The Hours - 8 stars out of 10

The Hours - 8 stars out of 10

“The Hours” is the story of three different women from three different eras, connected by the incredible parallels contained within one day of their life.  There is more than meets the eye as Nicole Kidman (playing Virginia Wolff) writes her book entitled “Mrs. Dalloway” in 1923, Julianne Moore reads the book in 1951, and Meryl Streep embodies the titular character in 2001.  I have watched this movie twice and I still have NO CLUE how that is Nicole Kidman!  I honestly believe that this is the most amazing example of make-up in cinematic history.  I am shocked that it did not even receive an Oscar nomination in this category and there is no reason that “Frida’s” unibrow should have defeated this exquisite work.  I’m also pretty bitter that “Frida” stole the Oscar for Best Original Score from Philip Glass and his incredible minimalist themes.  The lineup of stars is reason enough to watch this film, with names like Ed harris and Toni Collette also appearing.  Kidman earned her Oscar with her impassioned speeches, with her best line being: “Someone has to die in order that the rest of us should value life more.”  The dialogue is poignant and the actors create realistic moments out of these words.  As the plot seamlessly transitions from one storyline to the next, it creates a beautiful split screen of three women's struggles in a life that seems normal.  "The Hours" didn't deserve to win Best Picture but is a wonderful example of clever storytelling and thematic success.