Rigoletto (1993 Video) User Reviews

Story for the Heart

[jmendoza · 7/10 · 27 December 2002]

No, this film is not incredibly well acted or rich in cinematic scope. It doesn't have to be. The premise is not original and the film is fairly predictable. And that's ok. Because what the film does deliver it delivers very well. Made for families, this film gently reminds the viewer of Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera....with moral lessons about discrimination, forgiveness and judgment shared along the way. Add to this a heartwarming soundtrack, and it makes for a very pleasurable and touching experience in front of the small screen.

When the mysterious and seldom seen Ribaldi comes to town, things begin to happen. Some good and some not. How will the town people address the changes in their community, who will be painted the villain, and whose lives will be indelibly changed? Take a chance and enjoy the serene magic of this quiet little film and share a few tears and smiles with your family. Quality time guaranteed.

One of the Best Family Movies, Ever!

[delta-em · 9/10 · 4 February 2015]

I bought this movie for my family, on VHS tape, about 20 years ago. My children are all grown and gone, now, with families of their own. When I was updating my DVD collection, recently, Rigoletto was one of the few VHS tapes I replaced with a DVD. It is a great story with heart. Not corny or unbelievable, as some family movies are, now-a-days. The young lady in the starring role depicted character in the face of adversity that is unusual for our times. The characters were believable for Great Depression era people and their desperation became real for me. The scenery, buildings and even the vehicles were right on. I just watched again, after many years, and was so glad I decided to repurchase this movie.

I love it, its a mix of Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera, two of my faves

[OGblue · 9/10 · 7 March 2005]

I watched this movie for the first time today. I had heard the music and liked it, and my friends who have the movie kept telling me to watch it because, well it is a good movie, but also that I love Phantom of the Opera and it has a similar story. I love this type of movie, the Feature Films for Families people do such a good job, I love it how it is obviously not a big budget movie. It has such a good story, although the one thing I didn't like was how at the end they didn't recognize Ribaldi, even though it was so obvious, they should have made it that they were Pretending not to know each other but really did. Also the curse/legend could have been made more prominent because it was hard to understand. I loved the music, Ribaldis voice was surprisingly good!

Charming Movie

[rfmfanatic · 13 December 2004]

I adore this movie. It is a very good movie with great music. I have watched it so much my tape needs to be replaced. I found the plot charming when I was younger and the songs delightful. When I began voice lessons the songs from this movie were some of the first I learned. Rigoletto is a little-known fairytale that comes to life in this movie. It has some humor mixed in through Hans the butler and the pig farmer who is very protective of his pigs and claims they are people too. There is a bit of violence, but it is not shown that much and is necessary for the movie. The lesson, that everyone should look inside themselves for that "hidden melody" and that getting the whole story instead of jumping to conclusions and making a rash action, is much needed today. I would definitely recommend seeing it and sharing it with the children and adults in your life.

Excellent Movie

[3tarheels · 10/10 · 1 March 2002]

Great music! Jospeh Paur gives an excellent performance as Ribaldi/Rigoletto. I would like to see more movies that he has played in. This movie ranks as one of my all time favorites. "Rigoletto" is rich in underlying themes that teach the value of looking past differences in other people and showing that the real beauty in people is found by looking in their hearts.

Absolutely breathtaking

[tina_als_girl · 10/10 · 17 June 2002]

It has been a long time since the last time I saw this movie. But yesterday, I got an odd feeling that I needed to watch it again. So, I watched it last night, and was--as usual--blown away by this beautiful movie.

Yes, it's definitely a "Beauty and the Beast" story, but there are MANY movies who have used this typical fairytale storyline. And for once, for this movie, they used it right. Mr. Ribaldi was absolutely frightening at first, but as Bonnie grew to know his true self, so did I. And all I can really say is an echo of Bonnie's sentiments after having heard Ribaldi's heart-rending, sorrowful performance of "The Curse": "No one can sing like that and not be beautiful."

The ending is VERY predictable. Heck, the whole movie is predictable... But that doesn't matter to me. I laughed, I cried. And when I have the money, I am buying the Rigoletto soundtrack so that I can sit all day and listen to the absolutely breathtaking voice of Joseph Paur--who I think is very handsome, by the way.

It's really a pity that the sequel to this movie has not yet been distributed. I am crossing my fingers that it will see the light of day someday soon... And I hope that Joseph Paur is in it. I think I have a new favorite actor. :-)

What a refreshing lesson and entertainment all in one!

[Jemelene-2 · 10/10 · 13 October 2000]

This was such a wonderful and well made movie. A piece of art and a movie for the family to truly enjoy time together! You will be moved and be blessed by the music and story. You won't soon forget the lessons either.

Excellent family movie

[bweikel · 10/10 · 11 March 2001]

Few films warm my heart but this one melted it away. Its a brilliant adaptation. This is a must see film for the entire family. Few films these days offer true family values, this one gives the family a perspective, alone with excellent drama and a conclusion that reaches deep into your heart.

Thank you, Jaime French

[jcracey · 1/10 · 4 May 2021]

Jaime French reviewed this movie, so I had to watch it to see if it's truly as bad as she said it was. 100% yes. Talk about problematic. This movie did not age well. There's a lot of mixed messages, grooming, and plot holes. This movie is "ew".

Rigoletto

[Benji_rocks · 10/10 · 13 August 2006]

I've found a movie that finally caught my attention, making a good influence, and inspiring me. In a good way. I never thought a movie such as Rigoletto could catch my heart. The way Rigoletto is displayed makes the meaning of the film 10 times more exciting and meaningful. I can watch it over and over, still wanting it to end differently. Every time I think about it, I get teary-eyed. Every time I watch it, I cry. I've probably watched it 50 times, still I unconsciously put myself in Bonnie's place and feel what she would feel if it were in real life. It can really happen. That makes it even more.. (what's the word?).. incredible and .. catchy? There is no word to describe how heart stopping the movie is. I live in a world where there should be more beautiful people such as Ribaldi, and I believe that I have the same personality and heart as Ribaldi. It's my dream to meet Joseph Paur, who plays the character of Ribaldi, he's amazing. And to my surprise, the movie isn't as old as I thought it was. Only 12 years old, so Joseph Paur and Ivey Lloyd must still be living, and I will do what I can to meet them. But that's enough, I could talk about the grace of this movie all day. If you haven't seen it, watch it. You'll fall in love with it. I have everyone that I can watch it that I know right now. My sisters and cousins loved it, and anybody else I know that has seen it. If they pay attention to the meaning of it, yeah. I'll stop here. Thank you.

How is anybody giving this 10 stars????

[erikamendez · 1/10 · 30 September 2021]

Am I the only one who saw a grown man grooming a child throughout the whole movie? Maybe I needed to watch this as a child to like it, as an adult this is seriously disturbing.

Magically sweet

[plamerso · 24 January 2002]

We purchased this movie several years ago and continue to enjoy it. Rigoletto's story line is a clever blend of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, but it's the MUSIC that keeps me replaying it. The acting is just fine, but the SINGING! "April Child" will forever make me weep... The story is solid and uplifting. An absolutely wonderful family movie.

Sweet and uplifting family musical

[overseer-3 · 10/10 · 12 February 2002]

This beautiful made for video movie from 1993 is a lovely musical from which many tender and spiritual lessons can be learned. The whole family can enjoy it, parents and boys and girls. The performances are top-rate and the music exquisite. Yes there are moments when the score sounds a bit like Titanic and Beauty and the Beast, but how many folk songs do you hear that sound similar to one another? I don't think that is much of a criticism. The lyrics to the song "Let Me In" in particular are outstanding. My five children enjoy this movie each time we watch it. It teaches them not to judge a person by their outward appearance, but by their character and inner spirit. A gem of a film;, contact Feature Films For Families and buy a video today. You won't be disappointed.

An inspirational and empowering film

[jonny_lyons · 10/10 · 18 March 2006]

I first watched this film when I was 9 and I'm now 20. It means even more to me now than it did all those years ago! Ivey Lloyd gives such a great performance as Bonnie, all through her journey with Mr Ribaldi in the film. The film really challenges the viewer to strip themselves of all their materialism and other things that are of this world which are of relatively no importance.

To be able to see the beauty in a person (Ribaldi) who is so far from the worlds perception of beautiful is a rare gift, if we're all honest. I could best sum the film up as being an emotional roller coaster ride to a fresh out look on many aspects of life. The music is class and the lyrics are quite profound, making this film one of my personal all time favourites.

Fantastic, Beautiful, Touching, all around great

[myshyprince · 10/10 · 1 November 2007]

I watched this movie as a child and have been looking for it ever since. By freak chance, some 10 years later, my best friend happened to have it in her house atop her television! I of course demanded tat we watch it immediately, and was not disappointed!!! I fell back in love with this move and have found my new favorite movie again! The acting by Joseph is amazing, even during lines that other, better known actors have not been able to pull off, and his performance in song was utterly breath taking. I'm not sure if it was his voice or if it had been dubbed over ( if it was dubbed, please don't tell me I prefer to remain in ignorant bliss), but if nothing else his acting of the part was phanomenal! True, the girl could have done a tad better, but not by much,. especially since it was her first movie.

Goreous, heartwarming music was the final icing on the cake, and I fell completely in love with the song The Curse.

Barrow it, rent it, buy it, love it, remember it....do everything worth doing wit this movie. It will not dissappoint ( and if you don't like Hillbillie parts, just fast forward- that's what I do :D )!!! 10 out of 10!!!

Great Music!

[lsmac · 10/10 · 3 April 2002]

I just watched it and thought it was a great movie -- a little hokey because it had all the "traditional tragic characters" (lame little girl, stuttering boy, etc.) -- but otherwise, I really enjoyed it. I loved the music -- especially when the Rigoletto character sang! His voice was magical! He reminded me of a friend I had in high school: every time I heard him sing, I was transported. Same with the lead character here. He was awesome!

Good basic lessons for kids (and adults); good basic storyline. Good cinematography.

Why didn't they finish the story of how the town folks reacted to the store owner buying all their land?

Sorry, but this film is just plain bad

[drgibson · 1/10 · 25 February 2002]

I'd like to enjoy Rigoletto, but I have to deal in reality. It's just plain bad. It's contrived, sappy, unbelievable and the acting is just terrible. I applaud the filmmakers for trying to make "family-friendly" features, but the film has to be worth the effort. The best I can say about Rigoletto is that it's harmless. If you want to see really good wholesome family entertainment, rent Beauty and the Beast, or Chariots of Fire, or The Winslow Boy, or the countless other G films better than Rigoletto.

Rigolletto

[csmith-87 · 10/10 · 30 March 2006]

This is one of my favorite movies to show a music class. It teaches music techniques, plus it teaches great moral values, that sometimes students of today forget. This has just enough action in it to keep their attention, but a calmness, that is very pleasing. I wish this could be found on DVD. I have made up a set of questions to go along with it and to help find out their own true feelings about the story. The music is delightful. It is performed so well by the actors. Just a truly wonderful fairytale. I loved it! I found it interesting that the class found other morals in other fairy tales they see. It is great to see real people perform in fairy tales. I felt the same way about Cinderella with Lesley Ann Warren and Stuart Damon. It places the moralistic values in a more realistic picture.

Weird

[Melissa Alice · 3/10 · 6 October 2004]

Yes, I liked the music, and there was one good message that you shouldn't judge people by how they look or by gossiping tongues. I also found Hans somewhat amusing. However, there are some mixed and dangerous messages. One of them was looking within yourself to free yourself from a kind of "spell"--in other words, everyone can overcome their pride and do good, all from their own will. This is not really true. The Bible says no man does good, not even one (without Jesus within them, they are entirely sinful, though they may do some outward acts of goodness). The mystical/magical type of things that happen further added to the confusion. Ribaldi seems to be some kind of miracle worker, though admittedly some of his help is given in the way of money. If this is supposed to be a parody on the theme of Jesus, they did a very poor job of it, since Ribaldi was far from perfect. However, I guess it was meant to be a fantasy and not have a Biblical message. The words that comes to mind when I think of this movie is "odd" and "weird." It's not something I'll be watching again or that I'd want my kids watching if I had any.

Great kids movie!

[SelfProclaimedQueenOfDuctTape · 8 August 2004]

I had first seen Rigoletto many, many years ago, not to long after it first came out. I loved it then, and I still love it now. I spent the last week working at a Christian camp as a counseler for their junior camp (4th -6th graders). What a rowdy bunch of energetic kids!!! They were nearly impossible to contain for longer than a few minutes, without them getting up and wandering around!

We had a movie night, and watched Rigoletto, and I kid you not, every single little pair of eyes was glued to that screen, and they were quiet for the whole thing! One of the kids even told the counselers, who were discussing something, to be quiet! It held their attention the whole movie, it was amazing!

Truly an amazing movie

[Jezuzfreek2008 · 10/10 · 7 July 2006]

I first watched this movie when I was maybe 8 or 9 years old. This was the film that first inspired me to sing... I fell in love with the characters (with the exception of a few annoying characters). The story is wonderful, and the music is AWESOME!... If you like The Phantom of the Opera, you will fall in love with it. If you don't like The Phantom, you'll still love it... Just a few short years after seeing this movie I signed up for voice classes. I'm still continuing these classes at 16. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who loves music. It's a great story for children. My little sister watched it for the first time the other day, and I swear we've watched it 10 times within the past 3 days. =)

Beauty lies within the heart

[LaBelle1979 · 10/10 · 14 March 2006]

This movie has some of the most beautiful music and singing I have ever heard in a movie. Ribaldi's heart is as hard as stone when he meets Bonnie. Over time, he shows her his true musical talent, and helps her to blossom into a beautiful singer. She in turn shows him that people can look beyond a persons outside, and see the beauty that lies inside of a person. The message that I got from the movie was that beauty and a caring heart can conquer all the ugliness within a person and that hate never accomplishes anything. This movie is wonderful for all ages, and even better when the whole family watches it together. A timeless story for anyone who loves beautiful music.

work of musical genius!

[prophecypainter · 10/10 · 18 December 2007]

Truly magnificent movie. i watch it nearly every evening. people who haven't seen it just cant understand the connection this movie makes with its viewers. the music is better than any Hollywood soundtrack...all original music. every time i watch it, i watch the music scenes a couple times before moving on. and each time i watch it i subconsciously wish for a different ending...although i like how the very end turns out. i am a sucker for fairy tale endings, so some part of me desires that Ribaldi is OK and bonnie continues to take lessons with him and maybe we could even see what becomes of Ribaldi and Gabriella....but like i said, the ending leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling. i would have liked to see a bigger transformation in Bonnie's voice...a little more progression, but the music is unbeatable. i find myself humming or singing the songs throughout the day...especially "the curse." it portrays so much emotion.

i am captivated by Joseph Paur and his voice. i want him to sing at my wedding in 2009! if anyone has contact info on him please pass it along!!

A Life Changing Story

[lydiahorses · 10/10 · 17 January 2007]

This may not have all the fancy things that films of our time now have. But there is heart and soul in this movie that you could never find in other types of movies. This movie is not just made for entertainment it is inspiring. This movie has been a something special I've cherished since I was a little girl. I have never gotten tired of it not now or ever. It still brings tears to my eyes and makes me laugh and cry at the same time. The morals that this story build off of are absolutely astounding. This film is a wonderful movie. The actors are great it is so true to many things that we ourselves as people forget now a days. Things we are selves should see. Even though it is based in the Great Depression period it something that can be enjoyed by any generation great for children, and adults alike. It has been loved by many generations. If you ever see it in a store, or rental store. Just try it I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

I've seen better movies on "Mystery Science Theater 3000"

[Sir Ulrich Von Lichtenstein · 1/10 · 29 January 2002]

I'm all for the idea of clean, wholesome family entertainment, but it has to meet some minimum standards of artistic and creative quality. Even the music in "Rigoletto" is just a mediocre rehash of the score to "Beauty and the Beast". Films like this set back the cause of clean movies, by creating the idea that "Feature Films for Families" have to be lame, predictable, and of low artistic quality. Don't just make "decent" movies. Try to make them GOOD, too.