Cards on the table time. I'm one of the few people who hasn't read Louis de Berniere's novel on which the film is based so I'm approaching this from a completely fresh perspective.

Smile, it's another sunny day, perfect for a tune

But from other reviews which have criticised the movie it's clear it's upsetting to those who've fallen in love with the novel.

Regardless of its adaptation, Captain Corelli's Mandolin is a great story, well acted and stunningly photographed.

At least he can't play me his mandolin while I'm sat here

The setting is the Greek island of Cephallonia. The peaceful way of life is shattered when the Italians invade. But this army is more intent on getting on with the locals, drinking wine, swimming with beauties in the glorious crystal-clear waters.

Captain Antonio Corelli (Cage) is no exception. He's already attracted to local doctor's daughter Pelagia (Cruz) when he's billeted at the doctor's house.

There is a problem. Pelagia is engaged to Mandras (it's hard to believe this is the same Christian Bale who portrayed the young boy in Spielberg's Empire of the Sun) who has joined the Greek resistance movement.

Hark, is that a stringed instrument I can hear being strummed?

The relationship slowly develops until the German army lands on the island. Theirs is a vastly different approach. The Greeks and the Italians are there to do as they're told.

Events reach a head when Corelli and his soldiers defy Hitler's troops with devastating consequences.

I'll show him. I'll bring in my oom-pah band

Cage and Cruz will receive most coverage for their leading roles but mention must be made of John Hurt's towering performance as Dr Iannis. It's one of his best performance for a long time. His weather-beaten, walnut features are ideal for a man who's supposed to have spent his life in the Mediterranean sun.

Mention also for David Morrissey, last seen in Born Romantic. He plays a weak German solider who you don't know whether to like or hate.

This is a slow-burner of a film. Cage and Cruz don't exchange their first kiss for 80 minutes but, hey, that reflects the laid back Greek way of life.

As for Cephallonia, well the island will be heaving with tourists for the next few years so you might be tempted to stay away until all the fuss dies down. I understand you can already dine in Captain Corelli's restaurant.

Read how BBC Nottingham Online's Dan Sinclair stumbled onto the Corelli film set