Matrixiole Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Candida It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Isbel A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

marlasingers This film was such an amazing concept; a fantastic lead role for a female actress. I have no qualms with Weaver or Moore in this film but I do with the director.This film had a lot of potential to explore what happens when a person undergoes life-altering experiences in a short period of time, whether it is due to a situation that is within or out of their control. Throughout the film, the character was on the edge of greatness, and yet it never quite happened. There were at least 4 moments in the film that were headed this way but the viewer simply ends up feeling like it was all an anti-climax.It is a shame, but perhaps a similar film will be made in the near future where the themes explored in this film actually reward both the viewer & do the characters justice.

Jen_UK I really tried so hard to like this film - but in the end I had to concede: we did not get on. It turned out to be one of the most disappointing pieces of 'drama' I've seen in a long time. The script is terribly hammy, in fact there are some truly apalling moments (the worst being Sigourney Weaver's declaration 'let's go on Oprah!' - I still can't work out if that was a joke) The acting (with one notable exception) is pretty mediocre, which is not helped by formulaic, humdrum direction and some truly shocking child actors. Why give kids who can't act dialogue? It undermines the dramatic potential of a film. As an aspiring screenwriter, I am constantly told to 'make every scene earn its place in your film' - well, there are countless here that could have been omitted. I have seen better made for TV films. The whole thing seems a terribly overlong excersise in 'how can we pull on the heartstrings of the Academy voters?' Luckily even they chose not to acknowledge it. 'A Map of the World' has, as I said, one redeeming feature: the presence of the gorgeous, versatile Julianne Moore. Her compelling scene of emotional breakdown following the death of her child in the woods is, in my opinion, worth the price of the film alone. What a shame that they didn't cast her in the lead role. With mediocre material like this, the only hope of transcending it is with a gifted actress of Julianne's talents - however I fear that even she could not have saved it. One to avoid - but worth it (just) for Julianne Moore.

hroeder This film could terrify some. It is certainly gripping, but it's carried by superb performances by Sigourney Weaver and Julianne Moore. The only film I can think of that is quite as moving is another Sigourney Weaver film, Death and the Maiden.The tone of the two is very similar, but there is more hope in this outing. It still isn't something for the kids. But if you love acting, if you love to see real emotions rather than concocted attempts to feel, then watch it. And remember to keep your own Map of the World.

poopsiy This is a beautiful movie, but only for people that want to see a thought-provoking, thinking persons movie. Sigourney Weaver did such a fantastic job with her role that I literally wanted to cry for her being ROBBED of an Oscar.This is one of the most realistic movies I've seen. Everything that is in this movie could actually happen, which makes it even more hearbreaking. Julianne Moore and David Strathairn were also robbed of Oscars. I literally cried every moment that Julianne Moore was onscreen; her performance was great. David Strathairn brought an elegance and subtlety to his role.The ending! Fabulous. It was so full of hope and optimism.PS: Read the fabulous novel by Jane Hamilton, its just as good!