The English Patient (1996)

Rating: 7/10 (10 October 2008)

Though the plane crash at the start was a great opening and very enthralling, I couldn't say the same of the next hour or so. I was thoroughly bored for about the first 90 minutes of the movie, so much so that it took me three separate viewings to get to the 90 minute mark.
However, once things kick into high gear (well, not really, but compared to the first half of the movie), I was enthralled. From David's unfortunate fate in the torture room to Clifton's death wish vengefulness to Katherine's ultimate fate, the movie really drew me in. And Ralph Fiennes proves yet again he is one of the best actors working today, and likely one of the best in cinematic history. I try not to use hyperbole, but I think it's justified here.
The movie evoked memories of a number of great films, movies like Lawrence of Arabia and Raiders of the Lost Ark. It too achieved the epicness we often associate with them. And while I'm not sure it deserved the nine Oscars it won, well, it probably deserved a few.
The first half was painfully slow, but the end makes up for it. And then some.
A very strong 7.5/10