Not just another biopic - a must see performance and movie

Rating: 9/10 (16 November 2005)

I was lucky enough to win a pair of tickets for the premiere of Walk The Line in New York. I wanted to see the movie so badly because after all it's starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon - for me, reason enough! Before I watched the movie, I didn't know anything about Johnny Cash, June Carter or their lives. In fact, I am not even particularly interested in Country music, to say it mildly.
I am however always interested in movies that are depicting somebody's real live and especially in movies with music, any kind of music. And music you get in Walk The Line - a lot! The movie's plot is kept simple and James Mangold focuses on the early years of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) and June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). The movie ends - and that's hopefully no spoiler - with an upbeat! After 135 minutes of fine entertainment you'll be leaving the theater in a good mood because the tone of the movie - despite all the conflicts and problems - is set quite romantic. The chemistry between the two main characters is totally believable.
The couple shows you the meaning of the word "soul mate"! And then there's the singing! Mr.Phoenix learned to play guitar and got into Johnny Cash's style. He even gets his voice sounding like the legend's voice. And Ms. Witherspoon? She is no less stellar as June Carter. Both do a very fine job and all the talk about Oscar noms is more than justified.
I really enjoyed the movie and will watch it again once it opens on Friday. - And on a private note: the cast of the movie I met at the black carpet premiere was all very charming. Thank you guys! 9 out of 10 points.