If you ever had fantasies about how life could have turned out differently...

Rating: 8/10 (27 May 2005)

This movie caught my eye because of the alternate paths, time travel types of themes I've enjoyed over the years. However this is not sci-fi tech time loop - the how/why is not central to the plot or critical to the film's impact. The film really reaches down the emotional level, examing how our decisions affect our lives, and tapping into the desire to go back and "fix" things. Here that desire is driven by the need to correct serious life events, which are presented with a level of intensity (I viewed the directors cut) that gives quite a dark and visceral ride. The consequences of these adjustments, and the ultimate resolution, really gets you thinking and goes beyond the typical Hollywood treatment. Note: Some scenes depict elements that, while sadly common enough growing up and ring true in the film, are rendered with such power that the R rating should be taken seriously.
Highly recommended, but not light entertainment.