Category Archives: Love Story

2000, Book, Drama, Drugs, Independent, Love Story, Novel, Nudity, Redemption, Sexual Episodes, Unusual

Jesus’ Son (2000)

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From NetFlix:

Nominated for an Independent Spirit Award, director Alison MacLean’s reflective drama follows FH (Billy Crudup), a well-meaning drug addict who stumbles backward into redemption. When his longtime love (Samantha Morton) leaves, FH follows her but meets and falls for the older Mira (Holly Hunter) along the way. Amid his life’s wreckage, a near-fatal car crash and a chance to save a child’s life force FH to examine his existence and its meaning.

Believe it or not, this film (which has the feel of an independent film) won some awards. I first read the book because it was recommended in the NY Times as an older book which you might as well get at your local library. I can only guess that the book made a splash in an epoch in which it was a novelty to write about drug-addled losers. The book travels from episode to episode while the druggies do outrageous things. Maybe I am getting too old for such nonsense.

Following the book fairly closely, the film is also like some otherworld travelog. But I was never bored (“OK, now what ?”). Still, think twice before you start this trip.

2009, Acceptable Trash, Chick Flick, Drama, Love Story

He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Scarlett Johansson lead an all-star ensemble cast of characters dealing with the pitfalls of love and human interaction in this big-screen adaptation of Greg Behrendt’s best-selling book. Set in Baltimore, director Ken Kwapis’s film moves swiftly between a host of storylines brought to life by a stellar lineup of actors that also includes Jennifer Connelly, Ben Affleck, Ginnifer Goodwin and Justin Long.

Wife Kathy asked me to get this film from NetFlix. I’d call it a Chick-Flick despite the fact that we both enjoyed it. Part of the attraction was wanting to know how the various relationships worked out. As you would expect some ended happily and some ended very sadly.

For me Ginnifer Goodwin was a new face. Bradley Cooper is someone I have seen alot but whose name I did not know. Some of those well-known actors are starting to look older.

In summary I found the film a tad scary because it shows the perils of dating and relationships in the culture of the early 21st centry.

2007, Could Be Sad, DO NOT MISS, Drama, French, Love Story, Not Feel Good, War

A Secret (2007)

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From NetFlix:

Claude Miller directs this engrossing drama about a Jewish boy in post-World War II Paris who stumbles upon a mysterious toy in the attic, exposing his family’s secret dark past and how it survived Nazi atrocities. Can the child grasp the devastating truth, or will it drive him deeper into his personal fantasy world? Cécile De France, Julie Depardieu, Ludivine Sagnier, Patrick Bruel and Mathieu Amalric star.

Some historical background might help:

Pierre Laval (28 June 1883 – 15 October 1945) was a French politician. He served four times as President of the council of ministers of the Third Republic, twice consecutively. Following France’s Armistice with Germany in 1940, he served twice in the Vichy Regime as head of government. After the Liberation (1945), he was arrested, found guilty of high treason, and executed by firing squad. Because his actions and motives have been the subject of controversy, over twelve biographies have been written about him.

President Laval becomes important in the very end of this marvelous but sad French film. But keep in mind that during World War II the French were just as anti-semitic and treated the French Jews in the same manner as the Germans (I purposely do not say “Nazis”). Thus what begins as a happy well-adjusted French (but unfortunately Jewish) family ends as a family fleeing persecution at the hands of the French.

But that is just the background framework around the real story which is one of love, lust, and guilt. I give nothing away by telling you that on his wedding day (before the wedding) the athletic groom (gymnast) is introduced to the brother of his bride-to-be. That brother has an amazingly beautiful and athletic wife, a champion diver. Immediately the groom is more than strongly attracted to that sister-in-law, but the wedding proceeds. The rest of the story is why you want to watch this well-acted, beautifully photographed French film (with subtitles).

I consider this film a “don’t miss”.

2008, Could Be Sad, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Love Story, Nudity, Sexual Episodes

Two Lovers (2008)

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From NetFlix:

After his engagement falls through, Leonard Kraditor (Joaquin Phoenix) juggles the affections of Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow), his beautiful, self-destructive neighbor, and Sandra (Vinessa Shaw), the attractive, sensible daughter of his father’s business associate. Writer-director James Gray’s beautifully nuanced romantic drama is set in Brooklyn and also stars Elias Koteas. The film was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

In my search for an actor’s actor, among others I nominate Joaquin Phoenix. He has never, to my knowledge, appeared in an unworthy part. His roles in “Gladiator” and “Walk The Line” were astounding. Also noteworthy were his roles in “Reservation Road” and “We Own the Night”. But for me his role in “Two Lovers” is the best yet. He plays an ordinary human being, albeit one with lots of problems.

Gwyneth Paltrow plays a mixed-up bleached blond. For our tastes Paltrow is getting a bit too old for such a part. But Paltrow always does a good job.

Playing a really sweet young woman (who aggressively pursues Leonard) is the stunningly beautiful Vinessa Shaw. She was the character Emma Nelson playing opposite Russell Crowe in “3:10 To Yuma” (which you MUST see).

And then there is Leonard’s beautiful mother. We sat there watching Ingrid Bergman in looks and speech and mannerisms. Finally it hit us – the actress is Isabella Rossellini, the daughter of Ingrid Bergman.

For me the plot came to a perfect conclusion. Would anyone out there like to disagree ?

Wife Kathy also liked the film. For a non-movie person like Kathy, that is saying a lot. Don’t miss this one!