Heaven DVD with Martin Donovan, Daniel Edwards, Richard Schiff (R) +Movie Reviews

Violent But Very Good

carol irvin | United States | 09/05/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There are a lot of violent characters that commit some very violent acts in this film, including rape, arson, murder and kidnapping. I mention this first because many filmgoers have limited tolerance for this much violence. It is a New Zealand film so the violence didn't surprise me. The films I've seen from that country have all been very violent. Nonetheless, the film has a very good plot involving a transsexual, a man who should have been born a woman, named Heaven, who can see the future, mostly when she is not conscious. She and the other lead character, a compulsive gambler played by Martin Donovan, are two people who live on the fringes of society and are perpetually victimized. They come to each other's aid in the movie in very inventive fashions, including Heaven's being able to see a certain card game unfold. There are lots of time shifts that are potentially confusing in watching the plot unfold. You will either find them vexing or inventive. I found them inventive and was not confused. All in all, I thought it was very good."

A Great Film That You've Never Seen!

amytych | 12/07/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A suspense drama with a unique structure and great performances. Something like "The Crying Game" with a fantastic bent. I saw this film on a friend's recommendation and couldn't believe how good it was. It's amazing that so much cinematic garbage gets released and a terrific gem like this didn't. Don't miss it."

Only worth it to watch Urban

Claire Robertson | 03/15/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this so I could watch Karl Urban, a very talented New Zealand actor. But it really wasn't worth the time spent. The movie relied too much on violence and shock to get its point across, and you get treated to a few scenes replayed over and over and over again. The plot was hard to follow, and the whole thing just seemed unlikely, especially as the characters had a range of accents, from American to Kiwi (New Zealand) One of the things that bothered me the most is that I wasn't able to figure out where the film was supposed to be taking place. On the other hand, Martin Donovan was more than interesting, and I'd be interested in seeing some of his other films."

Richard Schiff fans get this!

amytych | Rockville, MD USA | 09/25/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a Richard Schiff fan, you have to get this movie and you won't be sorry if you do. The character (Stanner) he plays in this movie is so opposite of his performance as Toby Ziegler on ``West Wing'' that you have to see it to believe it! Stanner is both despicable and immensely enjoyable to watch. Stanner is the owner of a transvestite strip joint and he's not very good to his ``girls.'' One of his dancers, who calls herself Heaven, can see flashes of the future. She helps Stanner win his poker games but eventually turns on him when a friend of his, played my Martin Donovan, helps her. She gives Martin the knowledge he needs to win a big game.The movie is very violent and has lots of backstabbing and double crossing going on. Still, it's fascinating to watch.Richard Schiff, as Stanner, chuckles constantly but he seems to be the only one who gets the joke. He can also be unbelievably cruel and twisted. Richard's performance is amazing to watch. There's a great scene where he tells Martin's character about the plot of a movie he thinks should be made. It's called ``Chairman of the Board'' and his description is priceless. If you can handle the violence, the movie is well worth the price."

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