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an amazing achievement
Technically speaking, this isn't the full soundtrack of the movie "Paradise Road" -- it omits a lot including the instrumental theme, repeated several times through the movie; "I vow to thee my country", played poignantly during the shipwreck; "Mad About the Boy" and other 1940s and British music. That said, it includes a number of "vocal orchestra" arrangements that should have appeared in the movie.

The subtitle is "Song of Survival." The fact that two women transcribed from memory and arranged for female voices many piano and orchestral works while imprisoned in a jungle POW camp during WWII is simply amazing. Their original arrangements survived and were used for the movie and soundtrack. The singing here isn't perfect but it's very good and the Malle Babbe choir is particularly conscious to honor the memory of those who first sang these works. It's a moving performance.

Vocal Magic
If you have never heard Voices replacing Musical Instruments this is the CD to get you started. Most of the music is performed by the Malle Babbe choir using the vocal arrangements of Margaret Dryburgh and Nora Chambers who transcribed music such as "Largo" from the New World Symphony to be "sung" by Prisoners of War in Indonesia.

Mucisally the recording is brilliant; thank heavens it survived for future generations. This music is life affirming even without knowing the background to its creation. After hearing the music, you will want to know more about how and why it was created.

Definitely high on on my list of enjoyable listening.

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Reviews (225)

Sense and Sensibility: My Review
Sense and Sensibility is a very good movie with wonderful acting from each member of the cast. Particularly noteworthy is Emma Thompson as Elinor Dashwood, because she not only stars in the film but also wrote the screenplay! Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman are also great in their roles as Marianne, Edward Ferrars, and Colonel Brandon - and as a fan of "All Creatures Great & Small," I can't leave out Robert Hardy, who plays Mrs. Dashwood's (Gemma Jones) jovial cousin, Sir John Middleton.

If you've already seen this film and enjoyed it, you might want to check out a book, written by Emma Thompson, entitled "The Sense & Sensibility Screenplay And Diaries". It contains the entire shooting script as well as Thompson's account of what making the movie was like, and it's just as awesome as the film itself.

JANE AUSTEN'S TIMELESS CLASSIC COMES TO LIFE
This film is so beautifully realized, in its scope and execution, that I have nothing but praise for both screenwriter/actress - Emma Thompson and director Ang Lee. Based on the novel by Jane Austen, the film follows the exploits of Mary-Anne (Kate Winslet) and Eleanor (Thompson) Dashwood; two angelic sisters determined to find romance amidst the sublime grandeur of the English countryside. Also stars Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman.
Columbia's transfer is, on the whole, gorgeous. Colors are well represented and fine detail is rendered accurately. Contrast levels are subtle, as they should be and dark scenes are accurately represented with only a slight loss of fine detail to speak of. Unfortunately, there are several scenes that exhibit pixelization that breaks apart background information. There is also the inclusion of some minor edge enhancement that, while not terribly obtrusive, is nevertheless present. This special edition includes a wonderful featurette and Emma Thompson's witty acceptance speech at the Golden Globes - a real treat. FINAL WORD: There's no costume drama of the 90's more poignantly captured. A British legend becomes an American Movie Classic. Get this one!

A classic based on a classic
It seems that for a few years, Hollywood couldn't turn out Austen movies fast enough. This is the only English production of the bunch, and it is wonderful.

The casting is perfect. I thought it very silly that Emma Thompson was going to be the 19 year old Eleanor, and since she produced the movie I thought that was just silly vanity. But she is actually perfect as the too-sensible-for-her-own-good Eleanor. Kate Winslet is great as flaky Marianne. Even little Margaret (Austen's only fully-realized child character) is great as the spunky pre-teen. I remember when the movie came out one reviewer said that Hugh Grant's character "looks like he's forgotten to take the coat hanger out of his clothing" and that is so true... but he's so good as the clueless cad.

The film is beautifully shot, with great sets and scenery. It's a little hard for a modern person to understand why the Dashwoods were so upset to have to move to such a charming cottage! Historical perspective is maintained in the movie, though.

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Asin: B000024OCU
Sales Rank: 231483

Editorial Review

Reviews (4)

And I don't even agree with everything
I give it 5 stars and I don't necessarily agree with all of his theology. His points are made from such a unique stand point. His ways of reasoning are very unique to me, yet he doesn't lead you to rely on his type of reasoning, but on the power of the Holy Spirit.
He makes many good points for any atheist to consider. His work on the subject of the Jews is interesting. I disagree with his stance on proofs of nature and some of His views God's restorative plans for Isreal, but who had views for God to restore Isreal 300 years ago?
If you like reading books, this one is diffrent and well thought out!

PAR EXCELLENCE!
This is the finest introduction to Blaise Pascal that I have ever seen! Within the pages of this book lie some of the greatest thoughts the human mind could ever aspire to perceive. 'Mind on Fire' is an easy to read, well-arranged anthology of Pascal's thought. In this book you will begin to see the role of logic and reason in the life of faith. If you are looking for an in-depth book, a book that penetrates the deep well of skeptical thought, 'Mind on Fire' will not waste your time or your money. Simply put, Pascal is a genius with a knack for apologetical thought.

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War At Its Most Probing
The Thin Red Line is an either/or movie. You will either love it, as I did, finding its meditative exploration of philosophical themes regarding man, nature and war resonating somewhere deep within you, or you will sigh at the end of its almost three-hour running time, as a friend of mine did, shaking your head and muttering, "What the heck was that all about, and how come George Clooney had only one scene?"

Based on a novel by James Jones (who wrote From Here to Eternity), The Thin Red Line follows an Army unit in 1942 as it fights the battle of Guadalcanal in the South Pacific. "There is only this world," one combat-weary soldier (Penn) tells another, but writer-director Terrence Malick is intent on showing that there are other worlds, those of animals, plants and indigenous peoples, all of which war disastrously disrupts.

This movie is the gifted Malick's first film since 1978's Days of Heaven. It's absolutely beautiful to look at (watch for a scene where soldiers rise from tall grass on a hill and then disappear back into it), but Malick too often sacrifices portions of characters and plot for flora and fauna. Nolte, Penn, Chaplin and Caviezel register strongly, while John Cusack, John Travolta and Clooney pop up all too briefly.

A remarkable piece of cinematography. An unforgettable story of war.

Art, In a Good Way
A brilliant movie that is valuable becuase it human. The director has succeeded in transfering a unique, unpredictable vision to the screen. It is not flawless but somehow it seems altogether more mature than something along the lines of "Saving Private Ryan", which deteriorates into a Disneyesque, manipulative world of stage set scenery and emotion. The greatest moments of the film are ones of beauty -- sometimes a dark, horrible beauty -- or very small, almost secondary gestures that will be different for every viewer, be it the presence of an exotic animal or the fall of water from a jungle leaf. Personally, I have never found the gentle rise of verdant, grass ridge -- the line of sight just slightly obscured -- to be so terrifying. There is a moment when the otherwise anonymous character of 2nd Lt. Whyte forcefully gestures two point men towards the unknown. The viewer suddenly feels the gentle wind pressing against a single blade of grass, the straining and heat of his equipment and uniform, the nervous popping of gum and the energy of the emphatic motion: go forward. The two point men hesitate, then choose to advance. This decision is a crucial metaphor for the entire film. It is one of the great conundrums of war and of life; to move forward into sacrifice when one need not move and instead survive.

A profound spiritual experience like few films of the '90's
A lot of people were surprised when Line racked up seven Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture, the year that Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan raked in the bucks and the critical acclaim. Watching Terence Malick's long-awaited followup to Days of Heaven yesterday, I thought a lot about how boldly contemplative, achingly beautiful, and curiously flawed it was and came to a realization: I'd watch this one again before I did Ryan. In an age where modern films have the license to be as complex or manipulative as they want, here comes Terence Malick ready to make a 'war' movie: except, this one carries little logistics, plot, or superficial character development. What Line has in spades, though, is the ability to create a beating heart and soul for those young, scared men who braved the deadly shores of Guadalcanal. There is little dialogue, big-name stars have less, and the movie has the same gorgeous fascination with the natural world as Heaven.

Reviews (19)

beauty does not equal truth
I loved the "joy in the journey" CD and was really looking forward to hearing this one. I have really enjoyed the wonderful way that Michael Card is able to weave spiritual truths with beautiful music. I listened to this CD with increasing unease and although the music was beautiful, it wasn't as uplifting as the previous albums. Finally I sat down and looked at the 'blurb'. I can't express the awful feeling of disappointment in my stomach over this. The music may well be beautiful, the sentiments expressed may well be sincere and keep within the bounds of doctrine for both faiths, but that is the problem isn't it? It is fenced in by big no go areas, and no entry signs that must not be ventured into or disunity might result. truth is truth. In 'Scandalon' michael wrote 'the long awaited one would make men stumble' people have to see the truth and the truth can be difficult, but if it is glossed over then "the image we present could be stepped over". I'm afraid this beautiful glossy album is very easily stepped over, the music is beautiful, no doubt, the voices harmonious, but neither of those things authenticate it as being truthful. I believe the mormon choirs sing beautifully too! This album is comfortable and cosy and ultimately empty.

Of my collection, my third favorite!
Brother to Brother is a great album by two of the most honest Christian recording artists of recent years. This is filled with sincere, intense imagery with a style all its own, powerful more because of its truth than because of its already-excellent playing. Other than Rich Mullins Songs and Liturgy, Legacy, Ragamuffin, this CD spends the most time in my player. I often listen to it on Sunday mornings before leaving for church, or evenings when I'm doing my homework.

Anyone who enjoys folk-driven hymns or thought-provoking lyrics rather than some of the fluff other artists are releasing will definitely enjoy this album. I would say it is a must-have album for anyone who buys Christian music in order to feel worshipful or convicted; this CD draws you in and then sends you out rejoicing!

Shalom!

Editorial Review

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The Highest Calling
A Friend introduced me to this album on missions. He led worship with a few of thier songs and I had never experienced such an expression of ultimate love and surrender in the words of a song before. One Hundred Portraits and Waterdeep not only produced songs, they have tapped into the heart of a whole worship of the one true God and his saving grace. When I got back from my trip I searched all over for it (it was VERY hard to find) and once I had it I listened to it for 2 months straight. I only wish that there was more. The music and lyrics take you to a place of deep intimate worship that will make the surface level worship dead and empty. Its more than just toe tapping... Its on your face with your heart in compleate gratitude and desire for change. "To worhip God is to enter our highest calling..." -The Worship Circle

Wonderful Lyrics
I love worship music where I can turn it up and just praise the Lord with my awful voice. Enter the Worship Circle was given to me as a gift and once I learned the lyrics I fell in love with them. Scripture based this band leads you into a heartfelt worship of our Almighty God. I warn you that God could break you through this CD.

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Reviews (9)

"History does not furnish any solution...
...but it permits--and it alone permits--us to pose the problems correctly."

This book is not only a wonderful debunking of the popular myths used to define the Middle Ages, but, in the last chapter, a wonderful justification of the importance of the study of history (though if you are interested in reading this book then you probably already believe in history's importance).

The entire work is wonderfully researched and, even through the admitedly sometimes rough translation, Pernoud's passion for her subject is obvious. The book is both informative and entertaining, and it is a wonderful book to use to introduce oneself to the subject of the Middle Ages while avoiding the negative mythology of that era that is expounded in public school or other books (such as A World Lit Only by Fire).

The Middle Ages were not, as often is thought, a horrible period marked by ignorance, famine, plague, and constant war. At least no more than any other period is marked by those things. This book clearly proves that point and does it in a fantastically entertaining way.

A Wonderful Book: Debunking the Reviews
This volume sheds valuable light on a much misunderstood and maligned era in history. I would like to point out that all the other reviewers have liked the book, but one gave the admittedly at times rough *translation* a one-star review, which has misleadingly lowered the collective average. To gain a new perspective on this age with this book will certainly be worth discreetly overlooking the translator's occasional indiscretions.

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Charming film, beautifully filmed
The publicity for this film led me to expect quite a different story -- one where Rupert Everett is chased by women intent on marriage. Ho-hum. The film is nothing like it. Jeremy Northam is a man who in youth committed an error of judgement, on which his success and fortune is now based. He is being called to task by Julianne Moore, who does a superb job as the self-serving blackmailer. Cate Blanchette as Northam's wife is forced to choose between her hard-nosed ethics and her love (and she is deeply in love with her husband, he with her, in the sort of charming relationship one rarely sees in a Hollywood production). Then Everett hovers about, a lazy, highly opinionated, and amusingly narcissistic man who finds himself the hero and in love, all in the course of just a few days of his life. A big about-face for a man who seemed so strongly focused on his playboyish, trivial but apparently satisfying lifestyle. Minnie Driver is his love interest, although their whole relationship develops from bickering, to revelation, to romance, right before our eyes. All five main characters are well balanced throughout the film, and all actors play their roles exceedingly well. The men are human, not superheros; the women are tough and intelligent. Emotions play along healthily in each scene, as the story progresses to the will-he, won't-he scene, then beyond to the repercussions and finally the ending, when everyone good-humoredly discovers and accepts that they are all only human. Lovely, entertaining film.

Impressive and unforgettable.
A lovely and wittily humorous period comedy set at the turn of the 19th century, delving into themes of romance, hypocrisy, and betrayal among the finest aristocracy. Splendid costumes design and detailed backdrop settings plus a sumptuous pick of casting so "appetizing" even Oscar Wilde could have been happy with.

Sir Robert Chiltern (handsome Jeremy Northam), a well reputated influential politician and an English gentleman, is the ideal husband for the graceful Lady Chiltern (the very gorgeous Cate Blanchette). They have a widely envied perfect marriage until the charming Mrs. Cheveley (an immaculate Julianne Moore) appears with a threat to reveal a fateful secret from Chiltern's past so he will agree to support a crucial political movement. And that would be up to Chiltern's best pal the extravagant playboy Lord Goring (suave Rupert Everett) to save him, however womanizing the plot is.

Directed by Oliver Parker (also for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST lately), this film remains the most impressive and unforgettable big screen play of Wilde's albeit the famous "bracelet scene" is dismissed (to quote a note from reviewer Anna-Pearce).

"IT'S NOT THE PERFECT, BUT THE IMPERFECT WHO NEED LOVE"
Don't let the aristocratic costumes deceive you, this is not a story of stifling high-teas consumed in opulent drawing rooms! It's a deliriously enjoyable comedy with colorful dashes of shady plots and mischievous romances.

While a good deal of the wickedly whimsical adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play derives from antics that're suited to stage farces -- switched letters, mistaken identities, farcical blackmailing & ensuing intrigue -- it is ultimately a very, very witty and fast-paced comedy that you'll see more than once, quite likely back to back.

Rupert Everett is the heart and soul of the film, the screen positively crackles when he is on screen delivering his spate of one-liners. Julianne Moore is equally vibrant, if only in a more ascerbic skin. Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver and Jeremy Northam round out the splendid cast that'll have you hooked.

Isbn: 0802808433
Sales Rank: 326811
Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Africa - General    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - History - General    5. Church history    6. Religion    7. Religion - Church History   

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God is in the Place!
Kate Miner is obviously a spirit-filled worship leader. Having heard 2 of her songs from this CD from the last 2 SongDiscovery CDs, I ventured out and purchased this CD. WHAT A GREAT INVESTMENT! I hope she puts out chord charts soon! Modern styled music that anyone would love combined with God-breathed lyrics, this CD is sure to bring you in the throneroom.

Amazing
This cd is amazing! Having heard Kate lead worship many times, this cd always reminds me why I love her so much. The worship on this cd is so passionate and honest. What sets Kate apart is her transparency. At one service where she was leading worship, she set down her guitar and knelt before God in the midst of all the music. It was so powerful to know that the worship leader was truly worshipping and experiencing God instead of merely preforming for an audience. This cd may not as be polished as some others, but when I listen to it, I feel as if I can let loose and worship uninhibited. Thanks Kate for not forgetting that it is all about Jesus.