Not everyone will enjoy it, but I did

Rating: 9/10 (12 June 2000)

Originally I was sceptical - several times I commented to my sister (who'd seen it twice on the big screen and was always talking about), "Story about a ship that sunk? - big deal!"
But this particular film appealed to me when I finally watched it. In fact, it's one I kept watching over and over and had virtually nothing to do with Kate Winslet (who is clearly older than 17) being in there. I wish I had seen it on the big screen.
Leonardo plays a very amiable young man in this one and Fabrizzio is a good companion. One qualm is that, once Rose appears on the scene, Fabrizzio pretty-much disappears. But it's true that the central interest lies with Jack and Rose. The other characters are portrayed well in their various roles, totally believeable. You develop real feelings for them, even the two unfortunate lookouts who see the iceberg just a few seconds too late.
The special effects of this film are excellent. There was nothing anywhere to suggest during the sinking that this wasn't really happening as you saw it. And the music and instrumentation is well-suited to an ocean voyage.
True, they've rewritten history in many places, but it enhances the drama. Some of the dialogue isn't life-like; again one must remember that it isn't meant to be totally believeable. The final scene (watch it if you haven't) could have been skipped. The fairy-tale romance between Jack and Rose could be thought of as too contrived, but it is nonetheless striking. For these reasons, some people will not like it. Also, three hours is extremely long for a movie. But in my case, having read some of the scenes they cut, I wish it could have been four hours long!
9/10