Just caught this movie the other night. I think sometimes "speech" means more than vocalizing. The women speak volumes in this movie. They aren't the only heroes, but they are the strongest characters. I think Guy Pierce goes over the top (but that's the way it's written). I once was told that a character shouldn't be completely evil. There should be some positive element, because most people are complex. I'm trying to remember if Pierce did one thing that wasn't wicked.
Anyway, great film. Holds attention from beginning to end, and it was nice to see Dakota Fanning maturing into a fine actress. Quite a challenge, conveying meaning with saying a word.