Definitely worth watching

Rating: 8/10 (28 February 2010)

This movie might not be perfect, but it is intellectually stimulating, visually stunning, moving and incredibly rich.
In fact, that might be its main problem: there are enough ideas in this movie to make two or three. But if you enjoy complexity, this is a movie you should watch.
It is difficult to summarize it. To start with, it is a movie on chance (the famous "butterfly effect"), on the impact of decisions on our lives (the old "what if?" idea, say, à la Sliding doors, but taken to an entirely different level of complexity), on the fascinating idea that there might be persons, events, which are bound to form part of our lives whichever choices we make, and on the tension between the fear, and the beauty, of not knowing what's coming next. Linked to all this is the fear of making decisions, any decision, since they rule out certain possibilities forever. Is it preferable not to chose (and ultimately, not live) or are all possible lives equally "right"?
It is an extremely complex work. The sub-plots multiply and there comes an intriguing challenge – is there one logical explanation for all, or are there elements of deliberate irrationality? I am inclined towards for the first option but I might need to watch it a third time (at least) to come to a conclusion.
The images are beautiful. The colors are rich, there is plenty of symbolism and small details which might escape the first time one watches it. The camera dives into the protagonists' eyes with a quasi-hypnotic effect, the depth and emotions that they convey are rarely seen in movies.
I should mention the cast, overall very convincing. The actors who portray the characters at different ages have been exquisitely chosen. Again, it's the eyes – you can really recognize the young Anna in the older one. And the same goes for Nemo. My highest praise goes to Toby Regbo and Juno Temple, and the way the director has shot their teenagers' love scene. I had never seen a movie depicting in such a vivid and loving way the marvel of love at that age. I am still in awe. Sarah Polley was also excellent in portraying the character of a depressive woman (or most probably she's affected by bipolar disorder). She was so convincing that at times she made me shiver.
This is a movie that will make you think for a while. It might all sound very "heavy" but you will leave the cinema with a smile on your face. I really recommend watching it.