A Clockwork Orange (DVD, 2001, Stanley Kubrick Collection; Letterboxed)

Stanley Kubrick did the movie The Shining in the early 80's, and at the time, I did not like the movie. The reason I didn't like the movie was because I had read the book, and many things were different, examples of this being the ending and the maze instead of the animal shaped shrubbery. With the release of Stephen King's The Shining, I actually liked that version compared to Stanley Kubrick's version. As time as passed though, I have rewatched the Stanley Kubrick version and have taken more of an appreciation to what he did with that film, especially with what he did with the camera work. I don't like it better than the Stephen King version (actually I like it about the same), I just think it's different. Same thing happened for me with A Clockwork Orange. When I initially saw the film, I hated it. I thought it was weird and I just wanted the movie to get over with. I've also rewatched this movie several times since then, and I have a different take on the movie than when I was younger.

Set in the future sometime from the 70's (when the film was made), A Clockwork Orange is about a guy named Alex (played by Malcolm McDowell) who, along with his gang of "droogs", goes around committing acts of violence with no care for anyone else and no remorse for his actions. Among these acts of "ultra-violence" (a term I've never heard before or since) are beating up on old drunks and raping women. Alex eventually gets caught when he attacks a woman who has called the police while he is breaking into her home. Upon realizing that the police are coming, Alex hurries outside only to have his cronies turn on him, by smashing a milk bottle over his head and leaving him helpless. This movie then takes a turn, as Alex is charged with murder (even though he didn't realize that the woman had died). He then claims he doesn't know right from wrong and agrees to take controversial experimental treatment to change his ways. Unable to do evil things anymore, Alex is let back into the world a free man. Things then get really tough for him, as bad things begin to happen to him.

A Clockwork Orange is a strange movie, but I really like the way that Stanley Kubrick has used a lot of irony. The viewer doesn't know who to cheer for really because even though Alex is so evil, Kubrick actually makes him look like a victim later in the film. So you don't know if Alex is actually a hero, victim, or villain. The ending kind of leaves you going "What the...?", but it's also kind of a fitting ending for the type of film that it is. It's truly an imaginative and original story that can make for interesting conversation (I've talked with other who like the irony of the violence and reform, and others who just simply hate the movie).

I think this movie is a classic and should be viewed by pretty much everyone at least once (young viewers not included, it was initially rated X when it first came out for the rape scenes). But since many people I know actually hate this movie (not nearly as many who love it though), I recommend renting it first before you decide to own it.

It's one of those rare cinematic gems that you'll absolutely need to see at least once in your life.

The movie is based on a book by Anthony Burgess. It follows the life of Alex - a young man who indulges in sex, violence and drugs. He's got his own posse - his 'droogs' as he calls it, and the film recounts their spree of 'ultraviolence' in the neighborhood.

This movie is not for the faint of heart as the first part of the film can be very disturbing. Though some might find the urge to stand up, leave, and stop watching - I urge you to finish the whole movie as it certainly gets better at the end. Not that the beginning wasn't at all good, but it's the kind of movie that you'll only be able to appreciate as a whole - and not just parts of it.

After watching this movie, never again will you be able to perceive Ludwig Van Beethoven and Singing in the Rain the same way. Towards the end, you'll also expect to find a smirk on your face - or you may even laugh out loud (like me!), not at all something that you'd expect from a film with such a dark beginning.

It's sheer brilliance and definitely one of a kind - a classic film that you couldn't afford to miss!

Kubrick, the master!!! Malcolm McDowel was brilliant in this film. The script is one of the best ever written and the direction is flawless! I remember when this was rated X, so that dates me, but some movies are timeless and this is one of them. It is even more relevant today than when it was made. The commentary on cultural values, social policy, human nature and the duality of man are not spoon fed to us, but permeate the film in such a way that you cannot help but begin to think about the world you live in and what you will tolerate in order to feel safer in your world. Seems very relevant in a post 911 America, when our freedoms have been whittled down to nothing and our politicians are more corrupt than ever! It is brilliant, smart, finny, scary, sad, disturbing and completely mesmerizing! If you haven't seen it, you should. It is one of the greatest films ever made!

Yet again, Stanley Kubrick has me convinced that he is one of the best directors of all time. Before I saw this movie I read the book by Anthony Burgess, and I must say that Kubricks interpretation of the book was almost dead on to what I had in mind. This is a story about the struggle between young and old, between an individual and society, and a very well done movie.
I wish to offer a warning that this film contains very graphic images of sexuality, nudity, violence, black comedy, and (of course) Beethoven. I love this movie. ENJOY!!!

From the opening scene, this cult flick grabs you. There's rarely a dull moment in the entire movie. The score is also enjoyable in this restored DVD. I was disappointed there was no "making of" information - maybe an interview with Malcolm MacDowell. However, it was well worth the price to revisit this classic Kubrick.