A very slow movie about a very fast Indian

Rating: 4/10 (7 November 2005)

OK, I guess I will be in the distinct minority here. I saw this film as part of the Talk Cinema series. To me, it was a really great story mired in maudlin, sentimental mush. After 1/2 hour, I started checking my watch-a bad sign. The plotting was slow to the point of narcolepsy, the screenplay was fossilized and traditional, with very linear story lines,and no surprises at all, and the directing was conventional, to be charitable. The two best things were the acting, with a superb and charming Sir Anthony Hopkins, in the lead, who will surely be considered at Oscar time, and the gorgeous cinematography, which was amazing in the Bonneville section of the film. This seemed like third-rate Hallmark Hall of Fame family fare claptrap to me, which was such a shame, because this is a truly inspirational man, with an amazing tale to be told. The website for the film is better than the actual film, believe it or not!