I wouldn't ever patronise anyone by telling them they had 'missed the point' of a film, it's simply a fact that different things move different people - but I don't see quite why the last reviewer is so keen to stop people enjoying Blue Valentine! I'd never heard of this film before I saw it so had no expectations and yet I loved every minute of it so much that I wanted to stay and watch it again straight afterwards.
The cinematography IS fantastic - gorgeous colours and camera work with lots of close-ups of two undeniably attractive leads. Even the end credits are stunning! And the beautiful Grizzly Bear soundtrack makes the whole thing pretty special. There are some really funny bits too - it's hardly a film taking itself too seriously in my opinion. A little like Eternal Sunshine in a way, you feel the thrill as these two slightly unconventional characters find each other and fall so completely in love, and share their heartbreak when it inevitably all falls apart and ruins everything.
What's really impressive is the connection between the two lead actors - they appear so familiar and so mesmerised with one another that you imagine they must be lovers in real life - it was only afterwards I learned that they had lived together in practice for the film, and it really works.
'Emperor's new clothes' is an annoying phrase that suggests people would only pretend to like this film to impress or to look cool. It's not really fair - Blue Valentine is a gorgeous and thoughtful film that will have a real impact on some people and have them leaving the cinema in thoughtful mood and a smile on their face - although admittedly feeling a little heartbroken at the same time.
The cinematography IS fantastic - gorgeous colours and camera work with lots of close-ups of two undeniably attractive leads. Even the end credits are stunning! And the beautiful Grizzly Bear soundtrack makes the whole thing pretty special. There are some really funny bits too - it's hardly a film taking itself too seriously in my opinion. A little like Eternal Sunshine in a way, you feel the thrill as these two slightly unconventional characters find each other and fall so completely in love, and share their heartbreak when it inevitably all falls apart and ruins everything.
What's really impressive is the connection between the two lead actors - they appear so familiar and so mesmerised with one another that you imagine they must be lovers in real life - it was only afterwards I learned that they had lived together in practice for the film, and it really works.
'Emperor's new clothes' is an annoying phrase that suggests people would only pretend to like this film to impress or to look cool. It's not really fair - Blue Valentine is a gorgeous and thoughtful film that will have a real impact on some people and have them leaving the cinema in thoughtful mood and a smile on their face - although admittedly feeling a little heartbroken at the same time.