I had just finished reading the book when I bought this movie. I must admit that I was not expecting all that much. Charles Dickens makes it very clear who the murderer is even though he died before he could finish the book. What this movie does is takes the clues and threads that are left in the story and ties them together in a logical and enjoyable way. The ending is simply brilliant, a great twist that I, at least, did not see coming. Matthew Rhys is brilliant as an unhappy choirmaster who escapes his life through opium. Also, watch for Alun Armstrong as Mr. Grewgious.