Hard Eight

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Isa B Sydney or "Hard Eight" is the outstanding first feature length film from the career of Paul Thomas Anderson. Anderson got everything he wanted pertaining to final cut with this picture, but one thing he didnt get was the name. The studio insisted onncalling the film Hard Eight and Mr. Anderson reluctantly agreed. The film is still widely referred to by the director's chosen title. I absolutely love this picture. Philip Baker Hall was marvelous as Sydney. He is such an underrated talent. If anyone doubts his greatness, please do yourself a favor and watch Secret Honor by the legendary Robert Altman. That is the film where P.T. Anderson first saw Mr. Philip Baker Hall. A match made in heaven, if you ask me. Hall was also brilliant in Anderson's other films, Boogie Night and Magnolia. Anyway, I digress. John C. Reilly and Samuel L. Jackson were fantastic in their respective roles as well. This is a very good film and I highly recommend it. 90/100 Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/08/24 Full Review alan g Sick movie about trashy individuals. Waste of talent except Paltry who couldn't act her way out of a wet paper bag. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 11/05/24 Full Review Scott M Fabulous story by PT Anderson about two lovers in Vegas who get some advice and help from an old gambler. Extremely good acting. One of my favorite movies. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/22/24 Full Review M7AMD A This is a classic 90' movie that includes a lot of dine-in restaurants meeting scenes, some swearing and gambling, and a lot of smoking. lol I did like all the actors in the movie, the way they act and talk to each other felt natural but the story was missing a much better ending than that, while the story revealed some twist at the end and i was looking for more thing from the movie but it suddenly ends! I still don't know what the movie was all about exactly but from what i understood is he was missing the love and affection of his children (he kinda gave a hint while talking to Clementine) and also was looking for some forgiveness for what he had done in the past so he wanted to compensate that by looking after the lost man he met at the begging. however, this movie deserves way better ending. Overall i enjoyed sitting late at night watching it and i definitely would recommend it. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/23/23 Full Review Yash B It's always fascinating to see a director's first feature film. "Hard Eight" is not among my favorites from Paul Thomas Anderson, but it features a lot of his signature style which was cool to see. The story has some slick moments and the characters are always fascinating to watch, which is a trend in any PTA movie. I think he finds the humanity in all kinds of characters and it is something that he's done since his very first film. I felt the story was just okay in this one and thought it could have been more engaging given the premise and setting. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the performances and dialogue and think it is worth watching for anyone who wants to finish the PTA library of strange and fascinating films. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Shioka O Well-made Paul Thomas Anderson's feature film directorial debut! Unpredictable plot delivered satisfying 90min experience. The lead and the supporting actors' performance is excellent, too. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/25/22 Full Review Read all reviews

Hard Eight

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