my one line summary hint that this be not a good film and but this be not true . i do enjoy the movie and but be probably expect too much . adele and who be solidly portray by susan sarandon and do not come off a a very likable character . she be flighty and irresponsible to what would be an unforgivable degree be it not for the tremendous love she have for her daughter . this be the one thing she know how to do without fail . adele daughter and anna and be a sad girl who be so busy make up for her mother shortcoming that she do not seem to be only 14 17 year old . this and of course and make natalie portman the perfect choice to play anna since she never seem to be 14 17 year old either . portman pull this role off with such ease that you almost forget that she have not be make movie for 20 year . yet and even with the two solid lead and wayne wang never seem to quite draw the audience in a he do with the joy luck luck and even more so with smoke . though i have not read the book and the film feel a if it have make necessary change to the story to bring it to the big screen and change which may drain the emotional pungency of the story . i enjoy the film for the fun of watch two wonderful actress do their work and but i never get lose in the experience and i never relate to their plight .