Beautiful and magical.

Rating: 10/10 (5 September 2010)

I watched this great movie 7 years after it came out. I'm really ashamed of admitting it. But I never thought Tim Burton could create such a deep, magical, and tender film. I expected another of his fantasy oriented stories happening in a typical Tim Burton world. And that's exactly what I got. But this time, it was added a peculiar meaning of life told in such a creative way.
The settings are just brilliant, literally. Burton explores magical and dark places that you could only find in your dreams. All of the settings are really attractive and tell alone their own story. The Cinematography and Art Direction are spectacular. Every single place is well crafted and every detail gets a special treatment. This is pure candy for the eye. One of the best looking movies ever created.
The acting is great. Albert Finney's performance was heartbreaking, tender, and overall great. It made me appreciate my family members who act like him. When a movie makes you reflex about a specific situation, then it means it is special. Ewan McGregor is as a good as always. Helena Bonham Carter looks good and weird when needed but gives a very good performance. Alison Lohman is pretty and I really liked her facial expressions. Marion Cotillard can't look hotter and more beautiful. The woman steals the show every time she appears on screen. I want a wife like her. Matthew McGrory is an instant favorite. Danny DeVito has a decent cameo.
Many scenes will stick in my mind forever. The poetic funeral, the witch's curse, dealing with the giant, the circus, the Siamese twins, etc.
The ending made my cry and I was really surprised of how this magical this movie is.