4hrs!?

Rating: 8/10 (16 February 2003)

Firstly it should be clear that Im not knocking this film as such. Its well acted, is visualy stunning, and has the same slow moving, classy feel as the Godfather...probably even more classy feeling. BUT...I never caught on to anything in the story that could constantly justify this being so long. It feelis like a 2hr movie painfully streched to 4hrs. Its trying to be grandious and epic, but after a few hours just becomes boring. I would give this 7, as the sheer beauty of lookig at it makes it worth watching, but essentially its just too slow.
In fact strike that and make it a 6 - the extra point being deducted for that abhorent, p***-poor make up job in attempting to make Elizabeth McGovern look old. It was just pittifull.