I actually didn't mind this movie. Yes, it is very, very slow. The point is to make you think - it's not an action flick. :) I agree with the other reviewers comparing it to Kubrik - it does have that feel to it, which means if you don't like his work, you won't like this movie either. One of the other posts provides a very good explanation of the whole story and its subtext, so read that if you're confused about the movie.
Some reviewers have complained about the lack of questioning to confirm the boy really was Sean. But it wasn't that kind of movie. Intense investigation would have destroyed the feel it was creating. Anna didn't need to ask a lot of questions because she "knew" he was Sean. The friends and family didn't have to ask because they dismissed the whole thing and "knew" he couldn't be Sean.
The movie wasn't about proving his identity or exploring the validity of reincarnation. It was about the emotions Sean and Anna were going through and what someone would do if they were reincarnated and got some of their memories back. The turmoil both went through knowing there was no solution to their problem; no way to make it work. That would be devastating and heart wrenching.
I feel the boy was legit because no 10 year old would be comfortable doing some of the things he did (climb into the tub with her, convince "strangers" he was a reincarnation, etc.). I believe his stoic acting was intentional (as opposed to bad acting) to show his quiet conviction. He knew he was Sean.
Some reviewers have complained about the lack of questioning to confirm the boy really was Sean. But it wasn't that kind of movie. Intense investigation would have destroyed the feel it was creating. Anna didn't need to ask a lot of questions because she "knew" he was Sean. The friends and family didn't have to ask because they dismissed the whole thing and "knew" he couldn't be Sean.
The movie wasn't about proving his identity or exploring the validity of reincarnation. It was about the emotions Sean and Anna were going through and what someone would do if they were reincarnated and got some of their memories back. The turmoil both went through knowing there was no solution to their problem; no way to make it work. That would be devastating and heart wrenching.
I feel the boy was legit because no 10 year old would be comfortable doing some of the things he did (climb into the tub with her, convince "strangers" he was a reincarnation, etc.). I believe his stoic acting was intentional (as opposed to bad acting) to show his quiet conviction. He knew he was Sean.