Weeks later, still thinking

Rating: 9/10 (4 January 2001)

Unlike most modern movies, this does not spoon-feed the audience its symbolisms and meanings. This is something that needs to be thought over - I am looking forward to seeing it again to iron out the details. Without being too repetitive, yes, the plane crash is excellent and very realistic. And the ending is deceptively simple. It feels like it leaves you hanging, but in reality leaves everything wide open for interpretation. Just like Tom Hank's character is faced with a myriad of possibilities, both on and off the island, so is the viewer at the conclusion of this film.
slight spoiler ahead...
The only comment I have to add seems to have been missed by every other reviewer, or else they do not consider it important. Remember the card that is read on the island...it is something like "The most beautiful thing in the world is the world itself". Given the situation on the island, the "whale encounter", and a few other minor details, I think that this comment sums up the movie...a movement away from materialism and the stress of everyday life, and onto something more meaningful.