Ai you lai sheng

I was thinking that this is one of the movies that are predictable and with no deepness. I was so wrong, even as I thought that I can predict the story, parallel stories of the film caught me in the tiny web of perfect graphic, and crossroads. Then I realized that the message of the film is very important, and must be seen all the way. Some reviews here brought my expectations very low, but this film shows once again that you can't trust them until you watch the movie. Acting is great, graphic compelling, but the story... it's a real surprise, because yes, it is predictable up to a point. But even a predictable stories if they're done well can catch an imagination. Feeling that i had after i watched this movie was pleasant. And that's something that i haven't felt for a long while.

A teacher just taught my class today about "when films are considered good". He mentioned that when you can watch an entire film without any understanding of the language, but still get it... thats because the film script is fantastic. Now I don't speak more than 5 words mandarin and I literally watched the whole film from beginning to the end. The actors body language, camera perspectives, music and the landscape is great to see. It's enough to tell me a story even while I don't understand his and hers yipper yapper. Of course i'm going to see this one again with subtitles at least, but I have to mention the fact that this movie got me interested in a positive way. If you're a bit of a film lover and know a thing or two about making films and what "great" shots are, man - this movie has a bunch of great shots. A lot of shots are very dynamic, the only thing that could be a bit annoying is the rotation of the camera when pointed on a character. It is amazingly done, but its done a bit too often. Emotions are brought very well; and I gotta say those actors delivers great performance! And man! Those filming locations are nice! What more can I tell ... The storytelling got me in a strange language. A good romance/drama.

The movie is terribly shallow and amateurish. It feels like reading a boring long love letter without anything new.

The love between leading actor and actress is forced and contained little to no chemistry possible due to their ages. They are in their middle 30s, but they tried to act as teenagers in the past. You don't know why they fell in love with each other. Acting of leading actor and actress is so awkward. The leading actress carried one facial expression from the beginning to the end.

The plot is full of holes and laughable. The audience can guess the final twists from the very beginning.

Anyway, save your time and money on this movie. watch better romance movies like "roman holiday" instead.

This is a classic Chinese love film. It is a wonderfully told story of two souls destined to meet, come together, for better or worse and then be torn apart under tragic circumstances. Yet, their souls meet again. This provides the backdrop of the plot line and from there the story gets unfolded and told simply and without any rush. For those who prefer foreign movies with "simple stories told well" or "stories told beautifully", you should enjoy this film. Anyone with any knowledge of Chinese culture will appreciate the multi-layered story lines that encompass the film: brother to brother; younger brother to captured bride; bride to husband turned monk; and finally two souls meeting years later to play out the final chapter in their eternal love.

The acting is superb. Each character holds his / her own even with the leads playing dual roles and the constant flash backing.

The scene shots and editing will also sustain your imagination. Great film which has just gone onto my recent favorites list.

The classic Hollywood love story can be summarized by what Shrek joked about.

1. There is a princess in need of help.

2. Prince Charming slays the dragon, rescues the princess.

3. They fall in love and lived happily ever after.

As an example, Avatar falls into that category.

Eternal Beloved on the other hand shows us that true love is selfless and received by grace. Its not earned by slaying a dragon for your princess and you may not get to live happily ever after. And whatever happiness we have today is to be treasured, for there may not be a tomorrow.

10/10 for all those who want a true romance movie

0/10 for all those action/horror/thrill seekers...

...because beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.