An absolutely all-time, charming movie . . .

Rating: 10/10 (26 January 2008)

This is one of those movies that crept in, seemingly from nowhere, and simply delighted, and enchanted me. I had seen one or two ads earlier in the year for it, but never saw it at my local cinema, nor much promotion about it. But it is one of the loveliest films I have seen in years - classic hero fairy tale, granted, but the romance works (oh, to glow so!) and the good vs. evil works with humour which ensures it retains its lightheartedness without sacrificing drama. The effects are so seamless and artistic as to happily suspend disbelief.
Clare Danes (Yvaine) and Charlie Cox (Tristan Thorn) are both delightful, with a bubbling enthusiasm for the unfolding action. Michelle Pfeiffer is quite, quite amazing, and as for Robert De Niro - simply outstanding.
I would very rarely give a 10/10 rating - but there is no-one to whom I would not recommend this - even the most jaded and cynical would heed a reminder that the world would benefit highly from a little more of what values are so wonderfully crafted here. See it!