Classic and Important Movies
Added 3/18/2010
This is by far one of the most important movies in the last century. I am most pleased with the quality of this film. There are so many ways the effects of this work of art can be applied throughout one's life.
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guess who's coming to dinner
Added 1/18/2010
The movie arrived ahead of time. the dvd was not fasten in the case and had been moving around in the case and would not play on my dvd player. but i had a second dvd player that it would play own.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Amazon order
Added 11/29/2009
Would buy again from this seller. Item arrived quickly, and in condition described.
Thanks so much!
0 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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Remember when this movie was made!!
Added 11/26/2009
I haven't seen this movie in about two years but remember it well and remember it fondly. First, how can you not like a movie with Poitier, Hepburn and Tracy? Its impossible, just flat out great casting. 2nd, this movie is ahead of its time. These things just weren't discussed in movies in the late 60s and I think the coverage is good.
I came on Amazon today only to purchase this movie for my personal collection, but after reading a few of the other reviews I decided that some things needed to be said. First, yes it is mighty convenient that Poitier's character is a well to do black man instead of a factor worker as was suggested by another reviewer. But this does not detract from the story as the family's issue is with the trouble that they will have as an interracial couple, not that he's black. Granted, at the time, the job or profession that he had could have made it easier or harder from them, I still don't think this little convenient detail is a flaw in the story. 2nd, I hate reading about the "cookie-cutter characters". This movie was made over 40yrs ago. These characters might be cookie cutters now, but they weren't then. This movie was one of the first to take on this subject, and they handled it perfectly. The characters are good characters, wonderfully played, and realistically portrayed as long as you remember that you are watching a 40yr old movie.
I don't feel like i need to go into everything that I like and enjoyed about this movie. Just watch it. I'm convinced that anyone will enjoy this movie. I just felt it necessary to address some of the reviews that I personally had an issue with. If you're looking for a feel good story, a display of wonderfully cast characters, and just an overall comedic piece of thought-provoking warmth and feeling(i'm not a movie critic, so i'm not good with the movie adjectives, but i did my best), then this is your movie. I can't wait to get my copy in the mail.
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Not As Daring As You'd Think, and Wonderful Performances!
Added 9/20/2009
Stanley Kramer's "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", while daring in theory (tackling interracial relationships, in 1967), played it far too 'safe', treating the issue so unrealistically that neither the black nor white communities of that time considered it as all that groundbreaking. But as an opportunity to see Sidney Poitier at the peak of his career, and experience the magic of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn a final time, the film can't be beat!
Film historians have long dismissed the social 'relevance' of the production, accurately pointing out that Poitier's character, a brilliant, wealthy young black doctor serving the U.N., was designed to be so completely unthreatening and saintly that any chance to address real issues is lost; the same can be said of Tracy's character, a wealthy, liberal white newspaper publisher who had spent his life championing civil rights. These stereotypical characters cost the film any sense of credibility, and the passionless portrayal of the romance between Poitier and Katharine Houghton (they only kiss once, viewed through a taxi driver's rearview mirror), with only her childish giggling and posturing to indicate the depth of their relationship, doesn't help, either (one wonders why he would even be attracted to this silly child!). The story hinges on Poitier's demand that without Tracy and Hepburn's unequivocal approval, he will 'walk away', and this, too, is unrealistic, designed solely to provide a platform for Tracy's climactic answer, one of the most moving speeches of his long career, and the best moment of the film. While Stanley Kramer will be remembered as a daring producer/director who tackled important social issues head-on, "Guess Who's Coming..." is, at best, a very tentative first step.
But as a showcase for three remarkable actors, this is an indispensable document. Tracy was so ill, during production (dying just 17 days after the film 'wrapped'), that he was uninsurable, with Kramer and Hepburn forced to promise to cover any losses, had he passed away before the film's completion. He was deeply touched by the gesture, and summoned up his remaining energy to give his performance the dynamic, yet thoughtful quality that characterized his best work (he would receive a posthumous Oscar nomination for the film). Poitier is almost as good, in a less challenging role, making his nearly superhuman character both accessible and sympathetic. Hepburn's role is much smaller, more in support than as a leading lady, and her 'Best Actress' Oscar was, honestly, undeserved (she would acknowledge it for what it really was; an Academy recognition of her and Tracy, both for this film and their other co-starring appearances, over 26 years). Her niece, Katharine Houghton, in her film debut as Poitier's fiance, is, honestly, little more than pretty window dressing.
For the film's 40th anniversary, an additional DVD of Special Features has been added, including a 'Making Of' feature with insights by contemporary filmmakers and surviving members of the original cast, and featuring a lovely look at the very special relationship of Tracy and Hepburn, the funny acceptance speech for the Irving Thalberg Award by Stanley Kramer, and more.
While "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" is flawed as a social document, as cinema it is well worth owning!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Classic and Important Movies
Added 3/18/2010
This is by far one of the most important movies in the last century. I am most pleased with the quality of this film. There are so many ways the effects of this work of art can be applied throughout one's life.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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guess who's coming to dinner
Added 1/18/2010
The movie arrived ahead of time. the dvd was not fasten in the case and had been moving around in the case and would not play on my dvd player. but i had a second dvd player that it would play own.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Amazon order
Added 11/29/2009
Would buy again from this seller. Item arrived quickly, and in condition described.
Thanks so much!
0 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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