Good, old fashioned, spooky tale.

Rating: Null/10 (4 August 2004)

A pox on all the so-called "serious" movie critics who are panning this fine effort... they are missing the point. The reason some films are made is simple: entertainment. We have become so enthralled with the idea that popular film culture should have a sole mission to bash us over the head with politically correct messages, we are unable to enjoy a good film that only has as its motive to give us a good two hours of fun.
This movie is very well crafted, and while it is deliberately slow paced, it satisfies. The 19th century Gothic novels it was paying tribute to are also slow paced. It's all part of the mood the director is trying to set up. The acting is very good, the script is very well written, the camera work effective.
If you are looking for a movie with lots of car crashes and political messages, go see something else. Heaven knows you'll have plenty to choose from. If you just want to be immersed in a different time, a different feeling, a different ambiance, go see this movie. You'll be glad you did.