Cicero-6 Reviews

The Patriot (2000)

A Great Lesson in American History!

[10/10 · 21 July 2000]

"The Patriot," starring Mel Gibson and directed by Roland Emmerich, is a superb movie about the U.S. revolutionary war and explains why the colonists revolted against English rule. They were fighting for family, home, and freedom, a lesson no longer taught in American schools. While one of the major scenes in the movie was not historically accurate, it was representative of the type of British action that incited the colonists to fight a long and costly war for independence.

Go see "The Patriot" and get a great lesson in American history!

A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)

A Great Movie!!

[9/10 · 26 June 1999]

A Midsummer Night's Dream was very well done for a production that moved the time frame and setting from the late 16th century to the late 19th century.

All the major characters gave great performances, but my favorites were Kevin Kline as Nick Bottom, Michelle Pfeiffer as Titania, and Stanley Tucci as Puck, or Robin Goodfellow. Tucci's performance was superb!

While many believe that Shakespeare put complex messages into the play, I think the major lesson is that funny things can happen when some try to interfere in the romance of others. As an added minor lesson, Titania falling for Bottom, who has the head of an ass, shows that anyone can fall in love with a jackass.

Kidnapped (1995 TV Movie)

A Superb Performance by Armand Assante

[10/10 · 2 May 1999]

Armand Assante turned in a superb performance as a Scottish loyalist in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped." Mr. Assante was totally credible in his role as a man who would stick to the principles of truth, justice, and loyalty that the author highlighted in the novel. Any fan of Robert Louis Stevenson must definitely see this outstanding motion picture.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Superb, but...!

[10/10 · 14 January 1999]

Shakespeare in Love was a superb film, despite the fact that it was a work of fiction. Gwyneth Paltrow turning in an absolutely exquisite performance. Colin Firth also turned in an outstanding performance. Joseph Fiennes looked a bit odd in the role as Shakespeare - his looks are reptilian. I think he would do better to wait a few years and play the lead in Othello.

Finally, one would wonder whether there was a subtle message in the film about the acceptability of homosexuality, given the scenes of men kissing men in the movie.

Elizabeth (1998)

Disappointing

[1/10 · 25 December 1998]

The lavish costuming and sets and good performance by Cate Blanchett could not overcome the grossly inaccurate depiction of history.

First, the Catholics were all uniformly depicted as sexual libertines, murderers, and/or hypocrites. The portrayal of the Jesuit priest as a murderous 16th century commando was especially disgusting. St. Edmund Campion, one of those Jesuits, was martyred by Elizabeth for ministering to the faithful in England and refusing to renounce the Catholic Church for Elizabeth and the Church of England.

Second, William Cecil - Lord Burghley, was also seriously misportrayed. Cecil, in fact, was Elizabeth's closest advisor for a lengthy period of time; Sir Francis Walsingham was a subordinate to Cecil. Cecil was not the milksop portrayed in the movie.

Third, many of the cast looked like members of a 1990's Los Angeles street gang instead of characters from 16th century England.

I believe the high overall ratings given the film are a result of ignorance of history.