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Product Description
Evita peron born in a rural village on the vast argentina pampas. Eva peron rose from poverty and obscurity to inspire millions. As wife of president juan peron she blazed across the political landscape establishing social reforms that endeared her to the urban masses. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 01/13/2004 Starring: Madonna Antonio Banderas Run time: 135 minutes Rating: Pg
After more than a decade of false starts and several potential directors, the popular Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical finally made it to the big screen with Alan Parker (The Commitments) at the helm and Madonna in the coveted title role of Argentina's first lady, Eva Per¨®n. A triumph of production design, costuming, cinematography, and epic-scale pageantry, the film follows the rise of Eva Per¨®n to the level of supreme social and political celebrity in the 1940s. Like Madonna, Per¨®n was a material girl (she was only 33 when she died); she was instrumental in the political success of her husband, Juan Per¨®n (Jonathan Pryce). But Eva was also a supremely tragic figure whose life was essentially hollow at its core despite the lavish benefits of her nearly goddess-like status. The film has a similar quality--it's visually astonishing but emotionally distant, and benefits greatly from the singing commentary of Ch¨¦ (Antonio Banderas), who serves as a passionate chorus to guide the viewer through the elaborate parade of history. --Jeff Shannon
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Customer Reviews: - Very underrated, but not without faults
When Evita originally came out, it was considered a mild disappointment. It was pretty successful, got mixed to favorable reviews, and won some awards, but it had so much Oscar hype before its release that its lack of major nominations caused it to be seen as a bit of a failure. This is unfortunate, because it's actually a much better movie than most pictures that win the big awards. The acting is generally excellent, particularly from Madonna. It's beautifully photographed. The music is usually very well done, with great singing (there are points where Madonna's fantastic singing will make you wonder why she never seems to pull that level of vocals off on her albums). Some people complain that the singing isn't as opera-oriented than the original show, but given the mainstream audience this was clearly an intentional decision.
The movie has its faults. The main, overwhelming problem with this movie is its loyalty to the original play. Don't listen to purists who claim this movie strayed from the original. The fact is that they kept this virtually all-musical, something that doesn't work nearly as well on screen as it would on stage. The main problem with this decision was that the story has a great deal of political and historical content, and the songs that are supposed to give you this background don't do a very good job of giving you an understanding of the history. Three almost unlistenable songs--Peron's Latest Flame, Rainbow Tour, And the Money Kept Rolling In--try to give you this background in the context of overbearing musical-theatre-rock. The style of those songs and the flashiness of the editing, not to mention Antonio Banderas's sometimes indecipherable accent, keep any of this important historical information from being understood by the vast majority of the audience. You see flashy clips of riots, people being beaten (by police? be rebels? who knows?), and politicians yelling at each other (about what?), with nothing but Andrew Lloyd Weber's trashy theatre-"rock" to explain--or not really explain--what's happening. People who dislike this movie, I suspect, are largely thinking back to this part of the movie. All they had to do to eliminate most of the problems people have with this movie would be to take out the weak songs, add some real, non-musical scenes that give comprehensible historical background, and only keep the really good songs.
This could have been a great movie. You get a real sense of Eva Peron as a person, and the story is moving at times. Madonna is great and should have been nominated for an Oscar. Many of the songs are excellent. It's also worth praising for its photography alone. It's a shame they didn't do anything to mend such glaring, relatively easily fixable flaws, because it could have been far more successful....more info - One of My Favorites!
I've owned this movie for close to 10 years, saw the movie in the theater twice, and still count it as one of my favorites.
While I grew up loving Madonna's music, I never thought that she could act. This movie proved me wrong - although I'm under the impression that she was more portraying herself than acting (if you research Eva Peron and Madonna's lives, it is pretty interesting). I can't imagine anyone other than Madonna playing Eva now....
When I first got the VHS (I'm going to buy it on DVD soon), I made my Mom sit down and watch it with me (I was a high school Spanish student at the time). After I explained some of the history, she really loved it too).
It does help if you know some of the history BEFORE you watch it. The movie goes into just enough historical detail that background knowledge is helpful.
If you don't like history or musicals, you certainly will not like this movie....more info - BREATHTAKING!!!!!!
MADONNA in a movie and singing! What more could a person ask for? Okay, perhaps some people aren't as big of a Madonna fan as I am, but this movie was right on the money. There is no one that could have played Eva Peron the way that Madonna did. She completely captured the character, and was wonderful in the movie. Madonna won the Golden Globe for this movie, and it was deserved!
There are so many beautiful scenes in this movie, so I cannot pick just one, but I recommend this movie to anyone that likes Madonna, is interested in South American history (keep in mind this is a musical though-but I think it gives a great portrayal of Eva Peron), or to any movie buff (or musical fan)!...more info - Of course, it's good, but...
This is a wonderful musical, but through the whole thing I felt like I was watching Jesus Christ Superstar starring Juan Peron....more info - A star-making performance.
Evita starring Madonna is her best performance ever! She truly looks like Eva Peron, her voice has never sounded better and there's no trace of the "material girl" anywhere in sight. Antonio Banderas also stars, who knew this guy could sing his heart out. The songs are gorgeous and the cinematography is breathtaking. The only problem I have with Evita is their is no dialogue, it is just song after song but the songs are good. Give Evita a viewing soon....more info - 2.5 stars out of 4
The Bottom Line:
Though some of Evita's musical numbers have some flash, the movie feels overlong and oversimplified; there is definitely a movie to be made about the controversial Eva Peron, but this isn't it....more info - Truly Timeless
Well, most of what is to say about this movie has already been said. Madonna does shine in this movie (in fact I would argue that theatre is much more her strong suit than music alone). You can tell that she went to school to perform in the arts more so here then in anything else I have seen her in, as the dancing, movement, and passion by which she presents Eva Peron is quite moving.
I think its important to keep in mind when comparing this movie, it is more relevant to compare it to other works by Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber then it is to reality. This play was written back in the mid to late 70's, about 20 years after her death. It was not like today where you could simply Google a plethora of information on someone...so what is present in the play is knowledge based more on folklore and media present at that time than it is on fact (not to mention the overthrow and exile of the Peron regime itself from Argentina until the early 70's). This also beacons the question of can we truly know the full truth about those who are idolized in such a way as Eva Peron is.
There are some very clever present in the play-on-words in this movie, as is in all Andrew Lloyd Webber plays (the reference to Buenos Aires as "BA, Big Apple", as both New York and Argentina have a Broadway district, both having around the same population and art/dance focus). Also, the only reference to what actually killed Eva Peron is mentioned in only 1 line in the play (this is because at the time, only people very close to her knew what was happening, as the rest of Argentina could only see her getting physically weaker). In the movie, it shows a lot of the lower class people working in slaughter houses, as at the time Argentina was the world leader in beef exportation, as Europe was still war torn and was importing a large amount of it beef (this is what really had a lot to do with the political changes at the time, as the economy for Argentina as a result was booming). All of these little nuances are what make Andrew Lloyd Webber movies so loved and timeless (and some would argue overly so).
So while its true that you won't get scads of historical knowledge out of watching this movie, you will get a general idea of the political and social structure of Argentina during this time period. More importantly, it gives you a glimpse into how social climbing was not so easy, especially for women in those days. It's all about how 1 woman in just the few years she was in power shaped the political and social playing field for years to come. The music in this movie is incredible (and will get stuck in your head).
If your truly interested in finding out more on the life (and death) of Eva Peron, I recommend some of the more popular books on her life (Amazon has several), as well as "Santa Evita", which loosely chronicles the very bizarre escapades of her body after she died. A must see for play lovers.
...more info - A Madonna movie I can actually like
Based on the broadway show, Evita tells the rise of Juan and Eva Peron and their takeover of Argentina. The musical numbers are excellent and Madonna's voice truly does justice to this film. And let's face it: Madonna is truly in her element playing a character who fails as a movie actress and sleeps her way to fame. Even bad chemistry is chemistry, I suppose....more info - High Flying Adored by Some
Madonna surprised me. She worked. She had some obvious weaker spots, but she was bearable.
SONGS MADONNA SCREWED UP ON AND WHY:
Buenos Aires- She should have belted some parts instead singly softly (also this whole song just did not work.)
A New Agrentina- Madonna's worst number without a doubt. I despised this song. It just did not work. The high and amazing notes were brought down for Madonna- it brought the whole song down. I also disliked Jonathan Pryce (get to him later) on this song.
High Flying Adored- I have never liked Eva's part in this song. I think it should be Che's solo, but Madonna did not make it any better for me. Her voice sounded extra weak and very strained.
Hello and Goodbye- It just sounded weird and she didn't have enough.. hmm what's the word?... Patti in her!
Antonio Banderas wins the award for BEST PERFORMANCE IN EVITA THE FILM! He was amazing. I very upset that his hcaracter was so small. They should have enlarged it instead of making it smaller. He did so well. His "High Flying Adores" was breathtaking. He also nailed "Oh, What a Circus", "Lady's Got Potential", and every other song he is in. I liked his character alot more here than in the play. Che was more likeable. In this movie, I began to think that Antonio Banderas was playing a guy named Che not Che Guevara. That works so much better. This character should be, on stage, just the voice in the back of everyone's mind. I loved the way Che was repseented in the movie.
Joanthan Pryce's performance was the reason this movie recieved a 3 instead of 4. He ruined "She is a Diamond". He just didn't work in his role. His voice isn't very strong, and Peron really does need a strong voice when your Evita lacks a little in the upper range depratment.
The guy who played Magaldi was okay. He didn't sound very good the first time her say "On This night of a Thousand Stars", but his repirse was fabulous. Also the "Eva Beware of the City" scence seemed so awkward beause of his singing.
I loved Eva singing "Another Suitcase in Another Hall". I thought it fit her character perfectly. Although the whole thing with Magaldi walking into the apartment and having a family (I guess) was very confusing. I also loved how this song kind of became Eva's anthem. She reprised it many times and every time it conveyed a similar emotion which really worked.
MY PROBLEMS WITH THE MOVIE:
Madonna's hair in the beginning- She looked way too old, but if her hair were longer she would have looked much much younger.
The song "A New Argentina"- I hated how it was chopped up. (other reasons explained above)
The song "Buenos Aires"- They should have made it vibrant and colorful, not dingy!
This movie, although it had its share of problems. The one thing I was most happy about is that I like Eva at the end of the movie. I also like how Peron stuck by Evita, and I liked the new twist on Che and him just showing up and playing different characters. That was so awesome. I really liked this movie- I was bored at times- but then a great song came and I was happy again. I reccomend this movie to anyone.
And I must admit: IT IS BETTER THAN THE PLAY (except for Madonna- Pati was better.... but Madonna comes in second!)
So, what happens now?
So, what happens now?
So, where are you going to?
So, where are you going to?
You are going to get Evita!! How cheesy!!
...more info - Don't cry for Madonna, Argentina ...
First of all ... I think people that take the time to type up movie reviews forget what they're typing about, exactly. Everybody says that Eva Peron lived a shallow-hallow life. Okay, that's fine ... but then why discredit the movie for depicting this exact situation? During the movie we, as viewers, are "emotionally distanced" from Madonna as Evita, but ... in real life that's exactly how her subjects felt, too, right? So how does the movie "fail" on that account?
And as far as Madonna goes ... this was pretty much the first (and last) time I ever saw her "acting" in every sense of the word. She was, by far, quite convincing. Way to go on that Golden Globe win!
But I do understand the tediousness of sitting through two-plus hours of complete and utter singing and emoting. There was simply NO downtime at all ANYWHERE during the course of the movie. It works best watching it at home on television ... at least then you can pause and start and pause and start at will. I pity those that actually had to sit through this in a theater....more info - You Must Love This Film
'Evita' is a brilliant film adaptation of the Broadway musical, written and composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It tells the story of Argentina's First Lady Eva Duarte de Peron, also known as Evita. Evita was born into severe circumstances. Her father died when she was a little girl and her family (who was considered illegitimate since her father and mother never married) endured poverty and alienation. But all of this struggle lit a fierce fire in her belly, and she struck out on her own as a teenager in search of fame and fortune. This journey took her from radio star and film actress to the First Lady of Argentina. During her prime, she received both incredible admiration from the masses and criticism from the establishment. When she died at age 33 from cancer, she left behind a legacy that still haunts Argentina to this day.
The film features both amazing music and acting. There is wall-to-wall singing and very little spoken dialogue, but I didn't care since I have a deep love for music. However, people who don't care for musicals would obviously be advised to stay away. Antonio Banderas does a great job as the film's narrator Che. He displays great emotional intensity and adds an authentic Latin flavor to the role. And who knew he could sing that well? Jonathan Pryce is an appropriate Juan Peron: charismatic in his own way, but passive enough to stand back in awe of his powerful wife at times.
But the star of the show is clearly Madonna. She put her heart and soul into this role and, given her previously bad films, I was impressed. She clearly feels a connection to Evita, and both women have many similarities. They both lost one of their parents at a very young age, they both possess boundless ambition and strong will, they both received great adulation and scrutiny, etc, etc. I'm sure this was a big reason why the part fit Madonna like a glove. Also, Madonna is reportedly responsible for making Eva more dimensional, and therefore more realistic, than the stage version. Tim Rice wrote the musical with Mary Main's slanderous biography, The Woman With The Whip, as a main inspiration. Therefore, Eva was mainly portrayed as a ruthless power hungry tyrant in the play. Eva could be manipulative and domineering at times, but there was also a softer, warmer side to her that the movie version managed to show.
Besides her acting, Madonna's vocal range and quality also improved, compared to her earlier days as a "raw talent". Many complained that Madonna, a pop singer, didn't have the chops to tackle the role that Broadway singers Patti LuPone and Elaine Page played. Well, their voices have different objectives. Its all about context. Broadway singers are allowed to fill up the huge theaters with their huge voices. However, an operatic style would have been too overbearing for a film. A capable pop singer, with a less harsh and simpler style of singing, is much more appropriate for a movie. Plus, all of her experience as a music performer gave her the training to portray emotions convincingly through song. She manages to be alternately passionate ("A New Argentina", "Waltz for Che and Eva"), self-confident ("Rainbow High", "Buenos Aires") and vulnerable ("Another Suitcase in Another Hall", "You Must Love Me").
If you're a fan of Madonna, musicals, or want to learn about a fascinating historical figure, then buy this film. You'll love it. ...more info - Breathtaking. Our generation needs to discover it!!
I am 22, and I've seen this when I was younger, (my parents were obsessed and showed it to me).
But yesterday I saw it again, and wow, I didn't realize how amazing this movie was.
This needs to be re-advertised and marketed to the younger audience. People like musicals, but now they're hooked on High School Musical and need a little push in the right direction. It really is a powerful, inspiring, and historically accurate musical.
Wow...more info - Amazing Amazon
I wanted this product long time ago, finally I got it in my hands, I can't believe, Thanks a lot Amazon....more info - The Antonio Banderas Show
All in all this is a pretty good adaptation of the stage show. A meaty storyline, we all seem to relish in the tales of heroines who die young, a sumptuous latin setting and the winning combination of Tim Rice And Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Madonna gives her best performance on film ever, but still manages to miss the mark. I enjoy Madonna, but just felt that she was not feminine enough, not pretty enough and was unable to sing strongly enough. I was never convinced it was Evita on the screen, always Madonna. I personally felt that all Madonna's years in the gym worked against her, as I was unable to ever see the fragility and vulnerability that Evita fought, and eventually succumbed to, all her life. I also think Madonna has a fine voice for pop music but fell short of her requirement in this role, too many times I awaited a high point or crescendo, and was left with a flat note or weak attempt. Although she did sound great on some of the less challenging numbers.
Jonathon Pryce, who plays Peron, seemed uncomfortable in his role. I found myself wondering if he was trying to not overshadow his co-star. Unfortunately this left his performance flat and wooden, and nowhere near the level of expertise we have come to expect from him.
As for Antonio Banderas, WOW. He stole the show, he is electric, passionate, humorous and who knew he could sing. He actually shows up Madonna when it comes to the singing, a rather sad statement, but true.
All in all, the movie is well worth viewing, and I do not regret buying the DVD. With the stunning backdrop, lavish sets, catchy songs and Antonio's bravura performance, I am sure I will relish this movie many times over. It's just so hard not to wonder what could have been....more info - Academy "you must love her"...
Esta pelicula mereci¨® ganar varios Oscar, incluyendo el de mejor actriz. Es una gran historia relatada de una manera excepcional, cuidaron muchos detalles historicos, que es lo importante. Aunque el argumento principal de la obra es la ambici¨®n desmedida de Eva Per¨®n y todo lo que hizo para alcanzar el poder, Madonna supo desligarse muy bien de su rol de estrella-idolo del pop y asumir a la perfecci¨®n cada actitud de quienes conocemos la verdadera historia de Evita....more info - A New Evita
Up until recently, the only songs I knew from "Evita" were "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina" and "Another Suitcase In Another Hall", which I heard on the Sarah Brightman CD. When "Evita" came to Tampa on Broadway, my 9-year-old sister was asked to play one of the children in the production, and so I had the opportunity to see it. Since this was really the only time I had ever heard music from "Evita", I really enjoyed the woman who played Eva Peron, who had somewhat of a "higher" voice than Patti LuPone. We bought the original broadway cast album at the show and I didn't really enjoy it as much. Patti LuPone is NOT a good singer in my opinion. While Eva's part may have been written for that kind of voice, I don't enjoy it probably because I already loved the performance I heard.
Well my parents saw this film when it first came out, and both said that they fell asleep during it. But since I enjoyed the Broadway show so much, I bought it and I am so glad I did. Some songs have been transposed to better fit Madonna's strong but limited vocals, and I must say that she does a good job performing the songs in this film. Yes, it's true, she isn't anything like Patti LuPone, but for someone who is not accustomed to LuPone's harsh and riduclous vocals, you'll enjoy Madonna's performance a lot.
All of the music in "Evita" is beautifully written and peformed save a few songs that are too "rock" for my tastes. The costumes are great, the production is great, everything is just surprisingly good. There is no dialogue in the film, but there isn't any in the Broadway play either, so this didn't bother me. The film seems SO long without that 15 minute intermission, and after "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", you're wanting Eva to just die so it'll all be over. But it's still a really enjoyable movie; I just recommend taking a break in the middle.
Antonio Banderas performed well except on a few occasions where his Latino accent gets in the way of this obviously American-written musical. Jonathan Pryce's performance is a joke. He can't act, he can't sing, and it is quite obvious he's lypsynching through the whole film. Jimmy Nail had great vocals but wasn't young enough to play the suave and handsome Agustin Magaldi.
Some of the changes between the Broadway production and film are quite annoying, but if you haven't ever seen the Broadway version then this won't be an issue; Peron's mitress originally performed "Another Suitcase In Another Hall", but the song was sung by Eva in the film. Also, in the opening scenes where Madonna is playing a 15-year-old, they should have given her some heavy duty makeup. She was 38 years old here, but she looks even older.
Overall, not comparing to the Broadway performance at all, I give this film 4 out of 5 stars because of Jonathan Pryce's performance and the "rock" songs.
As a side note, the DVD is pathetic. There isn't any Special Features except Chapter Search, English captions and Spanish subtitles. There is a widescreen DVD available, which is the version I have....more info - Evita the Movie
A compelling review of her life, done by Madonna and done very well. Antonio Bandaras was supurb in his depiction of Che. If you are an Evita fan this is a must see movie and a must for a collection to be watched over and over....more info - Evita
The early development of Evita to her final role is slow and tedious. I am not fond of Madonna, but her performance was very good. The DVD did follow history very well, and some of the scenes were remarkable. Of course the famous song, Dom't Cry for Me, Agentina raises this from a three star to a four star film....more info - Evita
I ordered "Evita" used because I could not rent it at any of the local vidio stores. Shipping was speedy and the film was in excellent condition. ...more info - Evita
I really liked the movie. We had been to Argentina and especially like the scenes within Buenos Aires. Madonna and Antonio Banderas were outstanding....more info - I'd call it an unnoticed masterpiece of the XXth Century...
What can I tell? A number of my previous "moderately positive" stereotypes were smashed by this remarkable work. I loved Andrew L. Webber, though may be not all of his works equally ... I respected Alan Parker since "The Wall". I thought Madonna was "just a popstar", though - certainly - a very talented one... I thought that Antonio Banderas is just a good "action" actor... Yet with all due credits - I did not expect this... Personally, I "had a crash" on this movie...
Together, they made an Epic, a classic work going far beyond a specific (however important) page in Argentinian history, straight into the heart of someone born (like me) far away from this country. The scene, the script / lyrics, the music, the acting and voices of Madonna and Banderas - are really admirable. And together, they make you feel - wherever you are born & live - this story is (or at least may become) about YOUR OWN country, your own nation and people, your own love for it, your own part in the Century XXth... This movie cannot be just "watched" on "enjoyed"- you really have to live through it...
My sinsere thanks to all who made this work of High Art. ...more info - Magnificent Musical; Magnificent Madonna; magnificent filming.
A work of genius on every level, this film combines music and cinematography in ground breaking fashion. Madonna is perfect in the role, and bears a very strong resemblence to the true Evita of history -- delicate, beautiful, and immensely popular. Her voice is superb and her acting flawless. Banderas is irresistible as always, and everyone else does a fantastic job. Webber's music is genius, of course, and when we have it combined with brilliant editing and a thrilling cinematic pace, the effect is hynotic and very simply gorgeous. We get the mystery of the historical figures, the seductive nature of power and fame, and the horror of death all majestically and magically interwoven to make great and original film. Never have I seen scenes choreographed to music quite like this. A masterpiece. ...more info - Never rec'd it; can't review it.
I never received this dvd so I cannot review it. I did receive an AC/DC video that someone in Pennsylvania had ordered for a recipient in Newfoundland. I notified Amazon and returned the missent dvd but I have received neither a refund nor any other information about this item that was ordered more than a month ago nor can I find anyone in customer service who seems interested in helping me beyond the "I am sorry. We are getting lots of calls like these."
So it's interesting that Amazon now wants me to review a product that I was charged for and never received. Oh - I did get a confirmation that the DVD I was sent was returned. My refund was marked as $0....more info - my favorite musical
This is a very good musical with a rich overview of Argentinas history and its struggle towards democracy. Madonna is amazing and her talent is reflected in her ability to not only be a pop artist, but also a classical artist. This is a good musical for people that dont usually like musicals and for Madonna fans to see her in a different light....more info - Looks can be deceiving......took me this long to realize it.
I used to think that there were a couple of absolutes in this world other than the standard issue ones. One is that I will always hate Andrew Lloyd Webber and another is that Madonna will never be a good actress. After seeing Alan Parker's 1996 musical "Evita" however, starring Madonna and featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, I have had to amend those two statements slightly.
"Evita" is a gorgeous, lush film, full of thousands of extras, great location scenes and features a very talented cast. It acts almost as an incredibly big budgeted and elaborate music video, mainly because it features almost constant singing, and well, it stars one of the most visible music video stars of all time. Madonna finally found her part in this film, and no, it wasn't just easier because she didn't have a lot of speaking lines. It is clear that not only did she take voice lessons (which actually is true) because her voice quality was better than "normal", and has stayed that way since the making of this film, but she was able to knock off some decent dramatic moments. Banderas, though he spent a lot of the film looking pretty furious with the camera, doesn't have to prove any acting mettle (anyone who has seen him in an Almodovar film can attest to this) but did come up with a surprisingly good singing voice. Jonathan Pryce, who was curiously cast as Peron also did a good job, though his part was fairly minor, and even at that he was relegated to giving Evita a lot of loving looks. It's a slick production, some catchy music (I cannot believe I am actually saying that I actually really like a film featuring the music of the insipid, mainstream, gnome-like Webber) that is good enough to listen to extracurricularly and performances that weren't bad made for a pretty good and very entertaining viewing. Don't get me wrong - there are more than a few eye-rolling moments in "Evita", but the good definitely outweighs the bad, exponentially. The story, while coherent, was pretty mediocre, and I found that I felt that there were some things that were glossed over or trivialized with a cute musical number. I also have to add that Madonna in the beginning of the movie did look too old to be in her late teens.
Admittedly, however, this IS a musical and you don't sign up for a hard-hitting knowledge fest when you watch one. This wasn't the first time I had seen this film, and yet I still end up getting so wrapped up in the action that I end up bawling a couple of times, and this viewing was no exception. While this hasn't made me a Madonna fan, I do hold her in higher esteem after seeing this film. I recommend this film for musical lovers and for those who simply appreciate great cinema.
...more info - What? No anamorphic widescreen?
I remember seeing 'Evita' in the theaters when it came out in '98, and recently bought a home theater projector so thought I'd rent this film and watch it again.
So, here's a warning to those with widescreen TVs or projectors: This movie is widescreen but it is *not* anamorphic - that is, the picture doesn't widen to fill your whole TV screen. It was released when most people owned square TV sets, so the widescreen image is set within a standard 4:3 ratio square. In other words, if you try to watch this movie on your widescreen TV what you'll get is a square TV image with the widescreen image inside of it - MUCH smaller than an anamorphic image.
A pity really, because it's not a bad movie. I'm baffled as to why they never remastered the film and gave it an anamorphic release; it's been ten years......more info - I Normally Avoid Madonna, But....
I love this movie, especially the music. I was very pleasently surprised at her performance in this extrodinary musical that made a successful leap into the movies....more info - Acting and music were outstanding
Thoroughly enjoyed the movie and the music. Both Madonna and Antonio Banderos should have received Oscars for their performances.Highly recommend the production. ...more info - It Kept Me intrested
Some parts were confusing but I loved it Madonna's singing was great!!! I kept singing the song and could feel there emotions. If you like musicals you would most likley like it!!!!!...more info - Santa Evita's Reincarnation - Madonna, Patron Saint of Ambition
Icon playing icon ... from her death in 1952 she was immortal and immortalized by the famous musical and then the 1997 film starring Madonna. Banderas is a great protagonist against Madonna's Evita. Just like Desperatley Seeking Susan ... Eva Peron was a role made for Madonna, she really was born to play her. Their personal stories parallel ...
Both raised in VERY Roman Catholic environments they rebelled against
15 year old Eva runs off to Buenos Aires/17 year old Madonna dashes off to New York - both against the concerns of parents
Eva began as a radio and stage show actress/Madonna as a dancer and somewhat professional club kid
Eva went from zero to Frist Lady/Madonna went from semi-homeless street urchin to Reigning Queen of the Pop World
Both have legions of fans who love her, and their critics who don't. There is no middle ground to the reactions they stir
Eva and Madonna both lived out the line "you were just a backstreet girl, hustling and fighting, scratching and biting. High Flying Adored. Did you believe in your wildset moments ... all this would be yours? That you'd become the Lady of them All
Eva went from poor illegitimate fatherless child to the cover of time at 26/Madonna went from working class motherless daughter to the cover of Time also at 26
Both looked stunning in designer clothes
And ultimatley ... both are self-made, calculating, and aimed for the stars with a fire in their belly and becamein their own right .... one of the most powerful women of their time ... all before turning a mere 27.
Evita is mostly sung but it will inspire, politics aside.
...more info - Alan Parker makes a Masterpiece
Evita started as a concept album. Then Harold Prince staged the album in London with album star Elaine Paige. Evita premiered on Broadway in 1979 with Patti LuPone. This made overnight stars of not only Paige and LuPone and Mandy Patinkin but Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Since then it has become a Hollywood Jonah. Everyone from Barbra Streisand to Bette Middler to Meryl Streep have been cast in (or mentioned for) the lead and as many top line directors including Oliver Stone have been attached. Disney finally bought the rights for Maddona and the film died. A decade passed and finally everything falls in place including Maddona. I am not a big fan of Maddona but she can sing, she is Latino and she is not too old to play Eva Peron.
This film came together with near perfection. The film went back to the concept album. The only major changes were Eva now sings the best song in the score "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" and for continuity some of Che's songs were assigned to others (in the musical Che performed many minor characters.
Madonna was brilliant as Eva but the find was Antonio Banderas as Che. No one knew that he could sing! The only miscasting is Jonathan Pryce as Juan Peron but this is a minor flaw.
For most of the 80's and 90's, musicals have been disasters. The main reason is directors chosen have no musical experience (John Huston did Annie and Richard Attenborough did A Chorus Line). For Evita, Alan Parker was chosen. Parker scored a triumph for the musical Fame in 1980. Parker's choices were perfection, this is a crisp and clean film. The film could have been overly sentimental or cloying but Parker chose the straight path, tell the story and let the emotion evolve from the story.
If you liked the musical, you will love the movie. If you don't hate Madonna, you'll love the movie. If you like great film making, you'll love the movie.
DVD EXTRAS: None...more info - Historical Opera
Evita is a powerful production! This is an historical journey of the short and powerful life of Eva Peron. The story is told almost entirely through music. Madonna is at her very best. Not only does she have the rich full voice for the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber but she has the dancing and acting talent to make the persona of Evita come alive. Excellent....more info
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