The reviews about this movie I had come across before had been reserved, however it had not been distracting for me. From the very first moments I was overwhelmed and sure about having taken the right decision. The scenery is simply wonderful and I took great pleasure in following the camera during the very first shots.
The plot adopts its suspense from the two protagonists both facing a similar fate. While Theresa (Robin Wright Penn- tender and determined) has not yet fully got over her divorce, Garret (Kevin Kostner- self-conscious and taciturn) is still admiring his beloved wife. By writing the messages, he intends to strengthen the everlasting bond to his great love, yet he does not realize that he more and more goes into isolation. Theresa, deeply impressed by his emotional selflessness, gently manages to break Garrets shell. Nevertheless it requires time to get to know him properly...
What I appreciate is Mandoki´s gentle and careful treatment of the development of the two protagonists. To underline the atmosphere and both the protagonist´s feelings, he applies a great deal of symbolism, e.g. the weather, the music or the actors´ movements. The stories-within-the-story contribute to the colourfulness of this movie and allow the audience to appreciate the dynamics of the main plot.
The whole movie is very touching and will certainly have its place in the viewers´ memories. The ending is maybe a bit disappointing; in my opinion however, it even raises the significance of this elaborate and artistic movie.
My assessment: 9
The plot adopts its suspense from the two protagonists both facing a similar fate. While Theresa (Robin Wright Penn- tender and determined) has not yet fully got over her divorce, Garret (Kevin Kostner- self-conscious and taciturn) is still admiring his beloved wife. By writing the messages, he intends to strengthen the everlasting bond to his great love, yet he does not realize that he more and more goes into isolation. Theresa, deeply impressed by his emotional selflessness, gently manages to break Garrets shell. Nevertheless it requires time to get to know him properly...
What I appreciate is Mandoki´s gentle and careful treatment of the development of the two protagonists. To underline the atmosphere and both the protagonist´s feelings, he applies a great deal of symbolism, e.g. the weather, the music or the actors´ movements. The stories-within-the-story contribute to the colourfulness of this movie and allow the audience to appreciate the dynamics of the main plot.
The whole movie is very touching and will certainly have its place in the viewers´ memories. The ending is maybe a bit disappointing; in my opinion however, it even raises the significance of this elaborate and artistic movie.
My assessment: 9