This film as excellent as it is, ultimately disappoints. First of all, the location settings are exquisite - I have never seen such incredible photography. I thought the film was set in Austrailia, but then learned it is actually New Zealand. The story, based on a book, is almost passe in this day and age when everyone it seems is out. In fact I had a hard time swallowing the pain and suffering experienced by the characters when the truth became known. My buddy and I shook our heads and were grateful we never had to experience what the lead characters in this film have to go through. The cast is gorgeous - everyone of them - and the interiors are all first class - these people are at the pinnacle of the social structure - and that was nice. Yet, such apparent sophistication did not cross over to the idea one among them was different. And that annoyed me. Of course there is the problem of cultural conflict which occurs in every society and at every level and here it is no different.
