Boy, did my opinion change on this after the second viewing. On the first, I found it utterly fascinating and a pleasant surprise. I rated it a '9." On the second, I got so annoyed at two of the characters I lost interest in ever seeing this film again and lowered it to a "6."
So, with that in mind, my recommendation would be to definitely see the film but don't buy it. In other words, rent it.
It's hard to review this movie without spoiling it, so all I will say is the ending is a shocker. Overall, the film is anything but uplifting as very flawed characters make poor choice after poor choice and their lives spiral downwards. It can get more than a little uncomfortable to watch.
However, in the "good news" department, the story will keep you riveting all the way; the ending is one you'll never forget and the camera-work in here is exquisite. One of the best cinematographers in the business, Roger Deakins, shot this film and he did his normal superb job.
Ben Kingsley is an actor who seems to be playing more and more intense roles (Sexy Beast, Suspect Zero, etc.) and he excels at it. Iranian Shohreh Aghdashloo plays his wife in here and she is outstanding, in a very understated and perhaps unappreciated performance. The two people that really bothered me, which also means they did a fine acting job, were the characters played by Jennifer Connelly and Ron Eldard.
This is one intense movie and I will provide this public service message to you: if you are on depression medicine, stay away from this film!
So, with that in mind, my recommendation would be to definitely see the film but don't buy it. In other words, rent it.
It's hard to review this movie without spoiling it, so all I will say is the ending is a shocker. Overall, the film is anything but uplifting as very flawed characters make poor choice after poor choice and their lives spiral downwards. It can get more than a little uncomfortable to watch.
However, in the "good news" department, the story will keep you riveting all the way; the ending is one you'll never forget and the camera-work in here is exquisite. One of the best cinematographers in the business, Roger Deakins, shot this film and he did his normal superb job.
Ben Kingsley is an actor who seems to be playing more and more intense roles (Sexy Beast, Suspect Zero, etc.) and he excels at it. Iranian Shohreh Aghdashloo plays his wife in here and she is outstanding, in a very understated and perhaps unappreciated performance. The two people that really bothered me, which also means they did a fine acting job, were the characters played by Jennifer Connelly and Ron Eldard.
This is one intense movie and I will provide this public service message to you: if you are on depression medicine, stay away from this film!