Very affecting

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2006)

I was deeply moved by this poetic and heartfelt movie. There was a real conviction about the performances. I can well understand the other comments that have been made. The sense of place is palpable -you get a feeling for the vastness of America and the immense beauty of the landscape. I think it is a very well written film, the dialogue has a natural unforced quality. I wasn't really sure that I liked the way the story worked out - in many respects I found it too sad. I am not sure I could willingly experience something as heartbreaking as this more than once. I would like to read the original story and see the differences. I think it is a film that can have an impact on real lives. It is shockingly sad - left me numb with despair and it is hard to get out of your mind. I hope it can change people's views and enable them to understand the complexities of human love a little more clearly. I wish I could say I enjoyed the film but it is too affecting for that.