Self interest occasionally proves to be altruistic

Rating: 9/10 (5 October 2014)

On the face of it, protagonist of the story Ron Woodroof (McConaughey), is not a likable person or someone you might anticipate empathising with. Even by the end, you will have mixed feelings about him. However, in between, you will positively will this character to win the fights he jettisons himself into. This guy lives hard and means to live hard despite the 'death sentence' of his AIDS diagnosis. Acting, script and cinematography combine in a truly absorbing roller coaster story that challenges, instructs and entertains all at the same time. McConaughey and Leto turn in exceptional performances - both seemingly going to extraordinary efforts to develop the 'look' dictated by their characters. Faultless film worthy of several viewings.