Punch-Drunk Love [DVD] [2010]

Criterion have done a fantastic job at bringing this gem to Blu-Ray. A crisp transfer approved by the film's director Paul Thomas Anderson, and a huge collection of bonus features make this the ultimate version of the film. The delivery was also on time and arrived in excellent condition.As for the film itself, Punch-Drunk Love is a quirky, offbeat but otherwise enjoyable romance comedy/drama starring usual comedy buffoon Adam Sandler, who gives a surprisingly incredible performance as Barry Egan, a shy, unconfident salesman of novelty items who has faced abuse from his 7 sisters over the course of his life.Barry's whole life takes a turn for the strange once he claims a Harmonium (A miniature organ, somewhat like a piano) that has been left on the street, and when one of his sister's mysterious friends named Lena takes an interest to him. In Barry's desperate attempts to free himself from his shell, he gets involved with all sorts of outlandish troubles and quests, to try and break free and become the free spirit he always wanted to be.As previously mentioned, Adam Sandler is amazing in his role as Barry, giving us a surprisingly nuanced and touching look at this emotionally repressed individual. Emily Watson delivers a similarly mesmerising performance as Lena, with an out-of-this-world quality that draws not only Barry in, but also the viewer as well. There are other terrific and memorable performances, including the late great Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who is responsible for what may be the funniest scene in the film.Punch-Drunk Love does a great job at balancing personal drama and emotional stakes with comedy that fits the mood of the film perfectly. The score by Jon Brion is at times very percussion-heavy and often reflects the emotional state of Barry at different points in the film, but when necessary, it becomes whimsical, orchestral, romantic and beautiful.The visual direction is also a sight to behold, with a vivid use of colour and symbolism to create a genius example of visual storytelling.If you are familiar with Adam Sandler's other comedy films, such as Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, or Big Daddy (The film that persuaded Paul Thomas Anderson to cast Sandler for this film!), or even his newer, less heartfelt "efforts", then Punch-Drunk Love will either be very refreshing if you dislike that style of humour. If you do like those films, there is a chance this may not be to your tastes. As someone who enjoyed Happy Gilmore, it was very refreshing to see him in a role that suited his unhinged nature, but didn't take a more juvenile path.Overall, I would say that Punch-Drunk Love is not a film for everyone, it has a lot of quirks and at times can seem a little self-indulgent in terms of certain aspects of the presentation of the film (Random video art interludes anyone?), as they don't appear to hold any meaning or connection to the film, but all of that aside, it is a film definitely worth watching if you fancy something different. And Criterion have absolutely made the definitive home video version of the film, so that should be highly commended as well.Blu-Ray (Packaging, transfer, bonus features etc.) - 5/5Film - 4/5

I came to this film without any knowledge of the premise and it took a while to get into it. Stick with it the film repays your patience.In one of his best roles Adam Sandler plays a character who has some anger management issues and the viewer is made to feel that with the use of loud noises and discordant music. It definitely made me feel uncomfortable. Emily Watson is excellent in the role of the girlfriend. A great film that left me exhausted but satisfied.

Both lead characters are excellent in this enjoyable caper which starts of slowly but gathers pace.

Punch drunk is just one of those films that left me reeling from the shear intricacies of the whole thing - I needed to watch it a second time through the next day. Hanging together by tenets threads of sanity it takes you on a whorl wind appreciation of what it is to be both asburgers and abused by your siblings. In terms of Anderson films it finds its place after Magnolia but before There Will Be Blood. My partner was disturbed by it and I was surprised at how many personal issues it raised for me. If you like your film quirky - and a little 1960's (Some of the off planet scans were reminiscent of something from Barbarela) then you will find it challenging. I think that you should be prepared to be amused, delighted and to see something of your self within the characterizations in this film.Sorry this does not say much about the film story but that's because I think that it is always an encounter with film itself, but the black humor the harmonium and all the acting in it make it worth a look at particularly if you like Andersons other work.

I enjoyed it for two reasons1) it is unusual in both plot and feeling2) the lovely Emily Watson gives a fine performance as always.My only problem is that it left me unsatisfied with several loose ends.

I failed to get the point of this film. So, for me, despite good reviews, I was left feeling ‘what was that all about?

This is Adam Sandler's most interesting film to date. It's a dark comedy with excellent acting from the entire cast. Its well written with subtle and dark humour, but judging by some of Adam Sandler's previous movies and by reading some of the reviews on Amazon; it appears that this film is too intelligent for the fans of Adam Sandler.If your expecting the usual Adam Sandler movie, like the average Happy Gilmore, then you will be disapointed. However, if you like your comedy dark and subtle; then this is for you. This is a very acomplished film.Sandler plays a man suffering with mental issues resulting from being brought up surrounded by 7 sisters. Although he runs his own business he is socially backward and struggles in the company of others, especially women. One night rings a sex-chat telephone service and subsequently becomes the target of blackmail. But dont judge a book by its cover, he is not to be messed with.Excellent film.

I really wanted to rate it between 2 stars, I don't like it, and 3, it's OK. So 2.5 stars. The cinematography was unusual and I admired it in the abstract as it was different and presented scenes quite differently to 'standard' cinematography but it got very irritating as the film progressed, as did Adam Sandler. The film didn't link his personality very well to his relationship with his 7 sisters. And totally neglected to explore Emily Watson's personality/character at all - which was quite key as to why she was considering going out with him in the first place. Unless I missed something here in all the quirky cinematography? Watch because it's not that bad but expect to be disappointed.