more of an experience than a film

Rating: 7/10 (22 February 2013)

I enjoyed this film. Is it really a film though? Yes the same characters appear all the way through the different time lines. But there are 2 sets of directors which each have done a half of the film.
The constant plastering of make up on the actors to make them age and only look slightly different wore thin very quickly. Also it's hard to hear what people are saying at times because of accents or background noises.
However the scenes were beautifully shot. Halle Berry was amazing. I'm glad she made it out of the Hollywood wilderness and into this film. The acting overall was very good with a great cast.
As an artistic piece this film has it all great special effects, great cast, it's well paced and has a huge expansive storyline.
But is the storyline too much? Is it right to have a film made by two different directors who have completely different styles? Does it work having characters re-emerging in different time lines with completely different persona's?
Words to the wise. The film is 152 mins long. So if you don't like long films don't go. If you want an easy watch, don't go. If you didn't get a lot of sleep the night before and you can't concentrate you wont like this film.
I liked the film because it got me and my friend talking about it in a good way. We discussed the plots and the meanings of the films. We agreed that the film wasn't perfect but it was great to see it at the big screen.
I gave it a 7 out of 10 because this is not your run of the mill film. It makes you think. It is an experience. This film is by no means average. It's a work of art, And like all art it invites discussion and criticism. And like art not everyone will like it. It is definitely marmite you'll love it or hate it.