I was getting really irritated with this film about 3/4 of the way through because it seemed to be heading in a very stereotypical and predictable direction, but then it shifted and ended in a way that I found surprising in the best sense of that word - I was glad that it was not what I expected and I was glad that it surprised me. It IS slow, but not in a bad way - it's very beautiful and contemplative and some movies deserve a slower pace. I don't think that Michael Pitt was perfectly cast, and although I think he's quite talented, I think another actor might have given the character more gravitas and substance. But he doesn't ruin the film. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but if you don't mind a slower paced film and you like historical movies, it's very much worth seeing.
