i be unsure of this movie before rent and do so on the assurance that hilary swank have always give excellent performance in her movie . she seem to rely on restraint to gain the emotional impact that she do . and she do not prove me wrong in this movie . however the movie also have fantastic performance from all other member of the cast both speaking and non speaking . i have to single out jamie bartlett and chiwetel ejiofor the two main protagonist for their outstanding acting ability and portrayal of true human feeling and failing . the whole movie run almost like a documentary . i must applaud tom hooper a the director and avril beukes a the editor for keep a multiple layered story be reveal smoothly whilst keep dialogue and action move along in an understandable fashion . the opening sequence of the south african landscape be strike and i have to push the pause button to savour the photography . why can not a movie like this ever get nominate for an international award . it seem to me to hit the high rating button on all count . it be not just a film it be a true experience of life in a country come out of apartheid . a life of poverty be all around but it celebrate the dignity of the human spirit .