The Best Offer

This is a film that absolutely blew me away with its conclusion. I thought it was just going to be a specific romance, but it had so many extra elements. Whether it's the auction, one of the first robots, or that final twist that really got to me. Giuseppe Tornatore continues to show that he has what it takes to make interesting films. This one was good, thanks in part to the great Geoffrey Rush. (28/04/2014)

A very, very interesting and in a way mysteriously engaging conversational drama. The excessive running time and the final minutes are a bit of a problem, the film drags a bit after the shocking and breathtaking twist is revealed and there’s no literal explanation, but otherwise it's a hell of a suffocating load of dialogue with great actors, unexpected plot developments and one of the biggest and most unexpected twists in the history of cinema. A very fine piece of work. (11/09/2023)

The beauty of hidden paintings hanging on the walls, the increasing tension of art auction participants in proportion to the rising price of their sought-after treasures to enrich their collections, the mystery of artifacts from old mechanisms, and above all, the secrets that people hide behind the tightly guarded mask of their faces and carefully controlled emotions, behind the facade of their status and social relationships. Tornatore plays with his protagonist as well as with his viewers. Although I roughly figured out where the game was heading halfway through, surprisingly, I didn't detract anything from the exceptionally high final impression. It's worth watching the film for the top craftsmanship, Tornatore's perfectionism, the fascinating performance of veteran actor Geoffrey Rush, the atmosphere of a neglected noble palace, and the process of discovering what lies beneath the layer of dust, old colors, and words. The film is actually a story about (self)love, late realization, and late regrets. And last but not least, it's also about hope, because as we know, hope dies last. I had the opportunity to watch The Wolf of Wall Street and this film in one day, and the slow-paced Tornatore triumphed emotionally over Scorsese. Overall impression: 90%. I would immediately go to Prague to see if Virgil is still waiting there... (22/02/2014)

I wasn't attracted to the film at first (art, drama, romance are not my thing), but Giuseppe Tornatore is awesome, and there is little that disappoints in his direction. The film has charming sets, antiques and furniture, decent actors and although it’s slower, the final twist is unbeatable. 80% (06/11/2016)

What a phenomenal film fake. It's not about the finale or the structure of the screenplay, whose twist is predictable from halfway through. Focus on the captivating camera, life the themes and truths, Geoffrey Rush's performance, and the pure emotions. A film about love with all its positives and negatives, it only matters whether it works out or not. And at the same time, it points out that nothing may be as it initially seems. Absolutely complex, a masterpiece. (14/04/2014)