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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I think most of you are missing the point of the film here, its a social commentary, the aliens were an allegory for corporate greed and capitialism at the expense of personal freedoms and human rights. It was made in the 80's, Reagan era, when these things were being pushed aside in favour of power and a monay making screw everyone else culture.
Personally, I think it is brilliantly done, Piper is a pretty good actor (for a ex wrestler) and the tongue in cheek script and direction makes sure its doesnt get too caught up in its own message. Although, having said that, the message is pretty loud and clear by the time the two heroes get into the alien base and find out humans are collaborating with them, just for a guaranteed increase in their investments.
Keith David is great also, the pointlessly long and over the top fight scene between the two is one of the best thing about the film, just a bit of fun interjected into a serious film. The scene now has cult status, and was immortalized by Southpark, in the episode `cripple fight' where Jimmy tries to get Timmy to put on a silly hat. Brilliant stuff.
The film could have done with a bigger budget, but I still rate it as a classic, with a message that is perhaps even more relevant today; what with the political propaganda machine even more powerful and insidious than ever, and people even more stupid, it seems.
Personally, I think it is brilliantly done, Piper is a pretty good actor (for a ex wrestler) and the tongue in cheek script and direction makes sure its doesnt get too caught up in its own message. Although, having said that, the message is pretty loud and clear by the time the two heroes get into the alien base and find out humans are collaborating with them, just for a guaranteed increase in their investments.
Keith David is great also, the pointlessly long and over the top fight scene between the two is one of the best thing about the film, just a bit of fun interjected into a serious film. The scene now has cult status, and was immortalized by Southpark, in the episode `cripple fight' where Jimmy tries to get Timmy to put on a silly hat. Brilliant stuff.
The film could have done with a bigger budget, but I still rate it as a classic, with a message that is perhaps even more relevant today; what with the political propaganda machine even more powerful and insidious than ever, and people even more stupid, it seems.
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Hi,
I personally can't wait for this movie to be released again.I'm looking forward to the Blu-Ray in particular.This is my favourite John Carpenter movie and i think in this day and age for me anyway the message in the movie becomes clearer and clearer.It really is a great reflection of western society in particualr and how our brains are manipulated 24/7 365 days a year by commercialism and things that have no real importance in the grand scheme of things.Well back to the movie and what a great performance by Roddy piper and also Keith David.My favourite line in the movie is when piper goes into a bank and declares:"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass.....and i'm all outta bubblegum"!!
I emplore anyone who is reading this and has not seen this movie to give it a go.Well definetely for me a 5-star movie quite frankly there has been nothing that has come close to it in it's 20 years.
Long live John Carpenter,granted he has made some crap in his later years but still i would love him to do a sequel!!
I personally can't wait for this movie to be released again.I'm looking forward to the Blu-Ray in particular.This is my favourite John Carpenter movie and i think in this day and age for me anyway the message in the movie becomes clearer and clearer.It really is a great reflection of western society in particualr and how our brains are manipulated 24/7 365 days a year by commercialism and things that have no real importance in the grand scheme of things.Well back to the movie and what a great performance by Roddy piper and also Keith David.My favourite line in the movie is when piper goes into a bank and declares:"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass.....and i'm all outta bubblegum"!!
I emplore anyone who is reading this and has not seen this movie to give it a go.Well definetely for me a 5-star movie quite frankly there has been nothing that has come close to it in it's 20 years.
Long live John Carpenter,granted he has made some crap in his later years but still i would love him to do a sequel!!
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This film is an undiscovered gem- I've seen it turn up more than once in one of those '20 films you've never heard of, but must see' type of things.
Following a drifter looking for work, we have the 'truth' behind society slowly revealed to us through his eyes(Quite literally, as it happens). We are shown a world of subliminal messages hidden behind every advertising hoarding 'Marry and reproduce', for instance, every magazine and book page carries a hidden motto: 'Obey' 'Consume' - the list goes ever on (The message on the dollar bill - 'This is your God' is my particular favourite...). A 'ruling order' is revealed to be controlling us all.
Following a drifter looking for work, we have the 'truth' behind society slowly revealed to us through his eyes(Quite literally, as it happens). We are shown a world of subliminal messages hidden behind every advertising hoarding 'Marry and reproduce', for instance, every magazine and book page carries a hidden motto: 'Obey' 'Consume' - the list goes ever on (The message on the dollar bill - 'This is your God' is my particular favourite...). A 'ruling order' is revealed to be controlling us all.
The concept of aliens living among us is not a new one within Science Fiction, but Carpenter has worked his magic on it to produce a film that is at times funny, shocking, weird, thoughtful and insightful. I could probably add more to that list if I tried, but you get the idea. This film is, in my opinion, Carpenter's finest hour.
Add to all this the greatest bare-knuckle punch-up in cinematic history (and possibly one of the longest), and you've got pure movie magic- an essential buy. Modern imitators in this genre don't even come close.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
very good
if u aint seen this film. trust me buy it. only cheap. its one of a kind. no other film like it. u will watch it lots..
Published 2 months ago by tango
A fun action movie that has aged well
If you've only seen the "I've come here to chew bubblegum & kick ass" part you will not be disappointed by the rest of the film. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Alexander Johansson
John Carpenter Film They Live
Very good science fiction/social commentary film made in a low tech era. Only a modern prejudice would blind the watcher of the message of this film (where format seems to be more... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Dan
Very relevant
It's true that They Live is not one of John Carpenter's greatest movies but with it's social impact it sure throws a few punches. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Colonel Decker
A Prophecy of today's society...
An intelligent, thought provoking message wrapped up in a 'tongue in cheek' Ed Wood style B movie.
This sly stab at modern day consumerism and greed is wonderfully played out... Read more
This sly stab at modern day consumerism and greed is wonderfully played out... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mr. Njs Martin
Obey
An underrated film that warrants further viewings. John Carpenter is on top form here, simply OBEY and buy this DVD now.
Published 5 months ago by D. P. Parks
This is a Documentary
In an interview a few years ago, John Carpenter said of this film, dead pan: 'It is a documentary'.
That is, non-human things, dressed up as humans, are walking the... Read more
That is, non-human things, dressed up as humans, are walking the... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jason Powell
AWESOME!
Unlike the American edition, this is the most complete dvd version I've seen with its extremely entertaining commentary and vintage make of doc. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Travman
They Live (and I praise)
This film was recommended to me for several reasons. One of the reasons being, Hitchin based metal group; Neverworld has written a song loosely based off this movie. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Richard Watson
They Live! And the director of this film knows it!
This is an great film to watch, Piper is superb and this film actually gives you something to think about.
Published 13 months ago by Patrick Abbott
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