Lost Horizon

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Alec B This might be the worst of Capra's most well known films. Even his sappiest stuff is never this dull or naïve. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/10/24 Full Review Dave S Based on James Hilton's novel, Lost Horizon has an interesting premise – survivors of a plane crash in an uncharted region of the Himalayas find refuge in the bucolic utopia of Shangra-La, a land nestled deep in a valley where nobody ages and everybody lives in blissful peace. Directed by Frank Capra, it feels like a bit of a departure for him from a story perspective, but if you give it time, you'll start to detect bits and pieces of his trademark corniness. As interesting as it is at times, Lost Horizon can't seem to avoid tripping over itself – from the seemingly ever-present score to the overstated theatrical performances to the absurdity of the final journey, it often feels like it's just a bit too much. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 10/28/23 Full Review Matthew B It is easy to see how James Hilton's book, Lost Horizon, was adapted for movie in the 1930s. In an uncertain period of history that lay between two world wars, here was a film with a vision of brotherly love and peace. At a time of dark Depression, audiences could visit a world free from financial worries with plenty for all. Also what could be better than a place where people experience prolonged youthfulness and good health instead of disease and premature death? The plot of all Utopia tales is usually static, since it is hard to generate drama in a place where everything is nearly perfect. The viewer must instead concentrate on enjoying the ambience of Shangri-La – the agreeable sound of choirs and wind instruments attached to the legs of pigeons, the beautiful environment and the awe-inspiring sets on which the action is filmed. Lost Horizon is a highly successful movie. It provides a gentle and idealised fantasy that allows the viewer to escape reality and find a world that represents the best that mankind is capable of achieving, if only for a couple of hours. I wrote a longer appreciation of Lost Horizon on my blog page if you would like to read more: https://themoviescreenscene.wordpress.com/2017/11/23/lost-horizon-1937/ Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/27/23 Full Review j f Serious bummer that parts of film have been lost and badly damaged. Holla to everybody that tracked it down and restored what’s left. It's really really good!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/21/23 Full Review BadUncleIke If I was on a flight to Mars this is one of the movies I would bring with me. Why are humans not any better than we are? Is a Utopia even possible? Things to ponder while watching a well made classic movie. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/24/23 Full Review william k Big budget over-the-top fantasy, still entertaining after all these years despite the naive utopism. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Lost Horizon

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