Great story and acting spoiled by unbelievable screenplay and setting

Rating: 6/10 (25 April 2006)

I found myself alternately irritated and warmed by this film. The early scenes required to much suspension of belief - for example not being able to find a translator - the story would have still worked with one. Also the airport chief (or whatever he was) was just too mean and dumb to be believable. However, the film improved for me as it progressed, helped mainly by Tom Hanks' superb acting. The drama and romance was great, but sometimes too sickly.
In conclusion a good story, good acting but the direction and setting could have been better. Seems I have this problem with many films I see!