Remarkable blend

Rating: 10/10 (27 January 2005)

It is hard to top Isaac's review as he sums it up so well. But from a woman's point of view....
The psychological part of the thriller is wonderful and teasing and even better the second time when a whole new set of shivers go down your spine.
I loved the hints throughout at the background behind the village.
Most of all, I loved the romance. It wasn't blatant, but rather small nuances that brought a pause to your breathing. When Lucius grasps Ivy's hand for the first time, the close up of their hands still brings a tear to my eye. It is all you see but a million things go unsaid in that brief moment, even as fear fills you at the same time.
Joaquin Phoenix can convey more emotion with a single movement than we have seen in many years in an actor or actress. He grows stronger in each role and I only stand in wonder as to what he will do next. I believe he will become one of the greats of our era.
My only regret is not catching this in the theater. I believe the big screen experience would have brought me to screams and tears as this director does each time. As a friend summed it up so well.... "It is not what you think it is. See it"