Saw this wonderful film this afternoon and was not let down as I usually am when too much hype surrounds a release. This is a great film on every level, and brought to mind those times when you're viewing a film you know is an instant classic along the lines of "Sophie's Choice" and other similar films.

Something not being mentioned in general reviews is how strong the supporting cast is -- every bit of casting is perfect, including Claire Danes as the Meryl Streep character's daughter, Stephen Dillane as Leonard Woolf, Jeff Daniels, and even young Jack Rovello, cast as Julianne Moore's "son". Perhaps Ed Harris, cast as ex-lover Richard, will finally receive a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award (the one that escaped him for "Pollock") -- he's excellent here.

In short, this is Nicole Kidman's film and her finest performance -- she disappears into the spirit and role of Virginia Woolf, taking her place among great actresses like Streep, Taylor, and other preceeding her. Her performance is the product of acting ability and should earn her a "Best Actress" nomination and Academy Award next year.

"The Hours" is simply one of the year's best films, and the Oscar race is on.....