The Great Movies II Book Summary - The Great Movies II Book explained in key points

The Great Movies II summary

Brief summary

The Great Movies II by Roger Ebert is a collection of essays that delves into the art and significance of 100 more essential films. Ebert provides insightful commentary and explores the enduring appeal of these cinematic masterpieces.

Give Feedback
Topics
Table of Contents

    The Great Movies II
    Summary of key ideas

    Exploring Cinematic Masterpieces

    In The Great Movies II by Roger Ebert, we embark on a journey through the world of cinema, exploring 100 cinematic masterpieces. Ebert, a renowned film critic, delves into each film's history, narrative, and cultural impact, offering his unique insights and perspectives on these works of art. He begins with 12 Angry Men, a courtroom drama that unfolds in a single room and explores the dynamics of the American jury system.

    Ebert then takes us to the swashbuckling world of The Adventures of Robin Hood, a classic tale of heroism and chivalry. We then venture into the sci-fi horror genre with Alien, a film that redefined the genre with its intense atmosphere and strong female lead. Ebert also explores Amadeus, a biographical drama about the life and mysterious death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Amarcord, a nostalgic look at childhood in Fascist Italy.

    Unearthing Cinematic Gems

    As we continue our journey through The Great Movies II, Ebert unearths cinematic gems such as Annie Hall, a romantic comedy that defies genre conventions, and The Bank Dick, a comedy by W.C. Fields that showcases his unique brand of humor. He also examines Being There, a satirical tale of a simple gardener mistaken for a political savant, and The Big Heat, a gritty film noir that explores corruption and violence in a small city.

    Ebert then turns his attention to the controversial The Birth of a Nation, a silent film that triggered heated debates due to its portrayal of African Americans and the Ku Klux Klan. He also discusses The Blue Kite, a Chinese film that depicts the impact of political upheaval on a young boy's life, and Bob le Flambeur, a French crime film that inspired the French New Wave movement.

    Exploring A Diverse Range of Films

    Throughout The Great Movies II, Ebert explores a diverse range of films from different genres, countries, and time periods. He discusses classics like The Bridge on the River Kwai, Children of Paradise, and A Christmas Story, as well as modern favorites such as Goodfellas, Jaws, and My Neighbor Totoro.

    He also takes us on a journey through the works of influential filmmakers like Alfred Hitchcock, Akira Kurosawa, Ingmar Bergman, and Federico Fellini, providing valuable context and analysis for each film. Ebert's passion for cinema is evident in his detailed exploration of each movie, highlighting the unique qualities that make them significant in the world of film.

    Appreciating Cinematic Artistry

    In The Great Movies II, Ebert's aim is not only to review these films but also to deepen our appreciation for the artistry and creativity that goes into making them. He emphasizes the importance of understanding a film's context, including the time and place it was made, the director's vision, and the societal issues it addresses.

    By the end of The Great Movies II, we have embarked on a comprehensive journey through the world of cinema, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for these 100 cinematic masterpieces. Ebert's passion and expertise shine through, making this book a valuable resource for film enthusiasts and a compelling read for anyone interested in the art of moviemaking.

    Give Feedback
    How do we create content on this page?
    More knowledge in less time
    Read or listen
    Read or listen
    Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
    Find your next read
    Find your next read
    Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
    Shortcasts
    Shortcasts New
    We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.

    What is The Great Movies II about?

    The Great Movies II by Roger Ebert is a captivating collection of essays that delves into the world of cinema. Ebert explores 100 more iconic films, offering insightful analysis and behind-the-scenes stories. From timeless classics to hidden gems, this book is a must-read for movie enthusiasts.

    The Great Movies II Review

    The Great Movies II by Roger Ebert (2005) delves into the world of cinema, offering a curated selection of notable films and insightful commentary. Here's why this book is worth exploring:

    • Featuring thoughtful analysis and historical context for each film, readers gain a deeper appreciation for cinematic masterpieces.
    • With meticulous attention to detail and Ebert's passion for storytelling, the book immerses readers in the magic of cinema.
    • Its eclectic mix of genres and eras ensures that the book remains engaging and diverse, catering to a wide range of movie buffs.

    Who should read The Great Movies II?

    • Movie enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding and appreciation of classic films

    • Individuals looking for recommendations on must-watch movies from various genres and eras

    • Readers who enjoy insightful and entertaining film criticism from a renowned and trusted source

    About the Author

    Roger Ebert was a renowned film critic and journalist. With a career spanning over four decades, Ebert became one of the most influential voices in the world of cinema. He worked for the Chicago Sun-Times for much of his career and co-hosted the popular television show Siskel & Ebert, where he and fellow critic Gene Siskel discussed and reviewed movies. Ebert wrote several books, including The Great Movies and Life Itself, and received numerous awards for his contributions to film criticism. His work continues to be celebrated and cherished by film enthusiasts around the globe.

    Categories with The Great Movies II

    People ❤️ Blinkist 
    Sven O.

    It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.

    Thi Viet Quynh N.

    Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.

    Jonathan A.

    Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.

    Renee D.

    Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.

    People also liked these summaries

    4.8 Stars
    Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
    43 Million
    Downloads on all platforms
    10+ years
    Experience igniting personal growth
    Get started for free
    Powerful ideas from top nonfiction

    Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.

    Get started for free

    The Great Movies II FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Great Movies II?

    Appreciate and analyze iconic films for their artistic and cultural significance.

    How long does it take to read The Great Movies II?

    Reading time varies, but expect a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.

    Is The Great Movies II a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Great Movies II is a must-read for film enthusiasts. It offers profound insights into classic movies.

    Who is the author of The Great Movies II?

    The author of The Great Movies II is Roger Ebert.

    What to read after The Great Movies II?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Great Movies II, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
    • The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
    • A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
    • Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
    • The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
    • The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
    • The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
    • Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
    • Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
    • The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda