Today I saw Crazy Rich Asians, starring Constance Wu and Henry Golding.
American Rachel (Wu) is happy to head to Singapore to meet the family of her boyfriend, Nick (Golding) for a wedding. He doesn't talk much about them, so she's unaware that they are one of the most prominent, wealthy families in the city.
Upon her arrival, she's received in a very cold manner by Nick's mother, who doesn't believe Rachel is good enough for her son. Coupled with that are all the jealous women in Singapore who resent an American claiming the heart of one of their most eligible bachelors. She has to overcome this and Nick has to prove to her he won't side with the community that created him.
The entire film is a sometimes funny, sometimes sad look at the cultural boundaries that often end relationships that would otherwise thrive. The diversity of a fully Asian cast is undoubtedly refreshing (and I love what the success of the film will hopefully do for more non-white filmmakers), but the story is incredibly formulaic and predictable, no matter how appealing the actors are (and they're very appealing).
I enjoyed this for what it was, and would rate it on par with any average romantic comedy. Other than that, it's nothing special.
~~~
Showing posts with label love story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love story. Show all posts
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Friday, January 05, 2018
Call Me By Your Name
This afternoon I saw Call Me By Your Name, starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer.
Oliver (Hammer) can only be described as magnetic—those who know him can't help but love him. When he arrives in Italy to be the research assistant for one of his favorite professors, he's immediately popular, especially with the professor's teenage son, Elio (Chalamet).
Though Oliver and Elio are both seeing women, they develop an undeniable attraction, which they fight because Oliver declares he wants to "be good."
As the summer progresses, the two grow closer and their feelings can no longer be denied. The relationship becomes sexual and feelings intensify.
I love the way Director Luca Guadagnino treated these scenes; they were awkward, tender, scary, sweet—all of the things that traditionally happen when a couple touches intimately for the first time. Oliver was protective of the younger Elio, who was a bundle of repressed hormones. Their passion was equal, though their experience with sex clearly was not. You felt happy and sad for them all at once.
Hammer is gorgeously charismatic with bright blue eyes and a perfect confidence that invites the viewer to gawk. Chalamet plays Elio very endearing, ripe for pain and drama as he loses his innocence.
When it comes time for Oliver to leave, Elio's parents recognize how close they've become and encourage the "special friendship" (as Elio's dad calls it). The two have one last getaway together and then Oliver returns home. Elio is heartbroken, but seems realistic about the separation.
In some ways, this is a very basic story of "the one who got away," when circumstance guides lovers' decisions more than their hearts, leaving a hollowness that will never be filled. In other ways, this is a very complex story about homosexuality, age difference, geography, religion and society.
Either way you choose to see it, it's (beautifully) heartbreaking.
~~~
Oliver (Hammer) can only be described as magnetic—those who know him can't help but love him. When he arrives in Italy to be the research assistant for one of his favorite professors, he's immediately popular, especially with the professor's teenage son, Elio (Chalamet).
Though Oliver and Elio are both seeing women, they develop an undeniable attraction, which they fight because Oliver declares he wants to "be good."
As the summer progresses, the two grow closer and their feelings can no longer be denied. The relationship becomes sexual and feelings intensify.
I love the way Director Luca Guadagnino treated these scenes; they were awkward, tender, scary, sweet—all of the things that traditionally happen when a couple touches intimately for the first time. Oliver was protective of the younger Elio, who was a bundle of repressed hormones. Their passion was equal, though their experience with sex clearly was not. You felt happy and sad for them all at once.
Hammer is gorgeously charismatic with bright blue eyes and a perfect confidence that invites the viewer to gawk. Chalamet plays Elio very endearing, ripe for pain and drama as he loses his innocence.
When it comes time for Oliver to leave, Elio's parents recognize how close they've become and encourage the "special friendship" (as Elio's dad calls it). The two have one last getaway together and then Oliver returns home. Elio is heartbroken, but seems realistic about the separation.
In some ways, this is a very basic story of "the one who got away," when circumstance guides lovers' decisions more than their hearts, leaving a hollowness that will never be filled. In other ways, this is a very complex story about homosexuality, age difference, geography, religion and society.
Either way you choose to see it, it's (beautifully) heartbreaking.
~~~
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Beauty and the Beast in 3D
Last night I saw the animated classic Beauty and the Beast in 3D.
I loved the film the first time I saw it, became addicted to its infectious soundtrack and even dressed as Belle for Halloween. Seldom does an animated film capture me so.
Belle is a village girl who loves books and her eccentric father, Maurice. Gaston is the macho man of the town who wants Belle to be his wife.
Maurice is a confused inventor who accidentally ends up in the castle of the Beast, a former prince under a nasty spell that can only be broken by finding true love.
The Beast, so bitter about his situation, takes Maurice as his prisoner until Belle finds him and offers herself in his place. The Beast allows the switch, hoping that Belle will learn to love him and break the spell.
His lively staff of servants (a teapot and her young son; a candlestick, etc.) hope for the best (they'd like to be turned back into humans too) and welcome Belle with open arms. In fact, one of the shining moments in the film is the song "Be Our Guest," where the kitchen comes to life with an impressive song and dance as they serve Belle her first dinner.
Anyhow, most know how the story turns out, but just in case there are any left who don't, I'll refrain from spoiling.
Just know that the magic and beauty of the original version of the film is only intensified by this 3D treatment, and the story remains charmingly timeless.
It's not hard to tell why it was a Best Picture Oscar nominee—as you're watching, you sometimes forget you're seeing animation.
It's that good.
~~~
I loved the film the first time I saw it, became addicted to its infectious soundtrack and even dressed as Belle for Halloween. Seldom does an animated film capture me so.
Belle is a village girl who loves books and her eccentric father, Maurice. Gaston is the macho man of the town who wants Belle to be his wife.
Maurice is a confused inventor who accidentally ends up in the castle of the Beast, a former prince under a nasty spell that can only be broken by finding true love.
The Beast, so bitter about his situation, takes Maurice as his prisoner until Belle finds him and offers herself in his place. The Beast allows the switch, hoping that Belle will learn to love him and break the spell.
His lively staff of servants (a teapot and her young son; a candlestick, etc.) hope for the best (they'd like to be turned back into humans too) and welcome Belle with open arms. In fact, one of the shining moments in the film is the song "Be Our Guest," where the kitchen comes to life with an impressive song and dance as they serve Belle her first dinner.
Anyhow, most know how the story turns out, but just in case there are any left who don't, I'll refrain from spoiling.
Just know that the magic and beauty of the original version of the film is only intensified by this 3D treatment, and the story remains charmingly timeless.
It's not hard to tell why it was a Best Picture Oscar nominee—as you're watching, you sometimes forget you're seeing animation.
It's that good.
~~~
Friday, June 01, 2007
Once
Today I saw Once, a harmonic love story starring Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglova.
If I was forced to describe this film in one word it would be "chemistry."
The musical follows a guy and a girl (seriously—we're not sure of their names) as they meet on a Dublin street and fall in love...over music.
The guy is a street musician/vaccuum repair man who catches the eye of the girl who is a maid/flower salesperson, originally from the Czech Republic. There is an immediate spark between the two, and at first it seems as if the girl is chasing the boy.
Soon enough we learn the girl is married with a daughter and an estranged husband. This puts a damper on things, as the tables have quickly turned and the guy is the one doing the chasing.
Regardless, the two end up making beautiful music together—joining forces to create an actual CD with a handful of other musicians, and dancing around the topic that is their connection.
The movie is frustrating, as you're never quite sure the girl wants their love to be realized the way you and the guy character crave for it to be, but it's a beautiful journey nonetheless.
The original music, their undeniable chemistry and an especially gorgeous scene with a piano in the dark makes for a pretty romantic piece of art.
Go see it.
If I was forced to describe this film in one word it would be "chemistry."
The musical follows a guy and a girl (seriously—we're not sure of their names) as they meet on a Dublin street and fall in love...over music.
The guy is a street musician/vaccuum repair man who catches the eye of the girl who is a maid/flower salesperson, originally from the Czech Republic. There is an immediate spark between the two, and at first it seems as if the girl is chasing the boy.
Soon enough we learn the girl is married with a daughter and an estranged husband. This puts a damper on things, as the tables have quickly turned and the guy is the one doing the chasing.
Regardless, the two end up making beautiful music together—joining forces to create an actual CD with a handful of other musicians, and dancing around the topic that is their connection.
The movie is frustrating, as you're never quite sure the girl wants their love to be realized the way you and the guy character crave for it to be, but it's a beautiful journey nonetheless.
The original music, their undeniable chemistry and an especially gorgeous scene with a piano in the dark makes for a pretty romantic piece of art.
Go see it.
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