Don't believe the (negative) hype!

Rating: 10/10 (5 December 2006)

I have read so many negative reviews of this film, and in the end, I'm simply left with the belief that all these people ... just ... didn't ... get ... it. Fine, so be it. I didn't get "Memento", but because I didn't get it, I wouldn't dare trash the film.
This film shines in almost every way -- it's simplistic in its vision, actually, but brought to life on screen, it's amazing. The images are amazing, the atmosphere created by the audio/visual synchronicity renders you speechless, and the interconnectivity of the three timelines is just about seamless. The soundtrack is stunning: rhythmic at times, orgasmic at others, all underlying the pain and urgency of the story. Love beats strong, literally.
The acting is interesting: Rachel Weisz has her moments, and when she is in the middle timeline, she's at her physical worst. All the more so to emphasize her character, I suspect. As the Spanish Queen, she's just captivating. Hugh Jackman will always be Wolverine to most viewers, but his best efforts in this film are in the 26th century timeline, as the solitude of his character demands a top performance.
One complaint: the film is almost too short -- 15 extra minutes of development would have helped. I wonder if there is a director's cut awaiting us on DVD?