Spearheaded by two superb performances (which we’ll come to shortly), the film’s main focus is on Cash himself, from his childhood, early successes, eventual troubles through to the legendary concert of Folsom Prison. His journey also takes in drug problems, the tragedy that haunted him and bumpy relationships with the women in his life. Throughout, of course, there’s Cash’s enviable body of musical work, which not only helps provide markers for his story, but makes for an excellent soundtrack to the movie as a whole.

As a film, Walk The Line is resolutely formulaic, with a structure that’ll be familiar to anyone who regularly watches biopics of this ilk. What really helps this one stand tall though are Joaquin Pheonix and Reese Witherspoon. Pheonix is utterly compelling in the lead role, while Witherspoon is back on the form she displayed back in the days of Election.

James Mangold’s direction is fine and uncluttered, and while his film clearly chooses which elements of Cash’s life to focus on (there’s certainly far more to know than you get in the two and a quarter hours here), it works extremely well as an entry point into the life story of a great musician. Even the casual viewer will get a lot from Walk The Line, and it may even compel them to expand their CD collection off the back of it,--Simon Brew


Customer Reviews (Average 4.5 from 98) :
Happy with this DVD
Rating:4
This DVD was 2nd hand. It arrived promptly and was exactly what I wanted. Thanks.

Walk the line
Rating:5
A beautifully presented story of the life of Johnny Cash. As far as I know it is factually correct and musically as good as it comes. An excellent product.

Delivery was fantastic
Rating:5
Arrived quickly in mint condition. Not watched it yet, but sure it will be a great film for all the family.

THE REAL MAN IN BLACK
Rating:5
La apasionante historia de uno de los mas increibles e historicos íconos del Country, Rock and Roll y el blues: Johhny Cash, y la maravillosa mujer de su vida, June Carter, llevada a la gran pantalla y al mundo del dvd; una pelicula que nos muestra el gran legado que tanto Johnny como June dejaron al mundo musical, asi como una dura vida de caídas y levantones de un ídolo musical que trabajo duramente para superar el estres, las drogas, los complejos e incluso vencerse a sí mismo; con el apoyo y ayuda incondicional de una luchadora mujer que fue su mano derecha toda su vida, y le acompaño hasta su muerte...una increible interpretacion de Joaquin Phoenix y Reese Witherspoon, quienes cantan con sus propias voces y sin ningun doblaje; una pelicula muy digna de uno de los grandes de la musica!!

A very heart-touching story. Excellent actors in an excellent movie.
Rating:5
I am not a person that remembers actors' faces, but Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon will remain engraved in my memory for their excellent performance in this movie. I am a Johnny Cash fan and I really think they couldn't have found a better actor for his part.
I get easily bored by the telly, and I usually do some work on my laptop while watchig a film. Now, >>this film<< I watched with interest from beginning to end. And then - I went on watching the extra features (the 10 deleted scenes with commentary).
There is a negative review that criticizes that the story was far from Johnny Cash's real life. Well? It's still a great movie! Totally worth your time.