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Ten Best List for the Year 1981
- Atlantic City -- Aging, down-on-his-luck con man (Burt Lancaster) becomes involved with a young woman (Susan Sarandon) whose husband is killed in a heroin deal, leaving them with the proceeds from the sale. Director Louis Malle powerfully evokes the seedy side of a gambling town while focusing on a small-time loser who takes one last shot at the big time and thinks he can succeed. Some violence, drug dealing and brief nudity. A-III-adults (R) 1981
- The Boat Is Full -- A desperate party of Jewish refugees arrives in Switzerland vainly seeking asylum from Nazi persecution. Written and directed by Markus Imhoof, the Swiss production is a convincing, often moving depiction of the plight of these refugees and the various attitudes of government officials and ordinary citizens towards them. A richly human treatment of a grim but important subject. A-II-adults and adolescents (PG) 1981
- Chariots of Fire -- Two young Englishmen (Ben Cross and Ian Charleson) overcome quite different obstacles to win gold medals at the Paris Olympics of 1924. One is a Jew determined to beat the anti-Semitic establishment at its own game and the other is a devout Scot who runs for the glory of God. Directed by Hugh Hudson, it is a richly entertaining and highly inspiring movie for the whole family. Several coarse words. A-I-general patronage (PG) 1981
- Gallipoli -- Enthusiastic young Australians (Mel Gibson and Mark Lee) enlist for service in World War I and soon have their romantic notions of the war as a glorious and noble adventure dissolved. Director Peter Weir contrasts naive patriotism with youthful idealism in this superbly rendered period drama. Intense battle scenes and a depiction of a brothel. A-III-adults (PG) 1981
- Man of Iron -- Polish production directed by Andrzej Wajda presents a powerful account of the confrontation between Solidarity labor union and Poland's Communist regime at the Gdansk shipyards which ended in Solidarity's victory in August 1980. Though the mix of real characters and documentary footage with a fictional story line isn't as smooth as it might be, the result is a dramatic and courageous movie in its own right, one that will have a continuing significance for those concerned about human rights. A-II-adults and adolescents (PG) 1981
- Pixote -- Harrowing and poignant Brazilian drama about a gang of nomad boys in Rio and the terrible things they do to survive. Directed by Hector Babenco, this powerful movie is definitely not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach because it involves sordid violence and graphic sexuality. A-IV-adults with reservations (Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America) 1981
- Prince of the City -- Treat Williams plays a New York City detective who, tormented by guilt, comes forward to cooperate with federal authorities investigating police corruption. Director Sidney Lumet succeeds in portraying the human complexity in this flawed but gripping drama that has some of the inexorable force of Greek tragedy. Williams is particularly fine among a strong cast giving many excellent performances. Though the violence is extremely restrained, a somber and difficult theme with much rough language. A-III-adults (R) 1981
- Reds -- Epic-scale re-creation of the turbulent life and times of radical American journalist John Reed (Warren Beatty), best known for his sympathetic coverage of the 1917 Russian Revolution. Also written and directed by Beatty, the production intelligently balances the sheer spectacle of events with Reed's involvement in them and his personal relations with others, especially his wife (Diane Keaton). Benign view of adultery and revolutionary politics. A-III-adults (PG) 1981
- Stevie -- British screen biography of English poet Stevie Smith (Glenda Jackson), the tough but sensitive spinster who lived just about all of her life in the same row house in a London suburb with her loving maiden aunt (Mona Washbourne). Based on Hugh Whitemore's play and directed by Robert Enders, the movie's warmly sympathetic portrayal of these two women is unusually intelligent and articulate. It also proves to be highly entertaining fare, thanks largely to their memorable, very human performances. A-II-adults and adolescents (PG) 1981
- Superman II -- Exciting, romantic and often very funny sequel has three nasty villains from Krypton show up to wreak havoc just as Superman (Christopher Reeve) gives up his powers in order to make love to an ordinary mortal (Margot Kidder). Directed by Richard Lester, the special effects, especially the climatic battle between superhero and supervillains above the streets of New York, are very effective. Unfortunately, some of the violence is rather intense and the sympathetic portrayal of premarital sex between the principals makes it inappropriate for youngsters. A-III-adults (PG) 1981
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