Customer Reviews

Stealing Heaven

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

. . .of one of the greatest -- and most tragic -- love stories of all time.

The tragic love affair (and its consequences) between the noted theologian Peter Abelard and the brilliant Heloise is artfully brought to the screen in the adaptation of the novel by the same name. The casting and cinematograhy were supurb.

Two versions of this film exist on videotape. The unrated version is by far the best, although EXTREMELY graphic. The "R" rated version toned the explicit material down significantly -- but also cut much material which had nothing to do with any "racy" scenes, and really did damage to the plot line.

As an additional "plus", some of the historical liberties which the author of the novel took (see my review for details) were greatly toned down in the film.

An enjoyable, historical film -- but not for everyone. If you can't handle the explicit material, don't bother with the edited version. Too much was cut out.

I did not know the story of Heloise and Abelard before seeing this movie. The story is based on letters of a 12th century couple who had a very passionate relationship who are eventually separated by social and religious forces that inevitably lead each into lives of celebacy. Yet they maintained a lengthly long distance relationship relating to each other their continued passion for each other and sexual longing. The story is by its nature very erotic and the film was given an X rating in its full form. The R rated version is pretty much the same but the film is cropped a bit to mask the male and female naughty bits. However the directors cut is not so explicit as to be considered pornographic. The film is historically interesting and by the end you will have an education on the story of Heloise and Abelard from their meeting to the grave. The film is beautifully captured with pretty cinematography and nice authentic looking period sets and costuming. The film sets up an interesting relationship of Abelard who most believes in pursuing God and Heloise who most believes in pursuing happiness. The reason the film works on any level is Kim Thompson as Heloise. She possesses a glorious mane of Irish red hair, delicate facial features, beautiful transparent skin and slender feminine figure. But beyond that she conveys a clever alert mind and a passion about her intellect that matches her passion elsewhere in the film. With the exception of Denholm Elliot playing Fulbert as the fly in their romance, most of the other performances are less invigorating. The story does an adequate job of dramatizing the letters. But the centerpiece of the film is the well shot and set up lovemaking of two people who wrestle with their minds first before wrestling their bodies... which is very sexy. (If possible this film would rate 3 and a half stars.)

To all of you romantics at heart, this movie overshadows all of those fictional love stories. "Stealing Heaven" immerses you in the religious and superstitious culture of 12th century France and puts their tragic love story into an accurate context which helps you to more fully appreciate the depth of their unshakeable love, devotion, sacrifice, and utter passion for one another.

I've recently had the pleasure of visiting their graves at Pere la Chaise in Paris and the sight of them lying there side by side is one I'll never forget. It drives home the reality that they really did exist and that they truly will be together for all eternity. We should all be so lucky!

This is one of my alltime favorite movies. I't not so much that the acting is the best I have ever seen (not to say it's not good acting) but it's the captivating story line. To know that this was a true romance....ahhhh, what every heart desires. The hardships they had to face due to their own circumstances and the century that they lived in is simply heartbreaking. But to overcome such obstacles in the name of love says so much about the deep love they shared. It was the first I had heard of Abelard and Heloise, who now are stuck in my mind forever. I hear that lovers still grace their graves with flowers in France to this day. If you have a romantic bone on your body, this is a must see. Grab a box of tissues, while your at it.

The story of Abelard and Heloise will stir every emotion within your heart. Their love is timeless but tragic. I stumbled upon this film entirely by chance. Of course, I don't believe in chance. Love can be passionate, reckless, overwhelming, selfless, cruel, and a million other emotions that pull you in every conceivable direction. This very real film pulls you through all of these feelings and more. The emotions are raw. The humanity is unavoidable. This is a cinematic masterpiece which shows the true depths of love and the cost it exacts on your soul.

Beyond the characters, the plot, and the timeless depths of this love story is the amazing cinematography. This movie defines passion in all its facets. Scenes are dramatic in color and tone. The individuals are vibrant and flawed. Anyone who has ever loved and stayed the course through adversity and the dictates of fate and destiny will understand why this film is such a masterpiece.

One negative about the film in its trimmed down version is the deletion of poignant love scenes. I far prefer the Director's Cut which includes these deleted scenes. As with any screen adaptation of a novel, some details have been glossed over. This saga would run several hours if it had been filmed as an unabridged version. This is a film well worth watching.

Tristan and Isolde have nothing on these two. This is one of the most poignent, romantic, hopeful, longing movies I have EVER seen in my life. If I could give it 10 stars, I would do so. It is FABULOUS and the costume, scenery, dialogue, alone make it worthy of a place in cinematic history. Both lead actors (male and female) were absolutely superb!!! It shows the best of true love,sacrifice and noble spirit.

I don't think there are words to describe how great this movie is! It's by far one of the most wonderful and touching love stories ever. What makes it even more wonderful is that it's the true story of Abelard and Heloise. I recommend this movie to anyone who has ever been in love!

Having heard the true story of Abelard and Heloise for the first time in 1989, when I was walking through the ruins of the Parvis de Notre Dame in Paris, when I saw Stealing Heaven, I enjoyed every minute of it. I tried to read the book that was written in old English (very difficult to understand considering I'm not a native speaker), so I felt I was losing part of the history. This movie made me learn more about the beliefs in the past. I really felt sorry for this couple who loved each other so much and had to go through so much pain in their lives. Two incredible minds who fell in love while debating... delicously exciting! I highly recommend it! Try to visit the Parvis of Notre Dame, as well, and if possible, read the book "The Letters of Abelard and Heloise".

I wish the studios would rerelease this movie. It is a gripping tale of love, obsession, faith and jealousy. I rented this and wish it was available for purchase. However, this movie isn't for the faint of heart. It is emotionally wrenching and there is no happy ending. Also, the movie is sexually explicit. Definitely not a date movie. However, I highly recommend it.

There are two versions of this movie on VHS. As there is no DVD yet (please soon), I can only tell you that the European version of this movie has one of the most incredible sex scenes I have ever seen on film. Very very sexy and amazing! Great story, don't know how much they 'dramatized' it but, to know it is about two real people, makes you sit up and take notice! Finally at the end there is a happiness that may not be apparent during the movie. Some very sad and disturbing parts that make me glad I was born in the century I was born in!