I loved this movie. It was intelligent, very tightly written, the characters were interesting. I loved how elegantly and subtly the film portrays emotions. It was never hammed up or exaggeratedly bleak like SO many films nowadays and the cinematography was excellent. Good plot, great details, I watched it three times - and I usually HATE watching movies more than once.
I showed it to my parents, neither of whom were keen - by the end they agreed it was a great movie. Honestly I really have to wonder why it has bad reviews, it's one of the more intelligent films I've ever seen. oh wait - well, I guess I just answered my own question...