‘Blue Valentine’ — 5 out of 5 stars
There are many things in the movie biz that generate poor box office sales — poor promotion, unappealing plot lines or bad early reviews. But one factor consistently trumps the rest. It’s a death wish to any movie trying to get a wide release — the NC-17 rating.
In early October, the Motion Picture Association of America slapped the rating on “Blue Valentine,” which came as a general shock to critics and producers alike. Due to an emotionally charged sex scene, the film now bears the repercussions only a select few movies have come to know. But don’t let one ridiculous rating prevent you from seeing it.
“Blue Valentine” is beautiful. It stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams as Dean and Cindy, a young married couple that have just about reached a breaking point in their relationship. “Blue Valentine” brilliantly embodies the emotional turmoil so commonly found in married life today.
Flashing back and forth between when they first met and present day, both actors deliver heartbreaking performances that illustrate the disintegration of what used to be a loving and carefree relationship. As they try to work through their differences over Fourth of July weekend, Dean and Cindy struggle to come to terms with the fact they both want different things for their lives, which results in a mutual admission they can no longer be the reckless youths they once were.
Regardless of its rating or the outrageous notion that this film is more deserving of unwarranted censorship than any slasher flick currently in theaters, “Blue Valentine” is a near perfect and realistic portrait of two people who have, simply stated, fallen out of love. If “Blue Valentine” is ever given the rightful chance to be shown in a theater nearby, see it, because this film is one of the best this year.
“Blue Valentine” opens in limited release Dec. 31.
9:43 a.m., Nov. 16, 2010
Ren McCormack said:
Thanks! This movie looks really touching and I can't wait to see it!