Having read the brilliant and moving book of the same title on holiday, I was eager to see the film.
I was led to believe the movie was true to the novel and as far as the dialogue was concerned it was virtually verbatim to the letter.
Still, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Whether or not I'd watched the film so close after reading the book may have something to do with it, so an accurate opinion of how the film rates is hard for me to judge.
My biggest gripe was that huge chunks of the book had been omitted from the early part of the film that dealt with the relationship of the two friends during childhood. In my opinion a bad mistake, because the bond between the boys is crucial to the plot.
The overall impression of watching the film left me with the feeling I'd speed read the book having flicked through some of the more interesting parts concerning character development.
Still a wonderful story of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, guilt and redemption.
8/10.