Leonardo shows how to lose oneself in a role

Rating: 8/10 (20 March 2007)

I've always seemed to only tolerate Leonardo DiCaprio, but not this time. I've been taught a lesson. He is superb in this movie. Though Djimon Honsou is probably as good, it's Leonardo who carries the film with a portrayal that should forever dispel any notions that he is merely a 'star'. I didn't see Forest Whitaker in "The Last King of Scotland" but of those performances I did see, I can't believe Leonardo didn't win Best Actor for this picture, though the picture itself is somewhat hard to swallow in places. Still the subject matter is so foreign to us that it has to be given high marks for making it all so much more accessible.
Jennifer Connelly once again somehow satisfies my male eyes and ears almost as if I were defenseless against her. I'm beginning to think I am. And the film moves along at a good clip with little or no pauses to wallow in. These movie makers have a good understanding of what war is like and they full advantage of their opportunities.