I have, rather embarassingly, only just gotten around to watching the film, but I absolutely loved it.

Stunning filming, a great score (especially by the kronos quartet), and I thought an astounding performance by Ellen Burstyn.
I've never been so affected by a movie, as I have with this one. The ending ripped my heart out, kicked it around for a bit, then dipped it in hot tar before returning it to my body.

I'm looking for the book now, to give that a read :)