Though the performances all around are very good (especially Winslet and Shannon), the film itself seems to linger in one place and on one idea--an excellent metaphor concerning the content of the film, but not always entertaining. Still, Mendes' vision and skill cannot be denied, and the visual aspects of the film are excellent as well.

The main characters are well acted and Mendes knows his character direction but the story doesn't really offer anything new.

I'm not utterly convinced everyone was on the same page of what they were trying to do with this film. Mendes seems to be making a "tragic romance" and stark character study, Winslet is overacting like she's doing a melodramatic throwback picture, all the while, the source material suggests something much denser than the finished product that is content with skimming on the surface of thematic complexity.

Kate and Leo are great as the Conn. couple with alot on their minds. Thumbs up.

Mendes pulls upon his skills from the stage, constructing several scenes with the intricate formality of a play. Often, that would lead to a film that's hopelessly stiff. In this instance, it's a measure of how thoroughly Mendes is exploring his central theme of the roles individuals take on as they toil through the challenges of daily existence. DiCaprio and Winslet are both sensational. She particularly captures the quivering intensity of a person lost in her own pain.

massive fail

It's uncomfortable. Tons of tension throughout, and great performances from everyone.

Mendes' 2nd foray into suburban nightmare(is the city really going 2 help?). Ironically, despite the complaints about a need 2 FEEL life, the couple feels everything a 100-fold w/ every fight (& there's plenty) exploding into over-the-top hysterics. Perhaps it's the dialogue or incessant hand-wringing, but film feels like a play w/ the 2leads PROJECTING 2 be heard in the last row. Neighbor's loony-bin son provides some welcome dressing-down, even though here 2 the character exchanges r 2 staged.

Decent, nothing special. I hate when a film is so obviously gunning for Oscars. When it all comes down to it, this film is about a bunch of unlikable people and when they fail it doesn't matter. Leo should've smacked her one. And I would be lying if I didn't laugh at the climax.

What are the obstacles of everyday life, and why is it so difficult to be happy? Seeking happiness and self realization. All that is in us, but instead of following our hearts, we´re trapped in our self-built cages and fighting against windmills for years and years. I felt a bit confirmed by Sam Mendes Movie.Very recommonendable.

Lacking in 50s reality. DiCaprio and Winslet are in top form here, everyone else is meh. Direction and script is lacking though.

Kate Winselt delivers another great performance. I would have preferred her getting the Oscar for "The Reader" as opposed to this. I felt her performance was much stronger in it. Its probably not the best but its a good movie. Its engaging in its own way. The cinematography is just amazing and worth watching.

Husband has big job opportunity, wife has a nervous breakdown. Set in the 50's. It's boring subject-matter. Cannot find one reason to recommend this flick to anyone.

The breakfast scene was incredible though.

a bit 'constructed', great acting, but I also thought that Winslet/DiCaprio didn't work too well together, their shared scenes just felt a bit contrived to me. Nevertheless: I ADORED the scenes towards the ending, starting with the breakfast, breathtaking! and great music indeed.

Winslet and Dicaprio shine with radiance. Two real life lovers find themselves torn apart by life and different wishes. As dramatic as they come, as real as they get. Emotionally driven, the story was a refelction of how much two people can hurt each other before they realize enough is enough. The best film of 2008, the oscars missed out on 2 solid performances.

Not bad.

A rather accurate reflection of the american family. With passion rather than pills. Thought the end was a bit long.

Everything in this movie looks beautiful (it's strong suit), even as the central characters suffer because they feel trapped by life. This would have been a far more interesting movie had they actually moved to Paris and had them discover they weren't satisfied there either. Then maybe these characters might spend a moment in introspection, realizing that their current existence is not someone else's fault but their own. That the film celebrates Winslet's final choice only adds to the delusion