Barry Lyndon makes slow a virtue.

Rating: 10/10 (26 April 2000)

The usual knock on this movie is that it is slow and way too long, long long. That is actually what makes it great. The WAY it is those things.
It's a matter of how you approach it. That it has a languid pace is undeniable -- and exactly what Kubric intended. Think of it as an extended music video -- for languid, classical chamber music (or sweet sorrow funerial music) and you will be more in the right frame of mind to fully enjoy this movie. (Actually, I wish the DVD had the same option which Amadeus has -- to run with the visuals and the music score only, when viewing for the upteenth time.)
This movie absolutely is a historical "costume drama" -- and like most of Kubric's movies, takes that form to new heights of expression.
While 2001 is visually gorgeous and intellectually fascinating -- but emotionally ice cold, Barry Lyndon is emotionally warm like a nice soaking bath -- after sex and a shared bottle of wine.
Visually stunning in every way. With a plot, though not without its complications, still pushed way to the background.
You want driving action? Try Dr. Strangelove or Clockwork Orange -- not to mention The Shining. Kubric is simply astonishing..