Brilliantly depicted. Winchesters book has always been a favourite and the film does not disappoint. The romantic angle threw me a little, however I understand the public need a little sweetener with their historical accounts. The brutality was portrayed well and leaves you with more empathy for the mentally disturbed. Penn deserves another Oscar and Gibson, although overshadowed by Penn, proves a masterful co-lead. If you feel this movie is lacking, you may need to return to the Steven Seagal and Vin Diesel genre.