Em Uma Ilha Bem Distante

After reading other reviews of this movie, I was intrigued enough to want to watch it for myself. Yes, the movie is a little formulaic, as other reviewers have pointed out, but the vast majority of movies out there are formulaic in one way or another. - at least to me they are, so that wasn't a deal breaker for me. Faraway is indeed a story we've all seen and heard before, but it is offered to us with an exotic twist - a welcome and fascinating twist. Set partly in Croatia, the rustic scenery is inviting and alluring, and the two main characters, Zeyrep and Josip have genuine chemistry. This movie did not disappoint.

Zeynep just lost her mother and on her funeral day, she gets to know about a house her mother had bought in Croatia. On the same day, she realizes how she is taken for granted by her ignorant family and to top it, the husband cheating on her. This pushes her to the extreme where she instantly decides moving to the house in Croatia, her mother had bought. It is there she meets Josip, his ways to make her value the house she wants to sell and she truly understanding her mother which helps to seek her own happiness.

This indeed was a truly heartwarming watch, neatly performed by everyone. The comic tone adds the extra layer to this multilingual rom-com which made the whole subplot involving Zeynep realizing her roots in Croatia all the more special. The chemistry between Zeynep and Josip was another highlight. With stunning visuals, this simple story truly runs high on human emotions and the crazy yet funny final act stands out in the way all the issues are sorted out without going overboard.

So first off, I'm a guy. Not going to sit for any sappy silly nonsense.

So when is a rom-com not a rom-com? When there's great acting, great script, great story line, great humor, and true heart felt moments. It just goes to show how good films can be without all the formulaic drivel that is churned out year after year. This was a film where you felt for the characters, you were engrossed in the story, and as my wife said, "I didn't want it to end". Agreed. We wished it was longer with MORE humor, more plot twists, and simply more good filmmaking. Message to hollywood: take notes and make better films!

In some ways the story reminds me of Shirley Valentine: a woman leaves her dull life and uninterested husband and goes to the lovely Mediterranean. In this version she finds out that her recently deceased mother owns a house on an island. From the first day on the island and onwards, her life gradually starts to change to the better. She makes new friends and enjoys her new environment. She also has to handle conflicts and, eventually make up her mind about how to act as the new owner of a small house with a breathtaking view. It's a warm and sometimes funny movie with quite a few surprises. All actors give their character good credibility and personality.

This is a rom com, so one cannot expect an oscar winning script or a Christoper Nolan universe.

However I found the film nicer and more relatable than usual, due to the leads being plus 45, but without stereotypes or actors/actresses who have undergone too many cosmetic surgeries.

It felt real, with the struggles of a woman who does not realise how unhappy she is until reality hits her in the face. Also the scenery was beatiful, and the fact that people talked in German, English, Croatian and with real accents, made it more real than the usual Hollywood rom coms.

I found the "Macron" reference and jokes specially funny.