For those brave enough to gaze into the abyss that "Leaving Las Vegas" lays bare, the film offers a masterclass in acting, a visually arresting portrait of a city, and a stark meditation on addiction and love. I give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars, not for any perceived flaw, but because it leaves you with a sense of longing—a yearning for a different ending for its characters, as unlikely as that may be. It's a film that doesn't shy away from the darkest corners of human experience, and for that, it is both commendable and unforgettable.