This movie will go on the list of all time best movies. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys movies that ask the audience to think and become emotionally involved with the characters. The premise is implausible but it doesn't matter. The story is well-written. The last 30 minutes or so is so heart-wrenching I left the theater in a daze. Pitt and Blanchette were superb. Once again Pitt shows that he is not just a pretty face. Many other good performances from the supporting cast make this a new entry on the list of classics.
I didn't read the book but went with friends from work. It was a little cheesy at first but it turned into a very entertaining story. My friends debated how well it followed the book. I didn't care, of course, and had a very enjoyable evening watching a story that made sense without having any familiarity with the story beforehand. I look forward to seeing it again but will not take my husband.