FemaleFirst.co.uk: DVD: Stone Of Destiny [DVD] [2008]

Stone Of Destiny [DVD] [2008]
enlarge	Director: Charles Martin Smith Actors: Charlie Cox, Kate Mara, Billy Boyd, Robert Carlyle, Ciaron Kelly Studio: E1 Films Category: DVD List Price: ~~£15.99~~ Buy New: £4.48 as of 23/11/2009 15:37 GMT details You Save: £11.51 (72%) New (13) Used (2) from £4.48 Seller: gzoop Rating: 6 reviews Sales Rank: 5520 Format: PAL Language: English (Original Language) Rating: Parental Guidance Region: 2 Number Of Discs: 1 Running Time: 96 Minutes Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2 Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 EAN: 5030305512378 ASIN: B001KYNCIW Theatrical Release Date: 2008 Release Date: April 20, 2009 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days


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Customer Reviews: Showing reviews 1-5 of 6 1 2 Next » excellent film May 28, 2009 K. Selby (Wales) 4 out of 5 found this review helpful This film was one of the best films that I have seen in a while, the cast is brilliant. Would definately recommend this film. br /The Stone of Destiny, based on a true story, where students plan to steal the stone back from the english. Scot wha hae done their bit September 7, 2009 B. Tierney (U.K.) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful Tongue in cheek for most of the way, this was nevertheless a story worth telling. And it was indeed told well. Definitely worth a look September 3, 2009 Constant Reader (Brisbane, Australia) 1 out of 2 found this review helpful This film is based on the book of the same name by Ian Hamilton, one of four Glasgow university students who liberated the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, 1950. In most aspects it's faithful to the book, although the film makers use quite a bit of artistic licence at the end. br / br /I was disappointed that two of the major roles weren't played by Scottish actors (Englishman Charlie Cox played Ian Hamilton and American Kate Mara played Kay Matheson - not being Scottish myself I'll leave it to others to comment on how realistic or otherwise their Scots accents were). So it was good to see locals Billy Boyd, Robert Carlyle, Stephen McCole and newcomer Ciaron Kelly in the other roles, and all of them put in strong performances. br / br /The sets are magnificent - Glasgow University, Paisley Abbey and Westminster Abbey all feature - but the main thing is the story. It's an entertaining ride for the viewer, hilarous in some places and moving in others. I'm glad I have it in my DVD collection. Far better than the Critics reviews September 2, 2009 G. Rollo (Fife, Scotland) 2 out of 3 found this review helpful I went to the cinema in St Andrews to see this. As a patriotic Scot with an interest in Scottish History I was looking forward to seeing this. I had noticed that the film critics had panned it, but I found it very enjoyable as did my family and friends. I would say however that if you are not a Scot and are not interested in the subject matter then you will probably agree with the critics. My only quibble with the film was that the end scene with the main characters being arrested at Arbroath Abbey never actually happened, in reality they left the stone and were arrested later. Still a good movie and I'm glad I bought the DVD. They stole a stone, didn't quite steal five stars June 15, 2009 Mr President (Glasgow) 3 out of 7 found this review helpful I admit it - I am a class one sucker for Scottish history, tartan, bagpipes and I can even be caught on occassion listening to BBC Alba music. I studied history at uni but I can't help but get caught up in all the sentimental claptrap. Saying that I didn't come out from seeing Stone of Destiny all misty eyed and blind to the problems in the film. br / br /But lets get the strengths established. It's a fast paced film and it can't be accused of being long. I loved the the portrayal of 1950's Glasgow. Im from Glasgow so I enjoyed seeing landmarks like Glasgow University and the City Chambers up on the big screen. The comedy in the film is also rather good. Whether it be misunderstanding about what was going on one of the cars (steamed up windows - but its not what you think) to the scenes of the theft in Westminster Abbey. Two notable points being Ian being mistaken for being homeless rather than a burglarer, and the Laurel Hardy type scene that see's the cast trying to find the car keys. The Scottish Nationalist speeches were good on occassion. I emphasise "on occassion". I'm a bit surprised that Alex Salmond didn't swing an invite to ther premier. A last moment to mention is the moment at which Ians' father says that he is proud of him - short and subtle - but still touching. br / br /Also a possible subtle dig at politicians in the Scottish Parliament. Carlyle comments that Scotland is famed for its debating but falls short of political action - Scottish parliament does tend to be a talking shop that has a habit of micro managing and not addressing the big questions in Scotland. br / br /Now to the problems of the film. The running time is a bit short. This in itself is no bad thing for some films. br / br /However in "Stone of Destiny" the characters felt distinctly flat on occassion. With the exception of Ian (him being the narrator and main character), the other characters lack a background. It felt like they were lapsing into one trait each - the fun guy who wants to be taken seriously; the shy guy who wants to stand up; the feminist girl who shares the nationalist sentiment and eventually falls for the charms of our wholesome main character Ian. And the main character himself - idealistic and charming who reminds the father and University Rector of their younger days. If only they had fleshed the characters out some more. I would gladly have sat for an extra half hour to see this. As it was - there were a few occassion where the inanimate Stone (weighing in at 336 pounds) had more life in it than some of the characters. The film could have focused on Charlie Cox and Kate Mara relationship and had the other as supporting actors only. As it is there is a big degree of dilution going on in terms of character development. br / br /Now to the aforementioned Nationalist speeches and sentiments. Of course the film couldn't avoid this - the "Stone of Destiny" is the ultimate symbol. However it did on a number of occassions become a bit sickly to listen to. I rolled my eyes a few times. The scenes that people were partying all over Scotland when they hear the Stone is stolen - bit hammy. br / br /Now "Stone of Destiny" is a good film. Probably it will end up on lots of school video shelves to be shown to classes studying the Wars of Independence. Alex Salmond has probably already Pre-ordered his DVD copy. br / br /But I must get back to the point. Is it a good film - yes. And when I get it - I will make a point of digging out my tartan mug and having some short bread while I watch it. Showing reviews 1-5 of 6 1 2 Next »

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