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An economic crisis brings unemployed Nada (Roddy Piper) to L.A. in search of work. What he finds instead is that the ruling elite of the world are aliens in disguise, their aim being to keep humans in a state of mindless consumerism. His discovery comes when he dons a pair of special sunglasses made by a resistance group and sees for the first time reality unadorned. Billboards, store signs, magazine covers--all bear subliminal messages to OBEY, to CONSUME, to have NO INDEPENDENT THOUGHT. Money itself says THIS IS YOUR GOD. But worst of all, with these glasses you see which of us are really hideous, bug-eyed aliens. The conceptual breakthrough is hilarious while keeping its roots in darker matters. Although some fault the film for settling into its action plot, the ending has a great payoff. And the direction by John Carpenter is handled with superb workmanlike aplomb. One unforgettable set piece has Piper in a back-alley fistfight with a friend who won't put on the glasses that goes on and on, and just when you think it's over it goes another round. One of the most subversive films ever made in Hollywood, They Live was released on the eve of the 1988 elections. The first TV ads had two hideous alien politicians debating, then one accusing the other of being "No John Kennedy!" --Jim Gay
Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By "mythologue"
Format:DVD
Made as the Reagan era came to a close, this film not only has strong political undertones, but religious and philosophical connotations as well. Carpenter emphasizes the B-film aspects of his movie - outrageous violence (and a well-known wrestler to play the main character), elaborate make-up effects, aliens, etc. as much as he can, so that the film's subversiveness is sufficiently hidden. Masquerading as a routine invasion story, it portrays a society whose members blindly accept all of the implicit materialist/capitalist messages thrown their way; the only resistance is offered by those who don't fit in that money-oriented mold - a blind preacher, the poor, some dissident intellectuals. Many religious and philosophical grids can be used to read this movie - Hinduism's doctrine of maya, Plato's cave, Gnosticism: an unlikely visionary (Piper) realizes that the 'real world' is in fact full of illusions; convincing others of his discovery proves to be difficult (witness the famously extended fight scene, at once hilarious and revealing), and a battle soon begins between two secret fraternities - one determined to maintain the illusions, the other eager to dispel them. This is one of Carpenter's best films.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
My jaw dropped when I saw this movie. It is the best literal explanation of what is going on in our world when it comes to mind control. I believe this movie is true word for word. I take it very seriously. I even believe aliens have taken over our planet and are "CHANGING OUR ATMOSPHERE INTO THEIR ATMOSPHERE". Reptilian looking aliens that pump mass media lies into our heads to make us stupid and obedient.
Look: Even if you don't believe in aliens, you can change everything into a metaphor - The Media is nothing but Illuminati Propaganda being pumped into our heads 24 hours a day. Lies lies lies. AND THEN WHEN YOU PRESENT THE TRUTH TO PEOPLE, THEY DON'T WANT IT! They turn the station and say "you're making my head hurt."
Some humans in the movie sell out to the aliens (corporations/government) for financial gain. (entertainers, politicians).
If you watch this movie .... get passed all of the 80's cheesiness. On the surface it is a cheesy 80's flick, I won't lie to you .... but if you pay attention to it, you'll appreciate the truth that it presents.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By M. Gibb
Format:DVD
This B grade Sci fi classic has been given the bare bones DVD release treatment here. I own teh british region 2 version and its much better than this one. Amoung its many features are a great making of documentary and an amazing commentary by John Carpenter and star Roddy Piper.
The film it self is a little gem. It starts off very slow and demands a little bit of patience, with subsequent viewings im less bothered by this as I really enjoy the mood that John Carpenter sets especially with the score which yet again he had a hand in. The film has a great premise and some unriavlled scenes and some great performances from its inexperienced lead actor. the end is totally rushed and the film goes haywire. But this film was amde incredibly cheap so that probabl;y explains that. It showed a lot of promise but didn't quite live up to it. The film on its own is a 3 star affiar but I suggest you look at the Region 2 version to make this film worth while buying.
The film it self is a little gem. It starts off very slow and demands a little bit of patience, with subsequent viewings im less bothered by this as I really enjoy the mood that John Carpenter sets especially with the score which yet again he had a hand in. The film has a great premise and some unriavlled scenes and some great performances from its inexperienced lead actor. the end is totally rushed and the film goes haywire. But this film was amde incredibly cheap so that probabl;y explains that. It showed a lot of promise but didn't quite live up to it. The film on its own is a 3 star affiar but I suggest you look at the Region 2 version to make this film worth while buying.
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4.5 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rowdy Roddy Piper /John Carpenter Movie
What a cool movie. Roddy discovers a box of sunglasses that posses two special capabilities. One- it allows Roddy to determine who is an Alien, and Two it makes him look like a... Read more
Published 2 days ago by David Faustino
5.0 out of 5 stars
A worthwhile movie
I loved the concept of this movie. It is an older movie but it is a worth while watch for anyone looking for different ideas on aliens and how they can invade our society without... Read more
Published 18 days ago by Sally E. Kitchen
3.0 out of 5 stars
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do...
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Read more
Published 1 month ago by F. Marra
5.0 out of 5 stars
JUST AS RELEVANT IN 2013
The blu ray transfer is terrific and the picture quality is very good. I dont know how i first stumbled across this movie but i'm glad i did and i've watched it many times over... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Torie Monaghan
1.0 out of 5 stars
WARNING THIS DVD IS CENSORED!!!!!!!
They Live is an awesome movie if you can find the UNCUT edition....they made scenes when they look throught the glasses black and white...THEY WERE COLOR ON THE OLD VHS RELEASE!!!! Read more
Published on July 26 2005 by bob
4.0 out of 5 stars
The paranoid are always right!
Carpenter's classic 1988 film, THEY LIVE, can be seen as an(other) inspiration to Chris Carter's "The X Files" with its conspiracy of like-minded aliens and humans... Read more
Published on July 2 2004 by Rocco Dormarunno
5.0 out of 5 stars
elite, parasitic sub-society exploits American workers
Elite, parasitic subsociety exploits American working class--reflects real American society?
This movie is not so much about aliens who are hiding among us, but instead it taps... Read more
Published on Jun 26 2004 by randy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cheap Sun-Glasses (A TRUE STORY)...
Ever wonder why people line up in droves to follow the latest trendy fad? What causes us to submit and conform like so many ants or bees? Read more
Published on May 30 2004 by Bindy Sue Frřnkünschtein
5.0 out of 5 stars
1988: The Year the Academy Award Lost it's Integrity
1980: Martin Scorcese is snubbed for "Best Director" for "Raging Bull".
1992: Jack Lemmon is not nominated for "Glengarry Glen Ross". Read more
1992: Jack Lemmon is not nominated for "Glengarry Glen Ross". Read more
Published on May 4 2004 by James Lane
5.0 out of 5 stars
"GOOD MOVIE"
Don't complain because the acting is bad and the dialouge is bad. This movie is from 1988. It's not going to have the best everything. Read more
Published on April 27 2004 by MMAfan
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