Customer Reviews

Jonathan Livingston Seagull [VHS]

5 star:		(120)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

It is of course important to mention first off that this is not your standard movie. For a movie going audience conditioned by such spectaculars as Harry Potter, Titanic, Star Wars, and Spider-Man, it would be hard to imagine exactly how this would play out in the theaters today (as I recall, it didn't fair to well back in 1973 either).

All of this doesn't mean this isn't a -good- movie. It contains a lot of sweeping ocean scenery, with of course lots of wonderful footage of seagulls. It also has the great score by Neil Diamond, and then woven throughout this is the original story by Richard Bach. And it is perhaps in that order that this movie exists. It is a relaxing, calming, as well as uplifting (on a very subtle scale) experience. To watch it with the same rapt attention that you might a modern "spectacular", you would no doubt be quickly disappointed and bored. Instead, it should be watched at a time when you just want to relax, no pressing chores calling your name, and no interruptions that you might need to deal with. You might think of this as the closest thing to a full-body massage for the mind, encapsulated in a hour and a half movie.

One caveat however, is that I would recommend that you read the book first, because there are times when exactly what is going on with the seagulls is a little confusing, and difficult to figure out from what happens on-screen.

While I doubt it will ever happen, I would love for this to be released on DVD, it would greatly improve the quality of the video and soundtrack (both copies I've seen of this movie have had an mildly distracting "tracking" problem which results in pops and crackles in the audio), and it would perhaps also allow supplimentary audio tracks with discussions from Richard Bach, Neil Diamond, and perhaps others associated with this film (Hall Barlett, the director died in 1993).

My brother introduced me to this record just after it was first released some 28 years ago. I can remember the occasion as if it were yesterday. I was sleeping late on a Saturday morning and I was awakened by music echoing through the house. Music that was haunting, expressive, flowing. Words that were insightful, thoughtful, introspective and, most of all, moving.

Eventually, I got up and went downstairs to find out what I had been listening to, and I discovered that it was Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Neil Diamond. Well, I was captivated; truly, deeply captivated. I'd rarely heard such rich, wonderfully expressive modern music before. Yes, I knew of Neil Diamond, but this record made me see and hear him in a new light.

I bought the album and wore it out after many playings over many years. I've seen the film so many times I've lost count, but one thing still gives me shivers as I watch it is the combination of absolutely superb photography matched to the superlative soundtrack. I cannot understand how, in Britain at least, this film got relegated to art-house status and didn't get the wide release it dererves.

Even today (now I have the CD) I find that in troubled times I can darken my lounge, lie back in my favourite chair, listen to this music and feel my worries subside. It is so relaxing.

This movie is so uplifting! The music and photography are mesmerizing, as well as the messages of striving to reach past your perceived limits to totally new horizons. When I'm troubled I watch the movie or listen to the cd and remember that it's the striving in life that makes us who we are, not our present problems.

The wise words of Jonathan Livingston Seagull live today as well. "You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now, and nothing can stand in your way." This movie is something the whole family can enjoy. And if you haven't already buy the soundtrack on CD and Richard Bach's book. It's a pleasant dream when you need one. That is one bedtime story I want to wake up to.

Watching this video to me was a spiritual experience! I really related to that gull. This extremely well done movie reminds me of the deepest parts of myself, still yearning for fulfillment. It also warns strongly against the fear and peer-pressure that so often distract seekers from their highest goals. It is a reminder to each eternal soul that it is still possible to live your vision and find God in yourself.

After finishing this movie I went outside and wept. Am I fulfilling my purpose in life? That dream that I once had of something greater? This movie sings: wake up and live again!

Great music!

The wise words of Jonathan Livingston Seagull live today as well. "You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now, and nothing can stand in your way." This movie is something the whole family can enjoy. And if you haven't already buy the soundtrack on CD and Richard Bach's book. It's a pleasant dream when you need one. That is one bedtime story I want to wake up to. And for those of you who are going to ask me, "hey didn't you say these exact words when you reviewed the VHS copy?", you better believe it because now we can appreciate Jon's story forever on DVD.

Songs from this album were played at my mom's second marriage 30 years ago. Yesterday, selections were played at her funeral. She wore out her album several times and finally got it on CD. The music ands songs are as relevant today as they were 30 years ago.

Voice over - awful.

Message - Brilliant.

This is a film about an anthropomorphic bird, a seagull who wants to break from the flock's set ways, tiring of the endless meaningless pursuit of mere survival. He wants to learn rather than blindly conform, would risk death in order to truly be alive.

This is an eternal story - the one who wants to understand becomes an outcast, and ultimately comes in contact with the real world. Is there an ethereal inner circle of humanity, guiding us all and helping the few that really need release from this circle of life and death? This story does not deny such a reality.

I was surprised at the depth of this movie, despite its cloying attempts to make us sympathize with the poor bird washed up on the raft of driftwood, freezing in the snow etc. The faux-innocence of Johnathan's dopey voice over makes me want to laugh, but I appreciate the idea and the difficult technical/creative work that went into making this unlikely feature film.

Interestingly 30 years ago SEAGULL ruffled some defensive feathers, challenging common notions of 'heaven' and 'faith' and our innate purpose. The 'mystical' is always a threat, reviled or ridiculed. Here in know-it-all 2005 people seem to think nothing of either faith or mysticism, content to blindly accept the illusions of their life in the Flock of humanity (note in the film the garbage dump the gulls cling to for their swill.) Yet some itch to look beyond, to know what really IS. "The Matrix has you, Neo..."

A good film for the restless seagull.

JK

It's hard for me to be objective about this album. I'm not much of a Neil Diamond fan personally. And time has not improved how I feel about his voice. However, when I was in 3rd grade, I had a teacher who attempted to teach a bit of musical appreciation...and played this album for us. I was beyond moved. It made me realize what music can do in terms of setting moods and such. I was hooked. Much begging of my parents and I was soon wearing out my own copy. I still have it 21 years later. And thru this I was introduced to my favorite book. Naturally as I got older I moved away from it. Neil just wasn't too cool anymore. As I was packing to move recently, I unearthed my tattered vinyl copy of this & for laughs put it on. My laughs ended....the music still had the power to transport me. And I truely understood how trancendent the music is. The lush arraingements still moved me. I ordered a cd copy before side one had finished. My only complaint: The original album was beautiful in it's packaging...a wonderful book with stunning photos (which made the movie look real dull in retrospect). Nowhere to be found now. That and it could really use a remastered version. It sounds good, but it could be better. This is the original "new-age" album, in my opinion. Beautiful, haunting, spiritual. "Transcend...purify...glorius".

I love the book, but this is one of the rare times when the film is as good as the book. I don't even mind the differences between the book and the film--and I worship the book! The photography, Neil Diamond exquisite songs--the beauty of them together makes me cry every time I watch it. And not many movies make me cry for any reason!