I generally like Kevin Costner movies, but had only moderate expectations for this one. But after seeing it, I think it is one of the best "love stories" I have seen. The pace of the movie, and the dialog, are not rushed, some may even say leisurely. But that is a welcome change from many of today's fast action, cut-to-the-chase movies which neglect character development.
This movie developed characters. I found myself really caring for all of them. The dialog between Costner's and Newman's characters, son and father, is very natural and believable. The meeting and getting to know one another by Penn's and Costner's characters is also very natural and believable.
This movie could have taken the easy way out, with a neatly tied together ending, everyone living happily ever after. Instead it takes an unexpected turn but "love" is still the driving force, a strong message about love, relationships, and living each day for what it is worth.
Finally, the scenery and photography are wonderful. Definitely one of the better "modern" movies I have seen.
SPOILERS: He finishes his boat, named for his deceased wife, but encounters a family having difficulty on their boat during a big storm. He rescues the dad and small daughter but both he and the wife perish when he has to dive in to try to save her.
Update 2008: I saw it again after over 8 years, and my opinion has remained the same. A somewhat underrated movie.
Update 2017: I watched it again after 9 more years and found it rather fresh.
This movie developed characters. I found myself really caring for all of them. The dialog between Costner's and Newman's characters, son and father, is very natural and believable. The meeting and getting to know one another by Penn's and Costner's characters is also very natural and believable.
This movie could have taken the easy way out, with a neatly tied together ending, everyone living happily ever after. Instead it takes an unexpected turn but "love" is still the driving force, a strong message about love, relationships, and living each day for what it is worth.
Finally, the scenery and photography are wonderful. Definitely one of the better "modern" movies I have seen.
SPOILERS: He finishes his boat, named for his deceased wife, but encounters a family having difficulty on their boat during a big storm. He rescues the dad and small daughter but both he and the wife perish when he has to dive in to try to save her.
Update 2008: I saw it again after over 8 years, and my opinion has remained the same. A somewhat underrated movie.
Update 2017: I watched it again after 9 more years and found it rather fresh.