Customer Reviews

Under the Cherry Moon

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I watched "Under the Cherry Moon" this past weekend for the first ever, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm surprised it has such bad reviews and was awarded with those Razzie's:

1987 Razzie Awards: Worst Director: Prince
1987 Razzie Awards: Worst Supporting Actor: Jerome Benton
1987 Razzie Awards: Worst Picture
1987 Razzie Awards: Worst Actor: Prince
1987 Razzie Awards: Worst Screenplay nominee
1987 Razzie Awards: Worst Supporting Actress nominee: Kristin Scott Thomas

I guess at the time most people wanted Prince to come out with a sequel to "Purple Rain." Prince trades in his Purple Rain character (The kid) to take on Christopher Tracy, a gigolo fresh from Miami who is scoping out the women of France, young and old alike, in search of much needed cash to pay his rent along with whatever else money can buy. He is accompanied by his sidekick, Tricky (Jerome Benton), who keeps him on his toes and his head of the clouds. Mary (Kristin Scott Thomas first starring role) is a stubborn, spoiled 21 year old brat who although may come off as a bit brazen at first, is really a frigid virgin who is not ready for the likes of Christopher when he shows up uninvited to her 21st birthday party. Opposites attract they find themselves becoming attracted to qualities they can't seem to find in anybody else.

This film has a surprise ending which took me off guard. This directorial; debut from Prince was quite impressive. His boyish antics and humor make for some charming entertainment. Though beset with many problems, ranging from period setting (are we in the 1940s or were vintage fashions suddenly the rage in '80's era France for about a month and Vogue didn't catch wind of it?), to an abrupt shift from light comedy to lukewarm melodrama that just doesn't feel right, Under the Cherry Moon somehow remains watchable due to the hypnotic charms of Prince, an affable foil in Benton (whose comic gifts belong in a better movie), and a smooth debut by Ms. Thomas, one of our era's most sophisticated ladies. Amongst the supporting troupe, Berkoff brings the same kind of menace from The Krays and his unforgettable turn as Victor Maitland from Eddie Murphy's Beverly Hills Cop to Mr. Sharon, and Shakespearean performer Francesca Annis is superb in a vital role as one of Christopher's past scammees.

Though some will challenge me, I feel Cherry's soundtrack is on a par with the legendary Purple platter and much more versatile, from the old-school r & b of "Boys and Girls" to the classy "Sometimes It Snows In April" and perhaps Prince's best single, the funkier than funk "Kiss". If you choose to view "Under the Cherry Moon" its best to watch it at night with the lights off so you can fully enjoy the whole karma and atmosphere of the film.

So "Under the Cherry Moon" is a sinfully self-indulgent movie built around a self-indulgent, narcissistic but supremely talented and charismatic star. That being said, it's a thoroughly enjoyable movie, particularly for loyal Prince fans like myself.

The cinematography of this movie is more beautiful with each viewing. It's also very funny (most times, where it's supposed to be). Prince and Jerome Benton have very good comic timing at certain spots, and some great lines emerge (who didn't laugh when Tricky said he'd "slap the waves" out Chris' head?).

Prince and Kristin Scott-Thomas do have decent chemistry. Scott-Thomas does her best with a limited role, and she demonstrates the appeal that led to better roles down the line. The movie only lags when it tries to get too serious, but it has always been an overall delight.

Last, but certainly not least, the score and the soundtrack are incredible. The soundtrack, "Parade," is a groundbreaking (albeit underappreciated) LP of avant-garde funk, and provides the thematic backbone for the movie.

This movie should be even more enjoyable in widescreen format on DVD.

(a modified version of my prior review)

When this movie first came out I was about 9 years old and I went to see this movie with my mother and father at the drive-in movies. I have always thought that Prince and Jerome from the time was sexy to me. I know that is something that any little girl should think of at that age but that's how I felt. This movie is romantic and very powerful. I just wish that they bring this movie back on television or in stores so everyone like me who love Prince can buy this movie.

Prince even 2day is one extroidinary entertainer.Under the cherrymoon showsanother aspect of Prince's musical ability plus showmanship. 4get the year? 1986.C00l as ever.Beautiful women,nice locals.BOMB SOUNDTRACK.1 problem 4 the movie? Where is the color version.The movie was filmed in color? Maybe the limited ed will have.Otherwise A must have.

I first saw this movie at the age of 11 back in '86 so some of the jokes were over my head. But as an adult I love this movie. It is clever! It is sexy! It is cute! It is funny! And the music is all too....groovy! This movie gives a glimpse into Prince's personality that shines when he is on stage; grant it the only time we see Prince is if he is performing. Therefore I say give this movie a chance as to see what is inside this quiet man. I think anybody who likes to see funny, sexy, cute, and clever movies would enjoy this movie. If you are not a fan you may become one. Just bare in mind this movie was made in the 80's.

I love this movie, but then I love Prince. If you don't, then you may find this movie silly and perhaps amateurish. It certainly isn't "Purple Rain." But, the b&w photography is beautiful and so are the locations. I believe this is also Kristin Scott Thomas' first movie and she is very good. Francesca Annis is also wonderful. Prince and Jerome Benton are very funny together and have great chemistry. Unfortunately, Prince looks funny running in high heeled boots, too. (Sorry, but that had to be said.) Anyway, there are much worse movies you could watch so give it a try, if only for the music! (Sometimes it Snows in April is such a sadly unrecognized song! But he is singing it as part of the Musicology tour.) Prince 4ever!

Many, many, people judge my favorite musician EVER! They hate because he has the guts to prance around in high-heels while other men would piss their pants to do such a feat! They hate on his height, in my opinion, would say is very cute (haters!). They hate on him for performing new things but complained when the claimed "he was old, and his music was all the same. People are never satisfied.
Well to the movie...very well done! It's very different from any movie ever, and deserves so praise for it. This man slaves hard to put out an album almost 99% ever year! He stays busy, and when he decides to do something others would fear, people critisize him. He may not be the best, but in my eyes (which have very good eyesight, by the way) he comes close. The movie is a classic now and forever. Back in the day they hated it, and people still might hate it, but why? Because he shows off his talent? Because he isn't afraid to do what he gotta do? Because he is talented and people are jealous? I think so! The movie is great from beginning to end. In my opinion this character is better than the Kid, because I personally think that he deserves more lines. He got them and I love it! Purple Rain is a classic, but shouldn't that just be left alone? He wasn't trying to be the Kid in this movie, so don't critisize him for not being him! Very few people have music, acting, and looks down pat. We gotta give credit to the man who introduced the Minneapolis Sound.
I own the Soundtrack as well and I LOVE IT!! The songs include the cheerful and giddy "Christopher Traci's Parade" (the main character), the funky "New Position", the short, but wonderful "I Wonder U", the romantic, tragic "Under the Cherry Moon", the sexy "Girls and Boys", the pop-rock "Life Can Be So Nice", the instrumental "Venus de Milo", the soulful "Mountains", adorable "Do U Lie?", most popular "Kiss", funky r&b "Anotherloverholenyohead", and the saddest masterpiece "Sometimes it Snows in April". I personally cried about 5 times on that last one...
The movie is so wonderful and just makes you smile, and the cast is warm and have fun! People say he is concieted, but he has every right to be if he is. His height has nothing to do with his great talent, and I think his 5'2" or 3" height is adorable *grin*. The movie is wonderful, and I REQUEST IT ON DVD, PLEASE!! You can tell the cast had fun making the movie and I find that inviting. Isn't that why you do things, to have fun? Do your thing Prince and shake them haters off!! I LOVE YA!!

Dear Reader,
What it is, y'understand, is that 'Under The Cherry Moon' is an absolute delight of a film. It's not just a film, it's a sensation. You taste, feel, smell the ocean, mood, finerie and sheer splendour of the South of France. I watched this film many times on it's release at the cinema when it came out and loved it then. Admittedly, there are some luxuriously narcissistic shots in the film, but they work!! What guts! And we love him and the movie for it! I just watched it again now, and realise that this film is certainly going to get some real appreciation now in retrospect. Seasoned, experienced film makers (I am a serious film aficianado) would find it hard to create the life enhancing, sumptuous mood and feeling that Prince has managed to create in this film (he also directed it...and to think within a year or so, we also had the astounding 'Sign O'the Times Double Album). It is an amazing feat for something I'm sure Prince did as a hobby. Revisiting the film reminded me why I was and still am A DIE-HARD PRINCE FAN FOR LIFE. It reminds me why he was what he was. In the interim he can release as much badly reviewed music as he wants. Nothing changes. It will still not affect his standing as one of the, if not THE MUSICAL GENIUS of the 20th century. I am annoyed at one reviewer moaning about his height, they need to understand this man is a GIANT. A colossus in his field.
Back to the film, the acting, the mood, the effortless perfection and timely usage of the Parade soundtrack will blow you away. Every single performance is magnetic. Watching 'Under The Cherry Moon' filled me with joy. Truly. Please Warner Bros, we want the DVD, with as many extra as possible please (a double disc set?).
Prince, you're THE KING MAN!

I liked Under the Cherry Moon!!! I just watched this movie earlier tonight, for about the 20th time!! The movie is so unique!! You will never see another one like it. I gave it four out of five stars, because Purple Rain is my favorite of all time!!!!!!!

UNLESS YOU ARE A TRUE DIE-HARD PRINCE FAN, YOU PROBLABLY ARE GOING TO FEEL THIS MOVIE IS SILLY..THOUGH THERE BE SOME COMEDIC MOMENTS.THE MOVIE IN ITS ENTIRETY IS A CHEESY ONE AT BEST. THE SUPPORTING CAST MEMBERS ARE THE HIGHLIGHT IN THE MOVIE, PRINCE, HOWEVER, IS NOT A CONVINCING, NOR ALLURING FIRST MAN. SPEAKING FROM A FEMALE PERSPECTIVE, PRINCE LACKS THE TYPICAL ANIMAL,HE-MAN MAGNETICISM THAT MOST WOMEN SEE THEMSELVES ROMANTICALLY ENTANGLED WITH. I MEAN, HOW MANY WOMAN FANCY A 5'2 INCH, ONE HUNDRED POUND LEADING MAN? WHO, MIGHT I ADD, IS PRETTIER THAN THE LEADING LADY IN THIS FILM. THOUGH BETTER THAN GRAFFITI BRIDGE, WHICH LEFT ME IN A STATE OF TRAGIC DISAPPOINTMENT..UNDER THE CHERRY MOON, IS HARDLY THE MOVIE OF THE CENTURY. TO THINK SOME HAVE LIKENED THIS MOVIE TO ROMEO AND JULIET, LEAVES ME TO WONDER IF I SHOULD JUST TAKE UP READING AGAIN, AND NEVER MIND MOVIES EVER..ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH A PRINCE AFFLITIATION. IF YOU ARE A PRINCE FAN, YOU TOO WILL, IF HONEST, FIND THIS MOVIE FALLING SHORT(EXCUSE THE PUN)IE. REFERENCE TO PRINCE'S HEIGHT..DO NOT BUY THIS MOVIE AT NEW PRICE. IF YOU ARE HAVING TWO FITS TO SEE IT, RENT IT AT THE VIDEO STORE AND SAVE YOUR TEN BUCKS. EVEN SO, YOU WILL FEEL THAT THE RENTAL STORE HAS WRONGED YOU BEYOND FORGIVENESS. I COULD SPEND ALL DAY LONG LISTING THE INADEQUECIES OF THIS MOVIE, BUT I WILL SAVE YOU SOME TIME BY JUST LISTING THE MOST BLATANT SHORTCOMINGS..1) PRINCE'S DEATH SCENE..WHAT WAS HE THINKING, YOU CAN TELL HE NEVER DIED BEFORE. BUT THIS OVER-ACTED SCENE WILL LEAVE YOU WISHING YOU COULD'VE DONE THE HONORS..YOURSELF..2)PRINCE IN HIGH HEELS, HEY WE KNOW YOU ARE SHORT, BUT DO YOU HAVE TO LOOK EFFEMINATE TOO? 3)PRINCE AND TOO TIGHT PANTS..STOP THAT! STOP THAT NOW! AND REMEMBER YOU ARE GETTING TOO OLD TO WEAR SUCH SILLY REVEALING CLOTHING..DONT YOU WANT ANY RESPECT FROM MEN? IN CLOSING, IRONICALLY ENOUGH, THE DEATH SCENE ULTIMATELY TURNS OUT TO BE THE BEST PART OF THE WHOLE MOVIE, AS IT SIGNALS THE END TO THE VIEWERS MISERY. SO, IN ESSENCE, THERE IS A POT OF GOLD/PURPLE AT THE END OF THE CHERRY RAINBOW..THE MOVIE DOES IN FACT END..HOORAY! SAVE YOUR MONEY ON THIS ONE..GO WATCH STARMAN INSTEAD.