Film: Never Let Me Go (2010)

This dystopian science fiction alludes from the beginning to its subtly sinister plot lines, lovingly unfurling the tangled mesh of friendship, love and tragedy through narrator Kathy (Carey Mulligan). The superb acting and truthful portrayal of such complex characters, the main trio Kathy, Tommy and Ruth, who are all completely aware of what they are but have not yet understood who they are. This science fiction delves into the recesses of the human mind and questions humanity and emotion as states of mind and whether we have the ability to learn/develop these things or whether we are born with them.

The film is beautifully shot with much attention to lighting which romantisises certain scenes in contrast to the darkness of the plot. Like the book (by Ishiguro) the film is split into 3 parts which are symbolic and synominous with the stages each character will reach. Surprisingly the understated screenplay manages to capture and convey the ambience to the novel whilst moving it more into the realms of a love story but retaining its hypnotically tragic rhythm.

This is a highly emotional drama (with credit to the novel I was tearful as the film began) is Kathy's thoughts as she tries to unravel how she felt and what happened to her and her closest friends as they grew up. **SPOILER** Although on first glance, 2 women, 1 man, this appears to be a simple love traingle set against a ticking clock - each character must soon become a Donor. Look closer and really listen to what each of them say and you realise that the love story is that of the two friends Kathy and Ruth and how they felt that the external love for another was pulling them apart.

The theme of familial love or love for a friend/s is depicted as the strongest most enduring and the audience comes to see that these three mismatched characters formed themselves a family and it is this love which is juxtaposed with the clinical coldness of the faceless society and sciencentific development they are the victims of. It's a weepy one but definately worth it...

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1334260/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/never_let_me_go_2010/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/feb/10/never-let-me-go-review

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Never_Let_Me_Go

Film: Love and Other Drugs (2010)

This Rom-com is refreshingly adult and doesn't conform to the typical and over used narratives. Both of the main roles Jamie (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Maggie (Anne Hathaway) are played convincingly and with integrety by the leads, which is one of the main strengths of the plot.

There is an honest portrayal of the struggles and pitfalls within their relationship, with Maggie's continued struggle with Parkinson's disease as the catalyst for both their meeting and their problems. The title refers to their romance and Jamie's job as a drug rep.

Both characters are given screen time to develop individually as well as as a couple and despite sex being the starting point and, possibly, the glue of their relationship the sense of romance and deep love is front lined through soft lighting in many places and the beautiful, silent home made films. This film is interesting and charismatic and is hard to type cast into any particualr genre yet comes across better because of this. The mish-mash of themes does distract slightly from making this film great and the overall feeling is slightly depressing but it is fairly funny, most credit for this goes to Josh (Josh Gad) Jamie's brother.

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0758752/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/love-and-other-drugs/

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/fox/loveandotherdrugs/

Film: The Notebook (2004)

One of the best and most beautiful romance stories ever written, Nick Cassevetes, director, portrays the characters perfectly and sentiment oozes from every scene in this film. Rachel mcAdams and the gorgeous Ryan Gosling are perfect in their roles.
Equally lovely is the telling of the story in a style reminisent of the 'Titanic' in which the old lady recalls her love story. An old man reads this story from a notebook to an elderly lady in a care home. The story has not been made cliched or overly lovey-dovey but maintains the emotive deep compassion between the two characters right to the end. I defy you not to cry... Forget teenage vampire romances, chick flicks and romcoms this is the love story that little girls dream of (although perhaps without the tragedy...)

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332280/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/notebook/

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/newline/the_notebook/

Film: Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

This film, with Dev Patel from 'Skins' taking the lead, is truely unique in its subject matter. The story immediately captures the interest of the audience and the careful switching between the present and memories of the past are skillfully interwoven. This is guided story telling at its best and the suspence of what the future may hold is built until the last possible moment.
The plot although with elements of tragedy, betrayal and romance is at heart a clear and popular tale - a character, set apart from others achieves greatness unexpectedly. The fantasticly compelling directors style is clearly visible and adds depth and intrigue to the film.
So, a slumdog given the chance to appear on the indian "Who wants to be a millionaire?" captures so much more than the screen - this is a film of pure genius!

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048/

http://www.slumdogmillionairemovie.co.uk/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/slumdog_millionaire/

Film: Marley and Me (2008)

Made from the book (with the same title) and starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston who bring warmth and depth, as well as the laughs to american columist John Grogan and his wife Jennifer.
Marley and Me is the heartwarming biography of John Grogan spanning the years of the life of Marley, the Grogans energetic and destructive golden labrador. The book is fantastically written and the film is one of the few movies that has, for me, captured the essence of the book it is made from. The classic comedy moments provided by the real star of the film, Marley, and interjected with emotive scenes as the Grogans marriage is tested and they experience the highs and lows of life.
Knowing from the beginning that the film will start with the arrival of the puppy and end when Marley has gone does not make the blow any easier. The final few scenes will melt the coldest of hearts and will require waterproof mascara and tissues!
Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0822832/

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/marley_and_me/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marley-Me-Life-Worlds-Worst/dp/0340922095

Film: The Duchess (2008)

Starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes (in a role scarier than even Lord Voldemort), The Duchess is based on the true story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. This film is shot so as to show, not only the richly extravagant sets of period dramas and the glamour of Georgiana's character both in and out of the public eyes, but it also provides an intimate view of her life. The story reveals heartbreak and effortless emotion on the part of Keira Knightley and the story unfolds at a fast but not rushed pace. This film provides a unique strong female lead wrapped in turmoil that is engaging and thought provoking. Highly enjoyable but may not leave the viewer feeling happy.
Warning* There are a few sexual scenes during this film and maybe uncomfortable if viewed with parents!

Related Links:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0864761/

http://www.theduchessmovie.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Duchess_(film)