Don Quixote (2000)

I stopped when I saw John Lithgow and Bob Hoskins gracing the cover of this tape, and had to have it when I saw that the screenplay was written by John Mortimer (author of the Rumpole of the Bailey stories). The movie is visually stunning, with Quixote's hallucinations leaping off the screen in vibrant colors. Also, though the tape is marked as "not rated," it contains very little violence, and nothing else that would make it unsuitable for younger viewers.

Now for the bad news: the story is somewhat choppy, and, worse, seems to drag on with no real point. Though my children (7 and 10) liked the scenes with the giants, they became quite bored later and simply wandered away. That said, I did enjoy this movie, and am glad that I watched it, though I may never bother to watch it again. Therefore, let me give this movie a very qualified recommendation.


Good Movie   April 21, 2002
15 out of 16 found this review helpful

I really had wanted to watch this when it was on TV, but I missed it. When I saw the video was available, I immediately purchased it. I am a big fan of John Lithgow and this part was perfect to showcase his unique talent. This movie was a pleasure to watch and is a movie that your whole family can watch together. The scenery was incredible and the movie was very enjoyable. While I haven't read the book, I think this movie is worth anyone's time. It's a nice break from all the action/horror/teen sex movies that seem to fill the theatres any more. Highly recommended!


a Good Movie..   July 22, 2002
11 out of 18 found this review helpful

I have to admit i am not a big fan of John Lithgow, BUt in this version of Don quixote, He played the part of a delusional schitzophrenic perfectly. this story follows the book fairly well, alot better then youd expect. it would make an o.k. family movie but you can bet your money that your kids would get bored. i say that because it doesnt have the Flash and Glitter like so many of todays kid shows. if you have read the book, seen the play (Man of LaMancha) then this is a must for you. superb acting, superb visualisations of the illusions, and overall a good Flic.


Why isn't there a DVD, Region 1 version of this movie??   August 15, 2005
L. Merlino (Ontario, Canada)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I bought this movie on VHS a few years back, and was hoping that it would eventually be released on DVD. I was in Spain, and saw the DVD version there. The DVD version has scenes that are not on the VHS version and not to mention the option of watching the movie in Spanish!! I really would like to buy the DVD version of this movie that can be played in North America! This movie is very faithful to the spirit of the original book it came from. People who are familiar with this masterpiece of Cervantes and anyone who just likes a good story will be happy with this movie. I highly recommend it!


Don Quixote is not the Man Of La Mancha!   October 18, 2003
10 out of 20 found this review helpful

When my Man Of La Mancha tape got stuck in my VCR and ruined, (it was pretty worn as I have watched it dozens and dozens of times) I found it very difficult and expensive to replace. SO- I decided to get the 'new' Don Quixote movie and see if maybe I would like it just as much. Well, John Lithgow is really good in it, and the scenery is nice, and maybe it does follow the book a little more, but I just didn't care too much for it. I found it a bit boring, I missed the singing and I missed the passion with the imaginary Dulcinea. Maybe I am just too accustomed to Man Of La Mancha (even with all the flaws the critics point out) to be able to appreciate anything else, but in my opinion if you have seen the Braodway version of Man Of La Mancha and the movie with Peter O'toole- you are too spolied already to appreciate the new version of Don Quixote!