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 104) :
Great
Rating:5
This was a present for my husband and arrived very quickly and in good condition. My husband has watched it twice already and very happy with the DVD.

Must watch
Rating:5
The music in this film is excellent. Always been a fan of both Cash and Carter. Never knew he had such a hard life.
He did so well with no encouragement from family or friends. Now i not only like the mans music, I admire and respect him.

Walk the line
Rating:5
Fantastic! Moving movie , has totally changed my view of both Jonny Cash and June Carter. Beautiful story line and music.

Walk the Line DVD
Rating:5
Just love this film, The life story of Johnny Cash warts and all. Joaquin Phoenix is really amazing, he has all his mannerisims off too a tea. And of course the music is fabulous. Will watch this again and again.


A Thing of Beauty
Rating:5
I liked Reese Witherspoon before this film, but she's just gorgeous in this part. Her singing voice and her accent are sublime. Phoenix is brooding and troubled as Jonny Cash, too. Not the sort of film I would have picked out by choice, it was a great recommendation from my mother.