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Movie Description
Love is the star of this film from director Robert Benton (KRAMER VS. KRAMER, THE HUMAN STAIN). Bradley (Greg Kinnear) believes in the power and beauty of true love. He's good at falling in love--just with the wrong women. He's hoping that his relationship with sophisticated Diana (Radha Mitchell) will have a happier ending than his first marriage to Kathryn (Selma Blair). Bradley's friend Harry (Morgan Freeman) is happily married to Esther (Jane Alexander), but they are dealing with the loss of a different kind of love. At the same time, Oscar (Toby Hemingway) and Chloe (Alexa Davalos) are busy falling in love at first sight and starting their life together, even though the odds are against them.
In this film, no relationship stone is left unturned, and no relationship is judged. Instead, love in various stages of growth, dissolution, and transformation is explored. From love at first sight to divorce and death, to long-term relationships and affairs, multiple facets of love are seen as what they are: simply a fact of life. Freeman's character, a professor on sabbatical, serves as an elder statesman of sorts, wise enough to notice nuances in relationships the other characters miss. Kinnear is endearing as Bradley, who simply wants to love and be loved. Davalos is someone to watch--she lights up the screen, and Alexander commands every frame in which she appears. Be prepared: this is not the light-hearted romp it appears to be in the trailer. There is quite a bit of nudity and sexual content, and some very adult themes. Set in Oregon, the film is based on the novel of the same name by Charles Baxter, and also features Billy Burke and Fred Ward.
Industry Reviews
"Benton and Burnett have managed to do justice to the complex texture and shifting moods of the novel....In their hands and in the subtle interplay of the performers, love is not simply a feast, but ultimately a profound mystery..."
Film Comment - Andrew Sarris (09/01/2007)
"Multiple narratives are fluidly interwoven and the writing is often inspired, resulting in dialogue that feels honest and insightful..."
USA Today - Claudia Puig (09/28/2007)
4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he high quality of writing and performances, coupled with the believable chemistry within every relationship, invites major involvement."
Ultimate DVD - Ultimate DVD Staff (04/01/2008)
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