| It started out rather "meh"...then it got really good...and then it just got pathetic. In extra half hour of interaction between the two leads would have actually made the love story work. By the end, there was absolutely no believeability or logic behind their love, and it brought the film down. I wasn't truly invovled with any of the characters emotionally. I didn't care when any character died. But on the flipside, I really did like the fact that this wasn't a forumulaic, run-of-the-mill Civil War story. I also liked that it focused in on individual characters. And I liked the flashback structuring and how the film progressed in an "adventure, next adventure, next adventure" kinda way. I also really, really, really enjoyed the performances, especially those from Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Rene Zellweger, who both participate in a really ecclectic ensemble cast full of interesting (yet emotionally boring) characters. I also think the movie successfully shows the depressing, harsh reality of what the Civil War must have been like, including, not only the screenplay, but also the epic feel of the sets, costumes, and photography. A true feeling of love and this would have been one heckuva flick. But I guess I can reccomend it for what it's worth. My Rating: 7/10 |