I just watched this last night. I am baffled why this movie did not get any widespread release? It was good! I was a bit skeptical on it but I was impressed!!! Jude looked gorgeous in it as always. Netflix called this movie for "the thinking man" but its really was not complex at all. Just a group of people trying to find happiness and sort out their families.
It's mercy, compassion, and forgiveness I lack; not rationality.
dolores craeg
the public seems to want escape movies to take them away from the horrible news they see on t.v. this is a dark movie which emphasises human frailties and flaws. it's somber. it is also one of the best films i've seen in a long time. you do have to think about it. juliette's performance was wrenching...jude's understated performance was his mnost natural.
I saw a lot of comments about this movie being boring and I thought it was incredible. And I usually fall asleep on Anthony Minghella films. Someone at work was talking about it, and I took a chance and bought it and was glad I did.
shareIt was not really good, that's why.
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I'm holding an 'I Don't Give A Sh*t'-o-meter and the needle's not moving. - D. Coupland
I can't believe this was from the same director who did "Cold Mountain," "Talented Mr. Ripley," and "English Patient." I was so bored and started reading a magazine as this movie was playing. Was I supposed to care about any of these characters? I felt bad for Liv, dealing with the daughter, but I wanted the punk Bosnian kid to go to jail. Hopefully Anthony Minghella will redeem himself w/ his next film.
I could not DISagree more with the previous post. I enjoyed this Minghella film much more than the 3 listed above. He let us feel the emotions of all the characters, from the cleaning woman to crap for Uncle. Throwing youth in jail instead of changing their environment is ignorance. There is no rehabilitation! What children are exposed to during the most vulnerable years depicts so much of their behavior. Role models are important, the mother of the punk had a strong influence on the boy but what he was being pulled into by men is such a strong part of being a "man" -the kid didn't have much of a chance. This movie deserves some recognition. Can't say I was a big Jude fan, until now. Great acting all around, good script, great direction and photography. 4 to 4.5 stars from me.
Chords that vibrate sweetest pleasure
Thrill the deepest notes of woe.
Well said, Elle. Next to Truly, Madly, Deeply, this was my favorite Mingella offering. If you didn't like it, that's fine, whatever, and I'll admit some of the dialogue was a bit stilted, but I think it was a sincere, honest portrait. The question of rehabilitation is really the core here; how do we react to indiscretions -- do we punish, punish, punish and hope that retribution makes us feel better about being victimized or try to grow, heal, and move on?
shareNot ususally the kind of film I would be interested in but I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I loved the metaphors and the simplicity of the movie. Yet enjoyed the complexed characters and their emotions.
shareThis movie was VERY GOOD- it reflects the REAL world! I saw the trailer last week, and couldn't wait to see it. I live in NYC area, and see lots of young guys (like Miro). They see their immigrant parents struggling at low-pay, low-respect jobs, and want the easy road to money/success/etc. They don't quite fit with the white world, but aren't tied to the old world like their parents. They need opportunities, role models, and support. Yes, some of them will end up in jail, but MOST of them are just STUCK! They need a way out of the ghetto/ethnic enclave/projects or whatever tough situation they are in.
As for Julietter Binoche, she did a GREAT job (as usual). The part where she was begging Will to help her son- WOW!!! You can tell she's a mom in real life b/c she really feels it!
Now thats a good and deep analysis on the social issue in the story.
shareThis is one of the best films I have ever seen.
Completly baffled as to why it is so underrated, it's so real and honest and one of those rare films that catches you by suprises and stays with you long after you've done watching it.
*I saw in your eyes that you hate the world, I hate it too...*
I don't think I can say it is one of the BEST films I'ver ever seen, but I certainly liked it and related to it.
I agree that it is real and honest and leaves you thinking beyond the 90 or so minutes of the film. I liked the characters and thought they were all well executed by the actors.
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this is a good movie. i liked it. i loved it. Story is good, performances are good, direction is good. watch it.
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