The kind of film that shows film can be better as expression not entertainment

Rating: 10/10 (21 December 2004)

This is clearly the kind of film that will divide people. If you believe in romance, and at all expenses are afraid to let go of this ideal: you will hate this film. If, however, you would like a film that makes you think and realise the infinity of complications love can bring you will be heavily rewarded. The brilliance of the direction is in the way no one character stands out as central, each illuminates the other.
This an actual film that stands up to European cinema and puts to shame the influx of formulaic cinema so rife in Hollywood. To highlight this, the way four separate characters stand apart, with no character as central is masterful and refreshing. As Robert's character says to Portman 'You have a great face,' Portman responds 'Doesn't everyone?' This film has enough depth that it will always remain watchable. It runs on themes so infinitely relevant, that Shakespeare would have praised the writing. And with Shakespeare the quotable lines are as dense as the film. Amazing