Words cannot describe sheer perfection, but I'll give it a try...

Rating: 10/10 (3 January 2008)

Another fantasy movie! Or should I say, another fantastic movie! This was on my movie "hit list" ever since I saw the trailer. Another sweet old fantasy, with elite actors, amongst which the unmistakable, immortal Robert De Niro. But no, this is so much more. I can't believe that such a movie could be concocted in our present time, and what's more unbelievable is the fact that the story is in itself a masterpiece, the special effects are refreshing and used to wrap said story in a veil of immaculate detail and beauty, they are not just used to fill in the blanks. Strong female characters bring an extra sparkle to the plot, as one is a radiant beauty, confronted with the reality of a world she has always spied on, but never lived in, and the other is at the opposite side of the specter, being one of the most well-designed villains I've seen in the past few years. I haven't laughed so much in quite a significant amount of time. It was probably the scene that took place on Captain Shakespeare's ship, in the glorious rhythm of the French Can-Can, or maybe the constantly present, and forever enlarging audience of ghosts, watching the spectacle and adding tiny, but well-felt comments to the tale. The dialog was so alive, the characters moved their lips and spoke with a clear purpose, that of telling their own stories, of helping you see and feel everything a little better. This movie will make you laugh, but it will also make you cry, and learn. It contains one of the most significant monologues regarding love, and the numerous symbols used to portray this immensely crucial, but nowadays under-appreciated power have managed to bring me to tears. Watch this movie, and understand it. A metaphor for the meaning of life, and a reason to actually come down from the skies in which we all wonder sometimes, and live, and it is all disguised in a modern-day children's film. Everything, starting from the perfect image, stunning landscapes, tangible, inspiring characters, well-thought and chiseled story, to the music, plot and moral-filled ending, will make you shine all throughout this great work of art!