There's a ledge of skin just under the eye. It's just the right size to hold exactly one tear. But that silky water is not a tear until it drops. Benjamin Button put a not-yet-tear on the ledge of my eye and held it there for at least half its hefty duration.

What a sweet film. Though advertised as a freak of nature story, or a love story, or quite likely a surreal drama; Button is at its best reminding us the beauty, miracle, and impermanence of real life. It's a bit of a visual poem on the life/death cycle as well as an artistic look at aging and the unpredictability of the future: "You never know what life will throw at you."

Absolutely beautiful cinematography, grand editing and strong acting. I have no problems with this film, save for two. The chemistry in the picture's central love story isn't quite sold and the film slows as those two lovers "meet each other in the middle." These blemishes prevent the film from achieving the resounding A+ it certainly seemed on track to obtain. But there is so much beauty here, I'm still keeping it in the A range.

Lastly, be prepared, this is a long film, almost three hours. I suggest seeing it just after lunch.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator/Speaker Ross Anthony --