ultimately more symbolic than satisfying, the project leaves one grateful that two stars of this caliber would take on such a story, while wishing their efforts had left us with a more resonant artifact
the most powerful tool in this lovingly told story is the unimpeachably naturalistic ensemble work of a cast that simply couldn't be bettered, led with startling emotional transparency by Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan
the actresses (Saoirse Ronan and Kate Winslet) dig deeply to play a pair of unexpected lovers in the period-set drama, but Francis Lee's script and direction gives them little emotion to support the story
Kate Winslet is terrific, but Francis Lee's.. "Ammonite" sadly feels too distant, underpowered and colorless for its own good, as if somewhere down the line, its heart had died and hardened like a fossil waiting to be discovered
Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan star in a story of forbidden passion that is explicit and brutally honest; The contained, potent performance is one of Winslet's best
a movie nearly as steeped in the wonders of natural world as it is in the emotional lives of its uncommon characters; Like its coiled seashell muse, though, "Ammonite" finds its beauty in the whole, not the parts
"Ammonite" is an absorbing drama that sensationally brings together two superlative performers: Saoirse Ronan and Kate Winslet; It is a love story that is also a fascinating artefact: quixotic, romantic, erotic
by Caryn James [BBC ]
