Search - The Pearl on DVD

Worthwhile for the classroom

James J. Jenkins | Weare, NH United States | 09/23/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I am also an English teacher and I was thrilled to learn of this film adaptation. Even after reading the other two reviews I was excited to show this to my students after we finished our reading, and the changes that the film makes are interesting rather than disappointing. One of the projects that I offer to my students is to change the storyline to fit their interests, including the ending, and I presented this film as one person's vision. I love the way it starts with Kino as a little boy listening to his father's advice, and I like the actor who is cast as Kino the grown man. I like how his brother Juan has a larger role. In fact, I like the happy ending because it is something I used to discuss with my students, asking them how things could have been resolved differently. Richard Harris is wonderful as the shrewd doctor, and the scene where he "buys" eternal salvation from the priest is excellent. Yes, it is always preferable to see a faithful adaptation of a novel, but it doesn't ruin the fact that I can enhance my own and my students' appreciation of a great story."

The pearl

R. Clements | Pennsylvania | 09/12/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"As an English teacher, I was very eager to purchase this modern adaptation of Steinbeck's novella to show to students. Imagine my shock and horror when I discovered this film has a HAPPY ending! Hollywood has totally changed the impact of Steinbeck's original work to satisfy those who need to walk out of a movie experience with a smile on their faces...unfortunately, a smile isn't what people will walk out with after viewing this film. Very disappointing!"

Terrible

movie fan | 07/25/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Just saw this in the theatre...what a waste of good money! Except for Richard Harris the acting was terrible, the actors are horribly miscast...an altogether forgettable experience."

Sincere apologies to John Steinbeck!

Rizzo | Denver, CO | 02/17/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"There is no way you can ever compare this d-grade movie to one of the best classics ever, Steinbeck's The Pearl. For one, Kino, as a young boy starts out "white", then grown up, he becomes Spanish/Indian with a bad looking tan. The actors are all white, with tanned makeup, the language is way off-key, without a hint of true accent. The plot is not memorable, nor sincere to the book.

If you have read this wonderful book, you can see that watching this movie is no reflection. And it is easy to understand that the "book version" of many movies doesn't compare, but this is simply a different story. Don't even try it. Steinbeck would not only turn over in his grave, he would jump out!! .....Rizzo"