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jkirkland1977
Reviews
Takin' Over the Asylum (1994)
Simply the best BBC drama set in Scotland.
Only found this again because of David Tennant & the repeat on bbc three - triggered memory of seeing way back in 1994.
However this is a rare gem not only from the BBC stand point giving a very true account of treatment of mental illness which sadly stands to this day in many ways but though the bbc Scotland later gave the reworking of the crow road from book to screen.
This short mini series is way and beyond anything before or since and stands in its own right as an exceptional exploration of mental illness, Scotland and a great story combined at that time with unknown talents - David Tennant probably topping that list.
However it's the whole package from the writing, the emotions shown and how accurate to life this is. I honestly can't say enough well worth buying it brings a tear to the eye and the amount of talent in one series is unbelievable with the younger cast members making there name since.
David Tennant shows all his talents at this early stage in his career and put in an epic performance here however he's not the only one and the series deserved every award it got. Truly touching and powerful, Scottish at its heart yet a universal story which still holds today.
They struck gold with the cast and the story sadly nothing has got near its level since and this does show what the BBC and Scotland can give lovely Scottish backdrop and use of music taking over the asylum is one to treasure.
Dances with Wolves (1990)
An epic
This is worthy of the top 250 and is by far Kevin Costners finest hour.
A film that changed things, it also is visually stunning and also equally all inspiring. Based on Michael Blakes book Dances with Wolves has got to be the best adapted to film in a long time.
The western frontier, a soldier facing that frontier a romance and an Indian culture now long since gone plus some great performances all round.
Breathtaking in every inch and it has a peace and honesty which is now much lacking in our modern culture. All I can say great film and its ending would bring a tear to any eye.
Plus it is a film that works in many different levels.
Jerry Maguire (1996)
one of the best films ever!!!!!
WHY IS THIS NOT IN THE TOP 250!!!! Outwith its a wonderful life, the shawshank redemption this is in my own top ten and well up there. Tom Cruise at his penultimate best, a scene stealing Renee Zellwegar and an award winning Cuba Gooding. In one of the best American films ever.
The heart and soul of this story was and still is amazing the actors gave everything and it came through. It also gave one of best and worst ways to loose a job and it had a tear jerking ending.
I love it and always will. Great viewing Tom Cruise at his height and something I doubt he will ever be able to repeat, for Jerry Maguire really was his shining moment and that the whole film worked from beginning to end. Great soundtrack as well but it was a real American story with a heart and they don't make them like that anymore!!! Well done to all who made this film and especially liked the 'Quan', 'Show me the money' and last but not least 'you had me at hello'.
It just pulls your heartstrings and one of the greatest films of the 1990's without doubt.