The Painted Veil (2006)

 

 

Director: John Curran

Probably, one of the saddest and the most emotional films I have seen in a while.  I almost burst into tears at the end of the "The painted veil". It is one of those films, you know, which you want to watch again and again, and again. You might have understood that I love history and I love romance but when both collide - it is a perfect combination.

Kitty was from the upper-class, Walter - kind of in the middle, doctor. He fell in love from the first sight, she - thought love will come by the time (younger sister could not marry to someone before her). Walter went crazy for Kitty, she - crazy for Charlie Townsend. Nothing to do, scandal was not needed, everything had to be just fine, like nothing had happened. They went to a small, cholera ridden village (in China). Walter - to fight off the deadly pestilence, Kitty -  to fight off her feelings for Charlie. Eventually they find their way back to each other, but, what a pity, too late.

"The painted veil" is a must-see film for all of you who believe that true love can overcome any difficulties. Beautifully captured, invincible emotionals, historical background. Despite everything, it is a love story - magical and romantic. Edward Norton reveals all the hidden emotionals of Walter in a very good way, nothing to add. Naomi Watts would keep up with him, if only she did not hold her mouth open always when Kitty had nothing to say.

I definitely recommend watching this film for those who are like me - hopeless romantics and history lovers.

The Lucky One (2012)

 

Director: Scott Hicks

Guess who has grown  up, huh? The Disney star Zac Efron has finally turned to serious things. From a high-school singer-basketball player he has become a soldier who is not afraid to kill or fight against the bad guys. Who would have thought that it might happen one day?

The film is based on another successful Nicholas Sparks novel (the same author for the number one love story "The notebook", "A walk to remember" and "Dear John"). Yes, another romance that actually portrays the current situation - so many brothers, husbands and just friends have gone to Iraq to fight....for nothing. 

At first, everything seems like in all this kind of films - the girl is  suspicious and do not like the guy at all, but as time goes by and Logan helps Beth with every day works, no wonder, she eventually falls in love with him. Things are going pretty well, until a major secret comes out.

This film would be fine, even very good, if there were not so many deaths and tragedies - too much for rather short footage. I know that Sparks likes to play with characters, throw them under the rocks and then bring them kind of happy ending after all. I can honestly say that I am not fan of this film and I do not wish to watch it one more time but still if you like simple romantics without a deep byplay, than "The lucky one" is not a bad choice.