The Sand Pebbles [Blu-ray]
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Movie Reviews of The Sand Pebbles [Blu-ray]
Movie Review: Excellent movie and a superb blu-ray package
Summary: 5 Stars
Some movies don't age well. Others get better as time goes by. Put The Sand Pebbles in the latter category; its message of racial tolerance and subtle, intelligent questioning of American gunboat diplomacy seems more relevant than ever right now, and the overall quality of the film makes it shine brightly, 34 years on.
Bob Wise made many great films, but this may be his best, on par with The Sound Of Music, I'd say. Steve McQueen made some fine movies, and this may be his peak. Ditto Richard Crenna; his is in fact probably the finest performance here, a true tour de force. Attenborough is also splendid, as is Bergen, who combines innocence and intelligence in a lovely, understated way. Mako as well says volumes while saying little. The cinematography is gorgeous, as are the locations in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Jerry Goldsmith turns in a typically perfect score. There is in fact almost nothing not way above average for '60s Hollywood here. Or any period of cinema, in fact.
At over 3 hours, a film has got to be good to keep you committed. Sand Pebbles does that easily, with a tight script and emotional tension that never lets up. Its frank and for the time unusually brave assessment of American imperialism rings true decades later, and seems quite prescient (when if ever will we get The Afghan Pebbles?). There's more depth on most every level here than we get these days, to be sure. And yet there's also understatement and elegance to spare. It feels like a big budget studio film but looks like real art, a combination all too rare in any cinematic era. And considering that China now owns more of our debt than any other country, and we just keep borrowing more for yet another wonderful war, the messages here about Chinese-American relations have a real resonance. Some of this film looks very racist by today's standards, no doubt, and really makes one reconsider how we treat and have treated other nations and peoples. Only a truly great film can tackle so many issues and still be warm and heartfelt; Sand Pebbles is one of a kind, a true classic.
If only all old classics got this kind of reverent blu-ray package! There's nothing lacking here, from a perfect transfer that seems like you're back in the theater in December 1966 to hours of extras. An hour doc on the film that's very good; short docs on McQueen (everybody loved him, it seems), Wise (the same), the ship, etc. Radio spots. A separate film score (ALL films with good scores should have this! ALL of them! Can you hear us out there in Hollyweird?) with commentary yet, an even rarer thing; a main commentary; interviews with most of the old stars; deleted scenes, a few of which I wish had been in the film (Steve and Candice in a tough little talk, and a perfect McQueen/Attenborough exchange that sums up the heart of the film in one line: "What do you call her?" Don't miss that one); and more. Now that's the sort of cornucopia a film fan dreams of.
All in all, one of the very best blu-rays I've seen, in every way.
What a difference, and what a treat, when a studio shows respect for both the film and for the fans.
Movie Review: McQueen at his best in Hi-Def
Summary: 5 Stars
The late Steve McQueen had many roles that highlighted the action aspect of his persona but none came close to who he really was like his Oscar nominated performance in "The Sand Pebbles". The role of Jake Holman, Navy lifer & loner fit the maverick actor like a glove and he was ably supported by a superb cast such as Richard Attenborough (his 2nd film w/McQueen), the late Richard McCrenna, Larry Gates as the pacifist minister and a very young, beautiful Candice Bergen who was just starting to learn to act before her breakthrough performance as Murphy Brown on TV many years later. Robert Wise directed with an emphasis on character development but never ignoring also the spectacle of the story. Outside of McQueen's performance, the late Mako (also an Oscar-nominated performance) is fine as the coolie who McQueen teaches and becomes his friend. The Blu-ray transfer is superb and if you're a McQueen fan, you won't want to be without this classic!! The points made in this film still ring true even today despite the fact that it took place in the '30s. They just don't make films like this anymore--and we are poorer for that as well. Perhaps the last film of any importance made would've been "Gladiator" and of course some of Eastwood's films. But do buy or rent this one, you won't regret it!!Movie Review: The Sand Pebbles
Summary: 5 Stars
The Sand Pebbles is an outstanding war and historical fiction movie. The movie has an outstanding cast. Steve McOueen gives the best performance of his career as Jake Holman. He received a best actor nomination for his performance in 1966 and should have won the Oscar for best actor. The supporting cast of Richard Crenna, Richard Attenborough, Mako, and Candace Bergen were equally impressive. This movie was ahead of its time. It is still meaningful and timely in its depiction of war and US involvement in foreign countries. The photography and musical score were excellent. Robert Wise was brilliant in his direction of this movie. I believe it was one of the best movies he directed in his long and distinguished career. I saw this movie when it first came out on the big screen in 1966. The Blu Ray presentation was so good, I felt as if I was seeing it for the first time. The movie is about three hours long but entertains you throughout the entire three hours. If you like historical fiction and/or a Steve McQueen fan, this movie is a must for your collection.Movie Review: Love and a "Not War"
Summary: 5 Stars
I have replaced the DVD version of "The Sand Pebbles" with Bluray and it delivers all it promises. I'll say no more about technology. This remains to this day perhaps the finest anti-war film ever; capped off by the line delivered by the Missionary "...it's too late in the world for flags". With the (possible) exception of Bullitt, this is McQueen's finest performance. The luxury of a movie that takes it time and films SCENES instead of snapshots always makes me long for a David Lean film (see "Bridge", "Lawrence" and "Doc Z"). Try it - you'll like it.Movie Review: Outstanding Epic Film On Blu-Ray
Summary: 5 Stars
The Sand Pebbles a 1966 film that was nominated for nine Oscars is a compelling epic film that deserves your attention. Steve McQueen gives probably is finest performance and should have won the Oscar for best actor. The acting is flawless, as is Joseph MacDonald's photography, not to mention Jerry Goldsmith's extraordinary music score.
This Robert Wise directed production has never looked or sounded better as it does on this superb BLU-RAY disc.