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 Audience Member Frank Capra was very good at tugging at a viewer's heartstrings, but 1937's Lost Horizon seems to be a heavy handed job. The script and story is the weak link here: too much emphasis is placed on the flimsy, convoluted emotional entanglements rather than on story and making us care about these entanglements. Add a huge heaping helpings of white saviourism, white supremacy, and harsh cultural stereotypes that should make a modern audience cringe and this adventure epic does not age well. The most interesting thing about this film is its restoration process and how over the years it kept being cut until it was half its length (not all cuts seemed unwarranted), but the film archivists have scoured the world for old copies and restored the film to almost its original state - save for some sections comprising of still pictures and soundtrack. I found this more interesting than the film itself. Another highlight were the beautiful costumes - loved seeing all the beautiful trousers on women! There is also some good stunt work and visual effects in the mountain scenes. This not a Capra classic for me worthy of rewatching annually, but worth a watch for some of its more niche charms if you are a film enthusiast. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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