Begegnungen

I saw this movie for the first time today (I should be working on a project for my class...) and it was okay. Not horrible but not exactly anything amazing either. One thing I thought was interesting was the fact that they made one woman the embodiment of life and the other woman death (I'm trying not to spoil anything for those who may not have seen this movie yet). Once Vincent made his final decision on whom he wanted to be with, it was basically sealing his fate. Which was then reiterated during the operation scenes.

I thought this film was quite good, not slow or dull by any means. It's as solid and entertaining as most "top rated" modern films of similar genre. Maybe a bit too subtle for some people? There seems to be a problem with shortening attention spans.

There is a well controlled air of the unknown through the whole thing. The rain-soaked scenery is compelling, the acting is realistic and the final sequence is powerfully done. You never quite know what's going to happen, which to me makes a good film.

Did it get bad press before it was even released? I think people sometimes go in with a bias that has no explanation. Theaters themselves can spoil movies by way of unruly viewers and other distractions. Just going to the wrong place on the wrong night can give a movie a bad rep. Get a big screen TV or projector and tune all that out.

This is a good movie. Although I must admit sometimes it's a bit slow. I've seen it at least twice, and both times it mediated a special feeling that moved me.

The five main reasons why I liked this movie, are (not listed in any particular order):

1. Richard Gere - He doesn't give a great performance, but hey ! It's Richard Gere, and I really like him.

2. Sharon Stone - On the other hand gives a great performance. I've never seen her this good.

3. James Newton Howards fantastic score. The music over the final scenes and the ending credits is so beautiful and emotional, that it can make me cry everytime that I listen to it. The score enhances and puts an emphasis on the developments in the movie in an extraordinary way.

4. The script - Although it's not that tight, it's still well written, with likeable characters and a good message.

5. The feeling that this movie mediates, through the above mentioned reason, and lots more.

In conclusion: I recommend this film. It will probably not be the best movie you've ever seen, but well worth your time. And as I said, it has a good message.

Richard Gere stars in this American-made remake of the 1970 film Les Choses de la vie of French Director Claude Sautet based on the novel by Paul Guimard. This time around Mark Rydell, who enjoyed success with On Golden Pond, Cinderella Liberty, The Rose and The Reivers among others is the director. Sharone Stone, Lolita Davidavich and Martin Landau round out the cast but this is clearly a Richard Gere film. Although I'm generally not a fan of Gere he is excellent in this. This does have the feel of a European film and although I've never seen the original I would like to. I'd likely find it better as a whole. This is a good drama and although not a big movie it has a good look to it. I would give this a 7.0 on a scale of 10 for it's likable story and performance by Richard Gere,

A very touching Movie with excellent acting. Denotes the psychological conflict of the three characters