good performances, story a bit dry and slow

Rating: 7/10 (9 July 2007)

When this film first came out, I remember it being a phenomenon, especially with women. Literally, there were women who watched it a dozen times in theatres. For some reason, I never watched it until this year and I must say that I found myself underwhelmed by certain aspects of the movie. Though the movie is solid and above average, I can't imagine why the committee decided to give it NINE Oscars.
On the whole, the movie does deserve heaps of praise for the cinematography and overall direction. The vistas of North Africa and Tuscan Italy of the WWII era are wonderfully captured. In addition, the performances of Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, and Willem Dafoe are standout. However, the movie lags and moves SLOWLY. I watched this with my family and we almost popped the DVD out after the first half hour. However, once the story gets going it will rarely let go. Also, if you are anathema to movies about the power and tragedy of love (aka chick flick material) then steer clear, it will not convince you otherwise about the genre. Some of the dialogue made me cringe and question if some of the scenes were adapted ideally from the book.
Overall, the movie is still solid and most people will find something to like here. If you're patient with "The English Patient", a rollicking love story and adventure is in store.