Riveting, emotional and powerful journey

Rating: 10/10 (1 January 2001)

I went into this movie with very high expectations. Reuniting Tom Hanks with his Forrest Gump (one of my all time favourite films) director should be a formula for a surefire success. And it was. This movie far exceeded anything that I thought it could be, and the film's weight was carried in large part on Hanks' considerably slimmer shoulders.
Tom Hanks' performance alone is reason enough to see this film. I felt everything that his character felt, right along with him. How he could create emotion of this magnitude while being on screen totally alone for more than half of the film's length speaks volumes for his talent as a performer. He portrays all of his thoughts and feelings with very little dialogue while playing off nothing but a volleyball. He moved me to tears on numerous occasions. This is to say nothing of the rigorous weight loss program he must have gone through to lose the 50 lbs his character required - he is truly dedicated to his craft.
The screenplay was very clever. Once Hanks meets his fate and ends up marooned on the island, we are immersed solely in the events of his life. There is no music, very little dialogue and no other "back at home" scenes for us to see what has happened in the aftermath of his disappearance. We see Hanks struggling to survive, all the while never losing sight of the one thing that will give him the strength to get off the island - Kelly, the love of his life.
Hunt does well in her role as Hanks' love interest. Even with her reduced screen time, she develops her character into someone that we can care about and empathize with.
While many people have complained about the film's ending, I thought it was perfect. (Possible spoiler) It is nice to see that the screen writers didn't cop out and go for the unbelievable "Hollywood-style" fairy tale ending. There is a real emotional dilemma, completely realistic, considering the circumstances. Anything less would have been a great injustice to a perfect film.
Another great success for Zemeckis and Hanks - kudos to all involved!