During most of this long film I was looking forward to when it finished. I found most of the characters unappealing in various ways, and especially the ruthlessly ambitious central character. I also had issues with the very loose timeline, years skipped at various points.
This made it hard to see much sense in the plot or character development.
Later on, I took a somewhat different view. Without risking spoilers, it began to make more sense. So, in the end I was persuaded to give it 6 which may be a little generous.
By the end I was left feeling that this was really an opportunity missed. I wonder if anyone had considered turning it into a series rather than a film. It would have needed a lot more writing of course, but I think it might have ended up being a much more convincing story.
I noticed a similar comment in the excellent review by drober1980 in 2019.
So overall, I can't give this any more than a weak recommendation, but I am pleased I didn't abandon it.
This made it hard to see much sense in the plot or character development.
Later on, I took a somewhat different view. Without risking spoilers, it began to make more sense. So, in the end I was persuaded to give it 6 which may be a little generous.
By the end I was left feeling that this was really an opportunity missed. I wonder if anyone had considered turning it into a series rather than a film. It would have needed a lot more writing of course, but I think it might have ended up being a much more convincing story.
I noticed a similar comment in the excellent review by drober1980 in 2019.
So overall, I can't give this any more than a weak recommendation, but I am pleased I didn't abandon it.