The main problem with 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' is that it focuses primarily on the romance between Corelli and Pelagia and that too is half-baked. What is it that draws Pelagia towards him is too unclear. Is it just his musical talent or his zest? The film is set against the backdrop of a war between the Germans and Italians in a Greek island but the war is given less significance and what we see appears very sketchy. The entire film appears too sketchy, melodramatic and clichéd. Much of it is also historically inaccurate. On the technical front it is well executed. The cinematography of the beautiful exotic locations is breathtaking. The score is terrific. Where acting is concerned, Penelope Cruz can't seem to lose her Spanish accent (she's playing a Greek character) but her performance is otherwise wonderful. John Hurt and Christian Bale are equally marvelous. Nicolas Cage is a miscast. His Italian accent, energetic personality, overdone non-verbal gestures all yield to a caricature rather than a character. Perhaps director John Madden was pressured to fit the entire novel into a two hour period and he chose to focus on the romance more to draw a larger crowd. I can't shake the feeling that perhaps someone like Anthony Mingella would have made a better and more complete film of it.

If you don't know the book and how gripping the story unfolds then you might think that this is a good movie. However, if you do know it, then you will see an excellent example how not to make a movie which us supposed to be based on a novel! It starts sort of OK, a bit superficial though. But at a certain point the plot completely moves away from the one in the book. Mandras' character is completely different - Corelli's friend Carlo is neglected - The faked accent of Nicholas Cage is completely unnecessary and ridiculous - Pelagia's father's fate is adapted - the ending is completely re-arranged Therefore, the film should have a different name not to confuse the audience with the book with the same name.

This movie was horrible,the only worst thing than the plot was Nicholas Cages Italian Accent it's like he forgot how to act. They didn't act how italian soldiers would have acted while occupying a country. None of the actors actually sounded Greek.

A very different war film. It's one of those love stories caught up in a real life event films which I am beginning to tire from. Example's include Titanic and Pearl Harbour which I did not like all that much. However- the scenery is good and the photography is classy. Some of the acting is even good! This certainly isn't one of Cage's better film's and would only say watch it if you like the romantic, tragedy, real life event mix up genre which seems to be taking control.

Sadly, despite the people involved this is as much 'Hollywood does World War 2' as anything produced in the last 20 years. The list of cliches is endless, but includes: 1) All Germans are humourless bastards. 2) All Italians love life and singing. 3) We're supposed to believe that the same Italian soldiers are garrisoned on Cephallonia for two years - while the Italian Army fights a war in North Africa against the allies and is also committed to fighting the Soviet Union alongside Hitler. 4) We're also supposed to accept the Italian Army as heroes, somehow overlooking all of the atrocities committed during the campaigns in Ethiopia and Albania. 5) a man somehow manages to survive a hail of bullets which kill all of his comrades ... and so on ... Romance 10, History 0 (Sadly in extra time)

"Capt. Corelli's Mandolin" is an old fashioned Hollywood war romance but with sex and nudity, and supposedly no Americans. The story takes place on a Greek island during WW2. The Italians arrive to take over the island, but with German supervision. There is a romantic triangle made up of a Greek couple and the Italian captain. Nice performances by all the actors; Penelope Cruz's best work yet.

To be honest I wasn`t expecting much from this film and seeing as it gets off to such a slow start I thought my instincts were going to be proved right , but CAPTAIN CORRELLI`S MANDOLIN soon picks up and becomes an entertaining romantic drama set against the backdrop of the Second World War. I do have a beef with the storyline though and seeing as it involves the central plot it`s quite a big beef: I found the romance between Corelli and Pelagia unconvincing . I don`t know if it`s the fault of the editing or the screen adaption ( I`ve never read the book ) but how did the romance come about ? Yeah Corelli is a likable cultured man but he`s still an Italian officer who`s taking part in the fascist occupation of Greece , he`s the enemy so why would a woman previously in love with a Greek patriot and partisan fall for him ? All this happens without any explanation and damages credibilty .

Beautifully shot, but Nicholas Cage's performance is labored and poor. I find him fun to watch most of the time (even in sappy movies like "It Could happen To You"), but it just doesn't work here. Why am I focusing so much on this? Because it kills what otherwise might be a pretty good period piece.

Wonderful film with fine performances especially by John hurt and Nicolas Cage..Penelope Cruz put in a specially fine performance. You truly felt like you were in Greece in that era..The photography and location shots were fabulous..the portrayal of the italian soldier was truly on the mark ..These men had never seen battle and looked upon the war as a lark..Remember Pearl Harbor and how the common sailor acted...The turning point from this attitude to one of reality was handled well..The romance between Cage and Cruz was handled delicately Since when can you no longer have a romance in a film. The criticism of the accents may be well founded but I did not find it detrimental to the film...I also must applaud the make up and costumes ..You truly felt transported to that era..Do not let the current rating system keep you from seeing this truly unique and enjoyable film....

Oh my goodness, where do I begin? Penelope Cruz was absolutely fabulous in this movie. Nick Cage was even more fabulous. If you are a romantic like myself, you may consider this your all-time favorite romance movie. It starts off kinda of dry but don't let that fool you. Once it starts building, you will stay glued to the screen. It has several twist and turns and the war details are poignant. The movie's previews may be a little misleading in leading you to believe the movie is mainly coverage on WW2; however, this is more a love story and an exhilarating one at that. This is definitely one of my all-time favorite movies. This movie made me fall in love with the mandolin; what a beautiful, quixotic instrument. Anyone who gives this movie a low rating is definitely not a romantic.