There are only a handful of films that are unflinching in depicting an eventual reality of marriage. Courtship, the blossoming of relationship, childbirth and the ordeals of parenthood, infidelity leading to the disintegration of what was once a fairy tale, and death of the better half are all natural courses of married life which had their respective places in cinema. In Amour, Michael Haneke wrote and directed a film that honors the resilience of love in the face of old age and sickness.
A film review of Amour
The comfort and contentment of Anne and George’s married life were abruptly ended when Anne had a stroke and slowly lost control of her faculties as weeks passed by.
Filmed almost entirely within the spaces of their home, Georges tended to Anne’s needs and continued to spin fond stories of his youth. Though they’ve been married for years and know each other inside and out, Georges tells Anne that are still so much about him that she is yet to know and he delights her with these discoveries. Outside their bedroom, his slow gait and sighs could only mean that his body is already weary, though his spirit remains unfaltering.
Amour is certainly not for everyone, though it should be if only to remind or inspire us on the expanse of our commitment to our partners or spouses. Emmanuelle Riva’s Anne is affecting and for a little while I wondered if Jennifer Lawrence really deserved that Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook. But nahhh, 2012 was the Mockingjay’s year.
Amour was released last 2012 and got Oscars nominations including best actress nomination for Emmanuelle Riva. Check for one with English subtitle as this drama movie is in French language.
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