Reviews

*Possible spoilers*

I went to a preview screening last night of this. I have always been meaning to read the book, but never got around to it, I do al lot of walking so the subject interests me. This is very well made and a lesson in how to make a good film of this type. I am now interested in seeing 'one day in September' another film made by the same people. If this was fiction it would be a good film, but the as its based on a true story it makes it very moving and involving. The film raises a number of questions about climbing and the risks people are prepared to take to climb what are basically big lumps of rock. The two men involved in this were both committed and ambitious climbers who took many risks in order to climb the mountain in the film, knowing full well that a mistake could cost them their lives. A simple mistake almost did. More often than not what happened would have meant that one of them died if not both. The story of both men is inspiring and what Joe Simpson did is a staggering human achievement. It is a lesson to us all in what we are capable of. I won't say anymore about what happens other than you come away (I did) moved by it all and I left feeling that I admire people even more so that are prepared to take those risks and achieve what in many ways only benefits themselves yet is able to inspire many others to do other great things.

Excellent and a somewhat unique film to be shown on the big screen. Go and see it.

*Some minor spoilers*

I enjoyed this but found a few areas of the story lacked. It all happened very quickly at first and then I found it dragged for a while before picking up towards the end. I was surprised at how quickly Amsterdam became close to the Butcher, it didn't seem convincing that he could do it so quickly. There were other areas but overall it does not spoil the story. Lewis gives a great performance and I found myself sympathising with both of the main characters, even though Lewis plays a ruthless gang leader, De-caprio gives a solid performance. I felt that De-Caprio's character was slightly let down by a script that seemed to give Lewis to strong a role relative to De-Caprio, the balance didn't seem quite right, not sure on that one. Diaz is good to, this is a long way from Charlie's Angels and The Mask. The action scenes were well done, very much in the way that many newer war films are done with plenty of 'realism' (i.e gore). The music is excellent during the battle scenes but outside of these scenes the music is hardly used or no where nearly as good. The settings and sets are superb and credit must go to those who created them as they look stunning.

I often look back on a film and if I can remember the majority of what happened it usually means it was a favourite but with this I don't think its up their with the best, it is not far behind. You just find yourself thinking a little bit more and it could have been one of his best, up there with Taxi Driver e.t.c..Maybe its to long and he tried to hard. All in I give it 8/10, worth the trip, but might not be for everyone.