Gurlyndrobb
While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.
Cooktopi
The acting in this movie is really good.
Mabel Munoz
Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?
buttlerk
I have been a fan of Danielle Steele since I was a teenager! I haven't read her books in a long time and "The Ring" was not something that I have read. I came across that movie on cable as I was channel surfing ironically the night my ex-fiancée received my engagement ring back. I just saw the title and it caught my eye.Once I saw the important scene in the beginning I was hooked! This miniseries was well done portraying Nazi Germany. I took a class in College on that topic and hardly any movies made about World War II go into the lives of people on the German side the focus is more on the Allies. It portrayed how a family who were the Elite during the war were at the same time against it I'm sure they were people like the family portrayed in the film. The heroine was very brave as she gracefully went through to survive her struggles after having many tragedies occur in a short period of time. I hope to read the book since the story seems very fascinating.The casting was sensational!
vkmunn
Natashja Kinski provides a wonderful and inspiring performance of this tear jerker. A truly great performance for a made-for-TV movie. All the supporting roles were acted magnificently and appeared to be historically correct.I paid less than $7.00 for this 3 hour gem from Columbia House. I was born at the start of WWII and can relate to this masterpiece. Danielle Steel has created another great story and I have enjoyed collecting over 16 of her dramas on DVD.My only regret was Michael York's character was killed off too early in the film. However the drama and suspense of the siblings separation holds the drama together with suspense until the end.
Saul Marks
This adaptation of Danielle Steel's novel is something that has stayed imprinted on my memory for some time.So many war films cast the Germans as the "baddies" but, here, the devastation wrought to individual lives by World War II leaves us no option but to feel pity for the main characters involved, regardless of which side they represent. Once we leave behind the horrors of war-torn Berlin, we are taken on an emotional journey as three individuals strive to find each other across the world in the ensuing administrational chaos. We cannot help but will them to succeed; we cry with them, we smile with them.The detail within this story is extraordinary. Almost every line of script is vital to the plot, as it twists and turns, with fate proving as cruel as it is kind. Every word is entirely believable, realistic, heartfelt. We follow the characters in their affluence, their desperation, their happiness and their grief. Having never read the novel, I do not know quite who to praise, whether it be the original story or the adaptation, but the filmmakers have ensured every fine detail is correct. There are no errors in the chronology (save one), even down to dates on gravestones. Each connection from one location to another is plausible and well-worked. The Jewish scenes are faultless, including the passages in Hebrew. The traits within each character never waver, and are even given depth and history, no more so than Giselle's selfishness and her father's mercenary ways. The interplay between the characters is perfect as well, such as between Sam and Ruth. We sympathise with both sides of their debate as they try to do the best for their son. The strong female themes that run stronger and stronger through the film are entirely realistic, with so many different women, each with strengths and flaws, crossing our characters' paths.For me, this film appeals on so many different levels. As someone fascinated by World War II history, is shows a stark reality often forgotten for those of us on the winning side. As a genealogist, the detective work of finding individuals is thrilling. As a Jew, Ariana's involvement with a Jewish family is the right mix of touching and nervy. As a hopeless romantic, and one who loves chick-flicks, this is a must, and I cry every time!
notmicro
Romantic women's drama spans from WWII into the 1970's. Focuses on the fate of the two adult children of a wealthy German banker during and after WWII; particularly the daughter, played by a suprisingly radiant, very thin, blonde Nastassja Kinski. Location moves from Germany to Switzerland, France, and the US.Historically detailed and generally absorbing, in spite of the typical formulaic plot and the rather passive acting of the principals. Suprisingly high production values. Good use of European locations, and occasional interweaving of some archival period film footage. Attractive international cast; first film appearance of the very hunky young Alessandro Nivola (Mansfield Park).Jarring notes are introduced by garish over-the-top 1940's clothing, makeup, and hairstyles worn by Linda Lavin (she ends up looking like an early Bette Midler drag-queen); also some of the makeup worn by secondary actresses photographs suprisingly poorly. Luckily Kinski is able to pull off the trick of photographing much younger than her actual age at the time of filming.
