Only You

I don't remember why I initially loved this movie so much, but from the first time I saw it I was just captivated. Since then I've encouraged tons of friends to see it, and I've watched it myself about 5 times. I love the music, I love Italy, I love Bonnie Hunt, Fisher Stevens, Billy Zane (hot!) and Robert Downey Jr. The music by Rachel Portman (who did the score for Chocolat) is simply fantastic. Marisa Tomei I could have switched out for some other actress in the leading role, but I think she does a good job. This movie is magical and fun; it's not meant for a cynic--which I think is why I liked it so much, because I'm usually very sarcastic about love stories, but this one was so inspiring and just a feel-good flick overall. You have to suspend disbelief of course, and imagine that there's truth in all that Fate and star-crossed lovers bull... but the Destiny part is easy enough to swallow throughout this movie, and that's probably because of the romantic Italian settings. Personal rating: 9/10 in the rom-com genre, and a lovely, lovely movie.

I have a problem with this film. I know it's schmaltzy, silly, OTT Romcom at its most cynically heart-tugging but I am simply a sucker for it - it gets me every time, most especially the last scenes at the airport (without wanting to give too much away) which always, and I mean always, squeeze a tear out of me.

I have to give it an 8/10 because the film holds a quasi-gravitational pull on me - the moment I catch a tinsy glimpse of it if channel-hopping I am compelled to watch the film in its entirety - again. And while in this confessional mode, Robert Downey Jr is incredible in this film; how was he ever so cute? Marisa Tomei is also a feast for the eyes and their chemistry is sensational. But Bonnie Hunt steals the show - she is immaculate in this role and demonstrates a keen sense for deadpan humour.

Best of all though is the scenery, the setting - Italy itself. The photography is sumptuous, idealised and mixed with a frothy Rachel Portman score we are being seduced by a 'fake' Italy if truth be told - it is impossible for somewhere to be so universally charming in every single shot. Even so, Italy is my favourite country in the world - the way it works its enchantments on the characters is totally true: Rome is gorgeous, the Tuscan landscape is stunning, the road trip to Positano and the town itself are breath-taking, a genuine evocation of the wonders and ambiance of those places. It gets me every time.

In sum - this film is lovely, heart-warming, escapist nonsense: a genuine guilty pleasure.

What a wonderful movie...

It is rather a fairy tale than a romantic comedy. The story is developed nicely and gives us some lessons about love and life and things in between.

The actors, especially Marisa Tomei, do a great job in telling us this beautiful story. The finale is exceptional: I will always hope for this kind of support when I am at an Italian airport...

Watch this movie when you are in a romantic mood and want to see a film which believes in true love. Or watch it to get into a romantic mood. And enjoy the various plot twists...

Over the past 9 years, this has been what of my guilty pleasures. The story is obviously romantic fluff, but the performances of Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., and Bonnie Hunt are great and make what would normally be a prosaic love story into a true romantic treasure. Just remember to be prepared to suspend your rational side for a couple of hours. Marisa Tomei is so beautiful in this film, it's understandable why Robert Downey Jr's character falls in love with her at first sight. The Italian scenery is incredible and would make anyone fall in love with Italy. I have since visited this beautiful country and can attest to its romantic atmosphere. It is a great date film and comes highly recommended.

What a great romantic comedy set in beautiful Italy, not only are the actors Robert Downey Jr (so handsome and such a talented actor) and the beautiful Marissa Tomei amazing but watching these actors play out such a romantic story and doing things that we would never dream of, to find your one true love. All with her best friend by her side. Brings me back to being 13, dreaming of who I would marry and the romantic innocence of those times.

Its not only the romance but the friendships that give you that warm feeling inside, both the men and women in this film have a quiet kind ship with each other as when you see the three men sitting in the boat sharing wine, feeling rejected by women. ( I won't spoil that scene with anyones names) and the kindness of the hotel staff in later scenes.

These days so many movies and the reality of the news is full of war, violence and betrayal. Why not put all of that behind you?.. So sit back with your favorite snack, some hot chocolate & maybe your best friend and escape into love, romance, zany impulsiveness and disappear into.... Only You.