The film tries to be a powerful emotional drama, brightened by beautiful bluegrass music. For the most part, the film really delivers on its emotional promise. Unfortunately, some of the most emotional scenes seemed to be out of the lead actors' emotional ranges. This results in an unnatural, woody feel to some of the scenes, which is more reminiscent of a high school play than an Oscar nominee.
The support characters (with the notable exception of the bluegrass band) delivered bland and unnatural performances. Especially the medical and paramedical staff. This doesn't necessarily detract from the story, but it does make it harder to get emotionally involved with the film.
The last negative point is that the film contains several scenes that really should have been dropped on the editing room floor, but sadly weren't. GW Bush delivering his 9/11 speech on TV is a prime example. It detracts from the emotional drama that the film tries to be.
In spite of these negative points, it is a really good film. The music alone makes it worth while. Some of the cinematography is truly beautiful. And the drama, if you can get it in to, is powerful and painful.
Consider yourself blessed if you don't speak Dutch -- watching the movie with subtitles will at least cover up some of the woodier line deliveries.
The support characters (with the notable exception of the bluegrass band) delivered bland and unnatural performances. Especially the medical and paramedical staff. This doesn't necessarily detract from the story, but it does make it harder to get emotionally involved with the film.
The last negative point is that the film contains several scenes that really should have been dropped on the editing room floor, but sadly weren't. GW Bush delivering his 9/11 speech on TV is a prime example. It detracts from the emotional drama that the film tries to be.
In spite of these negative points, it is a really good film. The music alone makes it worth while. Some of the cinematography is truly beautiful. And the drama, if you can get it in to, is powerful and painful.
Consider yourself blessed if you don't speak Dutch -- watching the movie with subtitles will at least cover up some of the woodier line deliveries.