This is a thinking movie,
591271
I agree with another reviewer....this movie is intense.  Kudos to Ryan Gosling.  I am a fan but tired of the romance movies.  I am glad to see him really acting.  The struggle that this person has internally is so well portrayed in this movie.  It brought tears to my eyes that there is so much hatred still and the stories by the elderly jewish people were horrible.  I admired the acting in this movie by all.  This is the first time that I have given a 5 star rating and I have probably watched hundreds of movies through Amazon.

This movie makes you think.  It is NOT  film for those who just like action, violence or sex.  It is a movie that is more than just a movie about a Jewish Nazis, which I am not sure that is an appropriate description for Ryan Gosling.  Like so many, his character has difficulty just following along and questions everything.  I, too, struggle with the concept of "faith" as defined by my Catholic religion.  The struggle that he has is one I understand all too well.
4039514
This movie was recommended by an acquaintance. We watched the entire thing. It kept us thinking, but it was very strange.
914249
This movie is not for everyone. However, that being said, I think this movie is more thought provoking than most movies you could waste your time watching.

This movie affected me, disturbed me, and made me realize how corrupt people actually are. This movie is stunning.
1284315
This movie is so different.  It is such a deep story line, where several lives tie in and different plots going on.  I like the depth of it, and the way it was narrated some, and the characters are all good. It is a sad one and it makes you think about alot of things...  great acting.  You have to pay attention in this.
1514684
Granted, it's a thought provoking movie, which is a bit of an oxymoron, if you think about it. I mean, movies are Entertainment, and the minute you have to think about what is supposed to entertain you, it stops being entertainment, and becomes work, which is what we go to movies to escape from!

Okay, I'm not saying this because I don't 'get it.' I'm the weirdo in my social circle. Tape deck: Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Coldplay, conscious hip-hop - the stuff that requires thinking.

Favorite movies: Fight Club, Vanilla Sky, Memento - the stuff that the average dude has to see 3-4 times to 'get.'

I respect your attempts at philosophy, Sunshine - no doubt you're a college man. But for God's Sakes, this isn't a teen movie made to challenge religion. The Matrix has more religious undertones than Donnie Darko! DD is an acid trip, in the most poignant sense of the word.

Bear in mind, I rated this movie five-stars, so I'm not belittling it. Still, so many of my friends have the tendency to overhype things. If it's just okay, it's good. If it's good, it's great. If it's great, it's a classic piece of art that dwarfs all things in its presences. You get the picture.

About the movie: Donnie Darko, like the last review said, is a challenging movie, with a scenario that's hard to explain to someone who hasn't seen. Even after all is said and done, it's still difficult to tell whether Donnie Darko has imagined the whole thing, or if he has somehow been able to turn back the hands of time.

Donnie's an iconoclast; he (forgive the tired cliche) marches to the beat of a different drum. He's a little darker than those his age (duh), but he's also a lot smarter, dabbling in obscure sciences, and often wrapped up in an obsession with the study of time travel.

This would make him a respectable fellow, if not for forte for theories about the apocalypse, as well as the fact that he sees a life-sized talking rabbit (we've all seen that in the trailer).

All of the performances, both from the veteran actors, of which there are a few, and the newcomers, of which there are also quite a few, are very well-delivered and believable. It's really surprising to me that this wasn't a big movie, propelling Jake to stardom (sure, he's popular, and he got to go out with Kirsten Dunst, but he's no A-Lister).

It's very surprising that this was the writer/director's first film, as every piece of dialogue, and every camera angle seems like it came from the hands of a pro.

In the end, I highly recommend this movie. It is a great film, a thing that young aspiring directors may look to in the future for inspiration. So, in conclusion, people, watch it, enjoy it, but please don't take it too seriously!
3179357
As long as this movie has been out, the purchase of this marks the first time I've watch it. It's really deep, good, and makes you think. I love it!!!
2704431
This movie is entertaining, but very thought provoking. It's all about finding what's really important to you and not choosing to go with something that might be just OK. The safe or expected choice is not the way to go.
3618864
A real mind-involving story. The DVD is now in my collection of outstanding movies.
In life, there will always be good/bad, weak/strong, hope/despair, love/hate and endings/beginnings.
We are not unique and neither are our thoughts or actions.
You may agree/disagree.
Either way, watch the movie and make what you will of it.
964926
This movie is a "thinkers's" movie.  I've seen it 8 times.  If you like movies with unexpected turns, you'll love this movie.
790124
The movie has you thinking what going to happen next. It was a great a movie.if you haven't seen it you should.
4924716
This movie was a thinker. Good acting. Will watch it again.
715034
Thought provoking, almost theatrical movie. I will recommend it for open-minded viewers.
2205967
Pretty good B movie a good movie to watch when you don't want to think to much
2814990
Reese Witherspoon has done some amazing movies lately. And this is deff at the tip of the list for me! A must watch. Leaves you really thinking.
2114967
Was a good movie, I go for movies like this,  Your imagination gets running wild when you see a movie like this.  You somehow emerge yourself right in the movie.
4301093
Worth seeing. Makes you think of things on a deeper level.
2202263
My husband liked this movie.  Said it presented things to think about in relationships.  Acting is good.