Set in Bucharest in 1938, Youth Without Youth tells the story of Dominic Matei (Tim Roth) a college professor who, after being struck by lightning, gains a number of paranormal powers, including being rejuvenated to his youthful self. Pursued by medics and government officials alike, Dominic goes on the run across nazi Europe, finding, along the way, his childhood sweetheart, who also has a secret to share...

With Francis Ford Coppola directing, and stars such as Tim Roth, Alexandra Maria Lara and Bruno Ganz (Hitler in Downfall), you might have expected the great pedigree behind the film to translate into a perceptive and worthwhile thriller. Unfortunately, though, this film becomes an arduous exercise in comprehension and the film slides under the weight of its own pretension.

It's an ambitious undertaking alright, to try to bring a story like this to the screen, but the payoff just isn't there. Tim Roth tries to give the whole thing great credence, but good actor though he is, this overly long film isn't even half decent. It's youth without spark or deliverance.