I had hoped that this film would have improved over time for me, since I first saw it upon its release and then again last night, and I came away as empty as I did in 1992. Like a hot date that doesn't go anywhere, the story is all self-indulgence, hair, and costumes, dialogue that tries to be witty or to make a point but falls flat, and pithy observations about gender and feminism and the endless female struggle in a man's world, seen through man-shaming goggles. It aint Shakespeare, that's for sure. She finally gets her mediocre book or poetry or whatever published and makes something of his/her life and sees a gay angel floating in the air. What does it all mean? If you expected some grand statement about humanity from a person who has lived four centuries, you'll be disappointed.

This is one of those rare films that really captures magic. After watching it, I feel as though a fairy has enchanted the air around me. Maybe it's Tilda Swanton's fathomless, eyes. She stares at us so enigmatically, as if she can see through the camera, into our souls.

I could also go on about the sumptuous costumes and set design, but I'd say the subtle humor pervading the film was even more compelling and delightful. It assumes an intelligent audience, but does not come across as superior. The end of the film leaves me with a sense of hope for the future.

Young nobleman Orlando (Tilda Swinton) is commanded by Queen Elizabeth I to stay forever young. Miraculously, he does just that. The film follows him as he moves through several centuries of British history, experiencing a variety of lives and relationships along the way, and even changing sex.

We start out with some interesting ice skating, a hobby I was not aware had existed in the 1600s (though Wikipedia informs me it most certainly did). And from there we see Orlando go through life learning of poetry, politics and more.

I found this film difficult because of the casting. Now, had I seen it in 1992, the transformation from male to female might have been more pronounced. But seeing it in 2014, Swinton is now a much bigger name, and it was obvious from the first frame that the actor was female. Was this intentional? Maybe, but I think not.