Forbidden Nights (1990 TV Movie) User Reviews

Would love to see this movie on DVD

[jonesincanada · 7/10 · 13 October 2006]

I watched this movie when it came out in spring 1990 mainly because I was going to live in China that fall and wanted to find out what it might be like. (Fortunately by the time I lived in China, ice-cold showers were not the norm.) I didn't realize until later that I was to teach in the same city as Judith Shapiro (Changsha)and in fact taught in the university right next to hers. I also taught one or two of her students (who were teachers themselves by the time I met them). Judith and Liang Heng later married, moved to the US, and wrote at least 2 books together, including "The Son of the Revolution", a recounting of Liang Heng's time with the Red Guards. But I too have not forgotten this movie and would love to see it come out on DVD.

Melissa Gilbert's Forbidden Nights

[tintintology · 7/10 · 4 June 2007]

Yes, I agree with all of the comments above.

... and I am also looking for a VHS or DVD version of this movie. I need it to add to my movie collection. So far, this seems to be one of my missing ones. Is the reason for its apparent lack in the market because it is a television special and so there are almost zero distribution support for this title? I remembered watching on television once in the early 1990s and that was it. But it was so memorable for the social turmoil it depicts that I can still recall some of the touching scenes. I cannot seem to find it on Amazon or any of the usual movie discs/tape places. Anyone care to point me in some direction to acquire one? Much appreciated.

thanks!

Please put on DVD

[motown5 · 10/10 · 20 December 2005]

I first saw this movie in 1990 and really wish it was available on DVD. It was a heartwarming love story that you think about a long time after the movie is over...at least I did. Does anyone else remember this film? I believe it was one of Melissa Gilbert's best movies and that she only improved as she got older. The character grows and changes in the movie and if it is ever put on DVD I think it would be one of those movies talked about at the coffee counter at work the next day. It has been quite a number of years but like I said I still think about the movie and occasionally check to see if a DVD is available. I'd be the first in line to buy it. I really would!

Fantastic love story

[JAISAIRAM · 10/10 · 8 August 2002]

A fantastic heartwarming love story based in Hunan China, which not only warmed my heart but also gave me a better understanding of the hardships the Chinese people have lived with. The movie had a wonderful ending, but left me wondering if this was, in fact, a true story.

Phenomenal movie, should be on DVD

[defleppardvanhalen · 10/10 · 11 April 2017]

Although it was a made-for-TV film, I always thought Forbidden Nights was really impressive. The autobiographical story of Judith Shapiro's experience teaching in China was amazing. The chemistry between Melissa Gilbert and Robin Shou really made this movie shine. In Shou's case, it was a shame he didn't return to the U.S. until five years later for Mortal Kombat, because I thought this was his greatest non-martial art work, that showcased his acting ability more.

Warner Bros., if you read this, please release Forbidden Nights on DVD. For a made-for-TV film, this film has great quality, acting-wise, story-wise, and production-wise. I would also to hear Melissa and Robin talk about their experience shooting this film, either in commentary or as a special documentary.

Very good

[jll-4 · 10/10 · 15 September 1999]

Thought the movie was thought provoking. Makes you think why another race/culture thinks/acts the way they do, based on there long history of submission to their leaders. Yet another means for me to see a glimmer of the history from my daughters country.