There are changes, but I think Walsh has made the best possible adaptation of Ulysses considering the nature of the material. For instance, the film starts, and ends with Molly Bloom's famous monologue, which is a very interesting framing choice. It reminds us that Leopold's thoughts circle around the issue of his wife. Walsh has been unflinching in tackling subjects which even today are provocative and challenging. The dual obsessions - sex and religion - are examined head-on with the relentless truth that Joyce employed in his writing. Issues such as masturbation, a huge gamut of sexual preferences, racism, politics and theology are scrutinised without deception or coy avoidance. It's a tribute to the power of Joyce's work, and this adaptation, that certain parts of the film, in particular Leopold's extended fantasy sequence, can continue to be confrontational and shocking.

This is not just a film for admirers of Joyce's work, but for anyone who appreciates watching films with rich and complex characters, intense layering of information, and compelling acting. Bl,.m may not appeal to everyone, but I think that most Irish people should do their best to see this film. It reflects the blossoming of one of Ireland's literary masters, and lays bare the conflicted lives of Irish men and women who were trying to emerge from the shadow of religion and politics in early twentieth century Ireland. Thankfully we have come a long way since Joyce's era, and that is evident by this honest and successful adaptation. I doubt such an version of Joyce's novel could have been made in Ireland before now.