Liam Neeson Movies
Standing a burly 6'4", Liam Neeson was once described by a theatre critic as a "towering sequoia of sex." To say that he has undeniable charisma is certainly accurate, but it is a charisma composed as much of impressive talent as of broken-nosed physical appeal. Bearing both versatility and quiet forcefulness, Neeson has been touted as one of the most compelling actors of the late 20th century.Born June 7, 1952, in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, Neeson had an upbringing partially defined by his involvement in boxing. He became active in the sport as a teenager, earning his distinctive broken nose in the process; he stayed with boxing until he began experiencing black-outs from repeated blows to the head. Initially interested in a career as a teacher, Neeson attended Belfast's Queens College, but he aborted his studies after developing a desire to act. In 1976, he joined Belfast's Lyric Theatre, and two years later he began performing the classics at Dublin's famed Abbey Theatre. While he was with the Abbey, Neeson was discovered by director John Boorman, who cast him as Gawain in 1981's Excalibur. Following his part in that action fantasy, Neeson had supporting roles in such films as The Mission (1986), and he was featured in leads opposite Cher in Suspect (1987) and Diane Keaton in The Good Mother (1988).
He got his first starring vehicle in 1990 with Sam Raimi's Darkman; unfortunately, the film was a relative disappointment. Neeson continued to do starring work in such films as Big Man (1991), which featured him as a boxer, Ethan Frome (1992), and Under Suspicion (1992), but ironically, it was his work on the stage that led to his true screen breakthrough. In 1992, the actor was turning in a Tony-nominated performance in Anna Christie opposite Natasha Richardson (whom he would marry in 1994) on Broadway. His work attracted the notice of Steven Spielberg, who was so impressed with what he saw that he cast Neeson as Oskar Schindler in his landmark Holocaust drama Schindler's List (1993). Neeson received Best Actor Oscar and British Academy Award nominations for his performance, and he subsequently didn't have to worry about finding work in Hollywood, or elsewhere, again.
More high-profile work followed for Neeson, who went on to star in such films as Nell (1994), Rob Roy (1995), and Michael Collins (1996). However acclaimed his previous work had been, none of it received the hype of one of Neeson's 1999 projects, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Although the film, which starred Neeson as a Jedi master, ultimately earned a galaxy's worth of negative reviews, it mined box office millions. Its success further enhanced Neeson's status as one of the world's most visible actors, and it even helped to downplay the disappointment of The Haunting, his other film that year. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, All Movie Guide
The violent rise of gangland power in New York City at a time of massive political corruption and the city's evolution into a cultural melting pot set the stage for this lavish historical epic, which director Martin Scorsese finally brought to the screen almost 30 years after he first began to plan the project. In 1846, as waves of Irish immigrants poured into the New York neighborhood of Five Points, a number of citizens of British and Dutch heritage who were born in the United States began making an open display of their resentment toward the new arrivals. William Cutting (Daniel Day-Lewis), better known as "Bill the Butcher" for his deadly skill with a knife, bands his fellow "Native Americans" into a gang to take on the Irish immigrants; the immigrants in turn form a gang of their own, "The Dead Rabbits," organized by Priest Vallon (Liam Neeson). After an especially bloody clash between the Natives and the Rabbits leaves Vallon dead, his son goes missing; the boy ends up in a brutal reform school before returning to the Five Points in 1862 as Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio). Now a strapping adult who has learned how to fight, Amsterdam has come to seek vengeance against Bill the Butcher, whose underworld control of the Five Points through violence and intimidation dovetails with the open corruption of New York politician "Boss" Tweed (Jim Broadbent). Amsterdam gradually penetrates Bill the Butcher's inner circle, and he soon becomes his trusted assistant. Amsterdam also finds himself falling for Jenny Everdeane (Cameron Diaz), a beautiful but street-smart thief who was once involved with Bill. Amsterdam is learning a great deal from Bill, but before he can turn the tables on the man who killed his father, Amsterdam's true identity is exposed, even though he has concealed it from nearly everyone, including Jenny. Gangs Of New York was the first film in two years from actor Leonardo DiCaprio; ironically, it was at one time scheduled to open on the same day as Catch Me if You Can, the Steven Spielberg project that DiCaprio began filming immediately after Gangs wrapped. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, (more)
A real-life historical incident becomes the basis for this military thriller from director Kathryn Bigelow that's reminiscent of such submarine dramas as Das Boot (1981), The Hunt for Red October (1990), Crimson Tide (1995), and U-571 (2000). Harrison Ford stars as Captain Alexi Vostrikov, a Russian naval officer who's being given command of the Soviet Union's first nuclear submarine, K-19, at the height of the Cold War in 1961. The vessel's previous commander, Captain Mikhail Polenin (Liam Neeson) has been demoted to executive officer following a botched test and his outspoken assertions that the flagship is not yet ready for deployment, but he curbs his resentment and resolves to serve his new superior well. Polenin's concerns are well founded: parts are not yet installed, equipment is missing, and the ship's doctor is killed in an auto mishap. Political pressure forces Vostrikov to sail his crew into the North Atlantic anyway, for a missile fire test that serves as a warning to the U.S. that its enemy is now its technological equal. The test is a success, but a disastrous leak in the K-19's reactor cooling system soon threatens to create enough heat to detonate the craft's nuclear payload -- which would certainly be mistaken for the first salvo in a worldwide atomic exchange and spark the beginning of World War III. With no other option, Vostrikov orders his men to repair the damage in ten-minute shifts, irradiating them hopelessly. The conflict between the seemingly bureaucratic Communist Vostrikov and the more humane Polenin escalates, until a surprising twist reveals where both officers' loyalties truly lie. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harrison Ford, Liam Neeson, (more)
- 2002
- Add Liberty's Kids [Animated TV Series] to QueueAdd Liberty's Kids [Animated TV Series] to top of Queue
Coproduced by the DiC animation firm and PBS, Liberty's Kids was a half-hour historical cartoon series set during the American Revolution. The principal characters were Sarah Phillips and James Hiller, apprentices both to the multifaceted Benjamin Franklin. The fact that Sarah was loyal to the British and James was a 100-percent "Yankee Doodle" added to the cultural diversity of the series, as did the presence of James' friend Moses, a freed slave, and Henri, an eight-year-old French street urchin unofficially adopted by James and Moses. The series' real drawing card was its stellar cast of voice actors, portraying the many historical personages with whom Sarah, James, Moses, and Henri came into contact. For example, Ben Franklin was voiced by veteran newscaster Walter Cronkite (who even got to say "That's the way it is" on occasion); Michael Douglas was heard as Patrick Henry; Sylvester Stallone enacted Paul Revere; Dustin Hoffman interpreted notorious turncoat Benedict Arnold; and Arnold Schwarzenegger managed to sneak an "I'll be back" into his characterization of Baron Von Steuben. Geared for children aged seven to 12, Liberty's Kids joined the PBS daytime manifest on September 2, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Reo Jones, Christine Lundquist, (more)
- 2001
This is the fifth episode in a seven-part PBS series that provides viewers with an overview of the theory of evolution: how the theory was conceived, how it has broadly influenced science, how it is commonly misunderstood, and how the theory effects everyday life. Written, produced, and directed by Noel Buckner and Robert Whittlesey, this installment of the documentary explains how the sexual means of procreation strengthens species by adding a beneficial diversity to the gene pool. The directors also examine the variety of sexual behavior in the animal world, as well as the theory that culture itself may be an expression of the sexual drive. Narrated by acclaimed actor Liam Neeson, highlights include animation sequences illustrating evolution, interviews with various scientists, and archival footage from a variety of sources, including the BBC Worldwide Americas Inc., Frontline, WGBH, Mantis Wildlife Sunburnt Pictures Australia, Maslowski Wildlife Productions, NASA, and National Geographic Television. Included among the distinguished advisors for the series are Jane Goodall, author Stephen Jay Gould, and scientist William H. Calvin of Washington University. The series was originally televised September 24-27, 2001. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 2001
This is the sixth episode in a seven-part PBS series that provides viewers with an overview of the theory of evolution: how the theory was conceived, how it has broadly influenced science, how it is commonly misunderstood, and how the theory effects everyday life. Written by John Heminway and produced by Heminway and Michelle Nicholasen, this installment of the documentary examines the evolutionary factors that led to the triumph of homo sapiens over other hominid relatives. Series advisor William H. Calvin of Washington University has postulated in his book The Cerebral Symphony that what we value as higher intelligence may well have developed as an offshoot of a survival trait: the ability to throw, and thereby safely hunt from a distance. The act of throwing involves a relatively complex sequential "firing" of synapses, as does higher thinking. Narrated by acclaimed actor Liam Neeson, highlights include footage of cave paintings by prehistoric men, animation sequences illustrating evolution, interviews with various scientists, and archival footage from a variety of sources, including the Archive of Kebara Cave, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, the Musee National d'Histoire Naturelle, Musee de l'Homme, the National Geographic Film Library, and the University of Toronto. Among the other distinguished advisors for the series are Jane Goodall and author Stephen Jay Gould. The series was originally televised September 24-27, 2001. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 2001
This is the final episode in a seven-part PBS series that provides viewers with an overview of the theory of evolution: how the theory was conceived, how it has broadly influenced science, how it is commonly misunderstood, and how the theory effects everyday life. This installment of the documentary tackles the compatibility issues regarding the theory of evolution and Christianity. Narrated by acclaimed actor Liam Neeson, the program examines arguments made during the famous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925, during which a teacher was put on trial for teaching evolution theory. Other highlights include interviews with evolutionary scientists who are also Christians, and with evolution deniers who argue that you cannot rightly believe in both evolution and the Bible. The archival footage in this episode comes from a variety of sources, including the Library of Congress, Louisiana Public Television, the National Archives, Sword of the Lord Foundation, UCLA Film and Video Archives, and the United States Supreme Court. Included among the distinguished advisors for the series are Jane Goodall, author Stephen Jay Gould, and scientist William H. Calvin of Washington University. The series was originally televised September 24-27, 2001. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 2001
This is the second episode in a seven-part PBS series that provides viewers with an overview of the theory of evolution: how the theory was conceived, how it has broadly influenced science, how it is commonly misunderstood, and how the theory affects everyday life. Written by Joel Olicker and Chris Schmidt, and directed by Olicker, this installment of the documentary discusses the development of the biological template of the four-limbed animal, the migration of life forms from ocean to land, the return of some species to the ocean (such as dolphins), and the development of homo sapiens. Highlights include a side-by-side comparison of the bones of a human hand to the fossilized bones of the fin of a sea creature that died millions of years ago -- the structure is startlingly similar. Also included are animation sequences illustrating evolution, and interviews with various scientists. Narrated by acclaimed actor Liam Neeson, this program utilizes archival footage from a variety of sources, including the American Museum of Natural History Library, BBC Worldwide Americas, Inc., California Institute of Technology, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Included among the distinguished advisors for the series are Jane Goodall, Sharon Emerson of the University of Utah, author Stephen Jay Gould, and William H. Calvin, of Washington University. The series was originally televised September 24-27, 2001. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 2001
Evolution: Learning and Teaching Evolution is part of the Evolution series from WGBH and Clear Blue Sky Productions. Hosted by actor Liam Neeson, the series attempts to provide an overview of the history of human evolution. As the title explains, this supplemental presentation offers lessons on teaching and learning about evolution. Running 95 minutes, the program was released in 2001. The other titles in the series include Evolution, Pt. 1: Darwin's Dangerous Idea, Evolution, Pt. 2: Great Transformations, Evolution, Pt. 3: Extinction!, Evolution, Pt. 4: The Evolutionary Arms Race, Evolution, Pt. 5: Why Sex?, Evolution, Pt. 6: The Mind's Big Bang, and Evolution, Pt. 7: What About God?. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- 2001
This is the fourth episode in a seven-part PBS series that provides viewers with an overview of the theory of evolution: how the theory was conceived, how it has broadly influenced science, how it is commonly misunderstood, and how the theory effects everyday life. Written and directed by Gail Willumsen, this installment of the documentary reveals the scientific meaning of that often misused and misunderstood phrase "survival of the fittest." In relation to natural selection, Willumsen examines how overuse of certain medicines on viruses and bacteria are possibly creating super-viruses and super-bacteria that may one day threaten humanity with extinction. Narrated by acclaimed actor Liam Neeson, highlights include animation sequences illustrating evolution, interviews with various scientists, and archival footage from a variety of sources, including the American Red Cross, Archive Films, BioMedia Associates, Getty Images, the WPA Film Library, and United Wildlife. Included among the distinguished advisors for the series are Jane Goodall, author Stephen Jay Gould, and scientist William H. Calvin of Washington University. The series was originally televised September 24-27, 2001. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 2001
- Add Evolution, Part 1: Darwin's Dangerous Idea to QueueAdd Evolution, Part 1: Darwin's Dangerous Idea to top of Queue
This is the first episode in a seven-part PBS series that provides viewers with an overview of the theory of evolution: how the theory was conceived, how it has broadly influenced science, how it is commonly misunderstood, and how the theory affects everyday life. Written and directed by David Espar and Susan K. Lewis, this segment of the documentary introduces the key tenets of the theory, discusses current evolutionary scientific research, and includes biographical docudrama sequences produced by Linda Garmon and written by Allan Cubitt. Highlights include animation sequences illustrating evolution and interviews with various experts, including Kenneth Miller, who is both a Darwinian scientist and a Catholic. He authored the book Finding Darwin's God. Narrated by acclaimed actor Liam Neeson, this program stars Christopher Larkin as Charles Darwin. Also utilized throughout this episode is archival footage from a variety of sources, including Atmosphere Pictures, BBC Worldwide Americas, Inc., National Geographic Film Library, and Royal Geographic Society London. Included among the distinguished advisors for the series are Jane Goodall, Stephen Jay Gould, and William H. Calvin, of Washington University. The series was originally televised September 24-27, 2001. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Liam Neeson
- 2001
This is the third episode in a seven-part PBS series that provides viewers with an overview of the theory of evolution: how the theory was conceived, how it has broadly influenced science, how it is commonly misunderstood, and how the theory effects everyday life. Written and directed by Kate Churchill and Richard Hutton, this installment of the documentary discusses the function of extinction in the process of evolution. The theory is that extinction makes room for new species. Also covered are the theories regarding the five mass extinctions the world has experienced, and theories as to whether or not humans may cause a sixth. Narrated by acclaimed actor Liam Neeson, highlights include animation sequences illustrating evolution, interviews with various scientists, and archival footage from a variety of sources, including American Museum of Natural History, BBC Worldwide Americas, Inc., Energy Film Library, Moana Productions, the National Archives, and the National Geographic Film Library. Included among the distinguished advisors for the series are Jane Goodall, Sharon Emerson of the University of Utah, author Stephen Jay Gould, and scientist William H. Calvin of Washington University. The series was originally televised September 24-27, 2001. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 2001
A typically ambitious miniseries from Boston's PBS affiliate WGBH-TV, the seven-part, eight-hour Evolution was advertised as "A Journey Into Where We're From and Where We're Going." Although the Darwinian theory of evolution was given plenty of screen time, the series investigated all aspects of the evolutionary process, as related to survival, sex, and religion. One of the series' distinctions was its ability to find a common ground for scientists and fundamentalists alike: as one of the participants of the series noted, "We're just studying what God has made, however he made it." In addition to standard documentary footage, the project made extensive use of animation, dramatizations, and expert interviews. Individual episode titles included "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" (the two-hour opener), "Great Transformations," "Extinction!," "The Evolutionary Arms Race," "Why Sex?," "The Mind's Big Bang," and "What About God?" Co-produced by Blue Sky Productions and narrated by actor Liam Neeson, Evolution made its first PBS appearance on September 24, 2001. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Liam Neeson
Filmmaker Steve Judson, who received an Academy award nomination for his documentary Dolphins, explores another variety of inner space in this film, shot in the high-definition IMAX process. Dr. Hazel Barton and Nancy Aulenbach are scientists brought together by their interest in caves -- Aulenbach researches the life cycles of plants and animals that thrive in caves, while Barton believes study of the ecosystems of caves might provide valuable information on treating diseases in humans. Barton and Aulenbach are joined by veteran spelunker Janot Lamberton as they explore spectacular cave formations in Arizona, Mexico, and Greenland. Journey Into Amazing Caves is narrated by noted actor Liam Neeson. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Liam Neeson
In this action-laced comedy, a cop on the verge of a nervous breakdown finds love at the least convenient time. Charlie Mayo (Liam Neeson) is an undercover agent with the DEA who was nearly killed when a sting set up to nail a gang of drug dealers went horribly wrong. The accident left Charlie shaken, and he's gone into therapy to hold himself together as he struggles through one final case before retiring. Charlie's superior (Mitch Pileggi) has set him up on another undercover assignment as he tries to bring in two Colombian drug kingpins and a low-level Mafiosi with delusions of grandeur (Oliver Platt). As Charlie makes his way through therapy, he's referred to a nurse (Sandra Bullock) interested in New Age healing techniques; now he has love on his mind as he tries to keep himself out of harm's way under increasingly dangerous circumstances. Gun Shy marked the feature directorial debut of television veteran Eric Blakeney. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Liam Neeson, Oliver Platt, (more)
Through the use of extensive computer animation, this video offers an update on the construction of the International Space Station some 220 miles above the surface of the earth. The only major international program of its type, the implications of the station are immeasurably important to the viability of human habitation in space. This glance into the possible future of the human race is hosted by Liam Neeson. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
- 2000
- Add The Directors: Steven Spielberg to QueueAdd The Directors: Steven Spielberg to top of Queue
Two-time Best Director Oscar winner and easily one of America's most popular directors, Steven Spielberg and his films, such as E.T., Jurassic Park, and Jaws, redefined the term "Hollywood blockbuster." This video biography highlights his high-flying career, featuring interviews with Jeff Goldblum, Morgan Freeman, and Liam Neeson. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- 2000
- G
- Add The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition to QueueAdd The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition to top of Queue
In 1914, explorer Ernest Shackleton set out to become the first man to cross the frozen wastes of the Antarctic continent on foot; however, a combination of treacherous conditions, unexpected changes in weather, and simple bad luck left Shackleton and his crew of 28 men stranded in one of the world's most unforgiving environments for nearly two years. Miraculously, Shackleton and his men not only survived, but brought back remarkable footage of their ordeal, thanks to cameraman Frank Hurley, who traveled with Shackleton to record the adventure on film. The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition, adapted from the book by Caroline Alexander, combines Hurley's material with newly shot footage tracing the path of Shackleton's journey, presenting a remarkable true-life tale of courage and human survival against grim odds. Liam Neeson narrates. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Liam Neeson
- 1999
This episode is part three of The Greeks: The Crucible of Civilization series, directed and written by Cassian Harrison. It opens in 399 B.C., after the great philosopher Socrates has been sentenced to death and Athens lies in ruins after a war with Sparta. This episode, entitled Empire of the Mind and narrated by actor Liam Neeson, goes back to 431 B.C., to an Athens at the height of its cultural, political, and economic power. Having taken great leaps forward in every field of learning, and with a strong economy that dominates Mediterranean trade, Athens and its 150,000 residents are the envy of their neighbors, in particular, bellicose Sparta. Jealous of Athenian success, the Spartans yearn to spill Athenian blood and dominate the region. Of course, Pericles knows what is coming, and he orders the citizens to abandon open areas and take refuge inside the walls of Athens. The mighty Athenian fleet will provide supplies for the citizens through the port of Piraeus and a walled corridor between that city and Athens. Over time, the navy will prevail, as it had against the Persians, and win yet another victory. Much is at stake -- democracy, freedom, the whole Athenian way of life. As expected, the Spartans invade and burn the open areas around the city. But it is the unexpected that deals the most devastating blow to Athens. Incoming ships with supplies for the walled-in Greeks carry plague-bearing rats feeding on grain. The disease ravages the Athenians, inflicting agony on them and killing one out of every three. The Spartans are of little concern; what matters is surviving until tomorrow. Pericles' esteem plummets even as he himself contracts the plague and eventually dies. Finally in 404 B.C., Athens surrenders. According to the documentary, the people link Socrates to the Athenian defeat and sentence him to death. However, other issues -- notably Socrates' questioning mind that led young people to reject old ideas in favor of new ones -- were of more concern to the jurors who found him guilty. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
- 1999
- PG
- Add Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace to QueueAdd Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace to top of Queue
In 1977, George Lucas released Star Wars, the ultimate sci-fi popcorn flick-turned-pop-culture myth machine. It quickly became the biggest money-making film of all time and changed the shape of the film industry. After two successful sequels (1980's The Empire Strikes Back and 1983's Return of the Jedi) that extended the story of the first film, Lucas took some time off to produce movies for others, with mixed success. In 1999, Lucas returned to the Star Wars saga with a new approach -- instead of picking up where Return of the Jedi left off, Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace would be the first of a trilogy of stories to trace what happened in the intergalactic saga before the first film began. Here, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) is a young apprentice Jedi knight under the tutelage of Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson); Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), who will later father Luke Skywalker and become known as Darth Vader, is just a nine-year-old boy. When the Trade Federation cuts off all routes to the planet Naboo, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are assigned to settle the matter, but when they arrive on Naboo they are brought to Amidala (Natalie Portman), the Naboo queen, by a friendly but opportunistic Gungan named Jar Jar. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan plan to escort Amidala to a meeting of Republic leaders in Coruscant, but trouble with their spacecraft strands them on the planet Tatooine, where Qui-Gon meets Anakin, the slave of a scrap dealer. Qui-Gon is soon convinced that the boy could be the leader the Jedis have been searching for, and he begins bargaining for his freedom and teaching the boy the lessons of the Force. The supporting cast includes Pernilla August as Anakin's mother, Terence Stamp as Chancellor Valorum, and Samuel L. Jackson as Jedi master Mace Windu. Jackson told a reporter before The Phantom Menace's release that the best part about doing the film was that he got to say "May the Force be with you" onscreen. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, (more)
- 1999
This second episode of Greece: The Crucible of Civilization, directed and written by Cassian Harrison, opens in 490 B.C. when tiny Athens prepares to safeguard its growing economy and infant democracy against an invasion by Persian armies of Darius the Great. Like the previous episode, this episode, "Golden Age," features colorful maps, reenactments, paintings, and exquisite photography to tell its tale. When the Persians arrive for battle, the Greek courier Phidippides runs 140 miles to Sparta in two days to solicit help from its army, says narrator Liam Neeson, quoting the historian Herodotus. But Sparta, Athens' rival, refuses to participate. No matter. The outnumbered Athenians, fighting to uphold their life of freedom, defeat the Persians and send them in humiliation back to Asia. But one Athenian, Themistocles, realizes Athens has not seen the last of the proud Persians. He persuades city leaders to build a fleet of war ships. These ships, called triremes, are "floating missiles" with projecting bows designed specifically to ram enemy vessels. While the Athenians execute their plans, the Persian ruler Darius dies and his son Xerxes succeeds to the throne. Under pressure to take revenge against the Greeks, he assembles an army of two million men. When the terrified Greeks ask the Delphic Oracle for advice, she simply tells them to flee. But Themistocles refuses to panic. Instead, he again petitions the Delphic Oracle, and this time she predicts that a "wooden wall" will protect the Greeks. Neeson then tells how the wily Themistocles saves his city. First, he orders Athens abandoned, installs his fleet at the Aegean island of Salamis, and sends a "traitor" to the Persians to tell them that the Athenians are fleeing and are easy prey for the Persian fleet. When Persian ships move into the strait between Salamis and the Greek mainland, the triremes ram and sink 200 Persian vessels, and Athens wins the war. To protect Greece against future attacks, the Athenian leaders organize the Delian League, made up of 200 city-states. Feeling safe and secure, Athens then turns its attention back to its economy and to other domestic affairs. Soon, the democratic system unleashes the power of the human mind, and Greece enters a Golden Age in which every branch of learning advances and a new leader, Pericles, emerges to take Athens to the zenith of its power. As a fitting symbol of the now mighty city, he builds the aesthetically and architecturally perfect Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, and fosters development of education and the Greek theater of Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
In the 1860's, industrialist Hugh Crain financed the construction of Hill House, a beautiful but forbidding mansion where Crain hoped to house a wife and children. However, Crain died an unexplained death at Hill House, and ever since tales have circulated that the mansion is haunted by evil spirits. 130 years later, Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson), long fascinated by the Hill House legend, brings three people there for what he tells them will be a study in sleep disorders. Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is outwardly brave, but it soon becomes evident that Hill House's sinister reputation has her on edge. Luke (Owen Wilson) quickly finds himself wondering: if this is really about studying sleep, why bring everyone to a haunted house? And Nell (Lili Taylor) finds herself inexplicably drawn to the mansion, with a fascination that soon bears terrifying fruit as the true story of Hill House is revealed. The Haunting was directed by Jan de Bont; the screenplay was written by David Self and based on Shirley Jackson's novel The Haunting Of Hill House, which was also the basis for Robert Wise's 1963 film The Haunting, widely regarded as one of the screen's finest ghost stories. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, (more)
- 1999
This documentary makes history entertaining as well as educational. Beautifully photographed, it uses reenactments, paintings, maps, pottery, metalwork, and "living statues" to take the viewer on a vicarious journey through ancient Greece. Actor Liam Neeson narrates, and unobtrusive music inspires the imagination. Episode one, The Revolution, begins at the dawn of democracy in 508 B.C., with the revolution of the common people against aristocratic rule. The documentary, directed and written by Cassian Harrison, then travels further back in time to chronicle the key events leading up to the revolution. As the camera roams ancient ruins, the Greek countryside, and old stone roads, the viewer learns that the inhabitants of Greece once lived in mud houses with no sewage and frequently fell prey to disease and warfare. Unable to write, they memorized their works of literature -- more than one million lines, the documentary says -- in order to pass them on to the next generation. Over time, their hardship and learning whetted their appetite for freedom. After rule by tyrants of the aristocratic class and a struggle for power, Cleisthenes (570-507 B.C.), himself an aristocrat, sided with the common people of Athens and brought democracy into being. The camera shows how ordinary citizens, men only, enacted laws by voting with black or white pebbles. From this beginning, western democracy developed and flourished. An actor stands in as Cleisthenes, posing as a flesh-and-blood mannequin, and the viewer has the sense that at any moment he will come alive and repeat the successes, or blunders, of history. The documentary calls upon experts -- such as Josiah Ober, of Princeton University, and Paul Cartledge, of Cambridge University -- to explain and comment on momentous political and other events in Ancient Greece. One extremely important economic development was the exploitation of the olive tree. Narrator Neeson notes that its gift of oil stimulated seafaring trade with other Mediterranean countries so that Athens and other city-states could grow and prosper. All the while during their early maturation into a Mediterranean power, Athens and other city-states had to live with the threat of war from expansionist Sparta as well as the vast Persian Empire. But democracy had taken root, and it proved in the long run to be a greater force than the mightiest of armies. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
Everest is the highest-grossing IMAX film ever released. This breathtaking and exhilarating program documents the deadly 1996 expedition which was the focus of Jon Krakauer's best-selling book Into Thin Air. The New York Times calls Everest "an amazing feat of filmmaking." Liam Neeson narrates and the music of George Harrison is featured. ~ Laura Mahnken, All Movie Guide
Bille August directed this Rafael Yglesias adaptation of the 1862 classic by Victor Hugo (1802-1885) about the quest of Inspector Javert to capture escaped convict Jean Valjean, originally an honest man who was jailed for stealing a single loaf of bread to feed the family of his starving sister. This new interpretation of Hugo's epic begins with Valjean (Liam Neeson), released after 20 years of cruelties and hard labor, reporting for parole in Dijon. Stopping at a bishop's house, he's treated with respect, but even so, he steals silverware, flees, and is captured. However, the bishop says the silverware was a gift, proving Valjean's innocence by giving him two silver candlesticks. Valjean is free, but the bishop asks him to treat others with equal kindness. By 1822, Valjean has risen to mayor of the village of Vigau, where he also maintains a successful factory. Joining the local police, Inspector Javert (Geoffrey Rush) is suspicious of Valjean's identity and eventually recognizes him as a former convict, but Javert has no proof when he carries his accusations to Paris. Valjean develops a relationship with Fantine (Uma Thurman), who lost her factory job because of local attitudes about her illegitimate daughter. The starving Fantine turns to prostitution, is arrested and tortured by Javert, and becomes ill. As she dies, Valjean promises to raise her daughter Cosette. Focusing on Valjean's life with Cosette (Claire Danes), the story is set amid the action of the July 1832 Revolution, a time when Cosette falls in love with a militant student, Marius (Hans Matheson). On the banks of the Seine, Valjean and Javert have their final confrontation. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, (more)
Director Barbet Schroeder and screenwriter Ted Tally adapted the novel by Rosellen Brown into this intriguing drama that, while heavily criticized for a third-act revelation that is something of a cop-out, nevertheless features -- typically of Schroeder's work -- compelling performances, domestic discord, and a search for the truth. Meryl Streep stars as Carolyn Ryan, a rural Massachusetts pediatrician married to Ben (Liam Neeson), a handsome, rugged sculptor. Although theirs is not a picture-perfect marriage, the Ryans consider themselves happy, until police arrive at their home one morning to inform them that their son Jacob (Edward Furlong) was the last person seen the night before with a teenage girl who has been murdered. Jacob is missing, and the Ryans frantically search for him, but when the boy returns, it is obvious that he's not being completely truthful about the night's events. While Carolyn wants the truth, Ben is willing to go to whatever lengths are necessary to defend Jacob, hiring an expensive lawyer (Alfred Molina), destroying evidence, and encouraging Jacob to be deceitful. Carolyn and Ben's opposing views of their son's legal trouble cause serious turmoil in the Ryans' marriage, which may be irreparably harmed in spite of the 11th hour appearance of the truth. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Meryl Streep, Liam Neeson, (more)
