MovieChat Forums > The Saint (1997) Discussion > Classic or flop?

Classic or flop?

posted 19 years ago by Lord-Angelis
105 replies | jump to latest

Just thought I would try and get an idea on people opinions on this movie, as I have yet to meet anyone I know who likes this movie, so I kinda feel alone on this one, for me this is still my favourite movie and probably always will be, you've only got to read my review to figure that one out, not sure what it is really about this movie that I like so much....hmmm who knows? well anyway my verdict is Classic.....would like to hear others opinions on this....if anyone cares that is.

Oh and this is my first post ever on IMDB so try not to rip all my limbs off

Oh and its early hours of the morning im writing this so if my spellings a bit pants you know why :-P

[–] IanDickerson 19 years ago

The movie was okay. It just wasn't The Saint...

[–] ianrthompson 19 years ago

Now with a user name like Ian Dickerson I know you are a big Saint fan. Granted it wasn't like the past Saint offerings. I grew up with Return of the Saint and thought that it was excellent. I remember how this film interested me and went to see it. I have seen it many many times and I love it. Yes, it's not The Saint as Leslie would have it, but as a new direction, it is brilliant. I for one would have loved to see sequels.

[–] excalibur1814 19 years ago

I do remember the original series but only little bits... Plus I loved the emblem of the saint as I had a badge.

This film? Yep, my favourite film but if I recall it was also put up for the worst film of the year at the time even if it was not even close.

I enjoyed the film for many personal reasons but aside from that, it for once has quite a round ending. The story pulls things together and I'm glad it never went out with big explosions or silly fight scenes. A clever, to some, film. The romance side is also quite good... for instance the scene in the public house!

But then again, I can see why a lot of people would not like the film. For instance a lady friend watched the film and laughed all the way through etc. It's not for everyone.

[–] javier_corralm 19 years ago

this is one of my favorite movies of all times. They really should of made a sequel.

[–] treeskier802 18 years ago

Actually, I think this movie presented Simon Templar more as The Saint than did the popular TV series with Roger Moore. Moore's version was this independently wealthy "detective" who just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time all the time. It really wasn't all that believable; much like his depiction of James Bond.

Kilmer's Saint is a thief, a modern day Robin Hood. Like Hood, he takes some of his loot for himself after he steals it and disperses the rest to charity. I thought this movie was well-thought out and shows how Siman Templar became The Saint. I wish they had considered making a few sequels; Kilmer really was awesome in the role. I cannot think of many other actors who could have pulled off the master of disguise bit. He is now probably a bit too old to play this kind of action hero part.

[–] budt3 18 years ago

I agree. Roger Moore's Saint was more of a cartoon. But then again, look when it was made. About half of commercial tv then was crap

Be yourself, everyone else is taken

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] pieries_is 19 years ago

i thought it was a good movie. It was not the saint of the 70s tv show cause Roger Moore played Simon Templar the Detective, this movie is about the original concept of Simon Templar the THIEF who doesn't believe in weapons but using his wits as a weapon. It was fun and deserves a sequel!
good acting by Val(perfect role to show off his acting caliber) and decent script, good spy-ish locations.
MAKE A SEQUEL already its going to be 10 years!

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] poetessbynight 19 years ago

while I can pinpoint certain faults in this movie, I still love it. it's not meant to be a cinematic masterpiece, such as The Piano or Gandhi... it's just a light oomedy/action spy movie. people can either take it for the slightly silly movie that it is, or expect a bit too much from it and be disappointed. personally, I really enjoyed Kilmer during his Batman Forever/The Saint period, but based off of people I've talked to, they seem to like his earlier work. to each his/her own.

www.myspace.com/poetessbynight

[–] Reverie3 19 years ago

I agree. Some movies are just for fun. Hey, what can I say; I'm a romantic and I enjoyed Simon and Emma's relationship along with the adventure. The Saint is a nice piece of escapism for me.

[–] treeskier802 18 years ago

Please note I put "detective" in quotes. It really was never understood what the heck Simon Templar was in The Saint TV shows. It is possible he was a theif, but that was played down.

Certainly Kilmer's Saint is indeed a theif with a conscience. I believe that this portrayal is more of what Leslie Charteris had in mind when he created the character in his fictional stories.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] senor_dingdong 19 years ago

classic definitely. yeah, its not going to win any oscars, but as far as spy movies go I thought it was excellent, far better than most of the recent Bonds. and I think Val Kilmer is a much better actor than people give him credit for. I really wish there had been a sequel.

"Hello? China? I have something you want, but it'll cost you...thats right, all the tea..."

[–] BiggerThanAl 19 years ago

Definitely a classic. Despite Elizabeth Shue being not totally believable as a nuclear physicist (but moreso than Denise Richards), Val Kilmer turns in a performance that is easily the second best of his career. Yes, #1 was Tombstone. I'd say this stands firmly with Bourne Supremacy, Where Eagles Dare and MI:1 as one of the best Spy movies of all time, and maybe even moreso because it has a believable, emotional romance as well.

[–] miltdale 19 years ago

I wouldn't say it's a classic (yet). Saw it recently and was quite moved by it, to put it mildly. I liked Simon's slow seduction of Emma, the chemistry's so right between them, and the setting -

[–] ralv55-1 19 years ago

This movie is based on a book? Ohhhhh, thats news for me

**
Where were you while we were getting high?----oasis, champagne supernova

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] concretedildo 19 years ago

It's a great movie. It's much better than your average Bond and Kilmer is absolutely awesome. I don't know anyone who doesn't like this movie...who are all the haters? Must not be cool enough for me to know them.

It's a little like National Treasure where you have to suspend disbelief and roll with it, but not to the extent of The Core or Independence Day or something. It's a fun flick and one of my top 10.

[–] CandideForVoltaire 19 years ago

I was born way after the Saint was on TV, so I have no connections with it. I liked the movie. Val Kilmer is a bit weird/fat now, but kicked ass in that movie.

[–] yeti_chic 19 years ago

my husband & i thoroughly enjoyed this movie & didn't really understand why it was slammed the way it was.

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You two are just dumber than a bag of hammers.
ILFAGFF

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[–] Emiabambinacara 19 years ago

I loved it. I loved it because of its dash, its inocence, its romanticism. I like this movie in the same way I like Charade. Its a classic in every sense of the word. Shue's and Kilmer's Chemistry is undeniable.

[–] campalias 19 years ago

Absolutely....a classic movie...without any doubt....The best part of the movie is that it keeps you engaged all the time. The romance between Val and Shue is well potrayed.....thoroughly enjoyable movie !!!!

[–] 19 years ago

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[–] ralv55-1 19 years ago

The scene in the Oxford pub when they get drunk and analyse each other's characters - goosebumps!

That part is greate. Imagine meating someone that way. Must be amazing

**¡¡**
Where were you while we were getting high?----oasis, champagne supernova

[–] olirimes1 19 years ago

Yeah, I'm in agreement: I saw a bit of it on TV one christmas and for some reason it put me off - then, last night I finally watched it and it really grew on me. It's a kind of swash-bukling romance with a classy edge - a bit like James Bond but without being cliched to death. Simon seems to have a european quirk which makes the movie really 'today' and the locations, action scenes and romance thing are all great ingredients in delicious and heart-warming slice of escapism.

Blue Horseshoe loves Anacott Steel

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[–] Ysquare 19 years ago

I don't know the original series so that could be why this movie is my all time favourite. CLASSIC

[–] 19 years ago

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