Redundant and unnecessary.

An Exercise In Nonsense

A Brilliant Conflict

Blistering performances.

Not a bad show, if a bit long and slow, but the events leading to the conclusion are totally contradicted in the subsequent flashback ..... READ NO FURTHER IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO KNOW THE ENDING ..... Paul is the main guy. His brother, Andrew, tells Paul that he (Andrew) informed the girl of her true parentage, and that when she asked for proof, fatal consequences ensued; yet later, in the flashback, Paul openly discusses the parentage issue with the girl when he sees her for the last time, prior to her discussion with Andrew on the topic, so she knew the parentage situation and would therefore not have been shocked and demanded proof when Andrew ultimately told her the story! I reviewed this on the DVD, and I cannot see any alternative than a botched sequence of events.

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.

I recently purchased this movie from amazon.uk on a recommendation from a friend. It is an amazingly touching and well written film. I was intrigued at seeing Matthew Macfadyen in this role, being a fan of the television show Spooks, and I was not disappointed. He does an amazing job as the emotionally scarred photographer coming back home for the first time in 17 years. I was so touched by the storyline that after the movie was over I couldn't get it out of my head. I had to watch it again. I love all the interpersonal relationships, and the detail we are shown for all of them.If you can find this movie anywhere, I say rent it or buy it. It may not be an action adventure, but it will move you more than bombs and car chases ever could.

i re-watched the film last night (for the second time) and was again blown away by how powerful this film is for something so slow and quiet.it makes for a great second watching as you are able to piece all the segments together in your mind as you watch the film unfold. the title of the film (book) is in itself inspired as it this which leads you to believe that paul is celia's father.the only small point which i didn't fully understand was the scene where celia is killed. she has already been to paul's house and is fully aware that she is his sister (as we see in the closing scene before she starts off down the road) so why when andrew offers her a lift and that is he is going to tell her 'everything' does she accept? does she not know everything at this point? or is it just the will that he is going to tell her about? also - is andrew planning to kill celia when he brings her back to the house? what is his motive for bringing her back? any opinions on these points would be much appreciated.Jx