One of the most pleasant surprises of last few years!

Rating: 9/10 (5 December 2002)

Firstly I had no idea when I was starting watching this film what it will be about. I only heard somewhere that it's a good movie. I didn't know anything about the director,cast or the plot. From the title I supposed it might just be another stupid teen-comedy. How totally I was astonished! All kudos should go to the first-time director (and screenwriter as well) who in some intelligent and charming way done this uniqe movie. The plot of the movie is a real awesome puzzle as the story runs towards the end of the movie. On the other side the director couldn't handle all this without some magnificent cast. Jake Gyllenhaal's title role is one of the best young actor-role in recent history. Playing a boy with some real problems with his personality he gave us some haunting and mature performance. Right next to him is awesome young actress Jena Malone, which amazing talent we could see f.i. in Contact as young Ellie Arroway. There is a magical "chemistry" between Gretchen Ross(Malone) and Donnie when we see their relationship on the screen. The director shows an impressive sensivity while filming those scenes. Gyllenhaal and Malone are supported by some old veterans like Mary McDonnell, Katherine Ross and Patrick Swayze in very not-in-his-style role. The strong vocals used in score of the film (piece "Ave Maria") make this movie both unforgettable and moving. The picture also brings us a great feeling of the 80's (the time setting of the film) also by using the songs from those times. We've got to do here also with time travels and problem of our destination, but I won't reveal anything here about that :) .The brilliant combination of sci-fi and romance led this film straight to the bests of just begun decade. The next day after watching it I must see again some key-scenes to partly understand the amazing idea created by Richard Kelly, and right now I'm not sure of understanding every detail of this incredible story, because my mind is still full of questions. I'm looking very much forward to the next film of Richard Kelly, who did here some ethereal job. I'm recommending this one for everybody who are searching some really true emotions in cinema, not only f/xs and shootouts which feed us today's movies. And sometimes it is really worth not seeing any trailers and knowing anything about the movie. I consider this one along with Memento and A.I. as the best picture of 2001. Truly memorable.