This is by no means historically accurate but as a movie, it works. The actors all do a fine job portaying the famous characters, especially Gabriel Byrne. But really, with the cast that includes John Malkovich, Jeremy Irons and Leonardo Dicaprio, you really can't go wrong. I thought it was a tad long, but didn't really drag. Also, it doesn't really follow the historic novel, from what I can recall, so if you are looking for accuracy, look somewhere else. Otherwise, you can be entertained by it as is.