moving, deeply felt and genuine

Rating: 8/10 (8 February 2009)

Marital conflict is not a fashionable subject for movies nowadays - maybe it's because the old-fashioned subject of marriage is not that fashionable itself - but this story touches in every respect, there are really original ideas about intimacy, about how many things are to be abandoned in the service of a marriage, about whether the abandonment is tragic or not. Frank's rage, frustration and aggressiveness are interestingly countered by April's stillness and coldness, so that every single argue/fight hits the mark, emotionally speaking. Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio are both really outstanding, they deliver confident performances dominating the film and creating at the same time a huge emotional impact (there's everything, impassivity, fear, anger, cries). This flick must intentionally impress the audience, it's certainly a sad story with a sad ending but perfectly written and acted.