A Classic!

Rating: Null/10 (23 June 2004)

Tom Hanks once again proves why he is a major player in the industry. His acting talent shines through dialogue that is sometimes non-existent due to a language barrier between Navorski and the Americans. Some of the best scenes are of Navorski dealing with his circumstances with no dialogue at all. The scene with the video surveillance camera tracking Navorski's every move by the exit doors to America was perfect. When we finally see what Navorski was creating with the tile, it is amazing. I could see this film again and again, picking up nuances with every showing. Spielberg is a master director and the Hanks/Spielberg combo is a must-see. Catherine Zeta-Jones is wonderfully understated.
That the majority of the movie takes place in an airport terminal is such a ploy, it could have backfired, but Spielberg and Hanks pulled it off. The supporting cast and mini-stories were solid performances; each cast member provided a backdrop for the gradual opening up of Navorski's story. How he interacts with each of them and their own problems gives an insight to how even the smallest person can change our lives. This is a great film!