The movie has a very compelling premise that it tries to divulge through quick cuts of flashbacks that are stretched sparingly throughout the movie, leading you to believe that there is some kind of puzzle piece that's missing only to find out that there isn't and that it was all a misunderstanding and a rush to judgment. The prevailing tragedy of a very determined, broken, and fervent character doesn't really make Irena an interesting person outside of her actions. She is willing to go any lengths, screw anyone over, and even commit murder. So any real pity and compassion dissipate by the end, even when you consider what she has gone through, making the ending a bit undeserved. Not once in her confession have I heard anything about that nanny "slipping" on the stairs; it's like they forgot she did that. Aside from the very anticlimactic plot, the movie is carried by Kseniya Rappoport's acting and the strong supporting cast, especially the daughter. The direction is great, even if it can't compensate for the script. Even if some sound design attempts to mimic cheap horror stings with that violin yanking, Ennio Morricone's score is fantastic.

um filme que não vai sair sua cabeça.tão cedo, belíssimo. è por estes filmes que gosto tanto de cinema...

Tasokasta mysteeri thrilleriä, jonka viimeinen 30min vähän latistaa tunnelmaa olemalla melkoisen laimea odotuksiin nähden. 3 1/2p

Viewed via a dvd on which the subtitles were not working. I only had beginner Italian and caught a few words here and there, but it was very easy to follow this riveting story about a woman trying to escape her past. Clearly the female lead was wonderful as she maneuvered her way into a new life with a particular mission. Kudos to the director using close up shots and flashbacks to convey a thriller/melodrama reminiscent of Sirk mixed with Hitchcock'.

Somewhat confusing yet I couldn't stop watching.

When you watch a Giuseppe film you can pretty much be sure that it will be 2 or so hours of a mixture of storytelling. The Unknown Woman is not an easy film to set your eyes on, tornatore reels us in within the 1st 2 minutes, a line of 3 women wearing only masks, from that point on we have 2 hours of pure emotion, drama, and some perfect acting from all concerned. Once again Tornatore (who in my opinion still doesn't get the attention he deserves as a film maker) makes a film that will make you not want to move from your seat.

Misleading but nevertheless compelling and stylish film--Engaging but contrived!!

tale of a woman who is seeking her child and her very own existence. A GREAT suspense thriller

A very average thriller from an acclaimed Italian director who made his name in comedy-dramas. The pacing was odd - the movie seemed to drag at times for no apparent reason, and the flashbacks were awkwardly placed. Perhaps if it was edited differently (and cut by some 20 minutes) it would have been much more effective. There were also too many plot holes, the story seemed contrived and relied way too much on coincidence.

one of the greatest movie i have never seen before i like the sequence line of the story and adore the twist in the end of the movie. Tornatore is THE godfather of this piece

A troubling thriller!

not the most original of storylines but 'bout three quarters in, the film did get more suspenseful. and by time it got to the end, bam! , you have a quite touching movie though a touch overtly sentimental. 'irena' was quite the superwoman. the little girl who played tea was soo cute and good.

For me, it turned out to be an average thriller, with okay performances. That you can see the twist coming was not as much a problem as its pacing. Relatively necessary sequences were rushed through, while hardly important scenes were allotted unnecessarily more time. Besides, the over-exposure was exceedingly forced in with the "script's requirement" excuse. Other than that, it's quite watchable; just hope enough is left. Thankfully, it ain't thoroughly disappointing, and has a few moments.

Another strong thriller-psychology film.

I found this movie a little odd. A little disturbing. A little confusing....and just not very well written, in my opinion. Too many loose ends, also.

This is a straight sleeper. Well worth renting, not buying - but renting.

Great foreign flick.- subtitled, but worth it. Check it out.

This is quite stunning.

a real head scratcher from the director of cinema paradiso amazing movie.

Disturbing and tragic at the same time. Strong and terrifying storyline. Keeps you guessing right to the end.