Very high quality, despite a few problems

Rating: 6/10 (26 April 2007)

The story and characters have some issues, mostly to do with subplots and motivations, but the film is of such high quality that one is in awe while watching it. Pitch-perfect dialogue, superb acting, and outstanding technical aspects. The story's a bit abstract but I really liked it. Kevin Spacey gives perhaps his best performance and Annette Bening is just as good. The kids aren't the typical annoying teenagers - probably because the actors are twentysomethings, not teens - and feel completely natural in these roles. Superb direction from Mendes and some great cinematography. Very funny at times, and quite sad at the end. Definitely a worthy Best Picture winner, even though it's only about fourth best from the great movie year of 1999.