Good enough to merit watching

Rating: 8/10 (30 September 2006)

I've always been meaning to watch this film, after hearing so much about it. Now that I have, I see what people like about the film, but at the same time, find some issues with it. Nevertheless, I really like the film still.
It's easy to point out the good in the film: good performances, daring to handle a tough topic, even direction. So on and so forth. It's a mostly solid film. But it has its weaknesses too.
Here are some of the issues: The story pushes a little too hard for the things that happen in the film.
Spoilers follow Having the protagonist bond with the laundry guy was a little too convenient and a little too easy. Not that I don't believe it could happen, but based on the protagonist's character, it's asking a lot for the relationship have so little conflict. Also, the protagonist is supposed to be smart and a rallier of his peers. When he's in prison, he seems to lose his smarts, or they get put under his "ideals", which wasn't immediately convincing. His moral dilemma is also a tough sell, because we don't get to spend enough time with him getting confused.
End spoilers In that sense, the film asks the viewers to make some large leaps of faith and I wasn't entirely convinced. The other issue is the ending of the film. The film goes on too long and the end-drama doesn't seem necessary and even goes to the point of being a little over-the-top. A little more editing would've helped the ending be less melodramatic.
Nonethelss, it's good enough to merit watching. And I liked it despite my small frustrations. 8/10