Never Let Me Go (12A)

Timeout review is pretty much on the ball. Andrew Garfield gives the standout performance but the film is let down by an illogical plot and patchy characterisation. The soupy soundtrack suggests that we're meant to find it all deeply moving but I felt detatched most of the way through. One you can postpone to watch until it comes out on DVD

Does not try to conceal the scince fiction element, and is a beautiful film

l cannot believe this was made into a film.The book is utter tripe.

I thought the film did a really good rendition of the novel, though it was more bleak than sinister (I found the book very sinister - almost creepy). I agree that the child actors stole the show - they were amazing - but liked the adults' performances, too, particularly Andrew Garfield - very moving.

Wow! Couldnt disagree more with this review. I agree that they aren't marketing it as sci-fi but the film knew what it was, if the dialogue wasn't pushing the love triangle it was teasing out small clues as to the nature of this alternate reality. It was supposed to be a mystery that you uncovered over the course of the film right? Btw, well done for not spoiling it... then mentioning another film which used the exact same twist. This film was beautiful, poingant and incrediaby well crafted. I cant believe its not getting the love it deserves

I have to agree with this review. Something is missing in this film. In fact the 1st 30mins, the 3 main cast are in their early teens and played by child actors and I have to say, this was the most interesting part of the film. The rest was done in such a typical 'English' way. None of the characters had any backbone. It becomes increasingly irritating watching these 3 characters accept their fate and literally do nothing about it. No fight, no rebelling, just complete acceptance. Which I feel is just not true to life, even for us monotone apologetic English folk! This is not a film to be watched more than once.

For what it's worth, I'd like to say that I couldn't disagree more with this review. I adore Ishiguro's novel, so it was with a considerable sense of relief - and a fair amount of surprise - that I found myself thoroughly impressed by Mark Romanek's vision of Never Let Me Go. Adhering to the same structure as the source material, the movie looks through the eyes and memories of Kathy H (played with heart-breaking restraint by Carey Mulligan) to follow the lives of three children as they grow up and learn that the world has a very specific, frightening fate in store for them. The writing and visual style are evidence of a sincere, intelligent (and largely successful) attempt to tell a story that confronts uncomfortable psychological truths. The performances are first-rate (for once, even Keira Knightley's canine-baring leer is well used), Rachel Portman's music memorably underscores the bleakness and Adam Kimmel's photography adds a suitable touch of other-worldliness to proceedings. Just ignore the final voiceover's redundant and explicit spelling out of one of the central themes.

This is the least laugh-a-minute film on current release. A friend tried to read the book and left it unfinished, though never explained why. Now I understand. The general idea behind the storyline is perhaps a little far-fetched for the era when it was set but, then again, so was 1984 when it was written. Storyline aside, the script is good. Loathe as I am to admit it, Keira Knightley is very good. Carey Mulligan and Andrew Garfield absolutely shine. I’m not convinced this film will win any major awards, something doesn’t seem to gel. I wasn’t overly struck by the photography, and given the potential of some of the bleak settings this was a bit of a let down. Also, the characterisation of the characters when young wasn’t great. Perhaps it’s all a little far-fetched. But for its preview evening last night, screen 4 of Cineworld Chelsea was fairly full. A three star movie.

Its a shame, Science Fiction is such a broad church of meanings and ideas. and the preserve of off road artists and visionarys. some simply dont belong in any other genre and proudly so. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind is a Sci fi film-. and all the more for it. I am an inverted Snob, put JG Ballard back in Sci fi with the other scruffs! : ) ..but, am off to see the film...

Far too simplistic, weak characters and a bit of a bore really.