Riveting story. Amazing acting.

Rating: 9/10 (26 December 2010)

If "Inception" was for our minds, "Black Swan" is for the emotions - a treat to watch! Right from the start we are taken into a world of contrasting themes: where we are captivated by the elegance, the beauty & grace of ballet, we are also exposed to the raw, vile & physically vulnerable life of the performers. Where we empathize with Nina Sayer's innocence & susceptibility, we also see her jealous & rivalrous, almost dark side. Where the story builds up in a methodical way, it also turns visceral.
The plot is simple and by the end you can even second guess how it's going to unravel. But it is the emotional gamut that you will experience in the ride to the end that makes this a special treat. It's amazing how the group of friends I watched it with all couldn't agree on how they felt about Nina Sayers in the end (can't give more away).
Natalie Portman is the movie! She makes the character Nina Sayers believable. The Oscar that evaded her for Closer, for me it is a given this year. Vincent and Mila also deliver strong noteworthy performances.
A must watch. A Strong 9 for direction and a breathtaking performance.