Before seeing the film, go to the library and get a life

Rating: Null/10 (15 October 2003)

There has been a great deal of criticism of this film. Admittedly, much of the criticism of this film seems to come from those who have never read a book in their lives, or had something close to an adult relationship. I am proud to say I saw this film five times in theatres before it came to DVD. I was greatly impressed with the film for a number of reasons. The story arc itself is very much rooted in Shakespeare. It is always darkest before the dawn: Do not be surprised if the ending will disappoint those raised only on a steady diet of science fantasy films or Disney pictures. This is science fiction in the grand tradition of Asimov and Bradbury, full of allegorical twists. This is philosophy derived from Plato's Republic, and even nightmarish future visions courtesy of Orwell. (Trust me, the references to the number 101 are not about binary code.) I have found that people who criticize this film have no understanding of not only these authors, but also no understanding of science, physics or mathematics. The story confuses them because it is just completely over their heads. Additionally, the geeks who saw this film as many times (or more) than I did are completely lost not only on the origins of the Persephone and Merovingian characters, but their importance in relation to the other characters lives. This is a film geared toward adults; naturally, the characters do not act two-dimensionally or in a "traditional" manner. Ask anyone who has been in a love triangle and let them try to explain the dynamics of something that is not totally black and white but all gray. My philosophy is this: if you can't grow up and use the big boy voice, sit at the kiddies table and watch another Star Wars film. That will leave us with a little more maturity to enjoy this film for what it is: brilliant but flawed, just like life, just like love.