Diva (1981) Reviews

Diva (1981)
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The diva of the title is a famous black opera singer (Wilhelmina Wiggins-Fernandez) who steadfastly refuses to be recorded. The singer is idolized by young French mail-carrier Jules (Frederic Andrei), who sneaks a tape recorder into the theater and records her performance. This is witnessed by a pair of Taiwanese criminals, who unlike Andrei wish to profit from the bootlegged recording. They begin to pursue the boy, as do a couple of home-grown hooligans who believe that Jules is in possession of some murder evidence. The serpentine plot leads to a warm friendship between Jules and the reclusive diva - and to a brilliantly photographed (by Philipe Rousselot) motorcycle chase through the subway tunnels of Paris. Diva marked the directorial debut of Jean-Jacques Beineix, whose obvious fondness for the more esoteric techniques of the Nouvelle Vague never impedes his willingness to simply entertain his audiences. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Frederic Andréi, Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez, (more)
Director(s):
Jean-Jacques Beineix
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Average Ratings

(14 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Kyle K.

This movie has it all: humor, romance, action, violence, intrigue, nudity, crooked cops, justice, and more!! I've watched it several times and enjoy it each time.

Yes   |   No


Katherine G.

i saw this movie soon after it first came out a million years ago, and saw it again many times after that. it's been a few years, so i am ready for another "dose". this movie was influential in opening my eyes to the beauty of opera music. although i do not know the quality of the dvd edition, the cinematography of the original movie was outstanding. truly a classic that has stood the test of time!

Yes   |   No


Benjamin J.

Wilhelmina's golden voice should have been featured a bit more, but over-all - this was a very intriguing and exciting film with an interesting plot.

Yes   |   No


Daniel D.

I've seen this film a number of times. It is sort of choppy and bounces around a lot, but it remains one of my own personal 'cult' films. I can see it again and again and find something new in it each time. Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez's voice is so awesome. It is a real pleasure to not only hear, but see her sing. This film brought the aria "Ebben, ne andro lontana" from Catalani's La Wally to many who would never listen to nor appreciate opera. Here is a 'youtube if you want to see and hear her sing the aria. (this is not a spoiler) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kXuEg4hMvg You can read the description. I cannot add to it but to tell you this is a beautiful film with a lot of twists and turns. The contrasts between the Diva, her admiring pirate, and the very different underworld characters is awesome, and the action is fun, off-beat and entertaining. I hope you will enjoy this one as much as I do (again and again).

Yes   |   No


Keith G.

In the same way The Breakfast Club defined a certain kind of 1980s American filmmaking, and Blow Up™ defined 1960s hipness, ˜Diva defined a certain kind of 1980s European cinema. That does not mean it is great, just seminal. It marked a turning away from deep psychology, philosophy, politics or even plot, and marked an emphasis on style, energy, colors, etc. The movie is about being a cool movie, with cool sets, cool shots, a cool car chase, etc. The plot is just enough to hold it all together. All that said, it is great to look at, the chase is fun, and the film is fun too, in an empty calorie, music video sort of way. It is frustrating. If the acting was a little better (the leads range from pretty good to very awkward) and the story had a little more heart and brains, it could have kept its grand style, and been a great film, not just an entertaining, great looking film.

Yes   |   No


Shigeo H.

Very, very fun -- but far more than just a lot of action-chase scenes -- this really is a thoughtful and interesting film with more than a passing understanding of semiotics in its plot twists.

Yes   |   No


Elaine B.

It is aging well. Don't expect the usual hollywood formula, it is French.

Yes   |   No


Tennyson R.

This is one of my all-time favorite movies. I saw it when it was released and view it again every few years. The music is beautiful, the plot is great, the acting superb.

Yes   |   No


Nataliya and arie P.

what a waste of time

Yes   |   No


Barry K.

I have been burned numerous times ordering movies that I later find out are not in English. I'm sure many people like myself do not wish to read sub titles. Please add the words "Not in English" following all titles offered by Blockbuster both in-store and thru your online service. Aside from this issue, I really enjoy Blockbuster online.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (14)
     
    Kyle K.

    This movie has it all: humor, romance, action, violence, intrigue, nudity, crooked cops, justice, and more!! I've watched it several times and enjoy it each time.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Katherine G.

    i saw this movie soon after it first came out a million years ago, and saw it again many times after that. it's been a few years, so i am ready for another "dose". this movie was influential in opening my eyes to the beauty of opera music. although i do not know the quality of the dvd edition, the cinematography of the original movie was outstanding. truly a classic that has stood the test of time!

    Yes   |   No

     
    Benjamin J.

    Wilhelmina's golden voice should have been featured a bit more, but over-all - this was a very intriguing and exciting film with an interesting plot.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 14 Reviews
       

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