Too long, too slow, too predictable. Not believable.

Rating: 2/10 (4 November 2001)

First, the good points.

The photography is superb. Greece never looked this good. - Penelope Cruz. She is pretty, although nothing special.

Now, the bad points.

This film shows a total lack of respect for italian soldiers. If we were to believe what was depicted, those men were irresponsible drunks who would rather run away than defend their country. Also, germans are portrayed as lying weasels, not worthy of any trust.

The storyline is simply not believable. It requires far too much reality stretching. For example, the italian soldiers are never into any trouble with the locals; it seems that they are not at war, but rather in some sort of vacation. Another good example: the german soliders order the italians to surrender their weapons; after a small fight, the italians prepare an attack that same night. While the germans were in town. Didn't anybody notice the huge cannons and mortars being loaded? Also, the scene where Corelli is shot at with dozens of automatic weapons. Another soldier protects him with his body, and he is saved. Next day, he is up and running as if nothing had happened. Too unbelievable.

The continuity of the film suffers greatly because of the director's obsession with Nicholas Cage's eyes and Penélope Cruz' talent (?). There are various scenes that only show Cage for what seems like an eternity, and another where Cruz appears dancing. She is graceless, mixing Flamenco and Tango during the scene. And it drags too long. The entire movie is too long.

Overall: too long, too pretentious, too unbelievable, and finally, too boring. It could have been a lot better.