A truly "epic" picture in every sense.

Rating: Null/10 (5 June 2001)

While this picture continues to hold the record as far and away the highest grossing world film of all time (over double that of it's closest rival) and, when released, received rave reviews from over 85% of the most influential North American film critics who saw it, AND tied the record for most Oscar's ever awarded to one film, it can't seem to make the list as one of the top 250 IMDB films of all time. Something must be wrong with the rating system - not the movie. Many critics seem to concentrate their scorn on the love story between Rose and Jack while others expressed boredom with the special effects and other elements associated with the actual sinking of the ship. To them, I can only say that they must belong to the school satirized by John Candy on the old SCTV series who could only get enthusiastic about something when he got to blow it up, "real good!". No, sadly I'm afraid nobody gets blown up; but there is plenty of drama and tension as we await, not the fate of the ship, but of the passengers and of course, the lovers. Cameron has proven himself capable of balancing an intimate love story with an epic event while keeping everything in perspective. If nothing else the movie represents an incredible logistical achievement, and a special effects tour de force! I first watched it in a crowded theatre and all around me I could hear other viewers sniffling, blowing their noses and going to the washroom when the ship finally went down and the true magnitude of the human tragedy was driven home. When was the last time you were at a movie that had that type of emotional impact on an audience! A true 10 out of 10.