freshman39

Like I said, it's not perfect - there's some overacting, some plot contrivances, etc. but it's an interesting and entertaining movie. The best thing about it is Cate Blanchett - she's incredible!

I had heard very little of the hype, read none of the reviews, and wanted to form an honest opinion of this movie. My expectations going in were quite high, however, as it was a Steven Spielberg movie. Every single one those expectations was met, if not exceeded.

This movie had some fantastic performances. Haley Joel Osment amazed me with his performances in "The Sixth Sense" and "Pay It Forward." He tops both, though, with this performance, as David. Both Jude Law and Frances O´Connor performed beautifully, memorably contributing to the entire film. Many complain that O´Connor was not maternal enough, that she didn´t exude the motherly "aura" that the role required. I couldn´t disagree more. She gave the role exactly what it needed. Her´s was a beautiful performance.

Even the minor actors made the film a masterpiece. The sets were whimsical with a certain darkness about them, and the special effects were seamless. I always enjoy Mr. Spielberg´s movies, and I believe this may top the list.

I am troubled when I read on this website that the movie was an unsuccessful blending of Spielberg and Kubrick. Those opinions are appreciated; I only hope that they are well-founded in extensive study of the films of both these men, the filmmaking process, and a sincere love of motion pictures. While I have seen every one of Mr. Spielberg´s movies, I´ve seen only four of Mr. Kubrick´s, and aside from that, I have not studied in-depth the filmmaking process. I therefore feel inadequate to make any judgement on the blending of the two styles. I saw similarities with the works of both directors in this film, and enjoyed seeing them. From my limited experience, I believe Mr. Spielberg did well in telling Mr. Kubrick´s story.

This is a beautiful movie in every sense of the word. It is about a child, making his way through a harsh and cruel world, trying desperately to return to the comfort of his mother´s arms. He craves love. Nothing else.

Amid all the fantastic settings, imaginative characters, and thought provoking statements, I saw this movie to be a parable for the life of each and every person on earth. As children, we cherish the comforts we have, the unconditional love we receive. But we grow up. We can no longer take that love for granted. We make our respective ways through this world, trying so hard to return to he simple desires of our childhood, to love and be loved. When it absolutely boils down to it, that is all any of us wants.

This movie is not for adults. It is presented from a child´s perspective, with a child´s understanding of the world. Having experienced life´s triumphs and downfalls, we, as adults, cannot look at this movie and the world it presents us with an honest heart and open mind. But when we try our hardest to see this film through the eyes of David, an innocent child, we can leave behind all that bombards us in this world, and for a brief moment, feel the simple love that, deep down, we all desire.

I saw this movie when it first appeared on television, and when renting videos recently, I saw this title, and remember being impressed. I rented it, and was delighted all over again! What a wonderful movie! It is interesting to watch - The stories evoke curiosity and passion for history, something seldom seen in movies, much less made-for-television movies. The acting was beautiful! Every actor performed with realism, and with a passion for their characters.

I have only one complaint: Not enough of Matilda Lockhart´s story was told. I found her character to be most interesting, and her fate to be the one that stuck with me long after I saw it. Anne Tremko, the actress who played Matilda, is spectacular! She was understated yet interesting, and her enthusiasm for the role lit up the screen. After seeing this, I rented the few other movies she was in. While only two were particularly good (The Member of the Wedding and My Antonia), she did a great job with what she had in each and every picture.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and Anne Tremko´s performance, as well. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys history, movies, or being uplifted.