Half Nelson

It's hardly a film which trumpets its virtues but that's part of the pleasure to be had from it. It doesn't know how good it is.

It's impressively adult, sure-footed filmmaking, and that Best Actor nod was definitely deserved.

Dunne [Gosling] is an enjoyable and impressive creation, justifiably recognised with an Oscar nomination for Gosling earlier this year.

It's the gritty script and sheer quality of the performances that distinguish this parable.

An original work that is moving, not without humour, fly-on-the-wall realistic and uplifting.

It takes a while to settle into the rhythm (feeling episodic at first), but Half Nelson soon takes hold with a vice-like grip.

Bleakly filmed and well told, "Half Nelson" soars because of the immaculate acting by Ryan Gosling and Shareeka Epps. Gosling's both alluring and pitiful as an addict, while Epps hits all the right notes as a child who's seen too much hardship.

...the final scene is so lovely--so subtle, yet funny--that it makes up for any missteps that have come before it.

The more interesting aspects of the film come in its less pre-determined margins. And maybe the drama is highly strategised, but the acting is real and genuine.

A fantastic merging of talents into a pure piece of art...