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Director: Mervyn Le Roy
A Majority of One © 1961/Renewed © 1989, Package Design © 2009 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.
Live and learn, the saying goes. Japanese businessman and widower Koichi Asano (Alec Guinness) and Brooklyn widow Bertha Jacoby (Rosalind Russell) are at an age when they’ve done a lot of living and learning. Now, with a bit of luck, love may reenter their lives – if they learn again the lessons of tolerance, forgiveness, kindness and devotion. Russell and Guinness play unlikely romantics in this touching comedy based on the Broadway hit and directed by Mervyn LeRoy. Russell thought the role of Bertha was a radical departure for her. But she seized the challenge – and won the fourth of her five Best Actress Golden Globe? Awards. “In so many films, my comedy was brittle and came from the lips,” Russell said. “Here the humor stems from the heart – and Mrs. Jacoby’s heart is as big as the world.
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
Comments about Majority of One, A (DVD):
I wish other studios would follow Warner Bros lead.
There are many good and great movies that won't attract young viewers, so would normally not be released on DVD; WB Archive is a nice compromise.
If you are old enough to accept the casting of Alec Guiness as a Japanese character you are likely to enjoy this.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Staten Island, New York on 6/20/2010Comments about Majority of One, A (DVD):
I saw this film in the movies when I was eleven years old. My parents saw it as well and loved it. It is based on a Broadway play and directed by veteran director Mervyn Leroy. It is the story of a Jewish widow living in Brooklyn, whose son was killed by the Japanese in WW II, meeting and falling in love with a Japanese industrialist (and he with her) during a trip to Japan with her daughter and diplomat son-in-law.
A lot of people complained that the film was mis-cast with (non-Jewish) Rosalind Russell as the widow and British legend Sir. Alec Guiness as the Japanese man. I will admit that Guiness, although excellent, was hard to get used to as the Japanese industrialist. (I'm sure that type of casting would not be done today.) However as someone who is Jewish and was born and raised in Brooklyn, I had no problem with Rosalind Russell. I found her simply wonderful and have always considered her to be a great star and actress.
I had not seen this film in many years and still enjoyed it greatly.My wife never saw it before and enjoyed it as well. The color and picture was fine although it did tend to freeze up every 10/15 minutes in my older blu-ray player. I'm sure it would have played perfectly in my newer blu-ray as another WarnerArchive film I purchased, "A Distant Trumpet," had the same problem.
Comments about Majority of One, A (DVD):
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Comments about Majority of One, A (DVD):
I love this movie, although slightly dated. At the same time, it has both a subtle and powerful message about racism. Very touching. The lead actors are wonderful - but I wish they would have used a Japanese or at least an Asian actor for the male lead instead of a caucasian in makeup.
from Texas on 3/10/2010Comments about Majority of One, A (DVD):
For home viewing - love the characters in the story, especially Rosalind Russell as endearing Jewish matriach. Great little story!
from Boca Raton, Florida on 9/13/2009Comments about Majority of One, A (DVD):
A great way to learn about overcoming prejudices. Love and respect can transcend prejudices every time! Besides, did you know that Alec Guinness can play a Japanese industrialist? (Hmm, maybe he is Japanese!)
P.S. Seeing the original Trailer was great fun, maybe they'll bring out a DVD or BD with even more extras.
from Boca Raton, FL on 9/10/2009Comments about Majority of One, A (DVD):
A charming cultural classic. I've been looking for this on DVD for years. I'm so glad it is finally available. I enjoy the addition of the trailer, and I hope they will give us a full featured DVD with many extras soon.
