Is there a more dramatic theatre for love than war? A more sweeping scene for memories lost than the desert?

Rating: Null/10 (13 December 2019)

Is there a thing more beautiful than a broad story of depth given its due time to develop?
Some may say this movie is too slow and I can only disagree. Over 2hrs 40min this epic slowly unfurls, revealing to us the intricate histories of a swath of characters expertly portrayed. The relationship between Thomas and Fiennes is intense, highly involved, and utterly believable. Juliette Binoche's crisp performance of Hana is layered with a youth and naivety. And the leering and shady Caravaggio was played by Dafoe lends an edge to the story that helps propel the narrative.
Rare is its that a movie succeeds in capturing a place, a time and the raw and untranslated emotions of such a diverse palate of characters. But it must be said, this is not a thrilling adventure movie, nor a electrifying tale of spies ladened with plot twists and turns, but a slow exploration of human character, and the relationships that grow between people, despite their surrounds and origins. War is present, but it's ever in the background, as much as the desert is, or the green hills above Florence, where Hana sets up her impromptu hospice.
Ralph Fiennes is a wonder, maybe even witnessed here in the performance of his career as he plays what is ultimately two roles: the spirited and driven Almasy, at his prime and in his comfort in the solitary confines of North Africa, and the English Patient, withered and injured as he lays, accepting death and musing in his last hours of the love he once felt.
For fans of he book this movie pales in comparison, but that only goes to show the mastery of Ondaatje's writing. The characters appear as washed out versions of themselves, with the role of Hana proving to be most removed from her literary self. Soft changes to the history and build up of the story also prove subtle alterations to the relationship between characters.But that is not to take away from the wonder of this movie. Winner of 9 occurs and nominated for a further three, this is a film that will remain a classic in the years to come. A movie that is an utter joy to watch for the first time, and has that uncommon touch of magic that can be relived again and again over future viewings.