Blue Valentine [2010]

Absorbing drama explores the beginning and end of an intimate relationship, going back and forth in time from the couple’s first meeting through the bitter disintegration of their marriage. The two stories are told in intersecting circles: We see the beggining of the end at first, then we see how they first met. We see the relationship deteriorate even more, then we see their amazing first date. This style of storytelling allows you not only to see how perfect they were for each other, but also the lack of foundation that ultimately lead them to grow apart. The couple is played by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, who both give excellent and daring performances. What’s even more interesting is the fact that the movie was shot with a 6 week break in order to allow both actors to gain weight and alter their appearance, to show the passage of 5 years time.

“Blue Valentine” is not an easy movie to watch; it’s quite powerful, and emotionally devastating at times. But it’s also very honest. Gosling and Williams are more than perfect for their roles, and I think this is the reason why the film won me over completely. They give life to their characters and have great chemistry between them. They manage to combine romance with frustration, optimism with pessimism and love with hate. If this isn’t great acting and exactly what the movie industry lacks nowadays, then I don’t know what it is.

Rating: 3/4