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American Beauty (The Awards Edition) Customer Reviews (43 - 45 of 109 Reviews)

Extraordinary
Never has a film resonated with me emotionally with such intensity as "American Beauty" has, it is a truly remarkable accomplishment that comes together like a disturbance in the universe. Although it is not the first film to deconstruct suburbia, it is most likely to the first to brilliantly combine caustic humour and profound tragedy to create a portrait of modern humanity in it's raw and most naked form. Every aspect of it amazes me, the way it's directed, acted, written and realised, it unfolds and moves in ways I never thought possible. At one point, I completely forgot I was watching movie, instead, it felt like I was exploring the soul of America and all of it's tragic flaws. "American Beauty" completely unravels the facade that surrounds society, and by the end, everything and everyone we see on screen feels so achingly real, and so sadly true, some definitive moments will be lingering in your head for days. The movie's performances are absolutely incredible, especially Kevin Spacey, who is 100% worthy of an Oscar. He portrays his character with such complexity, a simple smile leaves us in complete awe. There are many meanings and messages interwoven in "American Beauty", skillfully made with a sense of darkness and beauty, and the way they all emerge is nothing short of spectacular. This is exactly what film-making is all about, the finest of 1999.

American Beauty ...look closer
Lester Burnham, (Kevin Spacey) is an adult who is trapped in a cell during his day to day life. He is a free man, he just has trouble talking to his wife and daughter Jane (Thora Birch, from 'Patriot Games', 'Clear & Preasent Danger').

Until he goes to see Jane play a game of netball. During the interval, cheerleaders entertain the audience, and Lester is drawn into a fantasy world by Jane's friend, Angela Hayes (Mena Suvari 'American Pie', 'Loser'). He is no longer in a cell. He can now live again thanks to her. And a boy next door who films everything through his video camera, not to be a voyeur, but to look for people's inner beauty.

I think this movie builds tension well. It also makes beautiful use of rose petels. It has an ending that may shock you.

'American Beauty' is an interesting movie. It has some controversial themes, and it also is directed in a different fashion to other movies. The director/writer commentary is very interesting. I also like the belly-button art work on the cover. Very beautiful.

Some people may find this film depressing. It isn't a comedy, but it is still well done. I didn't want to see this movie at first, but once I did I liked it. This movie grows on me every time I watch it. A very worthy winner of Best Picture.

Beauty.....In Many Forms
Reading some of the reviews of this movie are painful. People who can't take off their "dumb" glasses for long enough to see the poignancy of this movie should go back to high school, or at least take some interpretation course. The producers of this movie are not GLORIFYING or HERALDING underage sex and the like; how does one get the idea that they enjoy these or something? American Beauty is the best movie of 1999, if not the decade, and is the epitome of a blend of comedy, insight, and poignance. The reason this movie is either loved or hated yields one simple explanation; American Beauty holds a mirror in front of most families in the nation, and some just cannot take this. Annette Bening shined as Carolyn Burnham, but the set was eclipsed by the utter brilliance of Kevin Spacey. His dry humor and outlook on life are amazing and unequaled in film. I believe Birch should have been given more credit for her role as Jane Burnham as well; she portrayed a teenager so similar to many today. Sure, many of the characters were strongly stereotyped (Birch, Mena Suvari, Chris Cooper, Allison Janney), but what movie does not contain these? This is to get meanings into the "thick-skulled" (but apparently even stereotypes didn't do for some). This movie deserved every accolade it's gotten. 5 Stars.

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