"Is it true?"

Rating: 10/10 (5 September 2009)

La Jetée, the short that inspired this, is somewhat different, if there are a lot of similarities, and one could argue this as partially a feature remake. There is a long list of reasons why this is a masterpiece of cinema. Allow me to go over a couple: The time-travel makes sense, and the logic of it holds up here more than that of quite a few other films. It's surreal(and yet credible, and not so loose that it's difficult to follow) in the way we would expect from Gilliam, though the focus is considerably clearer. The ambiguity lasts from beginning to end, and you are not limited to one interpretation of what actually happens, and, just as important, what does not, in the course of this. You won't feel confident that you know what's going to happen next in this, with the one devastating exception, which is a mortal sin to spoil for anyone who hasn't taken this in on their own. Heck, it's got two star names of Hollywood, both playing against type and delivering performances that are beyond reproach. In general, the acting is impeccable. Stowe is very natural. The plot and concept is excellent, and the development throughout, the gradual uncovering that so skillfully appears to supply the audience with additional pieces of the puzzle, when it is in actuality also forcing us to ask the question, "does the board even exist?". You have to pay close attention to "get" everything, and viewing it only once may not suffice. With that said, this is satisfying and you come out of it having been told a full story. The pacing is spot-on, this doesn't really stand still at any time, yet you are allowed time to relax in-between the intense sequences, and are not overwhelmed to the point of being drained. This is immensely engaging and involving. You will be served quite a lot of food for thought, and you will find yourself emotionally affected. This is an amazing piece of film-making craft, technically speaking, as well; the lighting, cinematography and editing are astounding. The special effects are marvelous. Every character is well-written, you believe that people like these could exist. There is strong language, disturbing content and bloody violence in this. The Collector's Edition DVD comes with a 90-minute documentary that I will review on its individual page on the site, a theatrical trailer, production notes and a commentary track of Terry, the director, himself, and producer Charles Roven, and it is entertaining and informative. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a challenging piece where you won't always know exactly what's going on, and fans of intelligent science fiction. 10/10