A Beautiful Mind manages to twist enough pathos out of John Nash's incredible life story to redeem an at-times goofy portrayal of schizophrenia. Russell Crowe tackles the role with characteristic fervor, playing the Nobel prize-winning mathematician from his days at Princeton, where he developed a groundbreaking economic theory, to his meteoric rise to the cover of Forbes magazine and an MIT professorship, and on through to his eventual dismissal due to schizophrenic delusions. Of course, it is the delusions that fascinate director Ron Howard and, predictably, go astray. Nash's other world, populated as it is by a maniacal Department of Defense agent (Ed Harris), an imagined college roommate who seems straight out of Dead Poets Society, and an orphaned girl, is so fluid and scriptlike as to make the viewer wonder if schizophrenia is really as slick as depicted. Crowe's physical intensity drags us along as he works admirably to carry the film on his considerable shoulders. No doubt the story of Nash's amazing will to recover his life without the aid of medication is a worthy one, his eventual triumph heartening. Unfortunately, Howard's flashy style is unable to convey much of it. --Fionn Meade

The thrilling and inspiring story of a brilliant and charismatic man ensnared by a mysterious conspiracy which takes his life and mind to places he never imagined. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 01/22/2008 Starring: Russell Crowe Jennifer Connelly Run time: 136 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Ron Howard

I'm very touched by the movie, especially the love of John Nash's wife to him. Love is patient, love is endurance, love is not just after one's own benefits, and love shines. And Jennifer Connelly's Oscar is well earned.

Highly recommended.

Russel Crow delievers again in this really well done movie. I enjoyed the story a lot and at some points didn't know who to trust. Don't miss this film.

I resisted this movie for awhile. I tend to rebel against anything or anyone who appears to be over-hyped. I got tired of hearing about Russell Crowe. Finally I broke down and bought the movie.

In a way, this is two stories in one. The beginning story is totally engrossing and believable. You watch this beautiful mind, this talented man emerge into his field, gather followers, find love, and get an intriguing, dangerous job. Then you learn The Truth.

The remainder of the story depicts a man's struggle against his "emotional illness," eventually without the use of drugs (because they diminished his Beautiful Mind, his brilliance).. His struggles to hold onto his beloved wife and family.. and his eventual story of humble triumph.

This was a great movie, and made me a Russell Crowe Fan.

Russell Crowe's portrayal of John Nash's life is simply superb. It will forever stand as the definitive movie on that imperceptible line separating the truly genius from mere mortals. If considered from the perspective of "Complex Viewing", this movie has many spiritual implications.

I don't care how big of a jerk he is in real life. Why did this movie win every award that year EXCEPT best actor. And they give it to Densel for TRAINING DAY-?
Granted Densel got robbed by not getting the oscar for well....at least three previous roles. Still, comon!!! Is it poetic justice? I suppose.
Still, Russell deserved it and everyone knows it.
The most brilliant performance I have ever seen.
I say this movie is probably # 1 on my all time list. You just can't touch this movie.
Based on a real life story just makes it that much more compelling.
Brilliant acting, brilliant writing, nothing about this film is less than perfection.
Heartbreaking and at times difficult to watch.
If you have ever known someone with mental illness, this film will touch you. If you haven't known someone with mental illness, this film will educate you.
A truly timeless classic and a must see, must own.
No movie collection is complete without this masterpiece.
Buy now!!!