Diagonaldi Very well executed

SmugKitZine Tied for the best movie I have ever seen

Freaktana A Major Disappointment

Sienna-Rose Mclaughlin The movie really just wants to entertain people.

julianxbishop Intelligently written piece that combines sub-genres of Coming of Age and inter-racial films.The plot is fairly straightforward and the message of the film is not deep. Nevertheless, it is an original film which is simply and cheaply made.The first strength of the film lies in the exquisite performances from great cast of the then unknown actors, 3 of whom have gone on to great performances in many other films (Taylor, Newton and Kidman).Secondly (assuming you are over 14 years old), the audience will have a strong feeling of resonation with the subject matter (growing up, alienation the school "norm", being allowed to behave differently etc). The fact that the film is by a British director about an Australian boarding school probably means that the film has a wider appeal to all anglo-saxon nations.Finally, the humour is understated but engaging.I loved this film on release. It has not lost any of its charm since, though you are slightly distracted by seeing well-known actors in their youth.

nykvistlinda I really liked this movie. It's a story that takes young people, first love, sex and being different seriously, without getting pretentious. Quite funny sometimes too. I was very impressed by the cast, the acting was really good at all times. Especially the two main characters, who I've never seen before, impressed. Nicole Kidman did well as usual. Since spending a great year in Australia I always try to watch any Australian movie I find, and I've been nicely surprised with how many good movies come from there. Often quite low key, but with real feeling. Sit down and watch this movie, it's definitely worth the time!

David198 Those who've watched The Wonder Years will recognise the style of storytelling here. The main character is also the narrator, there's an ongoing reference to world events, there are adolescents growing into maturity, and there are some wonderfully rounded and recognisable individuals.Both main characters experience discrimination, including in Thandie Newton's case, racial discrimination both overt and implied - e.g. an Australian lad says to her "Your English is very good", to which she responds "So is yours"!On the surface it's just a coming-of-age school story, but the film continually rises above this to greater heights of poignancy and subtlety.Nicole Kidman is brilliant in the difficult role of the head of school who apparently has it all until, in one of the most moving moments of the film, her true self is revealed.

lovedaisy21 I liked this movie a lot. I do not think that it is just for teens. The acting is very good. Noah Taylor does a very good job in this movie. He is a very good under rated actor. Thandie Newton is also very good in her role. Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts are good also.