Biggest Surprise in Years

Rating: Null/10 (1 September 2002)

I didn't see MR until the DVD was released. I'd heard many friends who both loved and hated the film, and from some reports, the use of modern music in a story set in 1899-1900 didn't bode well.
And then I actually saw the movie.
First, most of the film is some of the visually stunning material I've seen in many years. The use of color, shading, SFX combine for an incredible visual ride.
As for the plot, well, either you buy into the "ride" or you don't. The use of late 20th century music didn't strike me as anachronistic since the entire movie seemed like a surreal fantasy rather than a story actually set in 1899.
As for the music, either you like it or you don't. If it had been my film I would have made a few different choices, but most of the music worked for me, and some executions were simply spectacular, such as "Heros" and "Your Song".
It's true that during the second half when the plot moves closer to denter stage, things drag, but they don't come to a screaming halt.
It's been years since I approached a movie with such trepidation, due to the views of others, and came away liking it so much.