The Rose [1979] [DVD]

I have been a fan of Bette Midler for years however owing to my age and the fact this film came out before I was born I hadn't seen it until recently when I decided to give it a go. I didn't really know anything about it other than it was was loosely based on the life of rock singer Janis Joplin. The film is Bette Midler's first and she was quite rightly nominated for an Oscar for her role (she should of won it). Bette Midler is wonderful as Rose, the rock singer whose fraught relationship with her manager who (who refuses to grant her time off) and her partner sees her life spiral out of control. The concerts scenes are amazing and Bette quite clearly demonstrates what a fantastic singer she really is. This film is where Bette's well known hit, "The Rose" originates. Bette also demonstrates a wonderful flare for acting, and her portrayal of the character is superb. This film is one of the most powerful, most emotional films I have ever seen. A box of tissues will be required, especially for the end.

I saw this film when it first came out and loved it . It stayed with me for years and I wanted to watch it again. This time instead of seeing Rose as a feisty young woman broken by the insiduous business she had willingly chosen to enter, I found her a selfish brat! Seems I have grown up, but Rose is trapped by celluloid. Bette Midler is still outstanding as Rose, but the brash scenes are not a million miles from her stage act of the time. Where she excels is in portraying the total disintegration of this desperately lonely, needy girl , who manages to alienate even those trying to reach her . An incredibly sad story , very well acted , but of its day .

Young Bette Midler at her best. I was a Janis Joplin fan so for me this is brilliant. I know it is not meant to be a biopic of Joplins life but it mirrored the latter stages of her career fairly closely, It does not have the production quality of Diana Rosses portrayal of Billy Holiday in The Lady Sings the Blues but the resemblance is unmistakable and Midler played the role really well.For anyone who did not know Joplin it does not really let you see her at her best and there is no wherer near enough hard rock music in itFor me it was a trip down memory lane and one I will be happy to take every so often, even though each time I do I want to change the sad ending

I am not normally a fan of bette midler,but I bought elkie brooks dvd,and she sings the rose fantastic,new I had heard the song somewhere so looked it up and found this film,sounded goodand it was very cheap so I ordered it,wow,i thoroughly enjoyed it greatfilm with a sad ending, well worth viewing.

Excellent, the acting and music, very touching at the end even brought a tear.

After seeing a singer called Lauren Housley who reminded me of Bette in this film, I bought the film. Sadly it hasn't aged as well as I'd hoped - the live performances are still amazing; but the story drags and the least said about the acting the better.

Fantastic film, Bette midler superb her singing 'Stay with Me' touches the soul, how she didnt get an academy award for this film is unbelievable, can these people not recognise pure talent when its in front of there noses?

Bette Midler is great as usual - in acting and wonderful songs. Highly recommend.