Haven't read this or any other book from Coelho, but I'm aware he's quite a bestseller.
To speak the truth, I'm not a huge fan of the general story. There are so many movies these days where people seemingly living a perfect life, figure out that the life they are living is somehow disappointing after all, be it for whatever reason. In this movie Veronika goes to extremes with the subject and decides to die. This is of course a completely different scenario compared to most movies where the characters just go bonkers otherwise. Suicide should never be an option.
From the very beginning, you will feel the depression. The whole movie is quite drowsy, like being under sedative medication. The mood is something derived from Lost in Translation and Virgin Suicides with a dream like quality.
The mood is the strongest part in the movie, cinematography, acting and music are all top notch. The story also is OK, but the script fails here and there. For example I had a bit of trouble figuring out the relationship between Veronika and Edward, what was the attraction other than they were both pretty handsome and attractive?
The other supporting roles also fall a bit short, even tho the actors are doing a good job. I would've liked to see more of Melissa Leo's and David Thewlis' characters development. Veronikas roommate is also left in the shadows, even tho she's introduced in a longish scene.
I'd say this movie felt more realistic than many other "mental hospital movies". It's the distant, lonely and depressing mood that lingers all the way that makes you feel more than the story tells.
Possible spoilers ahead:
What makes this movie interesting is the ending. Even tho it's quite upbeat and ends on a positive note, I kept feeling the same loneliness all the way until the credits. It could've turned into a really sweet and tacky by the end, but was handled with good subtlety.
Could've been a true winner is now a bit shallow due to a somewhat lackluster script.
To speak the truth, I'm not a huge fan of the general story. There are so many movies these days where people seemingly living a perfect life, figure out that the life they are living is somehow disappointing after all, be it for whatever reason. In this movie Veronika goes to extremes with the subject and decides to die. This is of course a completely different scenario compared to most movies where the characters just go bonkers otherwise. Suicide should never be an option.
From the very beginning, you will feel the depression. The whole movie is quite drowsy, like being under sedative medication. The mood is something derived from Lost in Translation and Virgin Suicides with a dream like quality.
The mood is the strongest part in the movie, cinematography, acting and music are all top notch. The story also is OK, but the script fails here and there. For example I had a bit of trouble figuring out the relationship between Veronika and Edward, what was the attraction other than they were both pretty handsome and attractive?
The other supporting roles also fall a bit short, even tho the actors are doing a good job. I would've liked to see more of Melissa Leo's and David Thewlis' characters development. Veronikas roommate is also left in the shadows, even tho she's introduced in a longish scene.
I'd say this movie felt more realistic than many other "mental hospital movies". It's the distant, lonely and depressing mood that lingers all the way that makes you feel more than the story tells.
Possible spoilers ahead:
What makes this movie interesting is the ending. Even tho it's quite upbeat and ends on a positive note, I kept feeling the same loneliness all the way until the credits. It could've turned into a really sweet and tacky by the end, but was handled with good subtlety.
Could've been a true winner is now a bit shallow due to a somewhat lackluster script.