I remember watching the commercials for "Pleasantville" when it first came out in theaters, and thinking it might be good, but that it looked kind of gimmicky. I don't usually like movies where the special effects take over the whole story. But, when a very dear friend of mine recommended "Pleasantville" to me, I decided to rent it. I was totally blown away!!!! I understood the need to make the town of Pleasantville black and white and why the people and surroundings turned into color. The aspect of kids changing into color after having sex didn't really bother me (even though I am very conservative when it comes to my views on premarital sex) because I feel the writer used sex as a metaphor for experiencing life. I really dug it when the main characters (David/Bud and Jennifer/Mary Sue) did not change color when they had sex. For them, the change had to be about something even more profound. All of the actors did a spectacular job, but since I am a big Tobey Maguire fan, I felt his performance stood out. William H. Macy was also excellent as the dad. In short, "Pleasantville" was a life-changing movie that reinforced my belief in being true to yourself, the importance of individuality, and the truth that not all of life's experiences are black and white (forgive me for using an idiom that has been overused in regards to this movie!).

I like the part when the black and white turns into colour ,
I also like the words what are used.

I like the way the person who plays Bud tackles racist behaviour.
I AM STUDYING THIS FILM FOR G.C.S.E .

by
C.D.T BAILEY

This film was ahead of the curve, being a high concept, innovative technical marvel for it's time. The monochrome vs. color metaphor that is the films big-draw trick and center is really about putting yourself out there and taking a chance vs. playing it safe. THAT's the metaphor. Even an eight year old child gets the point. Whether 'they' didn't understand it, or are simply deliberately twisting the meaning in the name of crypto-nazi propaganda is anyone's guess. But they're putting out bad information. If you live in 2005, and find modern media engrossing, you have to give this film it's props. The screenplay isn't brilliant, but the metaphor, and the big trick, are perfect.

Two Thumbs Up for this excellent spiritual plot about waking up to reality. By 'reality' I mean wake up and 'smell the coffee' or wake up and 'smell the roses'.

Our world often seems to be living in Pleasantville as society (most especially religion) deems laws and rules that prevent one from advancing their knowledge and curiosity. Since many other reviewers have disclosed the plot, I won't have to. Therefore, I'll just add my comments.

The movie made me laugh and smile and gave me a sense that the director really had a hold of something subtley worthwhile. As people became 'enlightened' their appearances changed. Isn't that what happened to Moses? But this movie is set in the 1950s era, which makes it one of innocence and pure enjoyment. All rolled into one great theme, Pleasantville is a winner! A+ roles for Tobey McQuire, William Macy, Reese Witherspoon, and Jeff Daniels.

I loved it. My late husband loved it. We watched it a number of times, always getting the same warm enjoyment and I'll continue to do so as the years go by. My personal opinion is that this movie is a Classic.

Great value DVD with special features, especially noteworthy being the Director's Commentary track.

This movie offers a lot to audiences on many levels...from blithe entertainment fare to a deeper "message" film; all ingeniously and expertly executed with wonderful performances. Joan Allen is heaven...

It might just inspire you to check out some art books and revisit that dog earred copy of "Huckleberry Finn."