Thoughtful and entertaining

Rating: 9/10 (29 May 2003)

Wow! Finally another movie that makes you think about what you're seeing as opposed to presenting you with endless special effects. Not, perhaps, as thought-provoking as Memento, but enjoyably brain exercising nonetheless.
Having gone into this movie, as I prefer to, with no preconceptions, I assumed it was a simple whodunnit. I was pleasantly surprised to find the greater depth and plot twists involved. Actually, even as a whodunnit, forgetting the real plot for a moment, it works pretty well.
There are more red-herrings in this movie than the North Sea fishing fleet has, so be warned that whatever you think is going on, probably isn't.
All of the characters have decent roles. There are no Star Trek "red shirt" security men here, waiting to be killed off. No one whom you think from the start "he's dead". The killer could be anyone, no one person stands out head and shoulders above the rest.
Every time you think you know what's going on, the rug is pulled out from under you and you have to start over again. The final revelation is elegant and thoughtful and, whilst it trivialises much of what you've just watched a bit, it is nevertheless an original idea and made me glad I went to see this film.
Sadly, because of it's nature, this is a one-view film. Although it may be worth watching again to see if you can spot the clues to the truth of the situation. And it's certainly a good film to watch with someone who hasn't seen it, just to watch their reactions.
Well worth a watch.