Cheshmane John Malkovich 1: Viggo Mortensen (2004) User Reviews

This is mature cinema

[bringdead45 · 8/10 · 9 July 2005]

Cheshmane John Malkovich is a very passionate story with a lot of sad moments.

from the opening scene to the ending credits, I was hooked with this film! It's a terrific and brilliant mix of drama, action, and characterization.

I have watched it 3 times and I really enjoyed it.

The most entertaining sequence is where the little guardian angels are at Lysvani and the old Fris is teasing them.

The kids, all of them, turn in outstanding performances and the main characters are characterized with a lot of depth and passion to their personalities which make you feel you have always known these people.

Excellent remake of a wonderful story.

Deeply moving and beautiful What can I say more? I LOVE it! 8/10

A Movie Based On A Wonderful Novel

[Power2004 · 10/10 · 3 November 2004]

Having read the novel, I can say that the adaptation was incredibly amazing and really well-acted.

My fave character in the story is Damoon, He's such a truly awesome character. I love him when he wants to save Sam but avoids doing so for "some secret" reasons. He is a brave and wise man. The HARD decisions he makes will shock you terribly. Indeed Damoon's presence makes Cheshmane John Malkovich an enriched story which you can't really put down, makes you enthralled from beginning to end and a Phenomenal movie with enormously tragic moments.

The way his character talks is also SO witty and stirring.

I suggest you read the novels first, They are indeed first-rate, moving and fabulous. The movie is not as powerful as the novels but it combines a brilliant story with unbelievable acting, incredible script and outstanding direction. I can't get it out of my mind!

A definite 10 out of 10

A Fantastic Tale

[dashtesiah921 · 10/10 · 16 July 2005]

The story of this movie is so engaging and challenging.

From the very beginning it makes you amazed. It is also very dark and sometimes it gets terrifying.

There is a little flaw though.

The characters are too many and the time of the movie is too short and we do not get to know very important characters whose intentions and deeds are very important in the process of the plot. But apart from that,

the movie is perfect or maybe I think it's perfect because I love the story too much.

and because of this I cannot vote less than 10.

so 10 out of 10

Top Quality Story-Telling

[shamlynot · 10/10 · 4 August 2005]

This story really touched my heart and I like the way story is told.

The best and most amusing scene is when the two cats try to talk to Sam with their eyes, How on earth could they make the cats act and express themselves with their eyes, thats Absolutely Fabulous!

Overall, a very entertaining and decent movie with brilliant performances down to the smallest parts and best adapted screenplay, the lovely beautiful score, most believable characters, a great film and certainly deserves more distribution and recognition.

It can be a bit disappointing sometimes as well not to see some very essential seasons of the novel in the film.

Anyway, it was a deep movie and had more interior than exterior.

Definitely Worth-viewing

(My advice: Read the novel first)

Simple and Complex

[panacarfree · 10/10 · 5 August 2005]

John Malkovich's Eyes is a very enjoyable movie but I wish it was longer and I wish the Armuk Yurgun and Viggo Mortensen's part were much longer.And the music is absolutely fantastic.

The most difficult and complex role to play was Armuk, he was such a mean character but at the same time he was so complicated and sometimes so lovely, the actor did a great job playing Armuk to perfection.

I wish it was more special effects in the movie. this story deserves a big-budget remake.

In conclusion, It's a really beautiful, fascinating and Absolutely amazing story with a perfect script and great performances. I didn't expect to be this good.

I recommend you read the story first, it is a stunning experience and you will love it.

The most recommended movie to see and book to read.

A Modest budget masterpiece

[abisjo · 9/10 · 3 August 2005]

John Malkovich's Eyes requires a big-budget adaptation for the big screen. What I like about this movie is its screenplay and the story which is so admirable. I do not like the casting and the locations at all, it's all wrong, I prefer to close my eyes and just listen to it, like it is a radio play or something because the sentences, the dialoges are so perfect and wonderful, let your own imagination portray the images and the atmosphere and the characters. I do feel pity for Lady Venalie, she was such an unfortunate lady but this does not make me hate Armuk Yurgun, He is bloody cool. Just for the sake of the novel ,I'd give it a 9.

An unfailingly beautiful piece of work

[standforpeace2005 · 9/10 · 7 July 2005]

Just watched the first season of the movie and I think I am really impressed with it.

It is a movie that makes you think a lot and raises interesting questions and shows you what you could never imagine. It is emotionally too powerful and psychologically terrifying.

The performances are strong for the most part especially the kids but the most entertaining part of the movie is the unforgettable ,enchanting, whimsical fresh and thought-provoking dialogs which opened my eyes on a lot of things.(especially the funeral sequence dialogs) A movie not worth missing I give it a 9 out of 10

Better than Harry Potter or Lord of the rings series IMO

[Farima · 10/10 · 30 October 2004]

I believe that (Cheshmane John Malkovich) is much better than HP or LOTR series. I was a huge fan of both titles but when I read CJM, I thought I would never read another book or see another movie for it may ruin the joy I felt by Cheshmane John Malkovich.

Sam and Abraham along with Karen and Damoon are the main characters of the story and they're without a doubt the deepest and loveliest characters I have ever known in all my life but of course the book is more enjoyable and you should read the book first before seeing the movie.

THIS IS THE BEST EVER STORY MADE INTO A FILM RELATED TO JOHN MALKOVICH.

I prefer the books

[TehranTehran · 9/10 · 15 November 2004]

When I first read the story I fell in love with it immediately but the film was not what I expected.

This story requires some very complicated special effects, that's the very thing this movie is lacking and that is the only flaw in the movie.

The actors and the set are fabulous and the lines are great, just like in the book.

I have one advice for people who like the story, don't watch this movie, it will ruin the story for you and your feelings towards some special characters. Cast and crew were definitely doing their best but this story needs very powerful special effects and this film did not have even one! But I am sure those who haven't read the stories will like the movie.

The music was very nice though.

I would love to see a flawless re-make of this movie because it deserves it. The sooner, the better...

Reza Ashkan Far Tehran

A truly unique story

[harcomu · 9/10 · 14 July 2005]

I would say that both the book and the movie are worth a shot even though I prefer the book much better but the movie also is very captivating.

The only think I don't like about the movie is its horrible casting.

I don't like the boy who plays Sam or the actor who plays the LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY Damoon.

Weren't there better choices out there? Wasn't Sam supposed to have big black eyes, this boy's eyes are green or yellow I think! What do the hell the filmmakers think they were doing? The script is fantastic though and the score is unforgettable but the casting is just awful.

I prefer my own imaginary version of CJM I have in my mind.

I'd give a 9

Flawless

[nataliejs · 10/10 · 8 November 2004]

This movie is just flawless and beautiful. I loved it. I haven't read the books but the movie is PERFECT. The Ending is scary and I just love to find the books or contact the writer.

The best sequence is The hall scene in which Sam gets to see the "Images". I could feel what he was going through and it was absolutely breathtaking and captivating.

The second best scene is where Damoon and Sam finally meet each other, I really DID NOT expect the outcome!!!!!!!! Damoon is someone with surprising actions. You are a Great Man Damoon, I am your Fan.

I recommend this ever lasting story to everyone.