One of the best ever.

Rating: 10/10 (12 March 2003)

**Warning! Mild Spoilers Ahead!**
After watching this slick and unique thriller, I was partially confused and entirely satisfied. The concept of telling part of the story backwards, while not completely original, brought a freshness to the movie and provided that rare and enjoyable thinking theater experience. Days, weeks, months, even years after I first saw it, I still discuss it w/ friends as we argue about what really happened.
The acting was stellar. Carrie-Anne Moss surprised as a foul-mouthed vixen with questionable motives. Guy Pearce displayed his confusion and intentions subtly and effectively. Joe Pantoliano was his usual solid self as the shady Teddy. And the supporting cast filled their roles admirably.

Plus, the film was technically superior. The timing of the jumps back and forth in time was perfect. What makes the film is the script and the direction. This would not have been an easy story to tell in chronological order, let alone in this manner. Christopher Nolan has the story completely under his control the entire time, providing a tight and taut film experience.
Bottom line: Flat-out brilliant film-making and story-telling. One of the best films I've ever seen. I don't throw high ratings around, but this one earned 10 of 10.