i really loved it, despite the main couple in the beginning...

Rating: 9/10 (15 April 2011)

Don't misunderstand me, I liked the acting, but I thought that relationship between Inman and Ada was so sudden, unexplored and poorly developed that I could understand anyone who'd give up in the first 20 min of film (although I disapprove this).
But anyone that did not it, had surely (like myself) a wonderful surprise. While separated, Inman and Ada are such powerful characters. Unfortunately they just work as a couple at the very ending of the movie, when there's not much left.
I like Jude Law very much, but I think (like many people do) that he finds hard sometimes to flee the stereotype that he's got over the years (it happens when you watch Alfie and thinks - Oh no, he is playing "Jude Law"* again), but in this movie he stood still and cried out loud "Yes I can!" "I can be someone else, I have talent". Yes, he does, and moreover playing a difficult character which gives you no clue of his heart and behavior, and you see that the actor have to build it up from nothing, he did. And could give us his own mark (believe he has one, he just needs to show it more times). Well-deserved nomination. Two lines he said that I won't forget: "I marry you, I marry you, I marry you" and (when Ada asks him to turn his back so she could undress and he so decided and sweetly says...) "No, I will not". Oh I almost forgot the scene when he gets shot, coughing blood (to die), was so well-done!
Kidman (who I don't like) did a good job, her character was more interesting when alone or in company of a great Zewegger, which she spent most part of the movie. But I still think that she could do some more. I see her in the movie and think "only if she had done more about acting she could have been convincing", her role was a real good and easy one, she threw away a great opportunity.
René was superb. Althoug in the beginning I thought "she is far-fetched", but along the movie be she knew how to, covertly, do it right. I don't much to say, for it is impeccable.
What as good surprise I had with Portman, Jack White, Philip and the rest of the cast.
This movie, amongst The Talented Ripley, made me feel very interested about Minghella's work, the next to be seen (by me) is the English patient. The photography was amazing, how could it not receive a nomination? (that's why I think that the Academy is a crap) Well directed, well acted, good screenplay, although it was confused at first...
So, I truly recommend this one, but be patient and watch it until the end, and not just give up at the first half hour. Give it a chance, it will give you a sweet surprise.
* When I say "playing Jude Law again" I do not mean the person ('cause, obviously, I don't know him), I mean the actor.