Review of The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005) by Rob C — 22 Feb 2010

I applaud the actors for putting on amazing performances, especially Camilla Belle and Daniel Day-Lewis. Belle seems to have that unconventional side to her acting. It's disalarming, but it works out right for her.

This film has to be watched with an open mind and it's obvious it will get mixed reviews. Some say it's controversial, but there's nothing here to make it seem so. Maybe the only part in the film where it may seem unorthodox is the kiss Belle gives to Day-Lewis, something she initiated; which he pushed away from.

It's a story about a daughter shielded away from the outside world with the only company being her father, until he brings home a woman and her two sons to live with them. The jealousy that comes forth has Belle's character trying to kill the woman, in a not too subtle way.

She also tries to find "comfort" from the boys and even a close friend of her father's. Most of the scenes were predictable, but they captured the love of a daughter for her father until his death.

A death that needed to happen to set her free from her obsession. The Ballad of Jack and Rose is a must-see film.