Directed by Derek Cianfrance
Written by Derek Cianfrance, Cami Delavigne, and Joey Curtis
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: The story follows young lovers Dean and Cindy, from their first meetings and falling in love, all the way up to their failing marriage.
Review: I have to begin by saying that this is one of the most realistic portrayals of a relationship that I've ever seen on film. Dean and Cindy's love unfolds as expected in the beginning (it's new, so the two people are so infatuated with each other), but rather than making it a silly, predictable romance, Cianfrance does something great here (in our world of silly romantic comedies, this could maybe even be profound), he decides to show Dean and Cindy's relationship in a way that is actually realistic to what happens to couples in the real world. They get annoyed with each other, they get sick of each other, they try to get back together. Numerous attempts are made to reconcile their relationship. The ups and downs the two go through will probably make couples in the audience feel like they could be watching themselves on screen at times. Although all relationships have their own problems, most couples will be able to relate at least somewhat to Dean and Cindy.
The performances from Williams and Gosling are also near-perfect. I honestly cannot understand why Gosling wasn't nominated for an Oscar. His portrayal of Dean, both young and old Dean, is absolutely fantastic. From his crying at the table when he is dealing with the death of their dog, to when he and Cindy are fighting at her job and he actually gets really angry, I believed every minute. Williams was also great; she was entirely believable as a confused wife and mother, whose not completely sure what she's supposed to be doing with her life.
For me, this was one of the best movies of the year. I'm not sure why it didn't get an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Every scene was realistic, poignant, and just plain beautiful. The story also stays fresh with the nontraditional way it is told, the first scene being the current state of their relationship and flashing backwards, and then flashing forward again. Telling their story in a random order illustrates to the audience the rise and fall of their relationship in a new way.
Although I've recommended most of the movies that I've reviewed recently, I'm adamant about this one. Please, please, please go see "Blue Valentine." It's wonderful. I've never seen anything quite like it.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
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