The Vow (2012)

 

Director: Michael Sucsy

"The vow" is another chick flick that might not has the ending we all have waited for. The main characters Paige and Leo are played by our loved romantic films actors Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum. The storyline is divided into 3 parts - before the accident, the day of accident and after the accident. Yes, car crash and its created consequences played a major role in the film.

Paige, a successful artist, and Leo, a self-founded record company's manager, are happily married when suddenly happens the worst. After the car accident Leo emerges unharmed but Paige.... doesn't remember anything that happened during the last 3 or even 4 years (that means she also doesn't remember that she is married.) . Now Leo has to make his wife to fall in love with him again. 

The road to Paige's heart is very long. I can understand her however I never want to know how does the lose of memory feels like. Waking up and finding out you are married to a stranger and know nothing about your current life is a big deal. But I was more sorry for Leo. He was even more hurt because he knew the truth. How would you feel if one day your wife/husband or girlfriend/boyfriend remembers only the time before she/he met you?

I have to admit that I cried a little bit and that's huge for me because I've never cried while watching Titanic or The Notebook. I am emotional but the plot has to be really sad in order to make me cry. I was also amazed by Channing. He's not so poor actor as I firstly thought he was. (Despite that, in my opinion, he's still part of the middle class of acting.)

This story was inspired by true events. The "real life" Paige never regained her memory. You have to watch the film to find out how she spent the rest of her life. One thing now I know for sure - nothing can cause bigger pain than losing someone you truly love.

All in all, I waited from "The vow"  so much more, I was kinda disappointed of how the story was going. And, as far as I know, I'm not the only one. You can watch this film but don't wait anything creditable. I actually don't understand why it was released just before the Valentines day because it's more sad than joyous, however "happily ever after" did happen.

Leap year (2010)

Director: Anand Tucker

I found "Leap year" by "googling" similar films to "Letters to Juliet" and the people who suggested it weren't wrong. Of course you can't compare one film to other but there were some similarities. Once again a girl who is about to marry on her journey meets another guy who is more suitable for her than her groom-to-be. 

That's what happened with Anna this time. After a very successful day at work she is asked by Jeremy (her boyfriend) to have a dinner together, because there's something special he wants to give her. Anna is surprised when she finds out that it's not the engagement ring (she expected) but ear rings, yet more Jeremy had to immediately go to Ireland, Dublin.

Anna got to know that there is such an Irish tradition - in the leap year on 29th of February a woman can propose man and he has to accept it. However it seems that Irish themselves don't take this tradition serious and think it's stupid. On the contrary, Anna finds it very romantic therefore she goes to Ireland. 

Because of the powerful storm over the "green land" Anna is forced to get off far away from Dublin. Luckily she finds Irish guy Declan (ooohhh his gorgeous accent) who consents to drive her to the capital city. On their way both have to overcome their differences and funny situations that leads to exploring each others characters and feelings and falling in love. 

In the end Anna realizes that marrying Jeremy is a big mistake. If she had only 60 seconds to run away from burning house, Declan would be the only one she would rescue. I guess you have already perceived the ending so I won't tell it.

This film made me think about the real values in my life. Material damage is not as serious as losing a really important person. And also... Over thinking and planning all the details of your daily life - that's not how you can enjoy your lifetime to it's fullest. Try to do something on impulse not thinking about what to do next. That's how you will really taste your life!

Really, really good romantic comedy both for women and men.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Director : Sofia Coppola

Being a queen's daughter isn't as sweet as we might in the beginning think it is. Being a queen - neither. Marie Antoinette was just 14 years old when she was forced to marry Louis XVI. And that's all because of required improvement in relationship between France and Austria. 

I actually think that the court of Versaille was the one that made Marie who she after all was. From my point of view, Antoinette wouldn't become so profligate and reckless (I remember that after her first night in Versaille she thought that all the official things were totally ridiculous and unnecessar.) if not the countess and other courtiers.

I think that Marie didn't deserved such fate, she's still an iconic woman in my eyes. Even though Antoinette was responsible for the big expenses, but why Louis XVI couldn't be wiser and more decisive? In the end they both were guilty.

Let's talk straight about the film now. In my opinion, Sofia Coppola did an amazing job. Capitally captured inner world of Marie Antoinette although we also have to thank Kristen Dunst for such good dramatics. 

One thing I liked the most was the soundtrack. I really enjoyed watching film because of it. Relatively small impact of the music of 18th century but mostly modern pop and alternative rock. That's what kept me alive while the plot was kinda sad eventually.

I don't hold this film in high regard but I must admit that it helped me to finally understand the reasons of The great French revolution. I wouldn't be satisfied either if the king and queen lived in prosperity but the nation had to starve.

Letters to Juliet (2010)

Director: Gary Winick

Sophie and her fiancé Victor decide to spend their vacation before wedding together in Italy, Verona. Very soon it's obvious that they aren't made for each other. All Victor thinks of is his future restaurant, he's totally uninterested in how Sophie is doing. (He clearly doesn't see this until she says it to him). 

At the same time Sophie runs across more than 50 years old unanswered "letter to Juliet" (one of many which are left at the fictional character's courtyard and are mostly answered by "the secretaries of Juliet") and decides to write back. Sophie's letter is so emotional that Claire comes back to Verona where she 50 years ago met the love of her life - Lorenzo. (“What” and “If” are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: What if?) Now Claire is desperate to find him and fix past mistakes.And so the journey begins....

Sophie, Claire and Charlie (Claire's grandson) overcome their differences and after disappointment several times they finally find the real, one and only Lorenzo Bartolini. After more than 50 years memories are still living. ('Cause love doesn't have an expiration date). No time for one more mistake and that's why Claire and Lorenzo don't even think about leaving each other again. They are meant to live happily together ever after.

After such a journey Sophie realizes she hasn't find her true love. Victor isn't the one. Like, name me one couple who just before the wedding goes to the vacation but doesn't spent their time together and they don't even long for it. That's not normal! Therefore even after so many misunderstandings and mutual dislike Sophie conceives that Charlie is the one she loves and who loves her for what she is. That's the man she needs!

This filmed taught me that you're never too old and it's never too late to fall in love and if your love is really as strong as you think you should never let that one person go. One more thing - if you are really good at something, don't be afraid to show it to others too (like Sophie did... I mean the writing).

 "Letters to Juliet" also made me want to travel to Italy. The beauty of nature and old houses.Oh and the soundtrack.... Amazing Italian songs brought the right atmosphere. I wouldn't refuse to watch this film again. Really!

 

Angel (2007)

Director: François Ozon

Angel Deverell always knew that the only work that was suitable for her was writing. Even if she was poor, she would never do a service or work for others. That wasn't acceptable! Angel knew what she is capable of and the value of her work. 

Due to her persistence and determination Angel achieved her goal - she became a famous and loved by the people writer. Of course when you become famed, you need to be aware in choosing your friends. You never know who is really there for you and who - just lies to get the favor. 

Angel was wise and chose her beloved ones very carefully. But she, just as we all, failed. The only person who really loved her and stood by her side was Nora. Her brother Esmé fooled Angel very well. He only wanted her money although he was just as proud as his wife and tried to show everybody that he's become a real man. Angel's fame came as fast as her fall. Her novels, once so eccentric and unique, now were unreadable and needless (During the WW 1). 

I must highlight Romola Garai for  such an amazing acting. I really believed her character. I was so sorry for Angel (Her tragic fate). She achieved everything she always wanted and then after some time it was all useless. 

I loved the story (I love historical novels). It drag me into and I actually thought that Angel Deverell really lived in the beginning of the 20th century. (Later I found out that she's just a fictional character. The book was written by Elizabeth Taylor.). However some part of the film made me laugh. In my opinion you have to be really dumb to believe that, for example, the scenery of Egypt wasn't just a video playing behind their backs. Director could have worked better.

I would highly recommend watching "Angel" everyone who loves historical stories, romance but also for those who think they can't achieve what they desire. This film taught me that nothing is impossible. You just have to believe in yourself. Of course it also takes a lot of hard work and dedication. But when you reach your goal, you will be very satisfied. 

They say:"No pain, no gain."

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Director : Joe Wright

Before watching this film I had some kind of an advantage  because I had read the novel by Jane Austin previously. However you never know what the producers choose to keep and what - to throw aside.

For now I have watched "Pride and prejudice" 2 times and I still can't say that it's enough. It's one those films you  would never be fed up with. Just the beauty of the nature and the atmosphere of the 19th century made me fall in love with it. Director is really a master in finding the right place and time. (For example, one of the last scenes where Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy in the morning. Rising sun, mist, everything...Pure beauty.)

I'm one of those people who are hopeless romantics. I simply love happy endings. And this film was not an exception. Despite various obstacles, their pride and stubbornness Lizzy and Mr. Darcy eventually found their way back to each other. Although I waited for it to happen much sooner. How could Elizabeth not see that Darcy had affection to her since the day they first met? He just didn't want to admit it because how could he love someone who is beneath his class? Lizzy was just as obstinate as Darcy and denied her feelings too. Her reason - wrong first impression and others opinions. (This kind of reminded me of Gone with the wind, just not so passionate version).

Oh and let's not forget Mr. Collins. He wanted someone to love him too, although he was such a joke. In my opinion, he was more suitable for Mary. They both were socially awkward and with similar view of life. They were meant for each other but no one saw that. Sad...

I was a little bit disappointed that film didn't end with a loving kiss. There wasn't any kissing at all. I guess this film is one of few that doesn't involve it. (Weird, huh?)

Despite that, "Pride and prejudice" time and time again shows me that every girl needs her own Mr. Darcy, someone who would move mountains if he had to, would love her for being who she is. So... Who needs prince if you have Mr. Darcy?

Mamma mia (2008)

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

I've heard about the musical, then film Mamma mia a long time ago but never managed to watch it. Yesterday I finally did it.

At first I was like - great actors (Meryl Streep, Colin Firth), great music (hits by 70s group ABBA) but then I got bored. Although singing was great (I was very surprised when I found out that everything was sung by actors. I must admit I underestimated their ability to sing before, now I'll know) I'm not a huge fan of musicals and when there were only few conversations between two long songs I was really fed up. (But don't worry, I watched it till the end)

Besides the big amount of musical performances I really loved the story. A young girl Sophie, who is getting married, finally wants to find her father who then could walk her down the aisle. (How sweet is that?) There is just one big problem. No one knows who her father is, not even her mother Donna. (She was really wild in her 20s, dating 3 guys at the same time (just a few days difference). Sophie is so desperate that she invites all 3 of her possible fathers to her wedding. The funny thing is that her mother doesn't know anything about this. (Sophie sent the invitations signing as Donna)

When they arrive the crazy things start to happen, that leads to unexpected decisions, surprising couples and of course.... the wedding.

All in all I would rate this film with a plus. It's a great comedy accompanied by never-dying ABBA music. Some of the song I heard for the first time. ("Lay all your love on me" was my favourite) Oh and don't forget about the place and scenery where the film was shot. I wouldn't refuse spending holidays in such a beautiful Greek island.

The main idea – you are never too old to fall in love again, enjoy your life to its fullest and don’t waste it doing things you don’t like.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Director and writer: Woody Allen

What can you expect before watching one of the Woody's films? Of course nothing boring, more like something unbelievable. This film is not an exception. In the first minutes of it I felt the Parisian atmosphere and charm. I was already interested before the story actually began.

The main character Gil (Owen Wilson), not very successful writer (the new novel is about Paris in 1920s), and his wife Inez (Rachel McAdams) have traveled to Paris to relax before the wedding. There they meet their friends (Paul and Carol) who are also Americans and decide to spent the free time together.

It's self-evident that Inez and Gil aren't born to be together. They are so different and have different thoughts of a perfect life. He loves Paris, specially in the rain, and feels that it's the right place to live and write a great novel, she - wants to return to USA. Oh... Who wouldn't love to live in Paris, at least for a while?

No wonder Gil wants to spend his time alone, apart from everyone, especially Paul, who thinks he knows everything about anything. (It seems he is more suitable for Inez.)

One day after an exhausting party Gil walks home alone and in the midnight suddenly a solid 20s car crosses his way and the passengers welcome him "on the board". And now the unbelievable things start to happen. Day after day Gil meets famous painters, writers and other great artists of the 1920s (what an amazing coincidence), including Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali etc. He is taken back to the "golden ages" and that leads Gil to developing his writing skills and revaluing the current life.

Woody Allen is a consummate master of his craft. Ho knows what he is doing. "Midnight in Paris" is like a cherry on the top of the cake. (Now I really must go to Paris in the near future) The film is so unbelievable that in the end you start thinking that it actually can happen (nothing is impossible) and what would you do in that case.

I highly recommend watching this film everyone who wants to get to know something more about life in the 20s and Paris by itself.  Oh and don't be scared, it's not a serious drama, I perceive it more like a comedy (we all know how Woody loves to joke) with a little shadow of nostalgia. Alluring!

J'aime Paris!