Who else cries when they see this film?
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IsoldeJaneHolland — 19 years ago(March 01, 2007 07:19 PM)
Get the Criterion Collection DVD. I'm not a cineaste snob, but seriously,
Criterion's edition are crammed with so many stuff-you-really-want (and
can watch more than once) bonus features they have completely spoiled
me for ordinary discs. -
roghache — 19 years ago(March 03, 2007 06:00 PM)
I was quite taken by the comment made by xerxes legend about feeling bad for Fred, and must agree. I do find that Alec has charisma, and of course his parting scene with Laura is very touching. I imagine that most viewers who cry do so because of sadness over these lovers, Laura and Alec, nobly bidding farewell forever.
However, many of my sympathies lie with Fred. He is basically a good husband and father, maybe not quite attentive enough to this wife, as can often happen with long married spouses, but he's kind, caring, and even displays a sense of humour. He may not be dashing, exciting, and charismatic but he's likeable!
It seems obvious at the end that Fred has come to realize his wife's unhappiness and may well suspect some relationship with another man, or emotional pining at least on her part. He isn't likely to ever discuss it with Laura, IMO, but surely he would feel hurt. It would be a blow to his own esteem and sense of security in the marriage, albeit he's relieved she has come back to him. It would appear that for some time Laura may not be emotionally "there" with him and the children as she will be grieving in a sense the loss of Alec. Therefore Fred is probably going to have to "carry" this marriage for awhile, subtly trying to find ways to support Laura and restore her happiness, while atempting to maintain his own trust in her.
If I were to cry during this movie, it would be because I find Fred's kindness to Laura at the end so touching and because he is truly her best friend that she can always count on. -
lighthouse_04 — 19 years ago(March 19, 2007 11:00 PM)
Very much so - I highly agree with your sentiments as expressed. I found the movie wonderfully tragic, some memorable quotes coming to mind include those when Trevor Howard expresses to Celia Johnson again and again very directly that he loves her, he loves her so very much, and Celia Johnson's equally passionate but equally hesitant responses. But the phrase that touched me most and even now tears come to my eyes when I think of it is Fred's statement at the end of the movie, "Thank you for returning back to me" and Celia throwing herself into his arms sobbing - it seems very much the statement of a loving and understanding husband who only wants to forgive his wife and move on.
And Celia Johnson's response was, I'd like to think, that of a wife who realises that no matter what happens and how depressed she is by Trevor Howard's departure, she will always have and appreciate the existence of, the support and love of her husband, which I think makes this movie extra special - a nice, if not completely happy, ending all round. -
tohu — 12 years ago(May 05, 2013 04:59 PM)
Hi roghache. This is very well said. I know its 6 years since you posted it, but even so.
You have captured exactly how I feel about the movie, and why I love it. Its Fred. What a dear, sweet, gentle, caring man. And as you say, the best friend she will ever have. And in the end I think even she realises this.
I dont think there are any 'bad' people in this movie. Just flawed people who are the victims of their emotions - and of fate.
So, there are no 'villains' in BE. But there is only one hero.
"Maybe I should go alone"
- Quint, Jaws.
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aorourke55 — 19 years ago(March 29, 2007 05:21 AM)
I didn't cry but I found this movie sad and similar to Bridges of Madison County.
The sad thing is that a woman would consider a brief contact with a stranger the "most precious moments of her life." Anyone can look good for a few afternoons. If someone finds their daily life unsatisfying they should focus on fixing that, and not delude themselves that they fell in love with the perfect person and that person would have made their life great if only they didn't leave. -
BlueGreen — 19 years ago(March 30, 2007 02:01 PM)
I don't know that I cry (I may, for all I know), but I can and gladly will say this: this is probably one of the two or three most romantic films of all time.
And when I say I "romantic", I mean it in the purest, most genuine sense of the word. It is gut-rippingly realistic (yes, it is), it doesn't have gorgeous settings and glamorous people, it doesn't have swahsbucklery and swooning What it does have is true heroism of the very "ordinary" - and heartbreaking - kind. Which is precisely what makes it so romantic. -
ali-babble — 18 years ago(April 19, 2007 07:05 AM)
I've never cried watching a movie, but this film did bring tears to my eyes. Particularly in the scene where the pair are in the caf and they are interrupted by Laura's annoying friend. The first time that you see the scene from the perspective of the friend it really doesn't seem that bad moving, but the second time once you've seen all that has lead to that point and the desperation and unhappiness on Laura's face, you really feel for her and Dr Harvey. There aren't that many films when I've been very emotionally attached to the characters, but this is one of them.
Hector Barbossa; now
that's
a pirate! -
maperette — 18 years ago(April 27, 2007 07:10 PM)
BlueGreen
My sentiments exactly. But I definitely find tears rolling down my cheeks at the end. She does what she knows is right. She loves her life with Fred, and Fred loves her all the more because she chose to live her life with him.
maperette -
maperette — 18 years ago(April 27, 2007 06:59 PM)
Every single time. I had to buy the video, too. [SPOILER FOLLOWS]
The simplicity of the characters and the honesty of her feelings. She reveals, "I meant to [jump in front of the train]. I wish I could say I didn't because of Fred and the children, but no. Just did not want to feel anything." I think that anyone who has had a great love and lost it can definitely relate to the pain
David Lean is my favorite director. Favorite movie, Great Expectations, of course!
maperette -
youre_somoney — 18 years ago(May 03, 2007 07:48 PM)
I'm a hopeless romantic, but I'm not the type of person that will bawl at every single romantic film I see. HOWEVER, I CRIED after watching this movie! I think what did it for me was the fact that Alec and Laura were attempting to say goodbye and then Laura's obnoxious friend came over and spoiled the whole moment! Once that kicked in, I couldn't help but bawl.
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Charlie-436 — 18 years ago(June 05, 2007 07:05 PM)
I often cry when watching this film, but I find it's one of those that you really have to be in a particular kind of mood to watch it in the first place.
It's hard to describe what I mean, but if you're not in the right frame of mind, some of the romance can actually seem rather funny! (probably because of the different era in which it was made, and set)
Btw: For all those who never normally cry at movies, (but kinda wish they did) you have to watch "Shadowlands" with Anthony Hopkins & Debra Winger you'll need a whole box of tissues, but it's a wonderful experience!
A good cry makes you feel kinda good, whilst you're feeling sad. In a strange way, it can also make you feel a little more "alive". (that's how I feel, anyway!)
After all why would anyone ever want to watch "sad" films if they didn't actually quite enjoy being upset, crying, and generally being moved by them???
Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it! -
webboffin_uk — 18 years ago(July 22, 2007 08:03 AM)
I can say honestly I didn't cry. I enjoy the film and is a favorite in acting but in truth they were committing in real terms nothing short of adultery.
They should of avoided the situation that made them fall in love and were in effect cheating on their spouses and the Laura Jesson character was also risked the happiness of her two young innocent children had this relationship carried on further.
Thankfully back in 1945 the morals of society are better than today as these days adultry is glorified and not seen as anything wrong in it as long as you are happy then heck to your spouse and kids.
I am glad the film ended with a sensible decision to end the adultry and return to their respective spouses. -
roghache — 18 years ago(July 23, 2007 09:54 AM)
You make some excellent points, webboffin uk, expecially regarding 1940's moral standards versus modern perceptions that self fulfillment is of the utost importance. However, let's not just blame Laura! Alec also had two young boys whose happiness he was potentially jeopardizing with this (would be) affair.
It started off innocently enough during the first encounter or two but once these two realized what was happening in terms of their emotions, I agree they should have avoided situtions that encouraged their relationship i.e. not arranged to meet on these Thursdays. It isn't impossible to control one's
emotions
but it is possible to control one's
behaviour
.
However, we're all of us only human and I love this film! Given Laura's ongoing extreme guilt, IMO she's cast as a very sympathetic character. I've posted on this board many times, often indicating that I don't personally feel that Alec was The Great Love Of Her Life but merely a glimpse of romance and passion, a relief from the boredom of an otherwise good marriage that had grown rather stale lately.
Yes, I was pleased as well that the two of them did the right thing in the end, not only for their families but probably ultimately for themselves as well. Laura knew all along the potential this affair had for hurting others. In the end she returned to a husband clearly willing to love and support her, despite his probable suspicion that she'd had an interest in another man. -
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onepotato2 — 18 years ago(March 09, 2008 08:11 AM)
You cry because this film beats the crap out of almost every other romantic movie ever made, it
s a masterpiece and I think its actually underrated despite its great status. It`s a pefect film.
by - mr_velvetvoiceOk, then, thanks for those unargued superlatives.
I couldn't be bothered. I feel this film is without merit. I might cry if I had to watch it a 2nd time.