Good

Rating: 7/10 (18 July 2009)

While I don't know everything about the actual events, I understand that this isn't entirely historically accurate. That is to be expected, with it coming out of Hollywood. Worse still, this was made by Spielberg(competent director though he may be, the way the man views the world, you'd think those glasses were made of sugar), and there is, indeed, some sap and sentimentality, but it is actually fairly limited. Also, this has brutality and disturbing content. It of course(given who put this on the silver screen) in the end boils down to a banal and easy to memorize moral, then again, too many people still, to this day, don't get it, so it does need to be said. This is engaging and evokes genuine emotion from the viewer. The plot is well-told, and develops in a satisfying way. Pacing is spot-on, this is never boring, and it doesn't move overly fast, either. The writing is quite magnificent. All of the characters are credible. Every single acting performance is excellent. There are quotable and marvelous lines of dialog in this. This is effective and well-done. Production value is beyond reproach. There is a little nudity, and a moderate amount of violence, neither being gratuitous. The DVD holds a theatrical trailer, and a 25-minute behind-the-scenes featurette. I recommend this to anyone interested in watching it. 7/10