Shun the US Version

Rating: Null/10 (21 September 2006)

It's hard to believe the US distributors could muck up this masterpiece as much as they have, but it isn't the first time. Central to this movie, beyond the incredible camera-work, is the music, and for once Eric Serra turns in an astounding score. Save for his attempt at being a rock singer at the very end, this is great work. (And yes it would have been a lot better if he'd stuck to one of his themes for the movie for the closing credits, but he does things like this, did it for a 007 movie, and was gratefully never asked back again.)
Besson's parents were scuba diving instructors, so you get where he got the idea for this movie. And it's 'inspired' by real life stories - those of Jacques Mayol and Enzo Maiorca (called Molinari in the movie). Mayol also collaborates on the screenplay.
Besson's photography is amazing. He's also made a short about dolphins dolphins and nothing but dolphins, so you get the fact he likes and is inspired by dolphins.
Rosanna Arquette plays her part to a 't' and it's questionable if she's ever looked so delicious. And there are great locations for this one, especially in Taormina and what most likely is the renowned San Domenico Palace Hotel.
Don't go for the shorter version, no matter on what side of the Atlantic it was made. Of course the one for the US market is directly atrocious, but cutting this down to a theatrical running time simply doesn't work. This one takes three hours: grin and bear it.
There doesn't have to be a lot 'happening' in a movie to make it good, and this is proof. You want action? Rent a Jackie Chan or a Jean Claude god Damme. You want a movie that really gives you something sublime? Get this one.