If you don't expect the book, you will love this film

Rating: 10/10 (14 July 2001)

I have seen Captain Corelli's Mandolin a number of times now. I read the book, and loved it. I really enjoyed this film. Nicolas Cage was well cast as Capt. Antonio Corelli, Penelope Cruz excellent as Pelagia. John Hurt - fantastic performance. From the very first minute of the film, I am engrossed. It is amazing how much of this film is direct from the book... Nicolas Cage plays an amazing Italian Captain, who's first love is music. He is thrust into a situation beyond his control, and he lives his new life as best he can, using his love of music and culture to bring some sensibility to a confused world. In Penelope Cruz's Pelagia we see an intelligent girl, brought up by her father, to a cultured world of languages and knowledge. She is betrothed to Mandras, a local fisherman; and we see her pain and confusion as she encounters Captain Corelli. Well played, well cast, and an enjoyable film. Watch it, but forget that you read the book before you see it.