Category Archives: Love Story

2006, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Disturbing Image, Explicit sex, German, Grim, Love Story, Mostly About Sex, Nudity, Psychological Drama, Rape, Unusual, Violent

The Free Will (2006)

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From NetFlix:

When a convicted rapist (Jürgen Vogel) takes a job at a German print shop, he befriends the owner’s daughter (Sabine Timoteo), a young woman who’s been sexually abused by her father, and an intense but complicated bond forms between them. Matthias Glasner directs this Tribeca Film Festival selection that explores the boundaries of an unconventional romance between a former victimizer and one who’s been victimized.

At 2 hours and 44 minutes, this German film with optional English subtitles is a tough watch about which I shall now try to warn you. In what follows “he” is the rapist and “she” is the woman victimized by her father. You might NOT want to see this film because:

  • At the beginning you see an ugly rape scene. You can easily skip over this part and begin with his being released from prison.
  • Unfortunately he later relapses and there occurs a rape scene that is nowhere near as bad as that first scene but still ugly.
  • The film is very slow moving.
  • Fortunately we only get a hint of the father’s abuse. In fact we never really know if his abuse was sexual. At the very least he made his daughter a substitute in some ways for his deceased wife and prevented the daughter from being independent.
  • Intense loneliness is a constant presence.
  • Sadly the story does not end well.

So why on earth did I stick with this film? First of all I like independent films and this film has just that flavor. Also the film takes its time with the two characters. You can feel the sad conflicts with with they struggle, especially the self-hating rapist. Throughout the film, alas, I was rooting for them as a couple. Recidivism is all too real and there is nothing idealistic in filming the struggles of each of the characters.

Hopefully I have discouraged you from watching an unusual film which for me was fascinating.

2011, Flirting, Imperfect, Love Story, Mediocre, Sex Scenes

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

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From NetFlix:

When Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) discovers that his wife (Julianne Moore) wants to end their marriage, he reluctantly faces the unwelcome prospect of single life with the counsel of the younger and smoother super-bachelor Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). Meanwhile, Cal’s adolescent son, Robbie (Jonah Bobo), has formed an unquenchable crush on his 17-year-old babysitter (Analeigh Tipton) — but is she more interested in Robbie’s recently unwed father?

Steve Carell belongs in this shallow, unlikely, but possibly acceptable tale of love complications and family problems. His history in “The Office” and “Saturday Night Live” fits the bill.

But Julianne Moore can and has done much better: “Far From Heaven”, “The End of the Affair”, “The Shipping News”, “An Ideal Husband”, etc.

Most of all Ryan Gosling should be more careful in choosing movie roles. After such successes as All Good Things (2010) and Blue Valentine (2010) to say nothing of Lars and the Real Girl (2007), why choose lesser parts ?

Perhaps you can accept the plot, although I couldn’t buy it!

2009, Biographical, British, Drama, Love Story, True Story

The Young Victoria (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Eighteen-year-old British royal Victoria (Emily Blunt) ascends to the throne and is romanced by future husband Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) in this lush period film that chronicles the early years of the British monarch’s larger-than-life reign. Produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the Oscar-nominated film also stars Miranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William, and Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.

While visiting our daughter Kate in London we just happened to see this film on television. Lucky for us the timing could not have been better. That Victoria and Albert were truly devoted to one another is made quite clear by the film. In addition Albert was an honest, sincere consort that really tried to help the British commoners and to protect Victoria from various predators trying to control such a young queen. Her devotion to him after his early death from typhoid at age 42 is splendidly manifest if you visit the lighted Albert memorial at night. Also wonderful is the Victoria and Albert museum (called the “V & A”).

Such a well-done historical drama comes well recommended.

2011, Bullying, Circus, Disturbing Image, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story, Sex Scenes, Trains

Water for Elephants (2011)

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From NetFlix:

In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.

After reading Sara Gruen’s popular novel “Water for Elephants” it is easy to see that the original story had to be adapted for a film. For example, in the book we read about Jacob’s life in a nursing home when he is in his nineties. Frankly, I preferred the film.

Someone once opined that one successful way to make a movie is to just tell a good story. Indeed this is a captivating story that held my attention for several reasons. August was so out of control that I kept waiting for the explosion. Jacob and Marlena made such a good couple that eventually they had to somehow get together.

You do see at least indirectly some cruelty to animals, especially Rosie the elephant. Mostly you see the bloody results of August’s anger toward Rosie, which could be difficult for young children.

And the ending is so goody good good that I just snickered a bit. Great film!

Based on true facts, Cancer theme, Drama, Gay theme, Love Story, Quiet, Sex Scenes, Slow, Unusual

Beginners (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).

Ewan McGregor (now 40 years old) is not afraid to appear in movies outside the mainstream such as “Moulin Rouge” or “I Love You Philip Morris”. In fact, if you are looking for a good time, search for Ewan McGregor in IMDB for a long list of films. His biography in IMDB points out his determination to NOT conform.

And who could forget Christopher Plummer (now 82 years old) in the romantic role of Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music” from way back in 1965.

Mélanie Laurent (age 28) is a French actress who appears in both French (“Jusqu’à Toi”) and American (“Inglourious Basterds”) films.

Possibly this film is not for everyone for reasons such as:

  • One half of the film centers on the 75 year old father coming out as gay.
  • Another important theme is the son’s difficulty in maintaining a relationship.
  • You could hear a pin drop because this is such a quiet film.
  • “Move Slowly” is the film’s motto. Often the young couple just stare at each other.
  • There is humor but it is very quiet and subtle.
  • Should I believe that a 75 year old gay man can find a young lover ?
  • You watch the father slowly succumb to lung cancer.

Despite these possible objections, I loved this unusual film.

2010, Acceptable for children, DO NOT MISS, Jewish Culture, Love Story, Quiet, Religious Theme, Wonderful acting

Nora’s Will (2010)

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From NetFlix:

This award-winning black comedy follows the family of Nora (Silvia Mariscal), who carefully plans her suicide so that her assortment of estranged relatives, including ex-husband José (Fernando Luján), will have to celebrate Passover together and hopefully achieve a reconciliation. As José battles with unsympathetic cemeteries, a fractious rabbi and his devoted assistant, and his own son (Ari Brickman), he realizes how deeply he still loved Nora.

This Mexican film (in Spanish with English subtitles) has the Spanish title “Five Days Without Nora”. Throughout the film the Jewish culture is pervasive and always in conflict with Nora’s ex-husband (as he repeats many times) who is an atheist. One theme is the difficulty of burying Nora at the time of Passover, especially since Nora committed suicide (attempt number 15). Conservative Jews do not permit a proper Jewish burial in a Jewish cemetery when the deceased has died by suicide (the same used to be true for Catholics).

Two characters are comic (the aunt and a man hired to pray constantly in the presence of the body).

Finally I have found a warm, quiet, meaningful film that I can strongly recommend to adults.

2005, Drama, Love Story, Mediocre, Psychological Drama

Neverwas (2005)

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From NetFlix:

After taking a job at the mental institution that once housed his father (Nick Nolte) — a famous children’s author — erudite psychiatrist Zach Riley (Aaron Eckhart) befriends a schizophrenic (Ian McKellen) who unlocks a string of family secrets. Joshua Michael Stern makes an impressive directorial debut with an all-star supporting cast that includes Brittany Murphy, Jessica Lange, Bill Bellamy, William Hurt and Alan Cumming.

Ian McKellen usually appears in good films. Sadly, “Neverwas” is merely acceptable. Considering the impressive cast of characters I can only conclude that the story is less compelling than the characters would wish it to be.

Among the actors we find:

  • Aaron was Howie in Rabbit Hole (2010)
  • Ian McKellen is a grand old man of acting. Besides “Lord of the Rings” I remember him especially in “Gods and Monsters”.
  • Brittany Murphy was Daisy in “Girl Interrupted”
  • Nick Nolte was Joe Bechstein in The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (2008)
  • William Hurt was Richie Cusack in “A History of Violence”
  • Alan Cumming is currently in “The Good Wife” and also currently
    in the MC for BBC Masterpiece Theater.

Start-studded, but not important enough to watch if your time is limited.

2010, British, Car Chase, Crime, Dark, Drugs, Gay theme, Grim, Love Story, Police Story, Revenge, Serial Killer, Suspense, Violent

Blitz (2010)

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From NetFlix:

With an insidious serial killer known as “the Blitz” on the loose in London, Detective Brant (Jason Statham) takes to the case while working out his own aggression issues with a police-appointed psychiatrist. But when he and his partner (Paddy Considine) eventually corner a suspect, they don’t have enough evidence to apprehend him. Elliott Lester directs this frenetic crime thriller based on a novel by Ken Bruen.

“Blitz” offers the usual Jason Statham, take it or leave it. Of course he takes the law into his own violent hands despite being a British policeman, that goes without saying. Perhaps there is some novelty in the fact that:

  • His police division is noted for rough irregularities. That division gets a new boss (Porter Nash is the character’s name) who is both highly qualified and gay. Whereas the other policemen dislike and deride Nash, Detective Brant (Statham) respects and works well with him. In fact …
  • Brant confides in Nash that he, Brant, suffers from blackouts which Nash correctly attributes to burnout.

Cat and mouse with the serial killer is intelligently written. Eventually the killer gets his due. So does the amoral journalist who seeks glory in cooperating with the killer.

But in the end, it is the usual Statham.

2010, Bad high school, Drama, Drugs, Flirting, Gloomy, Love Story, Mediocre, Sad small town, Serial Killer, Sex Scenes

Daydream Nation (2010)

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From NetFlix:

City girl Caroline Wexler (Kat Dennings) feels like she’s spinning her wheels when she moves to a small rural town, where she’s got nothing in common with anyone — except her disarmingly handsome teacher, Mr. Anderson (Josh Lucas). But when Caroline tires of their clandestine affair, Mr. Anderson isn’t ready to let her go. Andie MacDowell co-stars in this humorous dark romance from writer-director Michael Goldbach.

One more entry in the list of films with the two characteristics “sad small town” and “bad high school”, this film you have seen before with different names. Unpleasantly realistic, you can only feel sorry for the characters.

As unexciting as this film was, the acting was good. Unfortunately the girl played by Kat Dennings just could not make up her mind what she wanted and dragged us along in her uncertainty. Josh Lucas did a good job as a lonely, mediocre, confused, writer wannabe, somewhat clownish high school teacher who is stupid enough to have an affair with one of his students.

Reece Thompson (22 years old at time of filming and without many credits in his resume) did a good job as a sad, drug using, insecure high school student who has lost a friend and searching for something solid to hold onto. Are our high school students (at least the males depicted in this film) really so drugged out?

While not a complete waste of time, you could find a better film to watch. In this category of film you might choose the classic “The Last Picture Show” from 1971.

2011, Clever Plot, Disturbing Image, Drugs, Love Story, Suspense, Torture, Violent

Limitless (2011)

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From NetFlix:

With his writing career dragging and his girlfriend casting him off, Eddie Morra’s life turns around when he takes a drug that provides astonishing mental focus — but its deadly side effects threaten his future.

Seemingly slow at first, this imaginative and clever plot takes off and the suspense never ends. While the acting is nothing special, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro are acceptable. But it is really the roller-coaster sequence of action scenes that make the film fun to watch. Without spoiling anything, you can expect separate situations for Cooper and for his girlfriend Abbie Cornish in which they are cornered by one or more of the “bad guys” and they swallow a pill containing NZT and “Shazam!” they escape with a wonderfully contrived solution.

Of course there is a lot of violence and some possibly disturbing scenes.

Although the ending seemed too good to be true, I really recommend this film as a fun few hours of escape.