The cinematography was immense, with shots overlooking parts of Russia, Mongolia, Tibet, and India - just helps you realise the vastness of the journey. The other actors within this, despite them being relatively unknown on the Hollywood stage, join the cast well, and the chemistry is there to make the journey and the true stamina of the group believable. Given her youth, she manages to draw in the audience with her character's history and gravitas. Surprisingly well, actually! Saoirse Ronan, at 15/16, is incredible in this. Colin Farrell finds himself taking a respectable role in a respectable film - and does a very good job at it - and even manages to work a Russian accent, which he pulls off - and he pulls it off well. The acting was great - there were some familiar faces in the likes of Jim Sturgess (21) and Ed Harris (everything else).and they do very well in their roles. This film really had you captivated for the entire journey - and you really connect with the characters within it, so much so you experience their emotions with them - you laugh with them, you are on the verge of tears at moments, and you feel their determination. I had no idea what the film was about only that I'd heard that "People walk out of Russia".
I went with my friends to see this the other day - we picked whatever film was on soonest at the cinema.