
Greatest Movie Of All Time
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What makes this movie the greatest? The plot, the characters, the director, the actors, the stunning sets, the music? It is all of these things and more. This movie is breathtaking! It is larger than life. And this latest release is the best by far. With color and sound both enhanced and restored, this four disc DVD version is the one to own.
I have loved Gone With The Wind since I was a child and have seen it too many times to count. The character of Scarlett O'Hara has always fascinated me. The passion with which Vivien Leigh portrays her draws the audience into Scarlett's world. She is a childish vixen, spoiled and completely selfish. Oblivious to true love that will make her happy, she spends most of her life pining away for the "wooden-headed Mr. Wilkes". But, as the movie progresses we see her change as the Civil War brings sickness, starvation and death into her family and her perfect world. As I see her struggle to keep her family alive and keep her beloved Tara, I begin to feel sorry for her. And in the end (although, she really did bring it upon herself), I find myself wishing with all my heart that Rhett will change his mind because she deserves another chance.
Vivien is supported by a cast of other actors who perform just as well and I could never, ever see anyone else filling their rolls. This includes Clark Gable as the dashing Rhett Butler. There are many qualities about Rhett that would make any woman go week in the knees. He's handsome, demanding, forceful and on top of that he loves children. But, he is a hopeless gambler, womanizer and a scoundrel. Still, that makes me love him no less. He is persistant with Scarlett. He knows that they are meant to be together. If only she would grow up and realize that, too, before it's to late.
Then, there is the object of Scarlett's foolish desire: Ashley Wilkes, played by Leslie Howard. He is the complete opposite of Rhett. An honorable good-hearted, peace loving guy, he, sometimes knowingly, toys with Scarlett's emotions never fulling giving her the old "get lost, I'm taken". He gives her enough hope to let her believe he really does love her, but then dashes her dreams of their being together by continuing to stand by his wife, Melanie. Although he longs to take his family to a new life somewhere else and put the war behind him, he is talked into staying ever close to Scarlett's side.
Melanie Wilkes (Olivia DeHavilland), the only truly honest and kind character of this movie, always turns a blind eye to any inproprieties between her husband and her sister-in-law. She is patient, loving, selfless and I feel very sorry for her constant belief in Scarlett as a good person. However, that makes me mad at her, too. She could stand up, show some backbone and give Scarlett a good tongue lashing, but she does not. Ever the saint, she believes whole heartedly in those she loves. Ultimately, Scarlett's life is made much better by Melly, although she does not realize until the end.
So, this movie is one that is definitely worth watching and adding to your DVD collection. It will make you want to read the book, which it stays respectfully true to. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone. It is worth the time.
Review ID: 10000000001248781

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