CompleteMartialArts.com - The Scarlet and the Black
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List Price: $14.98
Our Price: $9.99
Your Save: $ 4.99 ( 33% )
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Manufacturer: Lions Gate
Starring: Gregory Peck, Christopher Plummer, John Gielgud, Raf Vallone, Kenneth Colley
Directed By: Jerry London
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: Unrated
Binding: DVD
Brand: Lions Gate
EAN: 0012236139522
Format: Color
Label: Lions Gate
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Lions Gate
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2003-04-22
Running Time: 143
Studio: Lions Gate
Theatrical Release Date: 1983-02-02
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Editorial Reviews:
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Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 11/01/2005 Run time: 156 minutes Rating: Nr
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: SBENRI
Comment: Dear Sirs, this a wonderfull movie, I want to buy it, I havent found it in english with subtitles in spanish or english, or totally spoken spanish.
Where I can find it this way ?
Best Regards,
Enrique
Customer Rating:
Summary: A riveting WW II drama about the Nazi occupation of Rome
Comment: Even after all these years [since the movie was first released], I find The Scarlet and the Black a riveting watch. Based on the true life exploits of Monsignor O'Flaherty [compellingly portrayed by Gregory Peck], the story recounts the events that unfolded during the Nazi occupation of Rome, led by SS officer Herbert Kappler [a rather evil and calculated performance by Christopher Plummer]. Though the Vatican is neutral during the war, the Pope and his staff find it incredibly difficult to remain calm when the Nazis begin terrorizing Rome's inhabitants [both Jews and non-Jews] and even torture a priest of the Church.
Gregory Peck plays Monsignor O'Flaherty, a high-ranking and influential priest in the Vatican who actively helps escaped Allied POWs, Jewish refugees and anyone who is trying to flee the Nazis' reign of terror. As a man of the cloth, he helps all those who are in need, without reservations and one event in the movie [where he helps with gathering funds to 'ransom' the Jews of Rome] is particularly compelling. Based on real historical events, this active role played by the Monsignor is even more significant given the Catholic church's rather passive role during the Nazi reign of terror in Occupied Europe [as attested by historical accounts]. Placing himself in mortal danger, and under the scrutiny of the Gestapo [the Nazi Secret Police], Fr O'Flahery brazenly and cunningly carries out his heroic acts [at times under the very noses of the Nazis] and earns the wrath of SS Col Herbert Kappler, the Nazi in charge of Occupied Rome. Kappler as portrayed by Christopher Plummer is the epitome of Nazi cunning and totally without remorse, stooping to execute a priest, backing out of a verbal promise [assuring safety] to the Jewish community etc. Though he begins his 'reign' over Rome with much confidence, he loses his composure and self-assuredness as Fr O'Flaherty and company manage to get away from the Nazis time and time again.
The story is well-told, with compelling human drama and lots of action. The suspense is built-up from the beginning, and the climax of the movie - a showdown between Kappler and Fr O'Flaherty is absolutely mind-blowing. It addresses an important question: in the face of so much evil, can one, especially a man of the cloth, overcome his personal convictions and extend mercy, or is he, in the end, merely human?
Though the protagonist in this movie is a Catholic priest, there is no real focus on religion here and only minor religious references. This is quite a feat given that the movie is centered in Rome and the Vatican! A must-see for fans of WW II dramas, especially those who are keen on real-life dramas centering on the Nazi occupation of Europe. Highly recommended!
Customer Rating:
Summary: The Scarlet and the Black
Comment: Was surprised at this dvd.. it was BETTER than I ever expected.. would recommend this dvd. Enjoyed even more , as it was a true story.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Masterful Rendition
Comment: The interplay between Gregory Peck ("The Scarlet" -Msgr. O'Flaherty) and Christopher
Plummer ("The Black" -Nazi Commandant of Rome) is as complex as it is artfully
played. They are both protagonist and antagonist with each other shining through in
this true-to-life story. Since purchasing this DVD from Amazon, I have watched it
several times enjoying it fully each time. Both actors are masterful in their parts as
they portray this incredible interaction between "good and evil".
Customer Rating: 
Summary: No more soft soap please
Comment: I will say honestly and up front, I have little love lost for the Church. It has lied, obfuscated and just plain obstructed justice for decades of child abuse, enslavement in the Magdalene Launderies occurring to the late 20th Century. While,including the character portrayed herein, there were many good men/women who helped, it does not cover the stain of the crimes committed by the Church. Also, it doesn't cover the crimes continuing to be committed.
This movie is one of several that have been made showing the good side of the Vatican and its' represetatives. It is based on historical data. But what we must remember and not forget is the other reality of that Era. Instead of actively speaking out against Hitler and his Minions, the Catholic Church chose to be silent. When was being sought for Hitler's final solution, it should have been preemptively given to Allied Intelligence with the seal of the Pope as its' authenticity. None of this occurred. In fact, a great many escapes from the Allies sweep for Nazis involved in the final solution was done with Vatica papers.
Yes, this is a moving story. But let us deal in reality, the Church operated a series of launderies where young womnen worked without hope of leaving in Ireland. Many of them buried in unmarked graves. In Newfoundland, one order of monks ran a child brothel for molestors quaintly called an orphanage. To put icing on the cake, the monks were paid money by the Canadian goverment to do this fine project. The police were caught looking the other way for the need of many for an occasional transgression.
The Church has never openly dealt with any priestly misconduct unless it was finally pulled out of them by lawsuits, press, and in rare casie criminal prosecution. The Church, in fact, have helped several offenders in the US avoid prosecution or make the prosecution deal with them. They helped one offender in Dallas avoid being put in the Jail as all other similar offenders. This man was able to stay on church property before and during the prosecution.
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