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Manufacturer: Eiv
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a haunting, visually-striking, absorbing film. Set in Spain just before and then during the Napoleonic War it centres on the life and work of the celebrated artist Francisco Goya. Stellan Skarsgard turns in an excellent performance in this role, far from the sort we usually se him in, but in terms of impact the main character is the fanatic Lorenzo. Javier Bardem turns in a stellar performance as a softly-spoken well-mannered man who gives the impression of having a soft human side but who is capable of the most extreme cruelty (all for a higher cause, of course): the sort of man who over dinner will calmly explain that it is perfectly in order for the Inquisition to use confessions obtained by torture as proof of guilt because God will give the innocent the strength to withstand the pain. The relationship between these two men and the woman Ines (Natalie Portman) is really what the film is all about.
It is difficult to go into details about what happens without giving away some of the intricacies and issues of the plot, which is well-crafted and catches the spirit of a turbulent time and what it did to people. This is a pity, there is much one could say. But if you want a good, thought-provoking drama well presented it's worth watching. (Though if you're after a relaxed and happy film, this isn't it.)
It is difficult to go into details about what happens without giving away some of the intricacies and issues of the plot, which is well-crafted and catches the spirit of a turbulent time and what it did to people. This is a pity, there is much one could say. But if you want a good, thought-provoking drama well presented it's worth watching. (Though if you're after a relaxed and happy film, this isn't it.)
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I am somewhat surprised by the lukewarm reception that "Goya's Ghosts" has got from the critics.I thought that it was a captivating film, well acted in the main with excellent characterisation and frequently stunning cinematography.The historical backdrop of late 18th Century/early 19th Century Spain was interesting as well, featuring as it does the Spanish Inquisition and the Peninsular War. "Goya's Ghosts" is less a film about the renowned Spanish painter ,Francisco Goya, and more of a film about his friend, Brother Lorenzo, played superbly by Javier Bardem,a Spanish Inquisitor turned French occupier and his life of villainy and repression.Natalie Portman plays Ines, a beautiful friend of Goya's ,who acts as his muse; she is falsely accused of heresy by the Inquisition and is raped by Lorenzo after being cast down into their dungeons. Goya (played by Stellan Skarsgard) is often merely a peripheral observer in this film which mostly follows the career of Lorenzo and the plight of Ines over a fifteen year period. In this respect perhaps the film's title is a misleading one and a more appropriate one ought to have been found. However this shouldn't detract from the fact that "Goya's Ghosts" is an enjoyable ,entertaining historical drama which,in my opinion, is worthy of better reviews than it has received to date.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Goya was a wonderful painter, and anyone who has seen his dark works in the Prado gallery of Madrid knows the depth of his passions and feelings about the Inquisition.
This film could never portray the full horrors of the Inquisition, even with an 18 certificate, but it goes a long way towards describing the political and financial motives that lay behind it.
Through excellent writing, acting and production, even using a spot of ironic humour on occasion, it is a highly watchable and thought provoking work that deserves a much bigger audience.
This film could never portray the full horrors of the Inquisition, even with an 18 certificate, but it goes a long way towards describing the political and financial motives that lay behind it.
Through excellent writing, acting and production, even using a spot of ironic humour on occasion, it is a highly watchable and thought provoking work that deserves a much bigger audience.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Goya is very Good
A very realistic film: done authentic and so a very realist film. costumes, language and scenery are perfect. After having seen it on TV I decided it was worth purchasing too. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Eric Victor Price
awkward plot devices ruin what could have been truly fine
I was hoping for a historical snapshot like the one in Amadeus, which is unquestionably one of the best in spite of all its inaccuracies. Read more
Published 9 months ago by rob crawford
A bit portentious but grew on me
Something of the Milos Foreman bombast here, and initially I thought this was in danger of being a sub-standard Amadeus. Read more
Published 15 months ago by J. Waite
Involving movie.
I find so many movies boring but not this one. It is not for everyone because there is a certain amount of analysis of the characters rather than all out action. Read more
Published 16 months ago
Highly recommended
The painter Francesco Goya played by Stellan Skarsgård, becomes involved with the Spanish Inquisition when his mus Ines (Natalie Portman) is arrested and tortured by the... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Gary Selikow
Oh no, more drivel from Hollywood
I bought this film in error. I thought the title was "Goya's Ghost" but having checked the back of the DVD i noticed that it said "Nathalie Portman playing the victim with the... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Nrhlangman
GREAT FILM!!
THIS FILM IS ''AMAZING'' GREAT CAST AND STORY SHAME IT DIDNT GET THE AWARDS IT SO DESERVED FROM THE PUBLIC AND CRITICS!!
A MUST BUY FOR FILM LOVERS!!
A MUST BUY FOR FILM LOVERS!!
Published 22 months ago by Mr. S. R. HERRERA
The sleep of reason breeds monsters
This is no Valmont or Amadeus,both based on beautiful works of fiction,this is a magnificent folly with a hollow core and at it's heart a hero(Goya) who is a ghost. Read more
Published 23 months ago by technoguy
The beauty, the painter, the inquisition and Napoleon
This film gives a unique understanding of the Spanish painter Francisco Goya motives in his paintings and copperplates and the period they were created in. Read more
Published on 15 May 2010 by Tom Lisborg
Thought provoking
This is an interesting and thoughtful film. Though I am familiar with Goya's work, I knew very little about his life prior to seeing this, which made me want to find out more. Read more
Published on 22 Feb 2010 by D.Buttery
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