Review of Birth (2004) by Nick T — 22 Oct 2007
A great deal of pre-release controversy courted Jonathan Glazer's second feature film (after the superb Sexy Beast) with many critics focusing their attention on one specific scene in the film. The scene in question sees Nicole Kidman sharing a bath with a young 10 year old boy (Cameron Bright) who she believes may well be the reincarnation of her long deceased husband.
A shame then, as the film itself turned out to be an intelligent, thought-provoking piece that was fantastically well directed by Grazer and featured a superb performance by Nicole Kidman (a performance that added further proof to the fact that Kidman is one of the most talented actresses working in Holltwood today) At times very reminiscent of the films of Kubrick, especially in the wonderfully evocative opening snow-covered scene, 'Birth' is a film that suprised me in it's poignancy and emotion.
As young Sean, Cameron Bright puts in an assured, mature performance of considerable power. No small feat when he's surrounded by such respected names as Kidman, Danny Huston and Lauren Bacall. It's such a shame, therfore, that the film recieved such a lukewarm reception as it turns out to be a thought-provoking, skewed, fairytale like romance from a talented director.
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This review of Birth (2004) was written by Nick T on 22 Oct 2007.
Birth has generally received mixed reviews.
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