Not What I Expected (SPOILERS)

Rating: 8/10 (24 January 2004)

I hadn't read the book and had very little understanding of the storyline to this movie, but I went along to see it after hearing that the opening scenes rivalled Private Ryan. The opening battle scene was quite gruesome and brought home the true horror of a war fought on land that belonged to all of the participants, and which ran red with their blood. When the battle was over it was time for the real story to unfold, the real story, not of war or desertion or slavery but a story of love and journeys. Jude Law as Inman, makes a long and treacherous physical journey back to the arms of his soul mate whilst she makes a journey from somewhat spoilt and superficial girl to strong determined womanhood. There are many that will rail against the historical inaccuracies, and the script, and the acting - but the story was well told.
Bravura performance from Ms Zellweger and excellent support from Brendan Gleason, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Hunnam and the wonderful yet still underated Kathy Baker. Ms Kidman and Mr Law are just a little too pretty for me, but the audience seemed to like them and cried alot at the end. 8/10 and a good effort from Mr Minghella, who but for Peter Jackson would certainly be taking home an Oscar.