Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon are wonders as Johnny and June, disappearing into the roles and acquiting themselves more than ably in performing the songs.

Johnny Cash – more than just a great singer songwriter – was a seminal figure in both country and rock music, creating a style of music – gritty and real – that changed the world. The legendary Sam Phillips summed up this rock-and-roll ethos in the movie:

Or… would you sing somethin’ different. Somethin’ real. Somethin’ you felt. Cause I’m telling you right now, that’s the kind of song people want to hear. That’s the kind of song that truly saves people. It ain’t got nothin to do with believin’ in God, Mr. Cash. It has to do with believin’ in yourself.

Walk the Line shows how Johnny and June met this challenge as well as anyone ever did.