Don't shut yourself out from this beautiful film! It's a masterpiece, marred slightly by an imperfect edit, but still very fine indeed!

Rating: 9/10 (24 February 2010)

Teddy (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a federal agent sent to investigate the disappearance of a female inmate at a prison for insane criminals. Located off the east coast, the island is accessible only by ferry and is surrounded by icy waters and a rough, rocky coast. Going with him is "green" agent Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) who will be working on his first major case. When they meet the security officers on the island, Teddy and Chuck are dismayed to have to surrender their weapons but the facility's rules rule. The chief trick cyclist, Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley) explains that their goal is to rehabilitate these folks, for, although they committed assaults and murders, they can be reached by therapy and pharmacology. Whew. The person missing is Rachel (Emily Mortimer), who disappeared while orderlies were having a card game. But, where did she go? She left behind her shoes and the terrain of the island is difficult. There is no explanation, so far. Another doctor (Max Von Sydow), a German immigrant, upsets Teddy, for the agent was part of the American army that liberated Dachau. Unhappily, Teddy begins to have horrific flashbacks. Also troubling Teddy is recurring nightmares about the death of his young wife, Dolores (Michelle Williams) in a fire. As they begin to look for the missing person, they have to inspect all three buildings on the island, including "C", where the most dangerous inmates are housed. Will they find the lady? Will they lose their own lives doing so? This is a masterpiece, slightly flawed, but an major achievement in film nonetheless. A better edit would have made a difference, for the pace is slightly off kilter and a "mixing and splicing of scenes" would have resulted in more interesting sequences. Nevertheless, Scorcese should be commended for making a thriller that genuinely thrills, and a beautifully, artistically crafted one at that. For example, a scene that falls apart into ashes is out of this world! The setting itself is a reason to see this one, for it is one of a kind. All other production values, including costumes and camera-work, are of the finest. On that note, DiCaprio and Ruffalo look so good in fifties-style coats and hats! The cast, too, is superlative, with all of the principal players doing great work. Special mention should go to Leonardo, for he is terrific and demonstrates why he is one of the premier actors in America. In short, get thee quickly to this amazing film. It is an overwhelming thrill ride of beauty and imagination.