excellent

Rating: 10/10 (12 February 2007)

Films like this really come along rarely, the type of film which is both engaging, well- paced and based on historical fact. Though the introduction may seem too slow a start for some people, I cannot find a single flaw in this film. The cinematography was excellent, earning the film one of its two Oscars and the acting was brilliant. Kevin Costner is very much on form and so is his support cast most notably, for me at least, Gary Oldman as Lee Harvey Oswald who really excels at showing the different aspects of the character as the film develops.
With the director's cut coming in at 3 hrs 18 mins, it may be slightly too long, but with a powerful story line this is not noticed as much as one might expect. Another frequent criticism is that the theories brought forward in the film are unfeasible, however they did not diminish the viewing experience for me and the twist scene, including Donald Sutherland(Yay!) was particularly strong.
Perhaps what is most noticeable and memorable is the use of old footage of events and black and white flash backs, both used to great effect throughout the film. As the film draws to a close with Costner's searing monologue, chances are you'll find yourself believing in all that he says.
A great movie, worth seeing again and again. Just a shame that it didn't get onto the top 250 films.