2 reviews

I enjoyed this film and I shall probably read the book because of it. It also reminded me of an old unrequited flame and put me in a funny mood for a day or two. So I guess on these counts the film must be a success. :)

I note a scene welcoming in the new century in 1900. My understanding was that, being more savvy than us 2000 crowd, in those days people realised that the new century started in 1901 and celebrated accordingly. But I could be wrong on that - and that might be what is in the book anyway.
One other thing - the sound was not wonderful and I missed quite a few lines. So be warned - if you are of too romantic a disposition you might get a bit mopey after this, and if your hearing is not that sharp you might miss some of the dialogue.

Oh yes - and predictably enough I suppose, when the heroine reaches 72 she looks more like fifty with a facelift. But what do you expect, this is the movies...!

Uncle Vodka 7 Jul 2008

This is a great story set in South America, and the scenery is stunning. What starts out as a young, romantic love story journeys through violence to heart-breaking realism, and through what may be madness or fidelity (who can tell?) to the inbreaking of true - if earthy - love in old age. Meanwhile, there is a good-enough marriage, quite a bit of death, and a great deal of sex, while war and cholera testify to the fragility of human life. There were some breathtaking moments, but the technique of crashing in on them with something stunning to start the next scene was a bit overdone. In general it was visually marvellous, and there was some very good acting. We were amazed to find we had been in the cinema for only 2 hours, not 54 years, 11 weeks and four days -not because, even for a moment, we had been bored, but because we were so caught up in the story. In spite of the classification, I don't think I would want to see it with anyone under 25. I shall certainly read the book.

Jessica Osborne 16 Apr 2008