The one concession to melodrama that bothers is in Tristan's practicing of Indian ritual, often in unlikely places like a battlefield in France. While his is the character of greatest interest, the most demanding role is probably Aidan Quinn's. Anthony Hopkins gets second billing, but has a distinctly secondary role. An actor of less stature would probably not gotten second billing for this role as written. It is unusual to see film makers taking a risk on this type of film any more, but this one deserves to pay off.
Most people are other people.