Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

This is a great book by Pat Conroy. Typically semi auto biographical and set in the Carolina low country. Having read the book first...as everyone should in any case, I expected the movie to be a little different than the book. I don't have an issue with the story, but the casting just never fit for me. All of the actors are significant in their own right, however I just think they were miscast with the possible exception of Streisand (whose acting is suspect for me in any case). I love Blythe Danner, however, she would have been more suited to Lila, and Kate Nelligan more suited to Sally (although I never would have cast her in that part). I just couldn't buy Nick Nolte as Tom...It just never felt right, so it's a little painful to watch given how much I loved the book.

First, she was Yentl. Then (in "Nuts") she was "mental". Now, in basically a secondary role, she's "gentle". She, is of course, Barbra Streisand, one of the great entertainers of the 20th Century, and in the 21st century, a living legend. Going where few women have before, Streisand turned to directing, and it wasn't enough for the men's club known as Hollywood to accept her as one of them. As a result, she's only directed three films, and this is the most critically acclaimed and least lambasted as a master class in ego.Troubled Nick Nolte (both in reel life here and in real life) gives an amazing, touching performance as a man consumed by a horrifying childhood memory. When his twin sister Melinda Dillon attempts suicide, consumed by the same memory, he must head to New York from the quiet south, meeting Dillon's psychiatrist (Babs), being flip with her at first, then warm and open as she digs in deeper. Lines are crossed as he becomes involved in her life, both with the troubled son (Jason Gould) and the emotionally distant husband (Jereon Krabbe) who resents his wife's emotional attachment to her client Dillon as well as Nolte. Showing passion with everything she gets involved in, Streisand has that same passion in her character's determination to get through to both twins, just as she did becoming the greatest star in "Funny Girl" or getting a man's education in "Yentl". As the director, she gives great detail to the structure of the script, to the moody photography and to the sweeping music. There's a stunning performance by Kate Nelligan as Nolte's mother (quite different as a young woman to whom she becomes years later) and Blythe Danner as Nolte's concerned wife. But it's Nolte whom the heart of the film revolves around, reversing the protagonist in essentially what was pushed as "a chick flick". It's a tale of reconciling one's wretched past and triumphing, and showing that in this world, we can't get through it alone.

Meet ritzy-schmitzy, Park Avenue psychiatrist, Dr. Susan Loenstein, played by none other than "bum-note" Barbra Streisand, herself.One day when the emotionally disturbed Tom Wingo shows up at her swank office seeking help, what does this supposedly professional, highly ethical and married woman do as a means of therapy for Tom? Well, this low-down, sleazy, two-timing bitch initiates sex with him! That's right.And if that wasn't distasteful enough - Literally half of this film's running time is then given over to an utterly shitty "love affair" that immediately transpires between these two major arse-holes, Tom & Sue.We watch Tom & Sue eating cotton-candy. We watch Tom & Sue laughing so joyfully. We watch Tom & Sue skipping together along the beach. (Tra-la-la-la!) We watch so much of frickin' Tom & Sue that it makes me want to puke my guts out.You know, it really figures that it was "America's Treasure", Barbra Streisand, who's the one to be held responsible for directing this detestable crap.This movie is pure garbage! I don't believe for a minute that its story is supposed to be a statement, protesting against the sexual abuse of children.

Nick Nolte Delivers A Terrific Performance in 'The Prince Of Tides'. In fact, even Nolte's worst critics would keep quite after watching his act in here.Directed by the Legendary Barbra Streisand, 'The Prince Of Tides' tells the story of the narrator's struggle to overcome the psychological damage inflicted by his dysfunctional childhood.The film is interesting in most parts, as the adapted screenplay is well-written. Streisand's direction is proficient. She handles the dark & gritty moments with maturity. Also, Stephen Goldblatt's Cinematography is striking. Editing is satisfactory.Performance-Wise: Obviously, Nolte steals the show. His Oscar-Nomination was so well-deserved. Streisand, even succeeds as a performer. She's very likable. Kate Nelligan delivers a sincere performance. Blythe Danner leaves a mark.On the whole, An interesting watch, with a stand-out performance by it's lead star. Check it out!