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Falling In Love [1984]
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RRP: £9.99
Our Price: £3.98 (subject to change)
Give it a chance, it's worth it!
Review date: 2008-09-28 Rating: 10 out of 10
It might be a little slow in getting started which might but people off but it just adds to the magic of the story. I couldnt believe it when I read that this was a flop at the box office, I really enjoyed it.
It's a beautiful story about two people who think they have found love really find it. Meryl Streep & Robert De Nero was inspiring and truley believeable as Molly & Frank.
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Reviews
In the Finest Traditions of Timeless Classics
Review date: 2007-07-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
The storyline is simple, there are almost no sub-plots, the dialogue is very sparse, and there is limited characterisation in the lead roles.
And yet this movie works wonderfully well. It not only evokes memories of Brief Encounter, it is also vividly reminiscent of Claude Lelouch's Un Homme et Une Femme, partly because of the train scenes, partly because of Ms Streep's divided loyalties, and partly because of the tremendous score.
The coincidences may seem a little contrived at first, but extraordinary coincidences do sometimes happen in real life, and part of the movie's appeal lies in its portrayal of the impact of love - both for good and for ill.
Nowadays, mobile phones and emails allow us to keep in contact with almost anybody at any time of the day or night. But back in 1984, it really was a matter of call-boxes and chance meetings, and therefore many of the barriers that are placed between Robert de Niro and Meryl Streep would not exist today.
Consequently, Falling In Love now seems to be more or less lost in time - an essential prerequisite, perhaps, for all immortal tales.
The romance in this film is understanding and very persuasive.
Review date: 2007-06-29 Rating: 8 out of 10
"Falling In Love" deserve it's fair share of attention and fame. If you are into complete 100% realism, then you would have a bone to pick with this film. I mean true love... if you believe in love at first sight; you could probably believe that two strangers' chance meeting could be the beginning of something beautiful. Or if hardened by cynicism, you'd probably say, nay it'd never happen --it's just boredom in life's routine. But one thing that can't be ignored is the acting. Any two actors might've played Frank and Molly in this low-keyed way (and been as good), but it is the fact it's De Niro and Streep together (reunited from "The Deer Hunter") that keeps the picture watch able. The minimal mundane dialogue and what they did with the material was a moving portrayal in this film.
Ms. Streep portrays Molly Gillmore, a doctor's wife and commercial artist; and De Niro, Frank Raftis, a construction foreman, husband and father of two young boys. Fate brings the two together on a Metro North commuter train from Westchester County into Manhattan, in New York. Molly and Frank are good, moral suburbanites who just happen to be "Falling In Love," all the time struggling to remain loyal to their respective families.
Maryl Streep, to me mainly, has done her part on this film. She is not only natural and luminous, but you even don't think that she's acting! She's lived this whole life through! The way she's hesitating whether she should stop the affair with a married man (DeNiro) or just let it all be. The way she struggles herself and this new feeling that doesn't allow her to lead her normal life anymore is believable as well. You won't doubt a minute that she's feeling all this. As for De Niro even though he's an actor he always embodies such charisma and sex appeal, he's able to carry himself as such a regular simple man-all that there is to him is that he is in love with a married woman other than his wife.
I also liked how the film does not try to justify adultery at the same time. There are some nice nostalgia vis-a-vis sumptuous New York winter bustle scenes of Grand Central Station, Rizzoli's on Fifth Ave, hot dog vendors, high-eighties hair and clothing fashions. The score by Dave Grusin (Mountain Dance) completed this movie and is just amazing till this day. "Falling In Love" is a rather sweet but serious film that paints a very realistic portrait of marriage and infidelity. If you are a fan of either actor, this is a must-see.
Under-rated modern romance
Review date: 2006-05-10 Rating: 8 out of 10
I first saw this film way back in '84 when it got it's UK release and I have to say that it has aged very well (which you can't say about many films made in the 1980's). Yes, there are probably more dramatic and exciting movies out there, but the gentleness and poignancy of this film made it a subtle rarity in the flashy 80's.
This is really a modern-day re-telling of the 1940's Brit classic 'Brief Encounter', and it is beautifully done. De Niro and Streep are (as expected) excellent, and they are supported by a fantastic cast (Weist amd Kietel being the most notable). However the best thing is the wonderful score by Dave Grusin (I became a fan thereafter). The piece is called 'Rondo' and can be found on his CD 'Mountain Dance' which is still available). Recommended.
Gentle and Romantic
Review date: 2003-01-11 Rating: 10 out of 10
There is a romantic glow to this very undervalued film. It is a throwback to films of the 40's and 50's. Robert DeNiro and Meryl Streep give old style performances to match the story's atmosphere, which is sweet and sentimental. It does not make light of the subject matter of having an affair but instead is a film about finding love itself. In keeping with that theme there is no sex in this film. The love that gently blossoms is one of the heart.
Frank Raftis (DeNiro) and Molly Gilmore (Streep) are going about their mundane if uninspiring lives amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season in New York when they literally run into each other at a bookshop. Both are married and when they meet again on the train both are taking to work, a friendship begins. Even the small prospect of riding to work together is handled gingerly as both are good people who would not want to hurt their spouses.
As they become more dependent on each other the moral dilema escalates. There are charming scenes as each almost misses the train, and the chance to talk. Her father is sick and her response is to call him. It is the little things that separate this film from others. Frank and Molly fall in love for the reason we all do; because of how we feel about ourselves when we are with that person.
When they finally can not stand it anymore they have a clumsy, and aborted, attempt at making love. Both DeNiro and Streep are wonderful at capturing the moral dilema of two people already married who have found the love of their life. Dianne Wiest has a nice turn as Molly's best friend Isabelle and Harvey Keitel as DeNiro's pal Ed is engaging. Jane Kaczmarek, of television's 'Malcolm in the Middle' fame, gives a nice performance as Franks's wife Ann.
This film begins at Christmas and ends at Christmas a year later. It is a sweet and charming film about falling in love and finding happiness. Dave Grusin helps the atmosphere with a nice score that perfectly captures the sweet exhilaration and anguish of Frank and Molly's love. If you enjoy films like 'An Affair to Remember' then chances are you'll love this one also. It's a nice film to own.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Jane Kaczmarek
Harvey Keitel
George Martin
Robert De Niro
Meryl Streep
Creators:
Robert De Niro (Primary Contributor)
Meryl Streep (Primary Contributor)
Peter Suschitzky (Cinematographer)
Michael Kahn (Editor)
Marvin Worth (Producer)
Robert F. Colesberry (Producer)
Michael Cristofer (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Paramount Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Paramount Home Entertainment
EAN: 5014437817532
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2002-06-10
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 102 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1984-11-21
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