Shining Through

source: Shining Through

Trailer—Shining Through

Shining Through

When David Seltzer's "Shining Through" first came out it was a critical and commercial failure. I thought that it was at least worth seeing, if not any kind of masterpiece. I suspect that a lot of the antipathy towards the movie is because of Melanie Griffith's American-sounding German speech. Griffith plays a secretary in a law firm who gets sent into Nazi Germany to try and find secret information. Aside from the German spoken in a monotone American accent, I found it a little odd that when she first arrives in Germany she does have to speak German to everyone, but then they start speaking English. But for the most part, I did like the movie. Aside from Griffith, Michael Douglas plays her boss whose whereabouts she doesn't know half the time, and Liam Neeson plays a Nazi officer. Joely Richardson and John Gielgud also star. Above all, Melanie Griffith looked a lot better before she had her face done. Like I said, not any kind of masterpiece, but still worth seeing.

OK, so this movie is not a total turkey, but compared to the source material it isn't in the same ballpark - not even the same sport! The book 'Shining Through' is a wonderfully nuanced and thoughtfully written novel, in which the author really cares for her characters. None of this came through in the movie and some very important plot points were left out - ones which could have lifted the movie immeasurably. My advice - See the movie, or read the book. If you do both the movie will come out lacking.

They had to be kidding: Susan Isaacs' book about an American secretary turning spy during WWII, posing as a nanny in Berlin and moving into the home of a powerful German family, turned into a movie vehicle for "Working Girl"'s Melanie Griffith? Woebegone picture given curiously old-fashioned, melodramatic treatment, like a wartime rerun from the late show. Distinctly modern performers Griffith and Michael Douglas look terribly out of place; Melanie, who professes to be fluent in German (!), just gives us an extension of her golly-gee, "Working Girl" aesthetic, while Douglas brings absolutely nothing to an admittedly thankless role as Griffith's stolid boss. Musty, hokey, empty nonsense did zero for the careers of all involved. How it came to be made in 1992 is anyone's guess. *1/2 from ****

I am a huge spy/war film fan and am especially interested in ones made since the 1970s. I could talk about the many historical errors in this but what would be the point. This is a beautiful looking spy/war film with good acting from the 2 leads. Michael Douglas and Melanie Griffiths play an American spy chief and his secretary. Liam Neeson plays a nazi general,as usual he spends most of the film with his shirt off. If I have to be critical I have to say the script is a rather poor. The plot charges along and is unrealistic but every war film is I think. Other reviewers on here say this is Hollywood rubbish but while it is an American backed production it was filmed at Pinewood in the UK and in Berlin. Some of the negative comments focus on the amateur style of American intelligence shown in the film. But in the real world the USA were learners in the intelligence sphere and learned from the British

I love this film! I know it is widely panned by critics and movie-goers alike, but I love it. Sure, it has implausible elements in the story, but the relationship between Ed Leland (played stoically by Michael Douglas) and his lady love, Linda Voss (played seductively by Melanie Griffith) is thrilling. Joely Richardson plays a complicated character who provides some interesting plot points. Melanie, who isn't known for subtlety, gives a rich and layered performance, especially in the development of the romantic storyline. Michael Douglas is a bit over the top, playing the stolid soldier and unlikely spy to the hilt. Liam Neeson is amazingly handsome and charismatic -- despite playing for the other side as a top Nazi officer. It's a fun recreation of the 1940s romance-war-spy dramas -- exciting and definitely romantic. Romance is the focus of this drama, not the spy plot. Watch the relationships unfold and it won't disappoint. It's worth a second look by many. Give it another try!

I loved this movie. I saw it for the first time when I was 21, and I've watched it several times a year ever since. Melanie Griffith gives one of the best performances of her career, and Michael Douglas is, of course, wonderful. Although this movie is presented as a action/drama set in WWII, the romantic story is what makes this movie so powerful. Griffith and Douglas have great, believable chemistry. The set decoration and cinematography are a throwback to the old 40's movies, which is ironic because those movies are mentioned throughout the film (Griffith's character is a huge fan of war movies that were shown at that time.) If you like great romantic stories with just enough action thrown in, watch this one. You will not be disappointed.

I saw this movie on BRAVO and absolutely loved it. So what if it is unrealistic? It is a movie, after all. If you want reality, rent a documentary or watch the History Channel. It reminds me of an old black and white film from the 40's like "Notorious", "Saboteur", or something of that nature.(Probably one of the reasons I liked it so much.)The suspense was wonderful, as was the romance between Linda and Ed. My eyes were glued to the television from beginning to end, and it left me in a happy state of shock. Even reading the book--which was quite different--didn't change my mind about loving the movie. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a two hour escape from the real world... especially someone looking for a good romance. I still get palpitations thinking about the closing scene. Sigh.