MovieChat Forums > Lost Horizon (1973) Discussion > Defending this movie...

Defending this movie...

posted 9 years ago by richg814-1
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I think this is an enjoyable movie for the whole family. Just watched with my wife, kids, and mother and we loved it. The musical numbers were catchy even though they were obviously inspired by musical numbers from other more popular films. I think this film was a victim of it's time. Past the prime of the fifties and sixties musical craze but maybe if it was released today in the age of "anything can be turned into a successful musical" it might of been more popular. Anyway, I have seen way worse. I would definitely give it multiple viewings!!!

[–] Blueghost 9 years ago

The issues comes that the original was seen as a deep profound soul searching film with a splash of cold water towards the end. It is, in point in fact, an allegory for a psychiatric hospital where the patient is allowed to "sow his wild oats" before being allowed back into society. The idea is that the characters are not able to deal with society for whatever reason.

The remake took the basic story, ignorant (or perhaps with full knowledge of the core premise), and tried to capitalize on the previous film by turning it into a musical.

In essence it's taking something like "Hamlet" and adding song and dance tunes to that Shakespearean play. Or doing the same thing with any classic play.

Everyone enjoys whatever it is that strikes their fancy. If you watched this film without knowledge of the previous version, or what the story was supposed to be about, then you probably wouldn't react the way a lot of people have.

Me, I shrug my shoulders at it. There are more tactful films out there.