- Authenic and humorous experiences of early 20th Century days in America!!This movie is authentic in it's depiction of what it was like to live in situations of American's living in crowded cities, with extended families and having European relatives trying to get over here in a time of War and hardship. However, this movie brings such a humorous and poignantly real glimpse into the life of one son, an adolescent boy steeped in the dreams of sexuality, baseball and writing the perfect novel. I love the characters responses to the difficult times of the era, especially the way this boy brings such life and laughter to those viewing the movie. I watch it as often as I can!!
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- Stagy but enjoyable"Brighton Beach Memoirs", the first of Neil Simon's three autobiographical plays (the other two being "Biloxi Blues" and "Broadway Bound"), sees Simon's alter-ego, Eugene Jerome (Jonathon Silverman) coming of age in 1930's Brooklyn as his family struggles to make ends meet, while worrying about what the imminent war will mean for their relatives in Poland.
Of the two film versions of Simon's autobiographical plays that I have seen, I think "Biloxi Blues" is the better play/film. In "Brighton Beach Memoirs", Jerome serves largely as an observer of the action that is going on around him, not a participant, and as a result, it makes it difficult to identify or sympathize with him. This is a problem that I didn't find in "Biloxi Blues", where Jerome plays a more active role in the story (I think this is largely due to Jerome's age in each of these plays). Also, "Brighton Beach Memoirs" has a certain staginess to it - not so much in the location (the action does move around a lot), but more in the way the actors behave and deliver their lines.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy "Brighton Beach Memoirs" very much. I have liked Neil Simon's work since I was five and this film didn't disappoint. It is a very funny film and the acting is excellent. Watch this, and see "Biloxi Blues". You won't be disappointed.
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- DVD salesWas kept informed throughout busy holiday season, first, that DVD was out of stock, but that it would be available in about a week. I was informed when the item was shipped, and it actually arrived earlier than expected. Very pleased with service and communication.
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- A GiftThis was a cute movie.This was also a gift and the person loved. She actually watched it 6 times since Christmas.
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- Very FunnyNeil Simon is one of the best comedy writers of our time, probably because he writes what he knows about. This film is good for many laughs and a feel for life in America right before our entry into World War II.