If you can get through the first half then you'll probably love this film

Rating: 9/10 (28 June 2004)

I first saw this under adverse conditions. I had just broken up with my girlfriend and needed to get away and so I went to see what ever was playing next at the multiplex. The last thing I wanted, a romantic drama, was just the thing I needed.
Admittedly the first hour and half to two hours can be slow going as we hear the story of the English Patient in flashback. These are very stuffy British people who show little emotion. And then some where around the two hour mark a declaration of love and the movie explodes with emotion...
This is great film making.
But its so mannered that its tough to get through.
Frankly I like the movie better than the book. The book tells you much up front that the movie keeps, I think wisely in reserve. In most ways the two are equal tellings of the same story, however I would be hard pressed to ever pick up the book again.
If you can wait for a pay off and like romantic movies then by all means see this wondrous film. Otherwise stay away.