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Special Relationship (HBO Films) [Blu-ray]

Michael Sheen , Dennis Quaid    Suitable for 15 years and over   Blu-ray
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
Price: £6.59 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
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Product details

  • Actors: Michael Sheen, Dennis Quaid, Hope Davis
  • Language: English
  • Subtitles: English
  • Region: Region B/2 (Read more about DVD/Blu-ray formats.)
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Classification: 15
  • Studio: Optimum Home Entertainment
  • DVD Release Date: 20 Sep 2010
  • Run Time: 88 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B003PHJLNC
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 27,332 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)

Reviews

Product Description

Feature-length BBC drama depicting the relationships between former British prime minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) and American president Bill Clinton (Dennis Quaid). Set in the pre-9/11 years from 1994 to 2001, the film focuses on the international presence of Blair in relation to his American ally. While Clinton is almost toppled from power by the Monica Lewinsky scandal, Blair continues to strengthen his position, moving seamlessly from being Clinton's acolyte to his equal, and eventually his moral superior in the aftermath of Kosovo.


Customer Reviews

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Special Relationship Revisited 7 Dec 2010
By F. S. L'hoir TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
Let me begin by saying that I enjoyed this BBC-HBO production immensely, largely because of Michael Sheen's nuanced portrayal of Tony Blair. I have to acknowledge, however, that viewer reactions might be based upon how one feels about both Blair and Clinton. Some might find the film either too pro- or too con, because of the writers' and director's determination to keep the scenario firmly anchored in the middle of the political road, allowing the viewer to make up his mind on whether Blair began his political career as a novice, learned the political tricks of the trade (no pun intended) from a master conjurer, and then surpassed his mentor in dealing squarely with political reality.

The director is particularly neutral in his attitude toward the present Secretary of State, well acted by Hope Davis, while he allows (constantly munching) Dennis Quaid as her philandering husband a cringing leer, when she questions him about the truth of the Scandal; and Helen McCrory's Cherie, at times, suggests a crypto-Lady MacBeth in waiting. Not quite over-the-top performances, but almost!

Michael Sheen's often-underplayed portrayal of Blair keeps the film on track. He conveys a combination of vulnerable charm that soon emerges as infectious charisma--that the original does possess, whether one approves of him politically or not. Watching Sheen's portrayal, I found myself, at first, constantly readjusting my perspective, telling myself: "no, Sheen doesn't look at all like Blair." Soon, however, I forgot any initial scepticism, accepting Sheen's Tony-persona without reserve.

I therefore wish that the cinematographer had photo-shopped Sheen into the final newsreel scenes, because the sight of the real Blair brought me back to reality; but perhaps a sudden dose of reality is exactly what the director had in mind.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Blair and Clinton 15 Sep 2011
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
Engaging, well-written and even-handed, 'The Special Relationship' is another film to add to the list of good political dramas of the last five years. The film's focus, though, differs to most other political dramas in that it is largely low-key and family based; an interesting tack that allows the film to showcase Bill Clinton's admittance of his infidelity to the beleaguered Hilary (a superb Hope Davis), and Blair's personal struggle to gain popularity and political power; being the junior partner of the relationship at the film's opening, in a more personal context. Indeed, this family-oriented setting provides a solid backdrop to the revelations on everything from the Lewinski affair to Northern Ireland; and the approach of seeing how it may have affected the Blair and Clinton households gives the film an interesting and original extra dimension. The performances as a whole are good; Dennis Quaid grows into his role of Clinton well, and Michael Sheen is decent, if a little meek as Tony Blair; whilst the supporting cast (Hope Davis in particular) are very solid. 'The Special Relationship' is also a film which looks great, especially on Blu-Ray; with it's panoramic shots of the White House, the intimate scenes of Downing Street's kitchen, and the faux-'90s press-conference style footage. Though there's nothing incredible about 'The Special Relationship', it is a very good and insightful political piece that will strongly appeal to anyone interested in the PM/President political dynamic, or politics in general.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars That dog won't hunt 20 Sep 2010
By Peter Wade VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
I have liked everything that Michael Sheen was done recently.

He was great in Damned United and he plays a good Tony Blair.

This is all about the relationship between Tony Blair and Bill Clinton. In the beginning it is suggested that Blair learnt how to gain power and exercise power by using some of the skills he learnt from Bill Clinton.

Clinton is famous for being a charismatic figure and this is confirmed even by his enemies.

Tony Blair was the junior partner in the special relationship but the US needed allies and Tony Blair was happy to support Bill Clinton in his hour of need which was when he was going to be impeached over the Monica Lewinsky affair.

I remember when the events depicted in the this film happened. The story is all about the acquisition of power and the retention of power.

Clinton has to move on when Bush is elected and tony Blair has to create a new relationship but becomes the junior partner of Bush and eventually goes in to the war in Iraq.

This is a story about people. Things move on and those with power become nobodies again.

Surprisingly good film about what could be a boring subject.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars A great performance
Another great performance by Michael Sheen as Tony Blair. Like all characters he takes on he does it so well!
Published 1 month ago by Steve F
4.0 out of 5 stars Not just another dull political drama
Sat down to watch it , not sure what to expect as I don't normally watch movies about politics or political leaders. I was pleasently surprised. Read more
Published 5 months ago by david vanatti
5.0 out of 5 stars good
good deal good deal good dealgood deal good deal good deal good deal good deal good deal good deal good deal good deal good deal good deal good deal good deal good deal good deal... Read more
Published 5 months ago by jANPRONK
4.0 out of 5 stars Soton Saddler
Very good film, highly recommended and interesting. Everything you would expect from a film containing Michael Sheen. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Soton Saddler
4.0 out of 5 stars Sheen and Quaid - A Special Relationship
This was an easy political drama for me to watch, with Sheen and Quaid being two of my favourite actors. That said, all the supporting cast were very good. Read more
Published on 26 Feb 2011 by P. Ward
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent performances.
The script is good and the film is well made, but it's really the casting that makes this so worthwhile. Michael Sheen is excellent in his third film as Tony Blair. Read more
Published on 1 Feb 2011 by Calum I. MacLeod
5.0 out of 5 stars Very convincing
This is a great TV Movie ! A very interesting subject matter is tackled by fine screenplay writers and great cast. Read more
Published on 9 Oct 2010 by Mr. Mg Reynolds
4.0 out of 5 stars brave film
I say this was brave as it didn't go for the obvious - ie George Bush and Iraq storyline, instead it looks back beyond this to the Clinton era and was more refreshing for it. Read more
Published on 29 Sep 2010 by Chris
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Film
I have just finished watching this film and I have to say it is very good. Both the lead performances are amazing, especially Dennis Quaid who's interpretation of Bill Clinton is... Read more
Published on 21 Sep 2010 by Mr. R. Bond
5.0 out of 5 stars A Changing Relationship.
I watched this on the BBC, and although I hadn't planned on watching it, I was hooked in minutes. Sheen gives his usual excellent performance as Blair, for the third time, but it's... Read more
Published on 19 Sep 2010 by Graeme Stewart
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