gferrier

I watched this film not knowing quite what to expect other than something that would be different from the usual round of big budget Hollywood pics (and well done UGC Edinburgh for even screening it!). Despite the slow pace of the film I found myself entranced by it, watching the development of the relationship between the two main protagonists. The director was unafraid to let this happen slowly and gently: others might have rushed this and would have produced a lesser film if they had. Terrifically entertaining, moving and optimistic about the power of the human spirit despite the sad ending.

Having read some of the posts on this site before watching this film I find myself sympathising with those people who said they didn't like it first time up but liked it much better on second viewing. I was disappointed overall given the pre-match hype and the very high overall rating that the film was given. Yet it's hard to put my finger on what I didn't like other than it just seemed to disappoint. Oh well...

Despite the rather scathing comments by some critics (you know who you are, Guardian and Observer!) I thought Tom Cruise played rather well in this film, where the scale of the storyline might well have overwhelmed him. The tearful end couldn't really be avoided I guess although a little less schmaltz might have worked better. But a great all round film and one that didn't feel like its length.