Long and sentimental but beautifully done

Rating: 10/10 (25 December 1999)

There are already a surprising number of reviews of this film. It is long, yes, the stares border on tedium in places, yes, and the wrapping up does seem to leave a tangle of loose ends, yes. All that said, the writing is often very clever and always good, the sets are beautiful and the sound track is excellent. Aside from roving stares from Brad Pitt that are occasionally distracting, the performances are also very good. And Ms Forlani is very beautiful. Obviously, a meticulous effort from the directors that went beyond marketability. In my view, like the life's work of the central character, they have created a thing of beauty the merit of which will stand the test of time.