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Reviews of this movie, especially in the UK,have been very unflattering but I thought it was well acted and in a small way quite inspiring. Cynics will scoff at the story of an impoverished kids baseball team from the wrong side of the tracks overcoming adversity to win a trophy, thanks in part to the efforts of a reformed gambler and drunkard Conor O'Neill (Reeves), but if only life was like this occasionally ! Maybe it is ? Diane Lane was, as ever, quite luminous and the way her acting has shone in recent years is,for me,one of the highlights of going to the movies. The role of schoolteacher Elizabeth Wilkes is only a supporting one here,but she exudes real presence every time she comes on screen. I'm not a great fan of Keanu Reeves but he is very believable in Hardball and all the kids were excellent too. Yes it is an idealistic, sentimental and corny movie but I loved it and Reeves' address in the church was genuinely moving. Just as his character was " uplifted just for a moment " by one of his team so I was for the duration of this movie and for some time after. Nice soundtrack too.

Quite simply one of the best movies I have seen in years. Flawless acting - especially from the wonderful Diane Lane - great script and sensitive direction. The much used theme of suburban boredom is handled in a fresh and enlightening way, and I'm still thinking about the movie and the impact of the events on each of the principal characters more than a week after seeing it. Especially liked the ending too. For anyone (like me) fed up with a string of no-brain super-hero, alien, disaster and teen movies,Unfaithful is a reminder of how powerful and gripping a well made cinematic character study and great acting can be.

Don't miss it !

Waited for this to come out on video which was a mistake as it worked well enough for me. Particularly good to see Winona Ryder back on song after the horrors of "Lost Souls". I thought she was luminous and the chemistry with Richard Gere - very far from my favourite actor - seemed good. Scenery was stunning and the whole movie had an escapist feel which I'm a sucker for. Reminded me a little of the wonderful"Always" for some reason - same romantic idealism. So ignore the critics. It's well worth watching.