In association with Amazon.com
|
starring: Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway, Joyce Carey, Cyril Raymonddirected by: David Lean
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786304442562
Format: Black & White, HiFi Sound, NTSC
ISBN: 6304442564
Label: Hallmark
Manufacturer: Hallmark
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Hallmark
Release Date: June 24, 1997
Running Time: 86 minutes
Sales Rank: 23385
Studio: Hallmark
Theatrical Release Date: August 24, 1946
Related Items:
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com essential video:
To many, Brief Encounter may seem like a relic of more proper times--or, specifically, more properly British times--when the pressures of marital decorum and fidelity were perhaps more keenly felt. In truth, David Lean's fourth film remains a timeless study of true love (or, rather, the promise of it), and the aching desire for intimate connection that is often subdued by the obligations of marriage. And so it is that ordinary Londoners Alec (Trevor Howard), a married doctor, and contented housewife Laura (Celia Johnson) meet by chance one day in a train station, when he volunteers to remove a fleck of ash from her eye (a romantic gesture that, perhaps, inspired Robert Towne's 'flaw in the iris' scene in Chinatown).
It so happens that their schedules coincide at the train station every Thursday, and their casual attraction grows, through quiet conversation and longing expressions, into the desperate recognition of mutual love. From this point forward, Lean turns this utterly precise, 85-minute film into a bracing study of romantic suspense, leading inevitably, and with the paranoid, furtive glances of a spy thriller, to the moment when this brief encounter must be consummated or abandoned altogether. Decades later, the outcome of this affair--both agonizing and rapturous--is subtle and yet powerful enough to draw tears from the numbest of souls, and spark debate regarding the tragedy or virtue of the choices made. A truly universal film, with meticulously controlled emotions revealed through the flawless performances of Howard and Johnson, and an enduring masterpiece that continued Lean on his course to cinematic greatness. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - A classic, ladies and gentlemen!
Although Brief Encounter went for some years being disparaged by smartass comics, the film stands the test of time by virtue of the sensitive performances, Noel Coward's nearly impeccable writing, Robert Krasker's magnificent photography and David Lean's smooth direction, long before he became the Swami of the Sumptuous (River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia et al). This film brought Celia Johnson acclaim with a well-observed performance and she is matched by Trevor Howard in his best acting ever, and ... Read More
Rating: - Language: English (YES) Italian (NO)
For "Brief Encounter - Criterion Collection" (1946)
"Brief Encounter - Criterion Collection" is a gorgeous restoration of an exceptional and enduring work of art.
But the Amazon product detail description of "Language: English, Italian" is incorrect. Italian audio is not an option.
Rating: - When passion violently invades...
...The unsuspecting lives of Laura & Dr. Harvey; this video titillates the viewer by a metaphorical likening of love's passions to the steaming over, crushing power which once influenced the coal burning industrial society. Period viewers might have remembered the political power of railroad lobbyists in dividing up American lives and properties. The powerful symbol of the rushing steam locomotive is iconic.
This classic drama, focused around coincidental liaisons, and then deliberate ... Read More
Rating: - My favorite movie!
Brief Encounter is the most romantic, sensuous movie ever made. There is so much "electricity" and passion - with virtually no physical contact between the two lovers.
Rating: - Classic romance
A fantastic film, with brillant acting that is subtle and realistic, and although the dialogue seems a little dated at first, after the first few minutes you forget all about this and are totally emersed in what is understandably a classic film. It's not often that I am so emotional after a film that I just sit there for 10 minutes or so, not wanting to move, but this film had this effect on me, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good story and real romance. Brilliant.
|
|
|
