A serious film. Not meant to be a "crowd pleaser".

Rating: 9/10 (14 July 2006)

For those out there who come to watch this movie expecting a family-fun "crowd pleaser"... please go watch a Disney movie. For those who watch this movie and feel disappointed that it wasn't happy-go-lucky; well, you were looking for the wrong thing.
This movie is meant to be a touching work of art, and that's exactly what it is. It is a drama; no one ever said it was a gut-buster. The emotion Holly Hunter conveys without even speaking is remarkable. You can tell she put a lot of work into being able to show such a range-even in the hand motions with her sign language. And Anna Paquin, being only 11 years old at the time, did a very impressive job. If she came off as a bratty child half the time... well, that's because she was supposed to be one. Sam Neill's reaction in the end, though shocking, definitely adds a punch that you don't expect.
The beautiful cinematography, the gorgeous score, and mind-blowing emotion conveyed by every character; it makes for an incredible experience. I did not see it or its appeal when it came out in 1993, because I was younger than Anna Paquin was at the time. However, as an adult, I appreciate this movie a great deal.