This film is a visually sweeping experience, with incredible set design, a grand scale, and an epic feel. Unfortunately, the film is also meandering, never truly feeling like it earns its 3 hour plus runtime. I found the film to be more melodramatic than actually romantic, and the characterizations too simplistic. The film is simply more interested in its historical context and its huge grand set pieces than its main characters. I never felt compelled by the actions these characters took, and the ending, which should’ve been an emotionally wrenching sucker punch, just kind of fizzles out. Like I said, it’s hard to dislike this film, and given there are fantastic sequences in here, and how insanely popular this film was back in the day, it’s impossible to recommend skipping this film. It’s worth checking out once, but the film simply isn’t compelling enough to warrant more than a singular viewing.
Rating: 3/5
Succinct Film Reviews 