A Slow, Painfully Beautiful Film

Rating: 8/10 (5 June 2005)

The English Patient seems to be more of a book than a film, with a slow, magical flow, that captures your imagination, or bores you, if you are one of the less patient crowd. The story isn't the main draw of the film (there are countless sad love stories in Hollywood each year, but not every one wins an Oscar). What is so captivating of the film is its pacing, and it is easy to understand why it appeals more to older people and to those who watch the film more than once. Fiennes always is a solid presence in films, taking the movies from good film to classic. The movie touches on the points of WWII that we don't always see, from Kip the demolitions expert to Hana the nurse (a well played role). It's not a movie that people love/hate, but one that people find incredibly interesting or boring. It's something I would recommend for everyone, but that doesn't mean i think they'll like it. 8 of 10 stars/