To Kill a Mockingbird

[heySkippy]

http://imdb.com/title/tt0056592/

I read this book when I was a kid and had seen the movie, but not in a really long time (30+ years maybe). Dianne had never seen the movie and hasn't read the book, so when I saw it was showing on the Sundance channel (no commercials), I set the TiVo to record and yesterday we watched it together.

I was stunned at how emotional the movie was for me. I'm not the sort who gets choked up watching films, but this brought a lump to my throat more than once. What's really surprising is the reasons were often vague and hard to pin down. It didn't rely on gruesome surprise or maniputlated scenes and it didn't need any. The emotion was simply real.

I distinctly recall the book and that I liked it a lot. I didn't remember the movie so much, just that every once in a while I would flip past TBS or similar and it would be showing and I'd keep going. I don't know that the movie would be so good if it were interrupted every 12 minutes by commercials, I think that would kill the slow flow of the film.

But I as so very glad I recorded and watched this again, doubly so on an unedited channel. There is so much there, everything is so real. Truly this film deserves its place at #43 in the IMDB Top 250.

BTW, Dianne loved it also. I knew she would - she's a sucker for movies with kids - but I think she also really got taken aback by the racial conflict in the movie.

Highest recommendation. They truly don't make movies like this any more.

[Michael]

A big thumbs up on this one. I read the book in High School, but firmly believe that the movie was better. It actually was much better. IMO.

[jen]

I read it (and saw the movie) in college for a class - but at the time, it was just classwork. I would like to see it again, now that I'm older and it's MY decision to watch it.

[scoblitz]

This should be required viewing for everyone

If this film doesn't move you then you are (or should be) already dead

SB

[Turtleboy]

Paging QueenBee.

[markz]

Read the book and saw the movie. Both great!

I'd love to see it again. I should setup a wishlist.

[JustAllie]

You guys should really buy (or at least rent) the DVD -- the version of it that I have contains an amazing documentary called "Fearful Symmetry" that is unlike any other behind-the-scenes documentary I've ever seen. It's a work of art in itself.

[QueenBee]

Paging QueenBee.
Yes. My all-time favorite book and movie. I liked the book better, but Gregory Peck was PERFECT as Atticus. I need to get the DVD and watch that documentary.

[scoblitz]

You guys should really buy (or at least rent) the DVD -- the version of it that I have contains an amazing documentary called "Fearful Symmetry" that is unlike any other behind-the-scenes documentary I've ever seen. It's a work of art in itself.

Thanks - I will definitely do that

SB

[Pablo]

I love both the book and the movie. Last time I saw the movie was a few months ago at the dentist's office. I really need to see it again under more pleasant circumstances.

We have season tickets to a local theater. One season, they put on "To Kill a Mockingbird". The resident actor that played Atticus Finch did an excellent job. He fit the role perfectly. Unfortunately, when we see him in other roles in other plays, we cannot help but think of him as Atticus. My wife always turns to me and wispers, "look, its Atticus".

[Agatha]

It's a great movie. Of Mice and Men is also a very good adaptation of the original book. Both versions are exceptional.

[Timbeau]

Wow, I didn't know that the movie was based on a book. I'll have to get that. I LOVE the movie.

[Pendragn]

I remember reading this book in high school and being completely amazed at the wisdom of Harper Lee. The movie is great, but the book was just on another level for me.

tk

[QueenBee]

I ordered the Legacy Version DVD (with the documentary Allie mentioned) and the hard cover book from Amazon. They should be here tomorrow. WooHoo.

[heySkippy]

Reviving my old thread to note that I bought the book and took it on our cruise last week. I just finished it and it's as good as ever. I can't even imagine how different I (and the world) were in the 60's when I read it the last time.

The movie was actually toned down quite a bit from the book

Got all choked up at the end.

[Fleegle]

It's a great movie. Of Mice and Men is also a very good adaptation of the original book. Both versions are exceptional.

I really like the version with John Malkovich and Gary Sinise. Excellent movie!

[betamax]

Added it to the top of my NetFlix queue.

[Mysteryman]

This isn't a +1 post, but I agree both were excellent. I was moved more by the book than the movie. It's interesting this thread popped up. My mother and I were talking about the movie just a month ago. It's one of her all time favorites.

[busyba]

I'm surprised PeTA hasn't waged a campaign yet to get the book banned from schools. :)

[heySkippy]

I'm surprised PeTA hasn't waged a campaign yet to get the book banned from schools. :)

Why would they? The book says it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.

But about banning, I can easily believe there are plenty of people who would rather their kids didn't read it. I hadn't read the book for decades and a LOT has changed.

[busyba]

I'm surprised PeTA hasn't waged a campaign yet to get the book banned from schools. :)

Why would they? The book says it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.

You think PeTA freaks would make it past the cover? :2funny: