Customer Reviews

Rocket Gibraltar [VHS]

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This movie is a fine ensemble performance. There is the afther, Burt Lancaster, who is reaching the end of a full life. His children and their families are joining him for a birthday bash that will be the talk of the town. Yet this isn't about a birthday party, it is about connections.

Lancasters children are all enmeshed in thier own lives and families. But it is the children who are closest to Lancaster's charecter. He tells them stories of Vikings and valhalla and the kids take not and remember. Lancaster expresses a final wish for what to do with his body after he dies. He doesn't tell his children, maybe sensing their opposition, so instead he tells the grandchildren - maybe not expecting them to do it but convey his wish to their parents.

There is comedy, despair, anger and sadness throughout the film. It doesn't dwell on one particular emotional level, rather it touches them and moves on, as we all do in life.

The conclusion is a remarkable combination of humor, suspense, sadness and togetherness. It is worth the whole movie to just watch the last fifteen minutes.

I recommend this to anyone with families and to those who want to watch a well crafted film production. It is a keeper for any video library.

If the words elegant and eloquence strike a chord with you, then view this film for Burt Lancaster's fine and lasting gift of both. Watch the ending first as Burt richly, if too briefly, narrates a glorious ending to a less than glorious life - then rewind and watch the unwinding of a story that ended so touchingly - you will lose nothing of the story through that process. In this story that seems so much about family, there comes shining through the triumph of the solitary man - a man truly in the world but not of it. And in his grandchildren - not yet tainted and corrupted by convention - there is the hope that compromise and accomodation will be be held at bay for yet another hour. Did we ever tell Burt thank you? Tell him now.

This warm and sentimental movie brings to the forefront of our thoughts that as adults we become so enmeshed in the engrossing and all consuming details of day to day life, that we sometimes cannot see what the imminent event about to occur right in front of us is. Burt Lancaster portrays a loving father and grandfather who has had time to reflect on his life, and as a result, has expressed to his grandchildren his admiration for the Viking tradition of saying goodbye to their loved one as they pass on to Valhalla. His grandchildren take the time to understand his respect for this rich tradition, while their parents are too busy planning a birthday for the patriach. McCauley Caulkin is wonderful as the youngest grandson. He has a special relationship with his grandfather that is telepathic at times. Watch this movie with your children, and let them know that the death of a loved one is a time of sadness, but it is also a time of great reflection.

Every so often I check what folks write about this movie and still cannot believe how few people have submitted reviews - - fourteen since 2002? It should be a top choice in several categories: *facing the end of life* - - *intergenerational relationships* - - *having one's dying wishes respected?*

*Rocket Gibraltar* is so special that people who believe in its message must become evangelistic in the best sense of that word - - *go forth* to their friends and neighbors, urging them to watch & discuss. Burt Lancaster is a marvel, portraying the grandfather facing death. He convinces his young grandkids (the youngest, Macaulay Culkin, gives a wonderfully dear performance) that they can help give him his dreamed-of "send-off" . . . His idealism (romanticism, if you like) would never receive the approval of his adult children who are at the beach for a family celebration of their dad's 77th birthday. Viewers don't have to agree with the father's desires, or his offsprings' reactions to learn a lot from this movie. The commotion of such gatherings is perfectly shown, and also the noisy busyness of their lives that overwhelms the loving but weary father.

Death is an appropriate time for sadness, but even more for thoughtful gratitude. Reviewer mcHAIKU gives all available stars to *Rocket Gibraltar* as a movie to re-visit regularly. On mchaiku's profile page there is a list naming a few other titles to watch on a regular basis; for example *BRAT FARRAR*(disgustingly NOT yet a dvd).

This was Lancaster's last film, made when he was dying, as was the character he portrays. He is the widowed patriarch of a close-knit clan, who has reluctantly agreed to honor his dead wife's wish that he be buried next to her. But what his heart dreams of is a classic Viking funeral--his body sent out to sea and set alight as the sun sets. His enterprising and resourceful grandchildren are determined to find a way to fulfill his dying wish. A warm, delightful and very touching film. END

Burt Lancaster's portrayal of a dying patriarch provides hope for those concerned with the decline of the family and the loss of individuality. The quintessential setting on Long Island appeals to those attracted to the sea while attempting to savor the remnants of life. The perfect film for self-reflection and hope for a gratifying end to life on this earth. Required viewing!

My husband and I stumbled on this gem years ago while we were channel surfing. It is a movie that we will watch over and over again with our three children, ages 11, 8, and 6. It beautifully exemplifies family issues, love, hopes and dreams...life and death. It's a keeper.

What makes this story so engaging is that much of it is told from the viewpoint of the children who have come with their parents to attend their grandfather's 77th birthday party. From listening to stories that Grandpa tells, the kids get the idea that he doesn't want to be buried (no worms!) when he dies, but would prefer to go out in a blaze with a Viking funeral. So when he dies unexpectedly and the kids discover it before any one else does, they set out to fulfill his wishes.
I've never really been a fan of Macaulay Culkin who plays the primary role here but this may be one of his best performances as a child actor. He brings all the sweetness and innocent child-like wisdom to the part that makes this story really work on so many levels. This is definitely a movie you'll want to watch more than once. You are guaranteed to laugh as well as cry and think seriously about the quality and meaning of your life -- and how you want to go out at the end. I don't know about you, but I'm all for the Viking funeral myself.

Although the story lines are a bit busy in this fine film, the work turned in by Burt Lancaster and MacCaulay Culkin are truly worth seeing. The viewer is immediately aware of a bond between grandfather and grandson. Mac displays that rare talent of his, in this early film--what a fine portrayal and what an opportunity for him to be able to play opposite Mr. Lancaster.

It is one of, if not the, last Burt Lancaster films. I was especially moved by the ending. It has a great story line probably better than Henry Fonda's "On Golden Pond" as it reflects how people really interact at family gatherings. Unfortunately it did not receive the recognition it deserves at awards, although it was widely acclaimed by critics.