St-Georges

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Anything with BEN KINGSLY is going to be good a quality art... house of sand and fog rates among my top 3 which includes apocalypse now and k-pax. And the godfathers. Any artists there notice the influence of "the scream ".. near the end while the iranians are committing suicide kathy is on the pier with the camera rotating around her creating a swirl of vertigo and emotional turmoil... watch it again with this in mind... I'm certain you'll agree.

10/10
olliephelan@ - first review
13.1.2008 - age: 26-35

One tragedy after another. This movie pulls you in and keeps you engaged.

8/10
btschritter@ - 10 reviews
22.6.2007

It was the best, , , , a power full drama Superb acting! Heart wrenching plotline.

10/10
rnah5hid@ - first review
2.3.2006 - age: 18-25

This was really a great movie! The twists and turns are unbelievable - you're completely on the edge of your seat throughout the entire movie. Definitely not what we were expecting at all. A must see!

9/10
tericampion@ - first review
3.5.2005 - age: 36-49

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Wow!!! Everybody has to see this!!! I'm not kidding even if your depressed! U'll feel alot better believe me it's not that bad! It's just awful but u can handle it till the end!!

10/10
bluelover4life@ - first review
3.10.2004 - age: 18-25

I enjoyed this movie from start to finish. There is nothing cheery about this movie, it is a heart wrenching drama. At some points I detested the character Sir Ben Kinsgsley played and at other times I pitied him. I found it also made me think about how we judge people by their ethnicity... for example the Colonel had to be a money hungry bad guy because he is from Iran. Good story.

7/10
panterasue@ - 14 reviews
15.8.2004 - age: 50+

Well I like the movie... however the ending was seriously disturbing!!!

6/10
smithince@ - 119 reviews
17.5.2004 - age: 18-25

Saw the dvd last nignt. This one is worth C+ or 6, 6/10.

6/10
black.jack@ - 51 reviews
16.5.2004 - age: 36-49

Excellent movie, great performances, especially by Ben Kingsley. A great movie, but definitely not for everyone since it is a tragedy.

9/10
crezmur@ - 38 reviews
17.4.2004 - age: 50+

This film is NOT a typical Hollywood film - it's a tragedy. Not to be seen if you are severely depressed because a feelgood, happy-ending movie it is not! The acting is excellent, esp. Ben Kingsley, who is very believable as the Iranian colonel. However, two things bothered me: 1) the film's events are overall not very realistic and 2) the actor playing the police officer delivers a very mediocre performance that doesn't fit with the rest of the movie. How can you have such good and bad acting in the same movie is beyond me.

8/10
pascale22@ - 5 reviews
9.4.2004 - age: 26-35

This movie is very intense. If you want to see something extremely depressing, but very well acted, this is the one to watch! I bawled my eyes out.

9/10
sarahsaddy@ - 152 reviews
5.4.2004 - age: 18-25

Real Masterpiece. Comparable with great shakespear's dramas. Those red necks who never heard about good literature might find this movie depressing or boring.

10/10
nobody@ - first review
25.3.2004 - age: 36-49

I definitely liked this movie from beginning to end. I did not find one dull moment through out the film. A must see :-)

10/10
moemon@ - first review
19.3.2004 - age: 26-35

Outstanding! Great perfomances by all involved. A true american classic.

9/10
theprez007@ - 8 reviews
18.3.2004 - age: 26-35

Ultimately this picture is a failure for me due to the low-level logic that is displayed by most of the characters in this story. I could not lose myself in this picture because I spent most of the movie thinking about what I would have done differently to perhaps better handle the situation. Inspite of the fact that one main character is a recovering alcoholic coming out of a failed marriage and the other a recent immigrant from Iran, I just could not believe that these two could not get the help they would need to fix their situation. Where was the media to uncover this strange situation and the politicians to fix it? When you watch a movie and you see one small error escalate into complete chaos and you think how dumb people are acting, one can only feel frustrated and disappointed by the whole thing. I found it much too hard to suspend belief. The moral of the story: Read your mail or... SOMEONE COULD BE KILLED!

6/10
robbinemail@ - 146 reviews
14.3.2004 - age: 36-49

This is the first time I have ever given a movie 10. I have written many reviews here and this is the first. Take it from a person who has watched every Oscar winning or nominated performance since the beginning of the Oscars: Giving Ben Kingsley an Oscar for this performance is not enough! I cannot think of a better performance ever! Add to that great performances by Connelly and Aghdashloo, a truly touching and tragic story, and wonderful film making... This is what films are about! Perelman managed to get the audience to feel an eerie discomfort for at least an hour into the movie, a sense of impending doom, and when it actually takes place, Kingsley truly delivers. This tragic story is a Litmus test for those who think they're immune to sad movies. If Kingsley does not bring tears to your eyes, you must have been born without lacrimal ducts (the tear glands) You will be amazed at how Perelman was able to demonstrate pride and arrogance, greed, love, kindness, impulsivity, honor, abuse of power, agony, and an insight into a rich culture contrasting with American narcissism and sense of entitlement, all in one film. If you ask me, it is bad enough that Ben Kingsley should be insulted by the company of Bill Murray and Johnny Depp as fellow nominees to the Actor in a Leading Role category (there is no way their performances could come even close) but Perlman was not nominated for Directing and the film was not nominated for Best Picture. The irony here is that Hollywood has finally produced a film that has out-done the Oscars, an honor usually reserved for foreign and independent films.

10/10
junkemail@ - 7 reviews
28.2.2004 - age: 36-49

Brilliant. Absolutely fantastic. Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connely depict acting at its finest. Their performances are so real that you forget who they really are in real life, actors. The story is very powerful and the film is very well made. It might be depressive, but it's a movie to think about because the ending is rather symbolic. All in all, great movie!

10/10
buiz_buiz@ - 8 reviews
24.2.2004 - age: 18-25

Ok what the hell is wrong with all you people arguing about the quality of this movie, true this movie really isn't based on it's script which is slightly superior to traditional Hollywood movies but still nothing spectacular the real talent here lies on the acting specially Ben Kingsley!!! He was FANTASTIC, never seen better acting than what he did there I still can't admit how good he was! And for those that are talking nonsense about how it doesn't show true cultural values about the other country, I think your the one living in your little bubble, what everybody in his right mind knows (of course we are not talking the general US American here) good, morality, dignity all those exist everywhere, in every country. Most often, more powerful convictions than the average Americans! YES, I'LL REPEAT WHAT MOST OF US HAVE SAID ON THIS REVIEW, THIS ISN'T A HAPPY MOVIE FOR SUCKERS THAT THINK A GOOD MOVIE INVOLVES LOTS OF EXPLOSIONS AND A HAPPY ENDING. This is good movie with GREAT PERFORMANCES from the actors! Did I already say Ben Kingsley what sublime in his role! P'S' hey those people saying that they're true cinephiles and still not recognizing the value of the acting, should stop saying they're cinéphiles and better go say they are critics only searching for that once in a lifetime movie that truly will be considered a masterpiece. OH one other thing I hope the people writing in French and saying it was an awful movie saw it in English because truly if you didn't your missing out on a huge part of the acting, voice translation is never the same. I have one principle, always see the movie in its intended language not a translation, (subtitles do exist people, for those who don't have the privilege of perfectly mastering 3 languages)

8/10
datacreation@ - first review
24.2.2004 - age: 18-25

I thought it was one of the best movies of the year, one of the best movies ever. It definitely is the type of movie that you stay sitting in your seat and think about. It encourages discussion of the issues brought up in the film and surprisingly, not everyone agrees. Depression, desperation, pressure, greed, cultures, values, all come to play. Ben Kingsley, has once again portrayed a character as no one else can. Ms. Connely is also outstanding as is the actress who plays the wife. An excellent movie, a definite must see!!

10/10
adelepiccioli@ - 3 reviews
22.2.2004 - age: 36-49

Question: Why do you go to movies? If you answered, "I like to cry and enjoy the misery of others, " then you've picked the right movie. If, however, you go to the movies to relax and enjoy an escapist adventure, give this one a pass.

5/10
calgarytwo@ - first review
20.2.2004 - age: 26-35

Ben Kingsley is at his best in this astoundingly good film. All the characters in this film were developed with subtle detail, which is rare these days in Hollywood movies. Be warned. If you are looking to see a light-hearted, feel good kind of movie... this isn't it. This is definitely one of this year's best films, and Kingsley deserves an oscar for his role.

9/10
lionstigersandbears@ - 4 reviews
19.2.2004 - age: 36-49

This is a great movie if u think its bad its cuz u have no idea about how Iranians live their life and obviously its cuz you dont care about it!! So go and learn more about the others lolll and ya it's a great movie sad... and touching:)

10/10
annie_m_thomas@ - first review
15.2.2004 - age: 13-17

House of Sand and Fog has the best acting of the year. Three extremely simple performances taken to extraordinary levels by three superb actors. Ben Kingsley's performance is his best in two decades, you'd never be able to tell he wasn't Iranian. As for Jennifer Connelly, easily her best performance ever, as a recovering drug-addict. The performance that surprised me the most was Shohreh Aghdashloo's who plays Behrani's wife. In a story like this one can find themselves taking sides very easily. The best part about this movie is that it's so simple, making it even more brilliant. There is a flaw in this movie though, normally a bad performance wont affect a movie overall. But in this case Ron Eldard's performance nearly destroys half the movie, I can't even explain why he was so bad... But aside from that it was a near perfect-film.

9/10
globe_lifter@ - 9 reviews
6.2.2004 - age: 13-17

Just incredible! Not your typical Hollywood movie but rather a classic. Kingsley's best role yet! A house of sand and fog forms the focus, but it is much more than that! All I have to say "Go and see it"!

10/10
dertrabi@ - first review
6.2.2004 - age: 18-25

It's a great movie and even though the actors are not iranian they sure fooled me!!! A very solid performance by Ben Kingsley and Shohreh Aghdashloo. A must see!

10/10
khashayar_shariati@ - 2 reviews
3.2.2004 - age: 13-17

It was a great movie and I loved it. As an iranian immigrant I'm greatful to this movie to visualize the problems we're facing regarding proving ourselves as an ancient and powerful nation whoes dignity is much more vital than anything. Ben Kigsley was incredible. He was truely an iranian colonel. Wow! He even had the iranian men's look. Give this movie a shot. You'll love it if you care about others.

9/10
nahid_es@ - first review
3.2.2004 - age: 26-35

WOW!!! A beautiful movie about honor, dignity and compassion. Ben Kingsley was remarkable, very believable as a Persian husband and father. Shoreh Aghdashloo was oscar worthy. Definitely a movie worth seeing... don't forget to take some tissue, it's a tear jerker!

9/10
asamadian@ - first review
1.2.2004 - age: 18-25

Go see it just for Ben Kingsley.

10/10
thelongbui@ - 16 reviews
31.1.2004 - age: 26-35

This is movie extremely well written and acted - it is a true credit to the novel written by Andre Dubus - an accurate portray of government mixups causing lives to spin out of control. The acting was superb - Ben Kingsley is incredible and makes this movie a "must see"..

9/10
sewlucky@ - first review
27.1.2004 - age: 36-49

Powerful! One of the best movies I've ever seen. Ben Kingsley is magnificent in his role.

9/10
monique15@ - first review
27.1.2004 - age: 50+

This movie is an absolute must see for people who are tired of being fed the same comic, drama, thriller, horror movies over and over again. This movie is the potrayal of life, its deep feelings and how destructive our behaviors can be towards one another. If you are not politically ignorant you will see that the feelings of iranians have been well portrayed (those that do not belong to the Islamic Republic) If you are a person who disregards other cultures and assign 'grandeur' and 'valeur' only to your people: don't go, you are not able to appreciate.

10/10
shivasafari@ - 2 reviews
27.1.2004 - age: 18-25

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
The resean I said it's a great movie is:at first you are gona try to jug who is falt, but the end you will see there is nothing left for anyone, even for the girl, when officer ask her is this your house, she answered no. So there was no meaning left for her to live there everything dead with them, that's why I said they fight to got nothing, could you telling me who was falt, , , , , , , , sistem, incurance company, goverments people?

8/10
p_shafa@ - first review
26.1.2004 - age: 36-49

Acting doesn't get much better than Ben Kingsley in this movie.

8/10
zioconbrio@ - 38 reviews
25.1.2004 - age: 50+

It is a very intense movie! The story is good and keeps you awake till the end!

7/10
payetg@ - 2 reviews
24.1.2004 - age: 26-35

Waste of my time and money? Who ever thought of this has really nothing left in his imaginary world.

1/10
koko@ - 2 reviews
23.1.2004 - age: 18-25

The balance of the reviews are indeed correct. This movie is a masterpiece, akin to a great tragic opera. It is deeply moving, in many ways and Ben Kingsly is incredible. I supppose one could site believability as an negative, but I was mesmerized by the story, and on the edge of my seat. It is NOT for those who see any movie with 2 at the end of the title, but if you are looking to experience the artform that film can be, you are in for a real treat.

10/10
lawrencecharge@ - 6 reviews
23.1.2004 - age: 36-49

House of Sand and Fog hands us a dilemma in which we can easily side with both parties and then makes us watch in horror as events unfold. I wanted to take sides, I really did, but I found it was just impossible. Both Ben Kingsley's ex-Iranian colonel and Jennifer Connelly's sorry inheritor seem to be in the right. It's a classic snafu, and you run through the whole gauntlet of negative emotions before the movie is over. Kingsley MUST win the best actor Oscar for this. This man is a true actor: every movie he makes, he plays a completely different kind of character, usually from different nationalities, and he pulls it off perfectly every time. Others like Jack Nicholson or Al Pacino, who tend to play basically the same role every time, are nothing but second-rate household names compared to this guy. Also superb were Jennifer Connelly and Ron Eldard (of Men Behaving Badly fame) One word of advice though: if you're at all depressed, wait until you're feeling a bit better before venturing to see this. I was feeling a little down going in, and when I came out, I was downright melancholic.

8/10
newscott13@ - 373 reviews
22.1.2004 - age: 26-35

This movie was one of the best movie I ever seen in my life!! Everybody go and see this movie, don't miss it!

10/10
michael20047@ - first review
21.1.2004 - age: 18-25

One of the best films I've seen in a long time. Both Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly are Oscar material after their performances.

9/10
sophievassos@ - first review
19.1.2004 - age: 36-49

Heavy movie... terrific acting, but storyline at times is a little hard to believe.

7/10
skyhawk@ - first review
19.1.2004 - age: 36-49

Finally a movie that has been done a hundred times before... excellent acting cast, never know who to love or hate and in the end you leave with a real feeling of being thankful for what you have and how things could always be worse.. Some oscar winners in this one!!

9/10
mmangotich@ - 3 reviews
16.1.2004 - age: 26-35

Superb acting! Heart wrenching plotline.

10/10
tariqa00@ - 2 reviews
16.1.2004 - age: 18-25

Jennifer Connolly gets first billing. She does a marvelous job of a one dimensional character. The movie belongs to Ben Kingsley. He creates a character with fathoms of depth. In portraying a dispossessed elitist, we get a look at another side of the disenfranchised. Gripping in its portrayal of accidental tragedy.

9/10
mj_brown@ - 84 reviews
15.1.2004 - age: 50+

If you are not in the mood for suicidual characters and alcoholism don't bother with this film. I walked out just after he poisoned his wife and put a plastic bag over his head.

5/10
lisa@ - 2 reviews
13.1.2004 - age: 36-49

A hauntingly good movie. A little slow moving in the beginning, but the intensity builds as the movie progresses. An intense and emotional climax. Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly are superb. A thought provoking film about the choices we make.

9/10
earth_fairy_7@ - 10 reviews
13.1.2004 - age: 18-25

There's no story.

4/10
shahsamira@ - first review
11.1.2004 - age: 26-35

That is good, but It could be better...

7/10
hani_ghiabi@ - first review
11.1.2004 - age: 18-25

If you think things are going bad in your life right now, do yourself a favour and go and see this show, it will help you realize how bad it really isn't and lesson learned, "OPEN YOUR DAMN MAIL! ".

7/10
snarlysnail@ - 3 reviews
11.1.2004 - age: 36-49

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
A powerful drama, beautifully photographed, superbly acted, operatic in its intensity -- the opening scene during the titles like an overture mysteriously hinting at the tragedy to unfold. There are no villains in this film, only well-meaning but imperfect people who behave with the best of intentions. Can't give a "10", though. The plot may seem contrived, but not unbelievable. There are gaps in the story -- but life's like that too. We don't always find out what we want. I liked the ending --where in fact, nothing is resolved, but there remains the sense that life will, somehow, continue. I liked the music, but did find it a trifle overbearing at times. Similarly with the nature scenes -- very beautiful, and symbolic, and setting the mood, but I had the feeling that the director was trying too hard to make sure we got the message. I also found the portrayal of the Iranian family a bit cartoonish. This is not the fault of the actors, who did a wonderful job, but with the lines they were given. It would have made more sense if all the dialogue in the family had been in Persian -- with subtitles, rather than having the characters switch to accented English. If the wife knew so little English, why would she speak in that language to her husband? Or were we supposed to be believe they were speaking Persian, which had been translated for our ears? In that case, it sounded a bit too formal -- like the way that westerners imagine those exotic people to speak. These are picky criticisms, however, for a great film.

9/10
mikbic1@ - first review
10.1.2004 - age: 50+

One of the best movies of the year.

9/10
aashahram@ - first review
10.1.2004 - age: 50+

Note: The user reviews posted on this page are personal opinions of our visitors. We are not responsible for their content.

Click to see more reviews:
[1-50]  [51-92]