work) holds her own amongst BRILLIANT actor Jeff Bridges (this film is so beneath him, but having him on board makes it so much fun).
   
   The film is a lighthearted romp that centers around a rebellious teenager named Haley Graham. A one-time gymnastics pro on her way to getting gold, Haley made a pretty bad name for herself within the world of gymnastics, and so when she is sentenced to enroll in VGA (a prestigious gymnastics academy run by the strict Burt Vickerman) after damaging some property she finds a less than warm welcome. In fact, she is downright hated and despised by some, especially Joanne Charis, Vickerman's over confident pupil. Haley has a pretty bad attitude overall, but time softens her, especially as her love for the sport starts to take over her hatred for her circumstances.
   
   The film has its fair share of clichés, but they are handled with spunk and enough heart to make them fade away. We focus on the wit and charm of the dialog and the likable characters and so the fact that this offers nothing new doesn't really bother us so much.
   
   It's not as good as `Bring it On', but it comes very close.
   
   I really liked Missy Peregrym's sarcastic take on Haley's situation. She seems very real and down to earth, and you can tell she's having a great time; but she never loses her character's inner sense of alienation. You can tell, right from the start, that there is something much deeper to her careless response to life in general. Speaking of `fun', Jeff Bridges is a laugh riot here, constantly stealing every scene he's in. He has settled into his old age (not really, old, but whatever) and has become a seasoned actor who is comfortable enough in his own skin to do just about anything. This is a nicely constructed supporting role, and one that is not easily forgotten.
   
   So, in the end I totally recommend this one. It is fun and exciting and witty and it has that teen-movie charm that will please the young ones and prove to be a nice guilty pleasure for the adults.
   
   It's okay to enjoy this kind of mindless fluff every once in a while.



3. I'm not the world's most athletic person. I'll admit that freely. I'll also admit that when sports come on, I tend to fall asleep. But there's just something about gymnastics that captures my attention. I think that's part of what made this movie really capture my attention.
   
   The plot follows failed gymnastic athlete Hayley as she is forced to rejoin the world she left behind after a biking trick lands her in police custody. Universally hated for throwing her old team's chance at gold at the World Championship, Haley finds that picking up where she left is easier said than done.
   
   I really did like this movie. I may not be able to understand everything that the gymnasts go through, but this movie made everyone's struggles easy to relate to. I also liked that the characters were well layered. Sure, we can all see Haley's reasons for being who she is but it takes a good script & acting to show that the mean girl teammate Joanne also has her reasons for being who she is. I really do like that they aren't pushing the whole "mean people are mean & the good people are good". I also loved Jeff Bridges in this movie. He pretty much made the movie for me.
   
   I just really liked that this movie didn't fall prey to the usual cliches of teen & feel good movies. Too often you see the film have a cliche of "the main character wins", so it's nice to see something different for a change.
   
   Even if you aren't a sports fan, you'll like this movie. There's a moral to the movie of course, but the biggest draw of the movie is the teamwork. Even the least athletically inclined can get into this movie!



4. The CD came very quickly, within just a few days, and was in very good shape. I've been wanting this movie for a while, but have been unwilling to pay over $15 for it, which is what it goes for at the stores. I was happy to find one for just a few dollars.
   Gotta love Amazon and those that sell there.
   Thank you!



5. I really liked this movie. Bought 1 for myself and 1 for my early teenaged granddaughters. I like to reinforce that all people have value and need to be treated fairly. Also...being of THAT age I believe in "Question Authority"

5 comments about Stick It.

1. "Stick It" has been one of my favorite comedies since it was first released. It's a story about a rebellious gymnast who gets sentenced to VGA (Vicerman Gymnastics Academy) after a run-in with the law. In an attempt to get her back into the sport she used to love, her coach pushes her to train again after walking out on the world championship a few years prior. With an extremely sarcastic but never-give-up attitude, she is able to find some real friends and put her trust in people once again.



2. If you enjoyed `Bring it On', then there is absolutely no reason for you not to enjoy `Stick It', a very similar sports themed chick flick that is nearly just as funny and clever. Sure, you cannot beat the teen queen sensation that was Kirsten Dunst, but Missy Peregrym (better known for her television work) holds her own amongst BRILLIANT actor Jeff Bridges (this film is so beneath him, but having him on board makes it so much fun).
   
   The film is a lighthearted romp that centers around a rebellious teenager named Haley Graham. A one-time gymnastics pro on her way to getting gold, Haley made a pretty bad name for herself within the world of gymnastics, and so when she is sentenced to enroll in VGA (a prestigious gymnastics academy run by the strict Burt Vickerman) after damaging some property she finds a less than warm welcome. In fact, she is downright hated and despised by some, especially Joanne Charis, Vickerman's over confident pupil. Haley has a pretty bad attitude overall, but time softens her, especially as her love for the sport starts to take over her hatred for her circumstances.
   
   The film has its fair share of clichés, but they are handled with spunk and enough heart to make them fade away. We focus on the wit and charm of the dialog and the likable characters and so the fact that this offers nothing new doesn't really bother us so much.
   
   It's not as good as `Bring it On', but it comes very close.
   
   I really liked Missy Peregrym's sarcastic take on Haley's situation. She seems very real and down to earth, and you can tell she's having a great time; but she never loses her character's inner sense of alienation. You can tell, right from the start, that there is something much deeper to her careless response to life in general. Speaking of `fun', Jeff Bridges is a laugh riot here, constantly stealing every scene he's in. He has settled into his old age (not really, old, but whatever) and has become a seasoned actor who is comfortable enough in his own skin to do just about anything. This is a nicely constructed supporting role, and one that is not easily forgotten.
   
   So, in the end I totally recommend this one. It is fun and exciting and witty and it has that teen-movie charm that will please the young ones and prove to be a nice guilty pleasure for the adults.
   
   It's okay to enjoy this kind of mindless fluff every once in a while.



3. I'm not the world's most athletic person. I'll admit that freely. I'll also admit that when sports come on, I tend to fall asleep. But there's just something about gymnastics that captures my attention. I think that's part of what made this movie really capture my attention.
   
   The plot follows failed gymnastic athlete Hayley as she is forced to rejoin the world she left behind after a biking trick lands her in police custody. Universally hated for throwing her old team's chance at gold at the World Championship, Haley finds that picking up where she left is easier said than done.
   
   I really did like this movie. I may not be able to understand everything that the gymnasts go through, but this movie made everyone's struggles easy to relate to. I also liked that the characters were well layered. Sure, we can all see Haley's reasons for being who she is but it takes a good script & acting to show that the mean girl teammate Joanne also has her reasons for being who she is. I really do like that they aren't pushing the whole "mean people are mean & the good people are good". I also loved Jeff Bridges in this movie. He pretty much made the movie for me.
   
   I just really liked that this movie didn't fall prey to the usual cliches of teen & feel good movies. Too often you see the film have a cliche of "the main character wins", so it's nice to see something different for a change.
   
   Even if you aren't a sports fan, you'll like this movie. There's a moral to the movie of course, but the biggest draw of the movie is the teamwork. Even the least athletically inclined can get into this movie!



4. The CD came very quickly, within just a few days, and was in very good shape. I've been wanting this movie for a while, but have been unwilling to pay over $15 for it, which is what it goes for at the stores. I was happy to find one for just a few dollars.
   Gotta love Amazon and those that sell there.
   Thank you!



5. I really liked this movie. Bought 1 for myself and 1 for my early teenaged granddaughters. I like to reinforce that all people have value and need to be treated fairly. Also...being of THAT age I believe in "Question Authority"

5 comments about Peaceful Warrior (Widescreen).

1. The video itself is amazing and highly recommended, however I was very disappointed with the product quality.
   The sound of the movie is about 30 seconds before the images all the way through the movie and find this not acceptable.
   You see the images of a conversation or other actions 30 seconds after you hear the sames conversations or actions.



2. I had read the book and was anxious to see the movie. The acting was just horrible and watched liked a low B grade movie. It would appear that looking at the ratings that I am in the minority but I think that the book is a hundred times better... YMMV



3. This movie even after 3 viewings inspires me with it depiction of how altering your mind can alter your life. I really liked the under acted method that Nick Nolte used in his Socrates characterization. It was succinct and to the point each time and moved the central character on to further inspiration and motivation to advance back in his gymnastic career.I feel the movie did the book justice as well and stayed on course with Socrates teaching. Being in the moment totally or the now was vividly demonstrated when the gymnast did the horse routine brilliantly with no prior training or coaching. Also the scene where he tunes in for the first time to whats going on around him in the park by amplifying his senses was fascinating and showed our potential for truly focusing externally and opening up to what's out there all the time. I am sure a lot of people will consider this movie a fantasy. However there will be a smaller percentage that will see what its saying and pursue getting the written material for further exploration of the human races potential.



4. Good movie, dark at times, hard to follow at times, my students like it, bought it for a motivation movie for advisory students



5. We had viewed this film and decided that since our grandson is an olympian and is going through setbacks at this time, it wuld be a good film for him to see. It represents, to us, the mondern generation of some athletes who have so much "trash" swimming in their environment that it becomes difficult to concentrate on what really matters. Focus, with the end in view. Very motivating.