The elements of the Eurpean culture of the past is vividly portrayed in this exceptional movie. The acting is exquisite, and that includes even the minor roles and the many faces in the crowd. Just exceptional in bringing the sights, sounds, color, and some of the horror of this period. Javier Barden, Natalaie Prtman, and Stellan Skarsgard have been wonderfully cast. I loved the movie and the 2 hours went by in a blur...

This is Just the kind of movie that I like most! It tells the factual story of figures in history and, most appealing to me, one is an artist. It reveals a window through which we view the culture and turmoil of a particular time and place. Through the perspectives of its fascinating characters we observe how each either becomes a victim or a survivor of the changing times in which they live. It seems particularly applicable to our own current struggles with politics, religion and social upheaval.

Like a Goya painting, this film doesn't flinch in delivering its dark vision. It's actually more about the time and place in which Goya lived, than the painter himself. The film's portrait of fanaticism, religion and how those two forces played out in the politics of the late 1700's is of course very relevant today. The cast delivers a strong, nuanced performance with Javier Bardem delivering an all-time great performance as Lorenzo. Randy Quaid is also good in a surprising turn as the king of Spain. The film is beautiful to look at, even at its most disturbing moments. Foreman creats a rich, detailed world reminiscent of his work in Amadeus. Its definitely a world worth seeing and experiencing.

went to this movie knowing it had gotten mixed (well, let's face it, mostly poor) reviews and left thinking i should believe what i read. great cast totally misused, too many accents, ridiculous plot. i will go see javier bardem in any movie he's in, but after this, i might have to change it to "almost any." it is beautiful to look at and that's something, but that's about all i can say for it.

Forman's direction and staging are magnificent! The subjects and people depicted by Goya in his sketches, cartoons and portraits come alive in this wonderful movie. Natalie Portman's acting is stupendous, ably support by Bardem and Skarsgard. Randy Quaid as the billious king is wonderful. The Spain of the late 18th and early 19th centuries is quite accurately portrayed, as are the excesses of the Spanish Church of that period. This film is a masterpiece.