Lost Horizon (1937)

I love this movie so much

Must See Movie...

Fantastic!

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Prepare to enter the land of good story-telling with "heaven" no less in the starring role. A secret city that is hidden from all but a few that remains perfect in its theme and purpose is the center of attention in this movie magic story presentation based on a novel. It represents the Kingdom of Heaven quite nicely. Just like the Kingdom of Heaven it has the same dynamics. 1. It cannot be found by accident. 2. It cannot be taken by force. 3. Kings & wise men cannot have access or know its where about. Yet who is allowed to enter? The sick, down-trodden, the humble and the least of them depicted well in this movie. If one stops to consider the theme, one is swept away in contemplation as the ending of this movie submits quite well stating may we all find our shangra-la. But the story of "how" remains different for us all again shown very well in this film. Moving parts with the founder in the movie Father Perrault helps us to be still as we hang on every word he speaks trying to get more clues and information about this magnificent place. Surrounded by mountains, hidden by clouds and at a high altitude, this heavenly place lacks for nothing. Perfect weather within, lakes, streams, waterfalls, wildlife, good soil for farming, grazing for animals, room to explore, no need to think but to live and all fear, competition, striving and greed is absent. Ones existence in this movie to find a meaningful existence within this community and the various people who are invited into this place surely do that. A very poignant and unforgettable ending in a movie I have never seen where we are treated to a fascinating summation of the last few days of a man who is trying to get back his shangra-la sparing no expense, allowing no excuse, refusing all hardship, turning away defeat and has no other purpose or want except to find and return to his shangra-la. What a moving and perfect portrayal of our own lives and how we should yearn to seek out the righteousness of it until we find the origin ourselves. Good movie to eat a sandwich, tasty drink and sunflower seeds but pay attention. For those that can watch this with captions: do so as some of the words add to the mystique of it all. My parting words to you; don't just exist but truly live until you cannot (at least for here)

While watching, I had to wonder what movie viewers of the era must have thought just a couple of decades removed from the first World War while the nations of Europe and Asia seemed potentially headed for a second, eventually to involve the United States as well. Faced with the potential threat of fascist dictators and Imperial designs on the world, the prospect of a magical land of peace and long life must have seemed like the answer to one's prayers. But of course, one could reasonably lament during any period of the planet's history - "Look at the world today. Is there anything more pitiful"? There were some interesting concepts explored in the movie that for it's time, almost eighty years ago, seem like they're just being discovered today. There's High Lama Chang's (H.B Warner) declaration that age is a limit we impose on ourselves, and a modest understanding that one requires little to eat in order to live a long life. That latter idea is beginning to gain some resonance with modern longevity experts who have found that lowering one's caloric intake can actively promote one's health and well being.On the flip side however, I found Chang's attitude toward the treatment of women rather dismal and embarrassing, with Robert Conway's (Ronald Colman) apparent willingness to accept it somewhat troubling. Acquiescing to a rival's desire to be with one's woman/wife was made to sound noble during their discussion, but didn't speak very highly to the principles of loyalty or integrity. I'm actually surprised the subject was broached in the manner it was.The version of the film I viewed on Turner Classics at one hundred thirty two minutes was as complete as possible, a restored print version dating back to 1973 that fell seven minutes short of it's existing soundtrack. The lost footage was replaced by freeze frames and still images that take up the slack for the dialog that ensues, and holds up reasonably well for the story's continuity.

What a masterful film, filled with adventure, memorable characters, and a story that is profoundly thoughtful. During a tumultuous revolt in China, a party of Westerners, including an important British diplomat named Robert Conway (Ronald Colman), escapes by airplane, flying west through the high mountains of Asia. In this no-mans land, disaster strikes. But beyond, a peaceful kingdom called Shangri-la awaits the party, led by their guide, the wise and purposeful Chang (Oscar-nominated H.B. Warner). Much of the plot takes place in this beautiful and serene place.In Shangri-la, doctors are not needed, there is no crime, residents are content and happy. And people age very slowly, as a result of "the absence of struggle". Despite the forbidding mountains and their harsh weather that surround Shangri-la, this isolated paradise contains lush vegetation, useful minerals, a picturesque waterfall, birds and other wildlife.Most characters are appealing. I like the wise and patient Mr. Chang. The High Lama (Sam Jaffe) exudes peace and wisdom. The George character is annoying, but serves a purpose as the representative of conventional humanity. There are many lines of thoughtful dialogue. One of my favorites is a quote from Chang who talks to Conway about aging. Says Chang in a non-judgmental and soft voice: "You know, each time you Westerners celebrate your birthdays, you build another fence around your minds".B&W visuals are grainy. Lighting ranges from evocative to bad. In the outdoor adventure scenes, there are lots of interesting long shots. Sets make use of painted backdrops and miniatures. And the special effects are terrific for the era. Background music is intermittent and ranges from nondescript in early segments to ethereal in Shangra-la. Acting is adequate.Though the film tells a great outdoor adventure story, the real value of "Lost Horizon" lies in its deep spiritual themes, as expressed by Chang and the High Lama. Rarely does a film exude such wisdom. And it is mostly for this reason that, despite imperfect visuals, the film ranks among my all-time favorites.

The Appeal of the Message Hypnotizes Audiences with the Belief that They are Visiting or Witnessing a Utopia. Because Ultimately what is Shown Fails, Except on the Most Superficial Level Imaginable. What Amounts to Nothing More than some Interesting Long Process Shots, Modern Architecture, and a Deer Park. There is Hardly Anything Ethereal or Heavenly about it.The Movie Seems to Gain Artistic and Philosophical Reverence in its Journey from the Screen by way of the Eye, to the Brain and it Takes Up Residence in the Subconscious and Conscious Recollection and Reflection are Nothing Like what is Actually Up there being Projected. Because the Film is Extremely Unrealized, Disjointed, and Flat.It takes a High Road to be Sure, but the Exalted and Elevated Locale is Rather Bland, Boring, Dull and is Barely Picturesque. Not the Ideas or the Message but how it is Expressed Cinematically. If Director Frank Capra couldn't put together a Better Movie than this from a 6 Hour Initial Cut, there's Trouble in Motion Picture Paradise.It is Heady and at Times Inspirational, Moving and Interesting in a Few Spots but Overall this is Overrated and Over Praised, and that is Probably More of and Insight into the Hopes and Dreams of the Audience than the Excellence of the Film. With its Mega-Budget Seemingly Wasted because so Much More could have been Shown with Only Moderate Financing.