Great but not a Classic

Rating: Null/10 (13 January 2006)

OK, so it's from Spielberg, which means that it's above par. That being said, it's not one of his finest work, and not because it's controversial: there's something missing. I can't pinpoint it, but though the message comes through loud and clear, and the ca. three-hour affair goes down easier than a pint of Guiness, there is a tiny little something missing, which probably will preclude it from winning an Oscar or being remembered in 1000 years.
So the cast is not to blame in this one, Eric Bana is rapidly becoming one of my favorite actors, after his awesome performance in the pitiful Troy, he really delivers the goods here, so do Croze, Craig, Kassovitz and the rest of the gang. The acting is top notch. The cinematography and the story flow down smoothly, there is just nothing bad to be said. The final scene and closing picture is memorable and without letting any spoilers escape, I will just say that as I left the theater, it survived in my psyche for a good half an hour, and I am not even American.
Had this movie been made by anyone other than Spielberg, I probably would have built it up to the ceiling. Considering his body of work, and the expectations he now commands, (all to his credit), this is a satisfying effort, that could have been better. The message is well-taken and nevertheless appreciated in these troubled times. It definitely should be seen at the theaters and it probably should be bought on DVD as well.
Eric Bana (Avner) - 10/10 - Hypnotic work, this guy is scary.
Daniel Craig (Steve) - 7/10 - Decent work, it still is not too late to give up that Bond work. Mark my words, it will destroy you.
Mathieu Kassovitz (Robert) - 8/10 - Almost forgot that I was watching one of the best French directors alive.
Geoffrey Rush (Ephraim) - 8/10 - Unrecognizable, yet effective
Marie-Josée Croze (Jeanette) - 9/10 - Very nice performance. (And what a pair of breasts if I may add)
Steven Spielberg - 8/10 - Excellent by any standard, only very good for this gentleman.