Review of Breaking and Entering (2006) by John W — 25 Aug 2008

This holds one's attention most of the way through but it loses focus toward the end. The film's weakness is its central relationship - the one between Law's character and that of Wright Penn.

It was Minghella's intent to portray a sterile marriage and he succeeds. Regrettably though there is also little indication that there is anything about the relationship that is worth saving. This robs the film of the desired drama.

Whilst Wright Penn and Binoche are both physically attractive, its hard to see why any man would choose the interminably dull Wright Penn character over the earthy and vital one played by Binoche. And that is where the film falls apart.

There are also some signs of inattention here - so unlike Minghella. Ray Winstone's talent is wasted on a stock character and trite dialogue. The final court scenes seem rushed. In the end, the film fails to maintain its earlier promise and the last 30 minutes are very weak indeed.