Compelling beautiful movie with delightful dialog to enchant you

Rating: 9/10 (19 November 2009)

The first time I saw this movie was on its opening weekend in the US. I was taking my soon to be girlfriend (and later to be ex-girlfriend) to our first date. Naturally you can guess, being a guy I wasn't the one who picked this particular movie to watch. Yet after the first few scenes I was drawn in.
The thoughtful, almost classic literature-like dialog all throughout this movie simply make it a masterpiece. The cast are the key in any such film, and everybody delivers here, especially Anthony Hopkins. The characters truly interact with each other, and you never feel like you've lost a step, you never think that the feelings portrayed are not credible.
The story is endearing, it has a few funny dark comedy moments, but most of all it simply gives an overall good feeling to the viewer. I've read some negative comments regarding the length, all I can tell you is, until I read the comments I never even realized it is three hours long. I had to check the box of my DVD to confirm that it is indeed of the said length.
I also can not finish this comment without giving some extra love for the performance of Jeffrey Tambor (as Quince). He nailed the role down to the last twitch of the thumb. The klutz loving husband who has always got the side of his wife and his family is absolutely the most lovable character of the movie, and everyone understands that he would even be one of "death's favorites". An absolute must see movie.
PS: On a side note I would like to mention that this movie has to be watched in the original English speaking version. I have seen it in both Hungarian and French dubs and neither did the amazing dialog any justice.