The power of 'The Hours'

"The Hours" is a deliberately jarring and masterful examination of the lives of three women on the edge of one of the most extreme cliffs one can face in life: the choice to live or die. Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and Julianne Moore, along with an incredible supporting cast including the talented Ed Harris, string this intricately woven plot along with acting so intense that even a mere glance expresses more emotion than "hours" of dialogue. All three women are alive during different time periods and live eerily parallel lives brought together by Virginia Wolfe's book, "Mrs. Dalloway." \n Director Stephen Daldry so powerfully orchestrates the cast and cinematography that it is almost impossible to catch everything. "The Hours" returns to the true art of filmmaking where each element (lighting, cinematography and acting) has a deep meaning and gives the movie it's own personality. Daldry seems to get caught up in the magnitude of his own project, though, and tends to lose the viewer in a few drawn-out, over-dramatized scenes and somewhat excessive lesbian undertones. Yet, the movie has a stunning emotional impact and stops you in your tracks to take a look at your own life. \n The DVD itself has a wide array of excellent features, including intelligent commentaries from director and cast, histories of "Mrs. Dalloway" and Virginia Wolfe, an overview of the music and the trailers. If you want to watch an emotional and intelligent movie this is the one… so long as you have a little patience and a soft spot.