a cinematic miracle

Rating: 10/10 (24 June 1999)

Anthony Minghella adapts Michael Ondaatje's novel to create a film that nears perfection. Minghella's screenplay is a masterpiece which separates The English Patient from the many solid but uninspired historical dramas of late. Fortunately, the script is complemented by the virtuosic performances of Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Juliette Binoche and the stunning cinematography of John Seale. Many moviegoers (and many critics) seem unable to grasp the complexity and subtlety of the film, which follows two time lines and examines history from a decidedly postmodern, non-Americano-centric position. Although the film has already enjoyed considerable critical acclaim, I believe the wider world (even Americans) will soon catch up with the vision of this film, and The English Patient will be established as one of the great movies of all time.