For the Moment

About midway through, a character invokes a bit of romanticism. Life, this person says, is "a collection of moments; you got good ones and bad ones; they're all special if they stand out ... Once you've had a moment, it stays with you forever." Clearly, the thematic intent here is to celebrate each moment of one's life, to cherish it, and then watch it fade away.

Russell Crowe plays Lachlan, a charming, Auzzie WWII pilot-in-training who, with his airman buddy, drops by to say hello to the buddy's wife-to-be at her Manitoba farmhouse. And Lachlan takes a romantic interest in the future wife's sister, Lill (Christianne Hirt).

The romance between Lachlan and Lill is a bit dreamlike. As the plot moves along, characters express their joy and excitement, their guilt, their disappointments, their dreams, and their fears. Drama arcs high in the second half, and as one moment fades into the next, change brings tears and sadness. Not everyone survives.

Production values are high. Cinematography is quite good. The excellent flying sequences evoke a sense of romanticism. Casting and acting are fine.

My only real problem is the film's script. After the characters are introduced, the plot seems to go into a holding pattern; not much happens until the second half. Further, the main characters did not really interest me; I could not really identify with them. Also, I was a bit confused on several points; clarifying dialogue would have helped.

"For The Moment" will appeal to dreamers and romantics. The WWII setting adds a touch of nostalgia. Overall, the story is a bit downbeat and sad, slightly melancholy. It's a well-made film, if you can get interested in the characters and are in the mood for a period piece romance.

Russell, my fav, is gorgeous in this film. But more than that, the film covers a tremendous range of human passion and sorrow. Everything from marriage to homosexuality is addressed and respected. The film makes the viewer realize that tolerance of other humans provides the route to saving humanity. Fabulous love story between Lachlin and Lil. I replay their scenes over and over again. Anyone who has ever been in love will empathize with these people. All characters are cast and portrayed excellently.

I felt this film - throughout. I waas impressed with Russell Crowe's talent in developing his relationship with Lillie, such a typical Aussie blend of softly softly approach, a bit self depreciating and very persistent. Really loved the cinematography and direction. Pace was just right and the portrayals of nearly all characters was impressive.

Gosh, didn't Russell's talent even in 1993 shine! .. and I have yet to see Gladiator.

Very nicely done movie. It does stay in your memory. Better billed as a romance than flying or war, altho the flying parts are realistic and almost error free. Flying buffs like myself will enjoy this movie even if attracted by the airplanes, unless they have no sensitivity or have never been in love.

Fun watching early Crowe. He is good and exudes charm. His reading of "High Flight" is superb.

cheers, Boom

I enjoyed every moment of this movie, even though I knew they could never really be together. With the life expectancy of a Bomber pilot being only six weeks, It made me feel for all of those women and men back in the 1940's who must have lived this story.