ryuakamrvengeance One of the true gems of cinema and a must see for all fans of world cinema. Mathew McFadyen is absolutely terrific as "Paul", and displays a real talent and understanding of the character. Newcomer Emily Barclay is also brilliant, playing the naiive, but refreshing "Celia".It is one of those films that keeps you guessing all the way through, and will give a handful of twists at the end for you to revere and reminisce on as you look back on the fantastic 120 minutes we have just witnessed.There is some excellent directing on show from Brad McGann and shows off the beautiful New Zealand landscape, without covering it head to toe in Orcs. He plays with the narrative to create a compelling, engrossing story, that never looks tired weak or pretentious, and shows that thrillers don't all have to be hi-tech Clancy-like over ambitious renditions of the same tired clichés.Miranda Otto seems strangely misplaced in this film, and never seems totally in control of her character, but despite that this film is near flawless and shows a different side to film making, one that comes directly from true film lovers and not penned down by some Hollywood writing monkeys.A must see for all film lovers, whether or not you are appreciative of world cinema, a brilliant lesson to all aspiring filmmakers, that sometimes a great story is all you need.

c-smith3430 Brad macCann done a superb job on this movie. It is a beautiful and thought provoking movie. I congratulate Brad on his choice for the role of 'Paul Prior' Matthew macfadyen is superb in this movie. He sizzles on screen. What a great actor he is. The young Celia was very good too. Loved the music in the movie also and it was good the story was told in flashbacks. I loved the scene's between Paul and Celia. They were superb. Loved the scene when Paul is lying on the bed playing with the net curtains. The scene in the den where Celia tells Paul her dream was so moving and when Celia confronts Paul about the photo. Matthew was superb in that scene. His looks said it all. I could go on and on. Congrats again to Brad.

byatt_lover A flawless film about family dynamics: how one's childhood shapes the person he becomes. Paul Prior, played brilliantly by Matthew Macfadyen, returns home for his father's funeral after Paul had been away for years. Paul had left to escape a memory he could not handle, and attempts to leave it all in the past. Yet certain events unfold and he must relive the past, which is displayed in flashbacks that break up the narration of the present: an effect that only reminds the viewer that no one can ever escape the past, we all carry it with us. The setting of a small New Zealand home sets the atmosphere of isolation. There is also the imagery of the birds, the ostrich being a bird that cannot fly away, and the free birds that only fly when someone has died. Death seems to be the only way someone can escape.A wonderful film that needs more attention. The action is at times slow, but it builds and builds, and leaves you in shock. Paul's last line at the end are utterly tragic.

ChasingTheDragon I watched this movie 5 days ago and I still can't get it out my mind. I have recommended it to everyone I think would appreciate it. That being said, it is not for people who only appreciate Hollywood action blockbusters.It is a family drama about betrayals and secrets but nothing is over done or overly dramatized. The story isn't told in chronological order but that adds to the mystery and allows for really effective character development. I felt like I was reading a book, the way you got little pieces of insight into the characters in each scene. Because you had to work to understand the characters it felt like who they are and what happened to them really mattered. Do not fear however, everything makes sense by the end.The events develop slowly and believably in a small New Zealand town. The setting really contributes to the film's beauty and the photography is amazing. I believe it is done by the same man who did the photography for "once were warriors" "The Piano" and "Whale Rider". The soundtrack was also perfect, with a mix of haunting original scores and rock classics from the likes of Patti Smith.The acting was wonderful, not just from Matthew Macfadyen and Emily Barclay but also the supporting cast. The interactions between characters were truly genuine. I don't know what else to say except I really really loved this movie and hope that it will be made available in more places so that more people can see it. It stands out from everything that is popular in this day and age, all the sequels and remakes that are completely devoid of originality.