Truly a must-see.

Rating: 8/10 (15 August 1999)

I have been fascinated by the RMS Titanic since I was 8 years old, so I had very high expectations for "Titanic". I was not disappointed. Although the script did drag its feet at times, and it was came a slight bit close to being on the trite side, Cameron has done a remarkable job of recreating what remains one of the most tragic events of the century. Despite a few historical and social inaccuracies, "Titanic" is fantastic--I have often (morbidly) wondered what it would have been like to be on this ship on her voyage. Cameron's film gives one a good feel for what it must have been like, from two perspectives.
Aside from the Titanic herself (the first shot of the ship in all the glory of her youth will take your breath away--literally), Kate Winslet turns in a truly wonderful performance. Winslet breathes life and beauty into the character of Rose, and is pleasing (and easily believable) to watch. Billy Zane also does a fine job here, as do the very talented Frances Fischer and Kathy Bates. Fisher is particularly (and frighteningly) convincing as Rose's domineering, societally-obsessed mother.
Ignore all of the little-girl squeals about Leo (men, read this! LOL). "Titanic" is successful because it runs the viewer through the gamut of human emotion, from a joyous high to a wrenching, piteous low--and everything in between. If anything, the special effects make "Titanic" truly worthwhile.