A beautiful film

Rating: 9/10 (17 April 2011)

What got me interested in this film was I was told it is about schizophrenia. I found it didn't spoil the plot for me though, in fact, it made it more enjoyable because I was easily manipulated. I was trying to understand throughout what it was that made the protagonist, John Nash (Crowe) schizophrenic. Then, when it gets to the point where it's made clearer, that's not the end of it! The rest of the film shows how he lives with the illness.
This film starts off slow but it becomes a story of true love and determination. It answers the question, 'how do you get up from an all time low?' The ending almost brought a tear to my eye. One scene in particular is so tense, I nearly switched the film off! It just about made me shout aloud to the characters on screen. You will know what I'm on about when you see it. On the other hand, I do like Nash's chat-up lines. He's got more balls than me.
The acting is flawless, especially from Russell Crowe. He is so different in this compared to his other films. His character in this is more vulnerable and fearful. The casting is very well done when showing the main characters growing old. I don't think they changed the actors either which is remarkable.
As far as I know, this film is totally original and it's pretty realistic. Personally, I think it's far better than 'One flew over the Cuckoo's nest'. If you like this film, I recommend 'Shutter Island', the plot is unnerving but it has similar themes and it should manipulate you.
That's the thing with this film though, it will be completely different watching it a 2nd time. I haven't watched it a 2nd time yet because I put most of the pieces together in my head afterwards. However, I'm sure it will still be an enjoyable film.