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Anthony Hopkin's Oscar worthy performance

Reine des Coeurs | New York, NY USA | 12/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'll admit that only morbid curiosity led me to watch this movie upon it's initial release. The premise of this remake sounded interesting, but the over the top costs and production problems had been tabloid fodder for months. When it didn't do blockbuster business, not many people were surprised.It's a shame that this movie didn't do better than mediocre reviews and lukewarm boxoffice receipts. There I sat in the audience marveling at the gorgeous design and antiques, not to mention the exquisite costume design. So many films these days go for established designers, but this movie used a studio designer much like the days of the old Hollywood system. The attention to detail is exquisite.As for the acting, it all boiled down to one scene for me. Anthony Hopkins describing the first time he'd ever had a lamb sandwich to Brad Pitt. It turns into one of the most beautiful remembrance speeches of a widower for the wife he still grieves. Needless to say even this heartless cynic got a bit misty. To have a man express such love without sounding condescending or corny is quite a feat. It's enough to make you believe in the power of a good actor.Brad Pitt also deserves kudos for this role. Despite living through a personal hell and sustaining an injury, he does a great job in his double role. I thought the scene in which Death says good bye to Claire Forlani's character was some of his best acting."

Subtle...like a feather from Heaven

Janice Sims | Central Florida | 04/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not a Brad Pitt fan. His physical attributes don't astound and thrill me! But, I've got to give it to him: He was convincing in his dual roles as the coffee shop sweetie and Mr. Death. Claire Forlani, whom I've never seen in a film before was simply luminous. She's the perfect Susan in this parable of one man's last days on earth. Anthony Hopkins as Bill Parrish is remarkable, as always. He truly makes you feel as though he's a man with little time left and has to spend the rest of his alloted time cleaning up his act, making amends with his loved ones, assuring his daughters that he loves them and has always loved them. Also, Marcia Gay Hardin and Jeffrey Tambor are both extremely good as the number two daughter (in her father's heart) and her slightly inept (business wise) husband. They're both touching. I wasn't put off by the length of the film. I think we should take the time to savor some things in life. Slow down, relax and enjoy this beautiful offering from Martin Brest. You did a good job, Marty!"

A Really Classy Film

Emily Davis | 01/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This film has something that most flicks today can only dream of: class. It doesn't spoon-feed the plot to you, and it doesn't have useless dialogue crammed into every nook and cranny. Those who say this film drags should stick to children's cartoons. There is so much happening beneath the surface. Some just tune out the gaps in dialogue, and that's a real tragedy, because that's when the most happens, and the film really shines. Pitt, Hopkins, and Forlani are tremendous. Pitt's combination of power and innocence is flawless. This film is the most sophisticated to come out in a while, and the fact that the critics don't like it doesn't phase me one bit, nor does it surprise me. Meet Joe Black is a breath of fresh air: a truly elegant film."

Uplifting and enlightening

Emily Davis | 11/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After reviewing all 206 reviews for this movie, I've come to the realization there is still a majority of intelligent people who watch movies, not just teenagers who want action and adventure. I admit that when my sister gave me this movie to watch, I almost gave it back to her without seeing it because I didn't think I would care for it. Was I wrong! I've seen it three times in a week and I can't believe it was three hours long -- it seemed to carry me away and I didn't want it to stop. I must admit that when the accident scene occurred after the coffee shop, I was so shocked that I thought I'd hate the rest of the movie. I almost turned it off, but I'm so grateful I didn't. By the end of the movie I felt such elation and satisfaction. By the second viewing, I wasn't so shocked by the accident so I was better able to absorb the emotions and interactions of the characters. Since I'm a recent widow (December '98) and then my mother died on my birthday in May of '99, I couldn't imagine ever watching another romantic movie. But the absorbing story just draws you in, and by the time Anthony Hopkins says, "it's hard to say good-bye, isn't it?" I knew exactly how Joe must have felt saying good-bye to Susan. This is a feel-good movie by the end and a roller coaster ride of emotions for three hours Don't listen to the dribble of teenagers who would rather watch movies such as Animal House or Something About Mary -- they probably watch all those stupid sit-coms, too."