Same, it’s a modern classic and I’m glad that it now has so many fans who appreciate its subtlety and depth.
It dares to linger on the actors’ faces as they experience a wealth of emotions, and the pacing is perfect. 3 hours fly by.
Hopkins is outstanding in this film.

Not really my type of film, I like action, sci-fi, fights, guts, gore, car chases etc. and I had only seen the shortened version before (twice) on television, but tonight, on British television on Freeview 32, was the full length version of the film. Previous people have said 'It has to be watched more than once.' And they're right. Brad Pitt was great as somebody who had no idea about life, and Anthony Hopkins was just as good portraying a man who knows he's going to die, but doesn't want to go (who does?) How this film was panned by critics is beyond me, it really is. Unlike action films, when the're over, they're over. But any film that has you thinking after it has ended has to be rated at least a 6 for a start. I make this a solid 8. I'm the same age as Hopkins in the film (65) and I know it's only a film, but there is no way I could face my daughters with the knowledge I was going to die that night. There must have been a draught in the room as I appear to have got specks of dust in my eyes which made them water.

I have to totally agree with you.
People say it's a slow paced movie. Hell it is, and that suits its purpose perfectly. It's a very emotive and deep story (emotion-wide). Every actor was finger picked to his/her role.

I love this movie as well. Its on TV as I write this and I havent seen it in 8 years or so.
I remember I saw it multiple times when I was younger and I could never understand why the movie was not well-received at least critically (I could understand financially - people not willing to sit through three hours in theaters).
It is almost a piece of old Hollywood epic style of filmmaking. The movie is patient, long, strong romantic storyline, great performances, multiple intertwined character story arcs, etc.
And it all comes together beautifully. The movie never dragged for me. It is like Shawshank Redemption and Godfather - whenever I caught it on TV, I could not help but finish it.
One of the most underrated and overlooked movies IMO. It should be a classic.
Laura:You left a dead prostitute buried alone in the desert?
Kyle:She's not alone.

It's a bit over-dramatic at times (especially with the score(music)), mainly in the end area of the movie, but at the end of the day this is my #1 movie of 1998. in fact, it's the only movie from 1998 that stands out as while there used to be some others they have taken a hit where as this one remains strong. it's my favorite Anthony Hopkins movie and my 3rd favorite Brad Pitt movie behind Spy Game(2001)/Interview with the Vampire(1994). this movie is kinda unique as i can't really think of anything like it out there, especially nothing i like as much, that i have seen and i have seen over 2,000 movies.
7.5-8/10 ; which makes it within my Top 114 movies.
i just finished re-watching this just now on Dec 8th 2016 and it holds steady. my previous viewing was Aug 10th 2014 and prior to this viewing it was many years since i last re-watched it.
p.s. for the record i am a 37 year old male.
and at the end, I feel good - which is what I want in a movie.
Yep, this does that well.
i find this movie fairly unique as i can't really think of anything like it, especially nothing that i like as much.
There's something wonderful about both Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins. They are both outstanding actors and when they are on the screen, one is riveted! They glow. They sparkle. It's whatever that indefinable something that used to be termed "STAR" quality. They both have it. And you really feel it in "MEET JOE BLACK".
I'm sorry for all people involved in this movie that it did so poorly at the box office and got bad reviews which it DID NOT deserve.
Agreed on all of that.
i would also say that Claire Forlani worked well with Brad Pitt on screen to which further boosted the movie.

My Top 100-ish Movies of All-Time! =
http://goo.gl/EYFYdz

I am watching this again for the fifth or sixth time, and each time I love it more. Anthony Hopkins is fantastic. Brad Pitt is starting to sink into his acting, you can tell. The critics and public were still looking at him as just a pretty face in those days. The sets are gorgeous and the musical score is enchanting.
This is one of those misunderstood movies when it came out at the time. But it IS one of those movies which gets better over time.

I also love this movie!

Perhaps what happened to you on your first viewing was what happened to the critics.

I love the whole film, and of course especially Brad, there are some scenes where he just shines. The other actors, Hopkins, Forlani, all of them are good, too. It is a film to be watched not just once to be appreciated.

I bought this movie a long time ago and tried to watch it. The heart attack scene and library scene kind of lost me. They seemed to be very long and drawn out.
I gave up by the time "death" arrived in the dining room.
I guess I didn't know what I was missing since the fun was just getting started.
I tried to watch the movie again a couple years ago and loved the movie on the second try. It was then that I understood the requirements of the slow pace as "death" is introduced to the viewer at the beginning.
This movie is now one of my favorites. I watch it quite often now.
I do have one minor complaint. The soundtrack is slightly too loud. I had to turn on subtitles in a few places to understand what the characters were saying. The music is excellent but perhaps the balance between voices and music needs adjustment.

I liked the movie. It was beautiful, Claire Foluani was beautiful, with good chemistry with Brad Pitt. However, I thought it was too long and could have been edited to improve focus.

Not a perfect movie, but so carefully made, so sweet I couldn't "not like" it, impossible.

It's simple. The critics got it completely wrong. This is a fine piece of art. A wonderfully chosen cast, superb performances by excellent actors at the height of their powers, gorgeous cinematography, a well written script all filled out with a lovely score. A very fine work of art, this film. Watch it again. I'm sure you'll agree.
Nomad

Meet Joe Black is also on my list of top ten movies of all time.
It's hard to know what some critics were thinking when they panned the film. Maybe the problem is just that: they were only thinking and not feeling.
If you're interested, here's my review of the film:
http://www.imdb.com/board/10119643/reviews-673

Loved it too. It's a beautiful film with fabulous music. Simple and deep.

Then you are gay.

This message has been deleted.

I'm opposed to critics because they downgrade the best movies. MJB makes my top 10

hey guys, Im male, and like all kinds of movies, but action, horror, thrillers being my favorites one. Still I loved this slow but meaningfull movie, I agree with most of you, its a great movie, one of my favorites romances.
Jacarutu!
http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=20186983

I think you are doing great at being eloquent! You got that moment to a T! and so poetically!

This message has been deleted.

This message has been deleted.

Anthony Hopkins does play the role so well!
Because the movie does run longer than many, if you watch it on TV, some of the best parts are edited out. I watched it playing on TV recently and much of the conversation and by-play with the coffee-shop Joe (Brad Pitt) was cut out and made the end of the movie rather meaningless. Also usually on TV the love scene between Brad Pitt as death and Susan is usually cut short. Death making love for the first time! Such a shame to have that cut out!

Great post! I couldn't agree with you more.
The thing that GOT ME is the dignity and grace, with which Bill (Anthony Hopkins) met and accepted his fate. The walking down the bridge with Joe Black and that INCREDIBLE SCORE just gets me everytime!!!!
People complain of its lengthy running time - to me it goes by in a blink