an epic masterpiece film of a great book

Rating: 9/10 (24 February 2013)

When I read the book, many moons ago, I didn't fully understand it, or I did, but was aware I was missing something. I looked forward to the film but was also - like most admirers of the book - anxious that it did it justice, and couldn't imagine how the pieces of broken stories would translate to film. What I didn't imagine was that the film would finish the stories, which I loved. The film and book together make a formidable entertainment experience and the film alone is simply spectacular. Using the same actors was an inspired decision, and each did their job brilliantly. I loved the make-up, styling and prosthetics employed especially the cross-nationality work. Critics have said that some of the prosthetics are like amateur detective disguises but I didn't have such an issue with that - though admit some were better than others. There are aspects where you have to suspend your disbelief, some of the CGI etc but taken in toto this film is an immediate classic, I am sure, original and groundbreaking and the SFX are in places jaw-dropping.
The story itself spans centuries and is told through six separate narratives and each speaks of evolution (of character), freedom, integrity, love and belief. It shows that all through time we are connected, our stories intermingle and bring us forward in time and time is transcendent.
The writing and direction is intelligent, witty and varied; there is love and passion, pain and suffering, honour and integrity, fear and prejudice and moments of comedy and also emotion. You may cry watching this film and you may laugh. It will make you think, stay in your mind and also you may learn something about human nature, and perhaps about yourself. The film is almost like a religious propaganda film, evangelical, written to advertise a belief system or faith, and perhaps that is just the passion that it was made with. All the actors were clearly incredibly committed to their roles, everyone was acting at 100%. I hope this film does well but I don't think it will matter if it doesn't get lots of gongs (despite fully deserving them). People are going to be against this film because of the story it tells, people may not understand it or agree with it's philosophy - it might be controversial. I think Tom Hanks' contribution in this film should be lauded, as he was superb. Hugo Weaving was also quite spectacular in some of his roles - I'll never look at Elrond the same way again. Jim Broadbent and Doona Bae were noteworthy, and Halle Berry, of course! It was such a big, well known cast, and everyone was so good.
I recommend this film highly and would emphasise that seeing it at the cinema and the big screen does it justice.