This was a masterfully directed and shot film. Not really much of a backstory to anything, including the characters, which brings it down a notch a little bit for me to a seven. That was probably the intention, in fact I'm assuming it definitely was, but it did take away some appeal for me. However, the cinematography and direction is absolutely amazing. No question that Sam Mendes should have received the best director Golden Globe. Great film, best watched in the theater in my opinion, definitely worth your money.