powerful, exciting, human

Rating: 10/10 (26 July 1999)

Some of the scenes of exposition are languorous, and the biggest complaint for me is that it ends too perfunctorily (things tie themselves together too easily at the end), but this is a GREAT MOVIE, erotic, exciting, dangerous and totally engrossing. It was stimulating sensually and intellectually. I like Tom Cruise and look forward to his performances. He's a very good actor. Neither he nor Nicole Kidman really give spellbinding performances, but they acquit themselves very well (she's more of a supporting character after about the first 40 minutes of this 160 minute movie). That sounds like faint praise, but its not - these are more than solid performances. Elements of real sexism are few. Both sexes are treated essentially as sex objects, although the women are much more often undressed - one female is nude throughout, but it is acceptable considering the circumstances. The women are for the most part gorgeous. This is Kubrick's best work since Clockwork Orange - better than The Shining or Full Metal Jacket. Absolutely shimmers with dangerous and exciting sexuality. I loved it. I was sexually excited enough and mentally stimulated enough to lie awake thinking about it at night. And not one-handed. 10 out of 10.