Movie Review: BLUE VALENTINE

photo © 2011 Caspy2003 | more info (via: Wylio)
I just posted another review for Biutiful, and aside from some narrative missteps, my major problem with that movie was that it went too far with being sad.  Oddly, Blue Valentine is no happier a movie, but I absolutely loved it.  Maybe it's the perfect and effective story-telling.  Maybe it's the brilliant acting from Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling.  Maybes it's the impeccable direction.  I'm guessing it's the combination of all of those factors.  Bottom line is though:  You need to see this movie.

If you aren't familiar with Blue Valentine, think of it like this.  Remember the movie 500 Days of Summer?  I love that movie.  Now imagine you were angry with the director of that movie, and decided to make a negative response, trying to be completely opposite of that creative, uplifting romance, but still keep the high-quality.  Blue Valentine would be that response.  It jumps around while telling the story of a marriage that is headed for the end, and it's uncomfortable, realistic, and oddly captivating to watch. 

Many flashbacks tell of how the two now troubled individuals fell in love, and it's so sweet you really root for them.  Like Titanic though, you know their relationship is headed for disaster.  The movie has garnered some impressive reviews, but I still was worried it would be too hard to watch.  It is bound to upset those that may be going through similar bad marriages.  As someone who is single, it's really scary too - to see how happy two people can be, and then how easily they can lose their love for each other.  I know this is a movie, but I've seen things like it in real life to know that this film could be based on thousands of true stories.

I would give this film an 8.5 out of 10, and highly recommend it.

Parental Take:  Originally rated NC-17 (formerly known as 'X') for it's sexual content, parents should be warned that there are a few very graphic scenes of sexuality.  There is also profanity, brief violence, and the death of a pet, which might also be disturbing to a child.

If You Like Blue Valentine Try:  I would suggest watching In the Bedroom.  The pacing is similar, and it tells the tale of a family's reaction over the loss of a child.