The Lisbon Story (1994)

A German Filmmaker (Patrick Bauchau) summons his sound recorder friend (Rudiger Vogler) to join him in Lisbon. When the latter arrives his friend has disappeared leaving a few cans of silent footage. The sound man will wander aimlessly through the streets of Lisbon recording sounds of the old city to match the images left by his friend. This beautiful poetic meditation on sounds music and images taking us through the streets of hte old and new Lisbon is first of all Wim Wenders' (BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB) reflection on the meaning of cinema.System Requirements:Running Time: 100 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA/PERIOD PIECE Rating: NR UPC: 017153220087 Manufacturer No: 22008 Product Description

Fantastic movie, but DON'T BUY THIS VERSION (Lionsgate)

I could go on for ages about what a beautiful, poetic, uplifting movie this is. Especially for artists, musicians, writers and philosophers, this is a must-see. But I am terribly disappointed in this version because they dubbed the last 2 powerful scenes from the original English into German. Sure, it makes more sense that German characters would speak German to each other, but the original English--broken as it was--carried so much more power, poetry and meaning.

Small yet significant plays on words, like "moving pictures can still be... moving" as well as subtle jokes alluding to old Beatles songs "You're sitting there like The Fool on the Hill! Now finish your movie With a Little Help From Your Friends" are completely lost in reverse-translation to German. I have the original English version on videotape and it's far better than this dubbed German DVD. I'm going to see if I can get my money back.

The problem is that all versions claim to be English (even this one), so it's a hit-or-miss. If anyone finds a DVD of the true English version (especially the last 2 scenes in the movie theater and in the blue car), please post that info here! July 4, 2008

A film of longing and subtlety

This film has to be seen, and listened to, but more than anything it has to be felt. It is a film of few words and much imagination, and I feel one should not make many words about it. There are so many nuances here that words just fail to express. If you like dreaming, by all means watch this film. If you like feeling nostalgic, or whistful, you will love this film.

No, it is not an exciting movie, and there's not much happening here. There's no "action", but there is "Handlung" i.e. there are events and relationships unfolding in very special and minute ways. I love this film, and I love Madredeus and their music, which has filled my life with beauty since I first discovered them via this film. June 19, 2008

Charming and magical film

As a die-hard Madredeus fan I was thrilled to learn that the esteemed director Wim Wenders, also a big fan of the Portuguese group, asked them to perform in his film and record a soundtrack (Ainda).

This film follows a German as he travels to Portugal to locate an old friend (Patrick Bauchau)and along the way he becomes intrigued by the Portuguese culture and enamored of Madredeus, whose rehearsal he stumbles upon.

I loved the cinematography of this film as it captures the essence and mystical beauty of Lisbon. And the music made by Madredeus....there simply aren't words to describe it. It is just beautiful.

Since there is no violence, rampant sex or foul language in the film, this movie did not attract a wide audience in the US. I have a feeling that fans of Wim Wenders and Madredeus know about this film. I just wish more people would see this wonderful cinematic work.

I encourage people who are not familiar with the work of Wim Wenders (a brilliant director) or Madredeus (the best band in the world as far as I am concerned) to watch this film. It has some quirky moments and some nice touches of humor that I think appeal to our basic sense of humanity.

Go! Watch this film! March 14, 2008

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