This movie has surpassed all the hype that has precluded its release. I don't believe the acting was all that astounding except for that of Heath Ledger or maybe his depiction was just so good that the other actors performances paled in comparison. I went into this movie doubting the accuracy of the critiques given to his performance, believing that there was a large part of sympathy going into their thinking. The fact of the matter is, the movie would have failed to deliver without him and his delightfully creepy character depiction of an usually cartoonish role. Bravo to the whole cast and crew for a very action-packed, adrenaline soaked, richly storied 2 1/2 hour entertainment buffet. When it was over I couldn't eat another morsel.