Let me preface my remarks by stating that the acting and directing was first class with kudo's to all of the actors. But the storyline was incredulous if not laughable. It had more holes than swiss cheese. Spoilers omitted but the premise is that the county sold the house because of a tax lien of $500? And if they did sell the house as ridiculous as this seems, the balance of the funds would have been given to the evicted person JC but to make the story more astonishing they left her destitude. Her boyfriend forsakes his family for a stranger and instead of loaning her $500 completely ruins his career and the lives of all involved? … Expand

Good, depressing film with excellent acting but a less-than-stellar plotline. Fortunately, the excellent acting is able to subtly hide minor holes in the almost overly dramatic plot. The best performance was by the Virtually-unknown Shohreh Aghdashloo, who deserves a best-supporting oscar (she's been nominated) for her painful performance as a priveleged Iranian struggling to maintain her dignity as a middle-class American immigrant. The film does an excellent job at giving us equalized sympathy for all the characters in the film, whatever their conflicts may be, thereby leaving us emotionally shattered when we come to the film's heart-wrenching climax. Overall, a very good, must-see drama.… Expand

House of Sand and Fog is the type of movie that feels like a swift punch to the chest. Its a modern tragedy. Kingsley, Connelly, and Aghdashloo definately bring the movie to hights higher than a regular actor would. There are a few small flaws that I would have fixed. First, I'm real tired of movies begining the movie with the ending. Sometimes it is necessary, but oftentimes, such as this one, it is completely uncalled for. Also, I would have made some changes to the character of Lester. He never expressed any strong emotions, but he reacted to things in outragous ways. This could have been prevented by the writer(s), the director, or the actor. I thought he didn't display enough emotion to meet what his situation would evoke in a normal person. But since I can't see who to blame specifically, I'll leave it at that. I hate when I do this, I give a good review on a movie, but I end up spending more time writing about the negative aspects. Oh well. SEE THIS MOVIE. There. That's better.… Expand

Best movie I have seen in the last year or two. Amazing performances, well written, well directed , well acted what else can you ask you. Its depressing stuff, almost a greek tragedy but worth it. Ben Kingsley will be robbed if does not get an Oscar for this! If you appreciate his acting , see Sexy Beast - Amazing.

Powerful story Powerful act. Thanks to Ms Aghdashloo.

I despised most of characters in the book, and intensely disliked those same characters in the film equally, especially the poor idiotic victim and the wimpy opportunistic cop. (But also the snooty wife and self centered daughter). Ben Kingsly's interesting character of the colonel was the only redeeming element in this ridiculously feel-bad script. Who needs this crap?

Interesting story. One of the only movies I can remeber at the end feeling genuinely sad (so great acting).

Although the story was very sad but it was a very well done movie. The performance was perfect.

I could not take my eyes from the screen. The performances of Connelly and Kingsley are riverting. Not a perfect movie by any means, but in this movie people are believable and you care about the characters no matter how flawed they may be.

The movie's premise is somewhat unbelievable, but the actors are near flawless. Jennifer Connelly is impressive, but Ben Kingsley is transcending.

If you go to the movie for nothing else, just watch these professional actors overcome a storyline chock full of holes. You will feel their pain and buy into the entire ordeal even though the story is not plausable. Nominations should be forthcoming, especially for Shohreh Aghdashloo.

Arnie I agree with you that the plot was ridiculous but the acting was so superb that it overcame the obvious flaws in the script. The cast was simply spectacular and totally believable in their respective rolls. For that alone the film deserves an 8.

Enthralling, with among the best performances of this year. At its peak, this is as good as any movie. Ben Kingsley stands out as the best, though the entire cast is fantastic. A must-see.

If performances alone determined my rating, "House of Sand and Fog" would get a 10. But because it doesn't, this horrible movie gets a well-deserved 2.

Agree with Robert that the actors are so good that you feel for everyone and you're emotions are totally submerged into the movie. You like everyone and only wish there was better communication between the parties to avoid the final scene. But having said that, after the film is over if you think about what you have watched you do realize that the great acting has overcome an absolute ridiculous storyline. Not that it can't happen but responsible people do not change their personalities and risk, lives, family and careers over a paltry amount which was wrongly taxed. There are so many holes in the storyline that you could drive a Mack truck through it. Overall, the acting is so good that you buy into this stupid premise.… Expand

Wonderfully acted by its two leads and especially by Aghdashloo as Kingsley's misunderstanding wife... though there are some serious narrative problems... The relationship between Connelly and the deputy is ridiculously rushed, so their companionship never seems well-grounded. Also, the film explodes into a mess of violence and sadness within the last 30 minutes that it seemed to throw away all that has come before it (though not NEARLY to the degree of Mystic River - ugh!). Still, it succeeds marvelously at preventing the audience from choosing a side and sticking to it. This film is deeply sad and unforgettable, though sometimes for the wrong reasons.… Expand

Living a lie? Living outside your means? Anyone with family or a credit card will find understanding in this movie.

Poole, if you didn't like the book did you expect to like the movie? I must admit that the script has more holes in it than swiss cheese. But having said that, the acting by all of the characters was absolutely top notch. If nothing else, this is a movie definitely worth the watch.

Excellent, but as others have said, it's a "feel bad" movie. I couldn't decide who to feel sorry for, everyone was the victim of a horrible mistake. I was shocked at the ending. My husband hated this movie because of the anger he felt at the housing screw up, and the sad ending. He felt Ben K was in the right, I felt the opposite. Made for interesting discussions.

It held my attention throughout. I liked the characters and thought they were believable. The movie shows what can happen when people do not try to see the big picture, and instead focus only on themselves. I would have given it a higher rating but toward the middle it became a little less believable.

This is one of the first movies in a long time that has hit home for me. I cried and felt so much love and remorse for the characters. I don't really know how to describe it other than the release I truly needed at the point I was at in my life. Thank you for making a wonderful emotion filled voyage for everyone to channel their life into, one way or another.

The filmmaker's intent is to make the viewer change sides with each new development, but having just seen a 20/20 story on how people give preferential treatment towards the beautiful, ask yourself if you'd root for Jennifer Connelly looked like a bag lady? The Ben Kingsley character is a good man and did nothing wrong. For "House of Sand and Fog" to truly work, you want both parties to get the house equally. This would be a fatal flaw if not for a shattering scene, in which anybody who has ever prayed can relate to. There's risk involved when you go after big emotions, but with a capable actor like Ben Kingsley, melodrama turns into truth. … Expand

It's Perfect ! Nice story ! Specually Shohreh Aghdashloo she is great in this film ! i wish she can win the oscar.

Jamal liked it a lot.

Why don't you just get a job... Just as I was surprised by the low scores for the excellent "Master and Commander," I am shocked my the praise awarded to this overwrought, made-for-TV movie playing out on the big screen. Overwritten, poorly acted (particularly by Jennifer Connelly and Ron Eldard) and lacking in basic common sense this movie begged me to feel pity on someone who had nothing so short of screwing up her own life and whining that she wanted it back. There was no sympathy for this loser of a character and her new lover (who barely even knows her yet is willing to give up his whole life for her). The only redemption was a nice depiction of the once high and mighty Middle Eastern Colonel trying to restore his honor. Too bad the film couldn't restore its even with the overly dramatic ending. I eventually succumb to laughter to avoid sleep.… Expand

This may be the best "feel bad" movie of recent years, and it is also very well done, nonetheless. There is great acting in this movie and a plot that is out of the ordinary. This movie is somewhat upsetting but looks a whole lot more like my life than I care to admit.

Excellent movie. Just a notch below Mystic River as a "feel bad" movie. Ben Kingsley deserved an academy award for this one. The only downer was the performance by Eldard as Lester which was a bit implausible.

This movie had all the parts and lubrication to make it run perfectly smoothly. The story isn't for everyone. It certainly is a downer. But the acting and shakesperean plot makes it a delight for those willing to tough out the tragedy.

Permeated with realism, this film achievement describes a situation where the tides of fortune cannot be managed. Loses points only in that it's not a show one would readily want to see a second time. Kingsley once again is awesome, and Connelly is understated but relatable. The story involves six strikingly well developed characters, with a mother and 2 children on the side, all who sustain drastic deterioration in their prospects due to what should have been a benign oversight. In this world all of us will visit this situation, a downward spiral of such encompassing depth that even Nine Inch Nails couldn't have scored the music. While the material is comparable to the most profound Shakespearean tragedy, its presentation is in a more educational than entertaining vein. An instance of bad judgement negates years of toeing the line, and dooms all attempts to rehabilitate the situation that ensues. There is no obvious moral to this story, because sometimes morals don't carry the day - it is the interaction and struggles of people with varying motivations that determines our fates. But the story certainly begs us to reflect, on an ongoing basis, upon what is really impotant to us before we self-destruct bearing burdens we never chose for ourselves. And, as a cautionary tale, it clearly demonstrates that under no circumstances should one ever ever throw away mail from a bureaucrat. … Expand

Brilliant! Films just don't get better than this.

Great movie - just captures you - you realize something terrible is going to happen - a well-done tragedy but a real downer.

Amazing, captivating, powerful.

Brilliant film! The best drama of the year.

Only one flaw: they shouldn't have that damn last scene in the opening! Lets the air outta the last 10 minutes. Still fantastic tho.

Two wonderful performances in this effective but nonetheless overwrought film really stand out. Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsly are amazing. Unfortunately, the casting of Eldard in what is an extemely difficult role really hurts this film. He is not convincing on any level. He is the weak link in a pivitol role. For a commercial director, there is very little flash and "hey look at me" stuff, and Roger Deakins can get a lot of credit for that, his experience shows in this beautifully shot film. The music however is a disappointment. A solid adaptation with 2 wonderful performances.… Expand

A well-written, intense drama that delivers on many levels! It took me on a rollercoaster ride that would not stop! Kingsley and Connelly were genius and you never knew who to root for. Gorgeus cinematography from Deakins and a great debut for Perelman. Definitely some holes in the plot that could be overlooked by the acting but overall an enjoyable film experience. But be prepared to be emotionally drained at the end! … Expand

It's pretentious and uninvolving. Jennifer Connelly gives a lackluster performance. I think it's Emperor's New Clothes time.

Heartfelt and melodramatic. You will care about these characters. One of the best films of the year.

Almost excellent!

Excellent Movie! Kingsley, Connelly and all give mind blowing performances!

An intrically woven morality tale that goes over the top the way Antigone goes over the top. There are four main characters here: a relocated prideful Iranian, a dispossessed addict, an impulsive cop, and the law of right and wrong. If the film's pathos feels excessive, one finds it refreshing nevertheless to discover a Hollywood film that takes seriously the ages-old insight that vice can be our undoing in a universe that is governed by moral laws. … Expand

Under the guise of a thriller, it is a beautifully textured drama using the greek tragedy formula. kingsley, connelly, and aghdashloo give wonderful performances. the film is a thought-provoking and an emotional powerhouse. great cinema.

Sez L'Ebert: "It stands with integrity and breaks our hearts." That's an endorsement??? Why would anyone want to go to a movie to get their hearts broken?

Ben Kingsley should be nominated for an academy award for his performance. It totally overshadows an average but certainly passable performance by Jennifer Connelly and a slightly unbelievable Sherriff's deputy played by Ron Eldard (my reaon for an 8 instead of a 10). For the shallow masses that like neatly tied up typical storybook mundane Hollywood endings this movie may not be for you. For those who prefer true heartfelt emotion this movie and particularly Ben Kingsley won't let you down.… Expand

A striking, thought-provoking movie about the various reactions of mankind towards the unfairness of life.

The plot is so utterly preposterous and contrived that after five minutes I couldn't take any of it seriously. The rating of 3 is due solely to the fine acting.

Loved it, almost as good as the book and that's no small feat for a film. As for the poor reveiws, especially Starfox; You guys need to retake Enlish until you understand 'metaphor' and 'symbolism'. I could teach you, but I'd have to charge.

Incredible. One of the best films of 2003. It's just so damn compelling, whether it is the Editing, the Cinematography, the soundtrack, or the acting, the film excels so much.

I don't know why this movie keeps getting good reviews!?!? Granted Ben K. was excellent and Jennifer C. was mostly good... but, the essential dilemma is with the story and why in the world would any one care... about a fight over a house... and a chick who is psycho... i date those everyday and I'm not making any movies... And note to Director: cutting away to eerie shots of storm clouds does not make and indie film.… Expand

Superb performances.

Not often I consider a film a perfect 10 but there is no other score for a film of this quality.

Dont waste your money...this film is such a downer and so boring you will want to scream when you leave the theatre. Jennifer Connelly misses the mark with her one note performance which ruins the whole premise of the film. If you dont care about her you won't care about the films outcome. I sure didnt.

An honest film that stays true all the way through. Ben Kingsley deserves an Oscar for his performance. A tragic and compelling story beautifully filmed.

An outstanding, well written/directed intelligent movie! Kingsley's performance in particular is brilliant. Connelly is superb. One of the best movies I've seen this year. Definitely not one of your typical American movies. If you love great acting and a well crafted movie go and see it.