(2012-04-30 08:52:15)

....Maltin u Suck..!

This review is from: Flower Drum Song (DVD) ....Leonard Maltin Gives This Film 2 Stars....Whadda Jerk..!..Says The Movie Goes On Too Long..MALTIN You've Been Going On TOO LONG..!..Great Set Pieces,Great Cast,Great Movie..!

(2012-04-29 19:19:22)

Another Rodgers and Hammerstein Classic On DVD.

Flower Drum Song is the most popular movie musicals ever created by the legendary tandem of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The 1961 film stars Nancy Kwan and the late Miyoshi Umeki and it is about a young woman who traveled to America from China in search of a new life. The musical numbers were excellent and dance sequences were a gem, I really loved the "Fan Tan Fannie", "I Enjoy Being A Girl" and "A Hundred Million Miracles" segments. It is, without question, worthy of five Oscar nominations. The special features on the DVD includes audio commentary from Kwan and film historian Nic Redman, the history of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, a look at the songs of the movie and the tour of the sets and costumes of Flower Drum Song. This film will delight viewers of all ages and reaqquaint admirers of Nancy Kwan to this movie.

Tommy-1986

(2012-04-26 19:17:03)

An under-rated, charming film

All right, all right. Yes, "Flower Drum Song" is a bit dated, sexist, andeven a little stereotypical. The score contains a few great numberslike "Love, Look Away" and "I Enjoy Being a Girl" (In spite of the sexistlyrics, it's a fun song), but overall is not as good as other Rodgers andHammerstein scores. But there is still much to like and enjoy in thischarming film version of R&H's Broadway hit. The cast is great, andincludes several veterans of the Broadway show, most notably formerOscar-winner Miyoshi Umecki, who is utterly enchanting as Mei Li,completelyrising above the characterization of a placid "picture bride" who just sortof goes with the flow and doesn't question any of her "superiors" (men)witha performance that is sweetly comical and even a little touching at times.Other Broadway veterans Patrick Adiarte (You would never guess he was thesame guy who was that annoying Crown Prince in the movie of The King and I)and Juanita Hall (from South Pacific) are likewise great, and Jack Soo ishilarious as the hip, deadpan Sammy Fong. Of the actors chosen just forthefilm, James Shigeta has a pleasent voice and acting style as Wang Ta, andBenson Fong is good enough in the rather stereotypical role of thestubbornly traditionalist Chinese father. As for Nancy Kwan as Linda Low,she is rather wooden as an actress and must've been an even worse singer(Asshe was dubbed by BJ Baker), but does a great job dancing in the nightclubsequences. But yes, Pat Suzuki from the Broadway show would've been a muchbetter choice, judging by the original cast recording. Reiko Sato isprettygood as Helen Chao and Marilyn Horne does a beautiful job of dubbing her in"Love, Look Away." Aside from the great cast, the orchestrations arewonderful and better than the Broadway arrangements, and the choreographybyHermes Pan is really, really good. This is one of the more faithfulfilmizations of a Broadway show, aside from cutting one song (Theforgettable "Like a God"), re-ordering a few others and throwing in a fewnew scenes. And while perhaps Rodgers and Hammerstein couldn't quite bringthe depth to this story of Chinese immigrants adjusting to life in SanFrancisco's Chinatown, they did it with great charm and overall respect.There are many delights in the score such as "A Hundred Million Miracles,"the hilarious "Don't Marry Me," "Sunday," "Grant Avenue," and the lovely"You Are Beautiful." Even if these are not on a level with the other R&Hscores, they are well-written and memorable. Truly an under-rated filmthatdeserves another look. Right now in Los Angeles, a new revival of thestageversion with a completely new book by Asian-American playwright David HenryHwang is appearing, possibly on its way to Broadway. It makes sense tofinally have this story told from a truly Asian-American perspective, andhopefully, though some of Hwang's choices sound a bit odd, (Putting insomething about CHinese opera, cutting Sammy Fong and the whole "OtherGeneration" song and idea, which is pretty crucial to the original, andmaking Mei Li a refugee from Chinese Communism) hopefully this new versionwill further allow people to reconsider their view of this show and itsfilmversion.

Anne

(2012-04-25 22:06:19)

Lost Rogers and Hamerstein

This is one of my all time favorite musicals. The only american movie to have an entirely asian cast. If you can manage to find a copy of this movie and you like musicals then definately give this one a try.

(2012-04-22 19:31:33)

Feedback

This review is from: Flower Drum Song (DVD) Ordered item (for my Wife) on 8/17 and received on 8/25 in the new/excellent condition as described by Amazon. She always wanted this movie - funny, good story/songs/dancing. Great service from Amazon.

(2012-04-22 10:59:51)

Great Film

This Film is 100% family fun, nancy Kwan shines Love It Watched it over and over, Great to sing Along with!

(2012-04-22 01:09:40)

Light and Fun

This review is from: Flower Drum Song (DVD) I hadn't thought about The Flower Drum Song in years. What a pleasant surprise to learn that this colorful and light hearted, fun musical comedy was available after all this time! It's a movie that puts a smile on your lips. I had forgotten the songs, and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked them. Cute story, too.

(2012-04-21 11:58:23)

A hundred million miracles

I first saw this play in the 1950's in an open theater in southern California. All I remember was the song and sitting among palm trees. This play or musical is based on a novel by C.Y. Lee. Very well adapted for the screen by Joseph Fields and Oscar Hammerstein. They made everything look smooth and natural. Even the surrealistic scenes seemed like stepping into the persons head. There are several other dimensions to this movie such as the characters are played by well know actors such as Nancy Kwan, Myoshi Umeki, James Shigeta, Benson Fong, and Jack Soo. To add to that are many memorable songs such as "A Hundred Million Miracles", "I Enjoy Being a Girl", You Are Beautiful", and "Love Look Away." Most of the scenery is of stage play quality. The basic story is a lot of love triangle overlap In San Francisco's China Town where eastern and western culture clash. We also have generation clashes. Seems like everyone is mixed up as to who loves whom. So will they be able to straighten this out? Will we learn anything about love and family in the process?The special edition DVD has all the standard goodies as interviews with actors. The voice over commentary has mostly Nancy Kwan talking about her role in "The World of Suzie Wong."Flower Drum Song (1961 Film Soundtrack)

Daniel Kelly

(2012-04-08 03:36:03)

Updated Broadway version, my foot.. give me the original!

I have seen the revival of the 1958 R&H musical and did not appreciate itone bit. The original story is so charming, with a lovely score andsympathetic and enchanting characters. I don't understand all of thisnonsense about stereotypes. In the film, all of the characters are fullyrealized, three dimensional characters. I agree with what the formerposterhas to say about the 1961 film. Very true to the original play, though Iwould opine that the original cast orchestrations are better than those ofthe film. Fine performances by a darling Miyoshi Umeki, seemingly servile,but full of pluck and guts and insight, in her own quiet way. Nancy Kwanlooks beautiful as Linda Low and Jack Shoo and the handsome James Shigataasthe romantic lead are wonderfully cast. Juanita Hall steals every scenesheis in and Benson Fong is superb, as the traditional, but very wise father,who really does have his son's interest and happiness atheart.Seems to me that these are universals, not endemic to any one group. Ijustdo not understand all of the fuss about updating the book. "The OtherGeneration" is cut from the updated version. Was that song a slur againstChinese Americans in the late 1950's? Seems to me that in another Broadwayclassic, "Bye, Bye Birdie", which opened in the spring of 1960, whitebreadAmerican parents lamented the "other generation" in a diddy called,"Kids."It was the zeitgeist of the late Eisenhower era and the fall out from rockand roll and the huge impact a fellow called Elvis made in these UnitedStates.Ancient Chinese saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." In thesetroubled times, Broadway audiences would have appreciated a slightlytweakedand updated version of this 1958 gem of a show. David Hwang Ho has reallytaken it to the extreme. So, if you want to real flavor the original,stickwith the film and the wonderful characters who inhabit the wonderfulChinatown and Grant Avenue, San Francisco, California, USA, in thosehalcyonKennedy years.

(2012-04-07 09:57:55)

San Francisco, USA

An ethnic musical by the great Rodgers and Hammerstein! Begins with Mei Li and her father stowing away on a ship from China to the USA to meet her husband-to-be, Sammy Fong. Song "A Hundred Million Miracles" in the park is sweet - and funny situation with the Cop being unable to read Chinese and having to get help from the crowd.Linda Low is very A-typical Chinese Girl (according to the stereotype of the time) and changes her focus from long-time love, Sammy Fong, to Ta when Sammy won't produce a ring!Dance scene at Graduation party is good! Lots of great dancers - thought some of the curly hairstyles (typical of late 50's early 60's for non-Asians) were a little out-of-place...but only a minor detail.Ta's father is typical "Old Chinese" and his coughing spells to get his way are hilarious!Mei Li's watching TV to learn English is cute (actually reminds me of "Splash") and her innocence is believable!Childrens' dancing in courtyard is great, but sure wish it wasn't so much just panning the kids and would show more scenery - DVD Widescreen Edition, PLEASE!!!Let's pop the corn and watch together! A GREAT movie to watch with the family! Pam Crenwelge (Wayne's Wife), Katy, TX

Jvbway

(2012-04-04 16:49:10)

One of the Better R&H movies

"Flower Drum Song" ran just over 600 performances on Broadway, not badat all, but nothing compared to the runs of the other major R&H shows.Still it was a financial success, after the mild failure of "Me andJuliet" and the flop "Pipe Dream", so for that reason alone, itdeserved a film version. While the material is in no way the strongest,"Flower Drum Song" is a total charmer, and the film version keeps allthe charm in tact. Keeping most of the original cast was a smart move,Myoshi Umeki is perfect as the timid young Mei Li. It's too bad PatSuzuki couldn't also recreate her role of nightclub singer Linda Low,but Nancy Kwan is very amusing in the role. So far, this is the onlyR&H film not to have a DVD release, (the abysmal remake of "State Fair"was just released) which is somewhat surprising, since the film isactually considerably stronger than the films of "Oklahoma!","Carousel", and "South Pacific".

(2012-04-04 04:27:44)

What a fun musical!

My favorite part of this movie is the series of watercolor paintings in the beginning. This opening section is outstanding among all movies I have ever seen.

(2012-04-01 12:41:01)

My Favourite Movie!!

There are only a handful of movies that I can watch over and over again, and Flower Drum Song is one of those films. What a pure delight! I cannot recommend this movie highly enough and for all the ladies out there, you will fall hopelessly in love with James Shigeta! My heart has palpitations just seeing his face and hearing his beautiful voice. Of course, the entire cast is superb and you will find yourself immersed in a romantic fantasy that will melt any heart.

(2012-03-31 22:56:09)

Worth every penny.

This review is from: Flower Drum Song (DVD) As with all Rogers and Hammerstein movies the music and photography are wonderful. San Francisco in the 1950's. What a time!

(2012-03-31 15:27:05)

The Floweer Drum Song

A Forgetable movie, where the songs seem to be dubbed over the audio track.While the storyline is OK, the movie failed to keep my attention. Acting styles have changed since this was made.Only worthwhile if you are a musical collector.

fantasiland

(2012-03-30 22:30:42)

Not the best Rogers and Hammerstein Movie Out There

I don't think this movie was really up to par with other R&H movies.The songs were just O.K. and to be honest Mei Li was one of the worstcharacters in the whole movie for me. Mei Li had no personality whatsoever. Throughout the whole movie, shewas just a Mary Jane- hardly the right personality for a maincharacter! As for Linda, she has no dreams or goals besides being afifties housewife. But, now that we think about it, isn't that what Meiwas going to do to? Oh, yeah. So Mei Li is like Linda, except with lesspersonality. The one possible character who had hope in becoming three-dimensionalwith real thoughts and feelings was the supporting character who didn'tget a happy ending, Helen Chao. In the book version she commitssuicide, in the movie version she just disappears! She selflessly tookthe heartbroken Ta to her house to have a place to sleep, and then heleaves her, without even trying the breakfast she made for him. Meicomes later and jumps to conclusions and by then we all know how themovie ends. And that's it. Helen, a poor seamstress, the childhood friend of Ta, arguably the mostself-sacrificing character in the movie, just disappears from the storyline. Okay, so was it really that necessary to make Helen in love with Ta,too? I didn't read the book, but I hope it was for more than an excusefor a musical number. So in the end, everyone (meaning Sammy and Linda and Ta and Mei) ishappy and married, while poor Helen rots away in heart ache andnothingness. Her character had so much potential. She knew Ta for solong and she obviously cared for him before Mei or Linda came along-Linda wanting Ta to make Sammy propose and Mei because she needed awealthy husband. Now, tell me, who cared the most for Ta, consideringall their initial motives? Oh, that's right- Helen. Except, thanks toR&H, she's gone. If given the option, I wouldn't watch this movie again.

SRSBAP

(2012-03-29 22:53:20)

LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!

What is the hold up with the DVD release of the fantasticfilm.It should be out on DVD ASAP.This Rodgers and Hammerstein at their best, it ranks up therewith"THE SOUND OF MUSIC".Get on the ball Universal and release this on DVD.Outstanding cast,Magnificent sets,Stunning costumes,and a FANTASTIC soundtrack.

prudence

(2012-03-29 14:53:32)

Totally Cute!

This is a heartwarming romance! Sure it's filled with stereotypes of the 1960's Chinese, but it's so adorable you don't mind that much. The story is predictable but the characters are charming. With the exception of the artsy dream sequence the whole movie is delightful. Definitely recommended for musical lovers.

(2012-03-29 03:44:12)

Great musical for family.

This review is from: Flower Drum Song (DVD) Cute movie for family to enjoy. Great dancing of their time. Love the music too. Laugh out loud comedy and also touching unrequited love. Many famous Asian actors of the great era of the 60's. Must see for all generations.

(2012-03-28 23:42:15)

Finally!!!!

I have loved thie movie ever since seeing it on late night tv. I had to search a long time to find it on video before dvd was an option and I have been waiting impatiently for release on dvd since my vhs is wearing out. The gradual awakening of young Ta to which girl is truly right for him and Sammy Fong's attempt to disillusion his picture bride are priceless although the latter was often cut out during late night broadcasts. The ballet is sublime even though you can tell when they switched from James Shigeta to a professional dancer. Afterall, it's the music and the story that make this great.