Limbo (1999) Reviews
- Starring:
- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, David Strathairn, (more)
- Director(s):
- John Sayles
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- R
- Category:
- Independent Films, Drama
Member Rating
My RatingAverage Ratings
Member Reviews
- 1
- |
- 2
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful The film is nicely crafted with atmospheric weather and lighting. Headed by three Oscar worthy actors, you really wanted to root for all three. Stranded on the island one hopes that they somehow ... Read More The film is nicely crafted with atmospheric weather and lighting. Headed by three Oscar worthy actors, you really wanted to root for all three. Stranded on the island one hopes that they somehow survive. The revelation of the diary is really interesting and revealing as to their destiny. However, it just seemd to run out of speed. They are left standing on the shore of the island with only the sound of a plane. Did they survive or didn't they. To ambiguous for me. My husband would have thrown something at the set if he had seen it. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful I, too, was shocked for a moment at the ending, or rather, lack thereof, but upon further review, and learning the secret of the diary, it makes perfect sense. Well cast, great music and scenery, ... Read More I, too, was shocked for a moment at the ending, or rather, lack thereof, but upon further review, and learning the secret of the diary, it makes perfect sense. Well cast, great music and scenery, excellent character development. Not for everyone. Stirs deep emotion and thought. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful I admire the reviews below and agree with bits and pieces of each. First instinct on the ending is "what the hell". 2nd instinct is to seek out the director's commentary and pick his brain. He ... Read More I admire the reviews below and agree with bits and pieces of each. First instinct on the ending is "what the hell". 2nd instinct is to seek out the director's commentary and pick his brain. He unveils that he's also left room for a "Limbo 2" - OK, I'll buy that but also that with risk there's always uncertainty and that's what you are left with "uncertainty'. Excellent character studies, cinematography, adventure..the whole shooting match. I will state, though you never see close up of the men who killed Joe's brother, from afar one does look like Kris K if you look close enough. I don't buy the story he was paid to look for the stranded but rather he knew they were there the whole time..think about it, makes sense. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful Poor Joe Gastineau loves the sea, but alas the sea does not love him. You can't help but root for him, and his troubled girlfriend, a talented lounge singer with a sad history of shacking up with ... Read More Poor Joe Gastineau loves the sea, but alas the sea does not love him. You can't help but root for him, and his troubled girlfriend, a talented lounge singer with a sad history of shacking up with losers (musicians). They make a happy couple - until they get on the boat. Overall good performances by the acting leads. Worth a rent. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful I was terribly disappointed in this movie. It was fairly interesting at times and had some good character development, but after 2 hours of waiting for something to happen, the movie just ends on an ... Read More I was terribly disappointed in this movie. It was fairly interesting at times and had some good character development, but after 2 hours of waiting for something to happen, the movie just ends on an unfinished note... leaving the viewer in "Limbo"! I was a bit upset that there was no point to everything that was built up by the story. The directors commentary basically said that to give it an ending would have ruined the story and that everyone is essentially on the brink of decisions and risk taking and it is for the viewer to formulate their own ending... that is a cop-out for bad story telling in my opinion. If I had known there was no resolution, I wouldn't have wasted 2 hours watching it. I think I could make up better stories in my head about people I see on the bus or at the mall. Don't waste your time with this one. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful While the screenplay is reasonably sophisticated, it can't hide the fact that there is nothing much to the story. This is one of those movies where the writer has a single idea, and you have to ... Read More While the screenplay is reasonably sophisticated, it can't hide the fact that there is nothing much to the story. This is one of those movies where the writer has a single idea, and you have to suffer through 2 hours while he toys with it.
The daughter's fake reading of the diary is particularly stupid. The writer is obviously trying to show his talents with a story within a story. However, like everything else about this movie, it is transparent and falls flat.
"Limbo" is an appropriate description--of the movie, that is.
Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
- 1
- |
- 2
Other Ways to Watch*
* Not all titles are available for download to rent or buy.
