Cinematic Perfection

Rating: 10/10 (23 December 2001)

This film is downright brilliant. Never before has a film been more mesmerizing, more haunting . . . in fact, the film touched me in such a way that I am almost offended by the stupidity of some of the other user comments. It's one of very few films I have given a 10/10 rating. The best thing about this film is it's secrets and the fact that it never needs to reveal them in order to satisfy us. In fact, it's better that they aren't revealed. The performances are, needless to say, scintillating. I have such respect for Holly Hunter for her portrayal in this film . . . she's magnificent. Anna Paquin is also superb in a very difficult role for a child actor. They both deserved every inch of their Oscars. I still can't believe that Steven Spielberg's pretentious Schindler's List beat his film for Best Picture, but then I rarely agree with the Academy's Best Film picks. The image of Hunter floating above her piano at the end is the most haunting image I've ever seen in a film. A pure joy to behold, it even inspired me to play the piano! See it!