Please. Opinion is healthy and good - and it is allowed to be negative.

Rating: 4/10 (8 June 2002)

Having already submitted a review for this flawed but noble film in February, I am drawn to make this addition as a result of those reviews posted by rabid fans who clearly seem unable to allow negative criticism (no matter how detailed, accurate or intelligent) to focus on THEIR film! I am particularly incensed by bollocks relating to what Einstein may (or may not) have said regarding some fascistic argument that people who did not appreciate this film are, basically, inferior. An argument perpetuated all too frequently throughout the reviews. Bizarre really when you consider that war ordinarily exists because one race or nationality considers itself superior to another and yet, because people don't appreciate this anti-war film, they are classed as 'lessers' by those awarding themselves an intellectual superiority based on their grasp of one man's cinematic interpretation of a novel. Be careful, this is where it all starts.

I don't doubt that negative reviews on this 'broad-church' website are frequently dubious and facile. But so are many positive ones. And no matter whether we disagree with another's opinion - we should never lose sight of being prepared to defend their right to voice it. Unless, of course, you're reading this in North Korea.....