Angels in America

A great message wrapped in a beautiful package

This is one of the most faithful film/television adaptations out there of a literary work of any kind. The cast is simply superb. Mary-Louise Parker in particular surpised the hell out of me with her tender, vulnerable performance. Broadway veteran Patrick Wilson also shows he has some great acting chops. Streep and Pacino are outstanding as ususal. Basically, the whole cast is excellent and it would take too much room to mention them individually. Tony Kushner's words and message are brought brilliantly to life by Mike Nichols and it just goes to show that a lot of money for production can go a really long way and achieve something great in the proper hands. As to those who are "tired of the subject matter" I say to you: WAKE UP!!! These are real issues that real people who live outside of your thoroughly homogenized, double-shot of esspresso, WASP-ish, bible-thumping, blinders on, W-is-great lives are dealing with everyday. Tired of the subject matter? Are you kidding me? This play, lik RENT, was written to make everyone aware of the very real threat of AIDS and HIV and is intended as a message to the public to get off their collective behinds and do something about it. Look, if you are uncomfortable with what the play and the mini-series has to say, then don't read or watch it. Go home and listen to Rush Limbaugh and read Left Behind and pretend that nothing exists outside of your own little world and dream of the day that you and your ridiculous ilk will go to heaven and live happily ever after and all sinners like me and Tony Kushner will....blah, blah, blah.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Really worth those 6 hours!

I enjoyed everything about it, I cannot believe Al Pacino was this good at what he does. Meryl Streep; pure excellence! The whole plot of it is really emotional but true and I think people really need to watch this to know what I'm talking about. Well worth my time and you should definitely watch this.

Superlatives still do not do full justice...

...to this simply miraculous achievement. I saw in repertory a touring company of Tony Kushner magnum opus back in the early 90's and was simply blown away by the sheer intelligence and passion of this work! I recall saying to myself that as staggering as this work was and due to the innate theatricality woven into the script it would never be able to be adapted to any other artistic medium. Was I ever wrong! Mike Nichols , who has never done anything better in his entire career, has done a simply brilliant job in reconceptualizing this stunning work of art, which will one day join the list of the inmortal theatrical works, to be considered in the same breadth of Hamlet and Death of a Salesman.

Inspiring

I laugh as I read the reviews stating this movie is "UnGodly!" First, anyone buying this movie because it has "Angels" in the title will be greatly suprised and should be embarrassed that they have never heard what is arguably one of our centuries greatest litterary works. Kushner's script proves to be highly dramatic, rich in symbol and meaning, and an exceptional telling of how the Regan administration foolishly ignored one of the countries greatest plagues. I myself am a Christian, and I still find this to be a wonderful tribute to a group of people hit with grief and dispair. "More Life" to everyone. "The world only moves forward."

you'll feel alive

and you'll never forget it. still thinking about what i've seen after so many days. full of life and death, yet so uplifting. long live art!

Beautiful movie

I found this film deeply moving and scorchingly honest. Bible thumpers and conservatives be warned that this is not for you, however--as one patron appeared to be misled by the title. (read the descriptions, people!)

the most UnGodly movie I have ever seen, should have been rated SC

this movie's Title is very misleading. If your looking for a religious movie, this is not one of them!!Angels having sex with people is UnGodly. further more, the homosexual sex scene in the park was graphic and disturbing. This movie Bashed God and I found it very offensive.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

More than 5 Stars

An incredibly emotional movie. Those who think it's 'pornographic' and 'anti-religious' need to look past that. The nudity in the film is there for a reason, and it's not for pornography. The religious theme(s) are there for a reason as well. Emma Thompson plays the three different characters for a reason. This movie is here for a reason. It's a brilliant film and extremely emotional. It will touch your heart like no other movie you've seen. HIGHLY recommended for anyone and everyone.

good

if you like this, check out any book by c.s. lewis. he's amazing

Disappointing

I cannot believe that so many awards went to this film. Al Pacino, Emma Thompson, and Meryl Streep's acting was superb, as always, but the show itself was a total disappontment. I for one, and tired of the subject matter

Acting perfection!

A mini series that goes by so fast, you want to start it over the second it is finished. One of the best films of a stage play ever! Please do yourself a favor and watch this film then share it with friends and family. You will feel every emotion you have. A MUST see for everyone.

Almost, but no cigar

Excellent acting and an awsome script until about halfway thru, Takes a turn for the worse and has alot of uneeded self pity type of chatter from the lead actor's lover. Also. I had a huge problem with the angels having sex with humans everytime they meet one. Seemed kind of sleezy and left me with a negative feeling about Angels. They also claimed that God is missing and rarely mentioned his name except to curse him. Theres a section in the movie that has the lead actors standing up and making speeches that will give you the sensation of fingernails scratching down and across a chalkboard. They leave God out of the equation but offer no hope or answer for the situation other than to say that "The work now begins". The lame attempt at preaching to the audience left me wanting to destroy the DVD and warn others.

Positively Brilliant

There are NO more words to discribe this story. Just see it, read it, injest it, embrace it and look at the world in a new way. Ciao.

Steal this movie

This movie's writing and acting will BLOW YOUR MIND. Ben Shenkman is especially great.

TONY KUSHNER IS A GENIUS

'Angels' is one of the most important theatrical works to come at the end of the last century; Mike Nichols has done the impossible, and made this WORK as a telefilm. I have seen many stage-to-screen adaptations crash and burn; here is the exception, and the rule that future adaptations should follow.

A Must See!!

This is a very well written and crafted piece of art. Deals with the important issues of our time.

Powerful drama & entertainment experience!

This is one of the best dramas I have ever seen on television. It is very complex, well written and acted, and thought provoking. This is a 'Do Not Miss' event because it is more than just a movie. I would highly recommend it as an 'experience' as well as an important drama. The actors are fantastic as is the direction and scoring. It is definitely a 'must see'.

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