Impressively subtle

Rating: 9/10 (5 February 2004)

A superb film which touches the sentiments of the main characters extremely well and with rich touching honesty. The score is excellent, the direction superb. I loved this film. There are some scenes which could have been left out but the whole thing together is a very pleasurable amble through the feelings two people can have for each other. The themes of distance and position are wonderfully explored. What is exceptional about this film is that the feelings explored are among those not often dealt with successfully by film but which have made many a brilliant book. Coppola surpasses the limitations of her medium superbly as we really get to sense the feelings involved.
There is a lot of negative comments here about the film mainly, i feel, because you have to be in the mood for it. I haven't seen the trailor but if it does (like one commentator here said) paint a picture of bill murray in a comedic role then i can see how people could be frustrated. It's not a funny film but Murray is brilliant in it.
I liked this film so much that i have now forgiven Sofia Coppolla (Godfather iii) and Bill Murray (list too long to include here) for their past sins:) 9 out of 10.