The Fountain is the latest movie from Brooklyn based director Darren Aronofsky, who brought us the suspenseful Pi and the wonderfully dark 'Requiem for a Dream', so this latest outing has a lot to live up to - and thankfully it does.

The Fountain is a story about love transcending time and the quest for immortal life, 'The Fountain' in the title is the fountain of youth searched for my men for all of history. Set in three time periods - 16th Century Spain with its conquistadors, modern day America and the future - the movie follows the life and loves of its two leads, Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz with these varied backgrounds. In the past, Jackman plays a conquistador, send by Weisz's Queen to search for the fountain of youth in 'New Spain', the Mayan lands. In the present, Jackman plays a research scientist looking for cures to his wife's brain tumor, Weisz plays his wife who is writing a book about Mayan times. In the future Jackman is traveling through space in a giant bubble with a tree flashing back to the other times. Sounds simple doesn't it.. so you can see why it might seem a bit confusing at times!

Confusion aside, and it does have confusion in there, the love story between the two leads is wonderful and heart wrenching. Both Jackman and Weisz are outstanding here, and the passion and love between them is subtle, believable and at times tear wrenching. The background of the quest and three time periods falls into place over the movie, so just sit back and let the first part sink in without questioning it too much then everything will go smoothly for you. While you're doing that you can enjoy the stunning recreation of Maya and Spain, as well as the sumptuous visual effects of the future space journey. For those of you interested there is a long, enjoyable behind the scenes documentary as well.

This movie may not be to everyone's tastes, if you only like Hollywood blockbusters than steer clear, but for those of you with an inclination to more subtle fare dive in and enjoy.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age