A worthy addition to the Best Picture list

Rating: 10/10 (29 June 2004)

After browsing through numerous reviews from guys who wouldn't know a great movie if it came up and slapped them (and from reading their reviews I am guessing their idea of a perfect movie would be Gator Bait III) I feel compelled to put my two cents worth in on this film. The 1996 Oscars were important, in that for the following two years, the Academy ignored what should have won Best Picture in 97 and 98 - so the win by The English Patient was proof that Hollywood at that point could still recognize great film making when they saw it.
The movie had some of the best music, cinematography, and acting with sublime direction by Minghella that brought out the true essence of what Ondjaate was trying to convey in the novel. For people to complain that the film was overly long is ludicrous. Clocking in at just under 2hrs 45, this film is shorter than Harry Potter 1, Dances with Wolves, Titanic, and others, and in the time allotted on screen, it manages to evoke an emotional reaction from its audience that most other movies of its genre strive to do, but ultimately fail.
The evolution of the character arcs, especially Almasy and Katherine is incredible *SPOILER WARNING* culminating in him finally admitting his love for her as he carries her to the caves *SPOILER OVER* That scene ALWAYS makes me cry for some reason....Probably the sheer tragedy of the situation wherein they both know there is no future for them, but that the emotion and affection they both subconsciously knew was there was finally realized.
Overall, a brilliant piece of film, and a movie that should be on any true movie lover's DVD shelf. Of course, if you're in the minority of the people on this board who don't like "Chick Flicks" or "Long and boring movies" then you should probably avoid this. If you, like myself, enjoy a masterfully directed piece of cinema that doesn't rely on heavy CGI, explosions, gunfire, foul language and frat parties, then if you haven't had a chance to see The English Patient, I would recommend renting a copy of the newly released Collector's Edition DVD and see what all the fuss is about.