Before Midnight (2013)

Before Midnight, is an ambitious film. There are numerous elements amalgamated that make it interesting. The really interesting philosophical discussions between people of different ages and cultures, the eternal conflicts between the male and female in a couple, the way each of them sees things, their life with their children, their relationship with ex-partners, a really amazing summer scenery in Southern Peloponnese (Greece), the concern of the parents for their children and many more.

It is supposed to be a sequel to Richard Linklater‘s “Before Sunrise (1995)” and  “Before Sunset (2004)” but it has a different style and despite the fact that I liked both of them, it did not ring a bell. There are times where it becomes tiring, but fortunately, they are not many.

Well, make sure you see it when you are not tired, otherwise you will not enjoy it.

My rating: 07/10

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

The initial film idea of two people having “certified” mental problems getting together is an excellent one. So is the plot up to the point where the football and betting starts to get a major share of the film. It then becomes gross and childish. But that’s what the majority expects and the film industry wants to provide. Silver Linings Playbook had the potential to be a great film.

My rating: 05/10

See Girl Run (2012)

Our daily life has a demolishing effect on the romantic moments that bring people together. The routine, the daily hassles, the stress and numerous other reasons make people forget why they lead a common life in the first place. And on top of the pie comes the cherry: expectations. All the beautiful things we remember, because normally the bad things are forgotten. All the things we would like to do but we cannot in the state we are in currently.
See Girl Run: Realistic and simple but not simplistic.

My rating: 07/10

Amour (2012)

The love (l’ Amour) between a married couple the last days of their lives. This is a film almost played by only two people. Amazing performances, with scenes of excellent photography, a story that has a lot to say about dedication, love, tolerance, patience, grief …

There is a small problem however. With me. I felt guilty when the film finished. Despite what I saw, I was not moved. After some thought it became clear.

The people who the film portrays were at their eighty’s. That is born around 1930. It was the era when almost everyone was married for a lifetime. Sometimes having other people and/or circumstances choose the spouse. Of course, we rarely see that in the movies that want a happy story.  There were very few (if any) options of divorce these days in case of disagreements, incompatibilities etc.  Is it nice when you have no option? In my opinion, no. What is nice is to have an option but decide to be with someone because you feel like it (having kids is a totally different ball game and out of this post, because it is going to become very lengthy).

So, what we are watching in this movie is (in my humble opinion) an exception to the rule. It is also something we very rarely find these days, although I do know some couples that did decide to stay together for several decades. Which is great for the reason stated above.  My proposal to them is to see the movie, and my wish is to share a similar love and to have a better ending. Leave this life standing on two feet with dignity is a gift after all.

To those who are not in the above category, well, do not feel guilty: there are so many wonderful things in life 🙂

My rating: 06/10

 

 

The Vow (2012)

A film about the “moments of impact”. That is moments, in one’s life that have a dramatic effect, that lead to change beyond control. Moments and after-effects one has to reconcile with, think upon, make the best out of them. The Vow, being what the word says for something extremely important to someone, may be impossible to keep, because we are only … human,

Given the fact that we are, as individuals, our memories and our processing ability, the mere idea of loosing either of them is something beyond intimidation …

It is a nice film, with a good scenario, acting and realistic…It just leaves you with a feeling that it could be better.

My rating: 06/10