Kristin Reviews Blue Valentine

Blue Valentine is a cinematic gut-punch. It is bare and raw and painful to watch. It is also gripping and real and heartbreaking.

The film tells two stories. One of them is a love story. It’s sweet and tender and charming. It’s also passionate, which is a vital element, because, without it, the second story would not have the impact that it does.

The second story is a tragedy. It’s harsh and ugly. And it’s passionate, too. It’s as passionate as the first story, in fact, and it is the contrast that is so excrutiating to watch.

I saw Blue Valentine in the theater on a fairly busy weekend. A good portion of the audience walked out before the movie ended. On one hand, I understood why. The movie is hard to watch. By the time the end credits began, I hurt. I felt as if I’d been torn apart. On the other hand, I found it difficult to shake the film from my mind for several days afterwards, and I appreciated it even more for that. I don’t think this means I liked it. In fact, I honestly wouldn’t sit through it again. But I can say that it was successful. The script, the direction, and the performances did to me exactly what they were designed to do, and I cannot help but congratulate all involved for that accomplishment. Was Blue Valentine an enjoyable or entertaining movie? No. Was it a good movie – I have to say it was one of the best of the year.

-Kristin
2.18.2011