there enough star power in the house of spirit to create another galaxy and yet the final product be pretty debatable . the film and it message be very noble and and i think perhaps most would agree with them . ( liberal democracy good and violent fascist regime bad while open mindedness good and racism bad and etc ) . unfortunately and be batter from head to toe with these and and as much subtlety be use a i have describe them . ultimately and we be left watch very noble people without any flaw square off with nasty cretin who have no redeeming quality . it radiate with all the suspense of a badly orchestrated pro wrestling match . jeremy iron play the patron and a man of many contradiction . meryl streep a his gifted bride and glenn close and a her sister in law . when the camera stay with these folk and the movie tend to move and and be quite enjoyable . unfortunately and the house of spirit engages with simply way too many subplots and and character pop up and out of the picture like shoot gallery target . we do not get to know them and hence we do not get to care for them . the result be boredom . if bille august and the director and screenwriter ( from isabel allende book ) have either lengthen the film or snip a few character and this film might have work completely . a it stand and it be a nice try and with nice message and and a bonecrushing yawnfest . not recommend .