Layered story, stunning ending

Rating: 9/10 (16 February 2011)

I love the layers of meaning and the openness of the story that really gives the viewer much to think about at the end of the movie, as well as giving room for many different interpretations of what was real and what was not real.
The middle of the movie stumbled a bit as we slowly see some manifestations of the Black Swan, but the ending is stunning, not just by virtue of the great soundtrack, but Nina's dramatic transformation, which I will not elaborate on further.
I felt afraid of, afraid for, and sad for Nina by the end of the movie. The directing was not fantastic, but Darren Aronofsky's vision for this film is frightening and eye-opening. Natalie Portman has really exceeded and pushed herself in this film. Worth watching just for her acting.