A stunning achievement

Rating: Null/10 (12 December 2001)

Spoilers.
Many mistakenly call this film pretentious. I guess it is easy to averr it so with the cinematic beauty of this film. However it is not a mertericious pulchritude, the story is deep and moving. From the gorgeous tumult of the beach scenes, (prefaced by an outstanding underwater shot ot the boat gliding through water) which includes the glorious tableau of Ada playing while Flora dances, to the surreal blue-tinged forrest scene, and the gripping dismemberment part in the rain, the pictureseque quality of this work is haunting. But the story of emotional turmoil, human volition and love is compelling. Not to mention the acting is GREAT with both Neill and Keitel in rare form, Hunter gorgeously rapt in her reticent role and of course the precocious Paquin provides the performance of her life. FANTASTIC MOVIE!