I went into this film not knowing much, but the premise sounded somewhat intriguing, although kind of boring.
However, this turned out into a real adventure. Everyone did well, and the scenery was gorgeous.
Good film, however only a one-time watch for me.
I like it, and I've seen it several times.
I didn't read the book, and I know a lot of the readers didn't care for the movie, but I personally enjoyed this, especially the sequence depicting the journey of Richard and his two French companions to the titular beach.
I think Leo does a really good job here, playing an often obnoxious, but entirely believable, compelling and mostly relatable character (although Richard is a bit of an overprivileged brat, I always found his emotional responses and actions to be believable, once again, thanks to Leo's acting).
Did not even know it was based on a book. Thanks for your thoughts.
shareAs someone who loved the book, this was extremely disappointing, the Richard in the book is much more likeable, a bit of a geek but a cool guy. Leo insisted they make changes when he was brought on to the project and made sure to have a romantic interest (in the book it didn't happen as he was friends with the French couple. As much as I'm a fan of Leo in those days he didn't deserve that kind of control. Ewan McGregor was supposed to get the part but wasn't considered bankable enough outside the UK so money talks. Shame as that would have been something worth watching.
I'd probably hate the film, if I'd read the book (I'm not generally a fan of Amercanising characters for a start), but as someone who didn't read the book, I've got to say, I genuinely enjoy the movie, and find it an easy watch (i.e. something I can switch on and easily get caught up in, whenever it's on TV). And I didn't mind that Richard was a bit of a dick. It made him interesting.
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