So close to being a truly great and monumental film.

Rating: 8/10 (8 May 2005)

This is really gritty, intense, and poignant film-making. It is the top movie of the year so far with some scenes that should be remembered for a long time. Some people might think it uses too many conventions. I say posh. All the performances are successful and every big moment is shot in such a correctly unique way that we are not let go from the movie. The scene with Matt Dillon and Thandie Newtown in the car accident was brilliant as was the subtle and simple film score. The digital camera work was also technically masterful. This will definitely be on my top ten list at the end of the year, and if it's not, then we've been blessed with a really good movie year. I applaud Haggis for his debut, I can't think of many others who started off with such confidence.