I didn't bother to read what the movie was really about. And I know nothing about the novel. I had heard this title somewhere and assumed this would be something really good, so it was a shock to realize it would mainly be a hostage movie.
Still, the soldiers weren't all that evil, and the ones we got to know weren't bad people at all. Except for the leader, who seemed to be more reasonable as time passed.
I wasn't expecting comedy, but somehow this movie had some funny situations.
I've heard many good things about Julianne Moore and even seen some of her work. To me this movie was no exception. Though she's being held hostage, Roxane remains strong and positive and even delivers a few funny lines. I don't know enough about opera (or even like it) enough to criticize, though I saw some on imdb did, but I thought she did a great job pretending to sing. There was no way she was really doing that magnificent singing. No, that was Renee Fleming.
Sebastian Koch as the negotiator impressed but his character wasn't all that enthusiastic. He wondered why this was his job.
Ryo Kase did a great job as the translator who was much more.
Ken Watanabe was also good as the Japanese businessman.
There were plenty of other good acting performances, and it was nice to watch as over time the soldiers became friendly with those they held prisoner. Getting to know these people as individuals made the ending that much more horrible.
I won't say it was great, but it's worthwhile.
Still, the soldiers weren't all that evil, and the ones we got to know weren't bad people at all. Except for the leader, who seemed to be more reasonable as time passed.
I wasn't expecting comedy, but somehow this movie had some funny situations.
I've heard many good things about Julianne Moore and even seen some of her work. To me this movie was no exception. Though she's being held hostage, Roxane remains strong and positive and even delivers a few funny lines. I don't know enough about opera (or even like it) enough to criticize, though I saw some on imdb did, but I thought she did a great job pretending to sing. There was no way she was really doing that magnificent singing. No, that was Renee Fleming.
Sebastian Koch as the negotiator impressed but his character wasn't all that enthusiastic. He wondered why this was his job.
Ryo Kase did a great job as the translator who was much more.
Ken Watanabe was also good as the Japanese businessman.
There were plenty of other good acting performances, and it was nice to watch as over time the soldiers became friendly with those they held prisoner. Getting to know these people as individuals made the ending that much more horrible.
I won't say it was great, but it's worthwhile.