← Back to Reviews
in
Bereavement is a tough subject. Anthony Mingella's directorial debut, Truly Madly Deeply addresses this heart-wringing topic with intellect and humor.
Similarly, his lead actors are up for the very challenging task of exploring the emotions involved, and do so with honesty and dedication.
Nina (Juliet Stevenson), has lost her lover, kindred spirit and playmate, Jamie (Alan Rickman). Whether from the shock of his sudden and unexpected removal from her life, or the fact that they really did have a good relationship, Nina has been unable to move on and is losing her interest in life and is emotionally still married to her memory of Jamie. It's a memory that is increasingly idealised, until she is visited by his ghost. Through his visitations, Nina finally faces the realities of her relationship with her lost love, and realises she wants to live. Just about that time, she meets a kookily charming art therapist (Michael Maloney) - convenient timing, to be sure, but then we do tend to see things when we're ready for them.
This is a five-kleenex flick, but it's fun to watch. The relationship between Nina and Jamie is at points idyllic and charming, and also comments on the reality of even the best relationships. Michael Maloney manages to present an obvious threat to Shangri-La, but is so damn likeable that we don't mind.
On a personal note, I was thrilled to find that I understood a good 50% of the spanish. woo hoo!
|
Nina (Juliet Stevenson), has lost her lover, kindred spirit and playmate, Jamie (Alan Rickman). Whether from the shock of his sudden and unexpected removal from her life, or the fact that they really did have a good relationship, Nina has been unable to move on and is losing her interest in life and is emotionally still married to her memory of Jamie. It's a memory that is increasingly idealised, until she is visited by his ghost. Through his visitations, Nina finally faces the realities of her relationship with her lost love, and realises she wants to live. Just about that time, she meets a kookily charming art therapist (Michael Maloney) - convenient timing, to be sure, but then we do tend to see things when we're ready for them.
This is a five-kleenex flick, but it's fun to watch. The relationship between Nina and Jamie is at points idyllic and charming, and also comments on the reality of even the best relationships. Michael Maloney manages to present an obvious threat to Shangri-La, but is so damn likeable that we don't mind.
On a personal note, I was thrilled to find that I understood a good 50% of the spanish. woo hoo!