Of course, this film doesn't allow for the usual Scorsese violence, but coming from him, I expected something a little more...intense. The look of this movie is amazing, with its gorgeous cinematography, it's as if you are watching a 2-hour long painting. But, apart from the aesthetic aspect, it also resembles a painting in the fact that nothing happens. Sadly, The Age of Innocence is terribly boring. I never thought I'd see Daniel Day-Lewis in such a plain role, he did what he could with what he was given. Winona Ryder was good in her own, puppy-like way. The film's best was Michelle Pfeiffer. Her performance was flawed, but she was the one who kept your interest alive. Loved the narrator. Martin Scorsese should stick to what he does best: blood.

I'm normally not into these types of movies, and I'll admit that the main reason I saw this was because it was directed by Scorsese. After watching it, I found myself enjoying it, like sincerely, and not just because of who made it. This is a really interesting and engaging film about a love triangle, the hypocrisy of high society, and the torment that can be caused by the conflict between desire and social restrictions. This may seem like the oddity of Scorsese's filmography, not least because of the PG rating and the fact that this was his first period piece costume drama, but thematically and stylistically, this film fits in quite nicely with the resty of his work. Among other trademarks are the Madonna-Whore complex (and other elements of Catholicism), psychological turmoil, a constantly moving camera, nicely executed tracking shots and long takes, wonderful cinematography and rapid yet fluid editing, among other things. I found myself a tad bit bored here and there, but I was mostly into the story, I cared about the dilemma the characters face, and the wonderfully poetic way it all comes together at the end. I thought the art direction and costumes were fabulous, the music great, and the fact that Scorsese took a risk by doing something different quite admirable. Despite no physocal violence in this film, Scorsese once commented that he felt this was his most violent film. That sounds laughable, but I get what he means. The pyschological and emotional violence is quite stinging and devastating here. I wouldn't call it his most violent film, but then again, emotional and psychological pain can be far more dmamging than trauma caused by knives, guns, fists, or blunt instruments. Give this one a chance. I don't quite think it is the perfect masterpiece that Roger Ebert does, but it is nonetheless a fascinating and brilliant romantic drama.