The film is based on the book by Mark Helprin. Knowing this now, could prove to be problematic. Some reviews have said the film doesn't do the book justice. I hope to read it soon, and then add more to this post.
The film takes place in New York in the early 1900's. Peter Lake (Colin Farrell) is a thief working to escape his "boss" Pearly Soames (Russell Crowe). We learn quickly that Pearly knows something about Peter Lake's destiny that we don't. For some reason, he needs to stop it. Peter comes across a white horse that seems to want to help him escape, and is led to the house of Beverly Penn. Peter meets her while attempting to burglarize the house. Peter falls in the love with her, and eventually wins over her family as well. When his destiny begins to fall into place, Beverly dies. Peter lives the next 90 years, lost his memory, and time has not aged him. Peter's memory is beginning to come back when he runs into Virginia (Jennifer Connelly) and her daughter Abby. Virginia helps Peter find and remember his past. Broken hearted, remembering his loss, he tries understand why he is still alive after all this time. He will learn, there is more to his destiny.
This is a story about love stronger than time and dimension. It's about the miracle true love is. It's a beautiful story, very original, romantic, with great depth. The script is well written and intelligent. When Peter and Beverly fall in love, you will fall in love as well.
My favorite moment in the film, was when Beverly and Peter are having tea after she caught him burglarizing her family home. With a smile she asks him, "What is the best thing you've ever stolen?" He replies, "I'm beginning to think I haven't stolen it yet."
Colin Farrell is great with the younger cast. In Saving Mr. Banks he had great chemistry with his on-screen daughter in that film. He is really great to watch when paired with kids.
There were a few surprises in the cast, aside from the surprises in the plot. Will Smith has a very interesting part, that I thought he played very well! The whole theatre erupted when he was suddenly introduced. He was perfect for the part, and I'm sure he challenged himself with this one. William Hurt plays Beverly's Father. Graham Greene plays a confidant to Peter, Matt Bomer of White Collar fame plays Peter's Father. And the great Eva Marie Saint, known best for On The Waterfront (1954) and North By Northwest (1959), plays Beverly's little sister, grown up.
Russell Crowe is the villain in this film, and plays it well. I can't tell you too much about his character because there is some magic to the world in the film. The only problem I had with his role, was the accent. He was playing Irish, but in many moments the accent was almost mumbled and I couldn't understand what he was saying. Then there was a fight in the snow towards the end of the film, and the dust was kicking up in the scene from the fake snow. In the slow-motion sequence is became painfully obvious it was fake snow. Finally, I wish the ending was more romantic. The story ends unexpectedly, and with no romance. I felt the story deflated when the plot changed. The first 3/4 is what makes the film wonderful.
The makeup and special effects were dynamite! The effects particularly enhanced the cinematography of the film. The landscapes were beautiful, the snow around the early 20th century architecture was majestic and mysterious. The performances were perfect, and at moments heartbreakingly honest. It becomes apparent that the director wants you to feel the depth of emotion and passion the characters feel. Bring tissues.
Overall, a brilliant film. The story is about believing in miracles and having hope. It is a timeless love story. A great contrast to the film Valentine's Day (2010).
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