Wonderful...

Rating: 10/10 (15 April 2006)

Well, I think it is about time that I commented on "Titanic", one of my all-time favourite films. I have wanted to express my appreciation for this film for a long time, and I think that today, the 94th anniversary of the tragedy, is an appropriate time to do it...
I first saw this film on April 22nd 1998. I wasn't expecting very much...after all, you know how it ends...the ship sinks. But wow...I was absolutely blown away by "Titanic". I literally could not think of anything else for weeks on end, such was the effect it had on me. In short, "Titanic" awakened my interest in cinema.
The film is presented as a love story between Jack (DiCaprio) and Rose (Winslet). Jack is a poor, steerage passenger, and his character represents the least likely group of people to survive the disaster. Rose is a wealthy first-class passenger, and she represents those most likely to survive the disaster. They fall in love against the odds. And although some people find their story corny, I found it incredibly touching.
The acting is excellent throughout. Kate Winslet is a revelation as the feisty heroine. And Leo DiCaprio is perfect as Jack, the winsome ray of sunshine. The real stand-out performance for me was that of Victor Garber as Thomas Andrews the shipbuilder...his final scenes are truly heartbreaking. Also worth noting is the wonderful cinematography, the beautiful, historically-accurate costumes and James Horner's fantastic soundtrack. And, of course, Celine Dion and "My Heart Will Go On".
I will admit that this is not a film for the cynical. It is not your typical noisy disaster movie...the over-riding message of "Titanic" is that self-sacrifice is noble, and that true love can conquer all, even death. I cannot describe how emotional the ending is...Rose makes a promise to Jack, and she keeps it...the ending at the top of the stairs is...gulp...I'm going to start crying now! A fine tribute to all those who died aboard the great ship on April 15, 1912. Thank you James Cameron!