Superb exploration of the Human Condition

Rating: 10/10 (28 April 2000)

This is not simply a "costume drama", it is an allegory-at once darkly comic and profoundly moving- about the human condition. Barry Lyndon is an everyman attempting to make his way in the world, who is ultimately undone by his own pride, vanity, and folly. In the films supreme final irony, the very act which spiritually redeems him leads to his final worldly defeat. He has the chance to finally destroy Lord Bullingdon, but he will not violate the gentleman's code.Bullingdon, however, has no such compunctions. This film is utterly magnificent. All of the minor characters are as vivid as the minor characters in Dickens. The lighting, the music, and the stately pace of the film , are perfect. The Film contains scenes which rank with the greatest in cinematic history: the robbery, the battles, the death of Barry's child, and, then, finally, the terrific duel, one of the most thrilling ever put on the screen. Those who called this film "boring" should hand in their memberships in the Screen critics guild-or get seeing eye Dogs.