Review of Brief Encounter (1945) by Davey M — 22 May 2008
Just about the most achingly romantic film I've ever seen. Lean's direction is pitch perfect; Howard is at his most charming and his most vulnerable, and Celia Johnson gives one of the great performances of the movies.
Above all, probably, it's Coward's script that captures human anguish and heartbreak and elation with such an exquisite depth of feeling it's painful to see. I was nervous I would have mixed emotions about a film about adultery that has been described by many as The Most Romantic Movie Ever, but Brief Encounter manages to deal with the most hackneyed scenario in a way that is timelessly, transcendentally charitable--this is a film that loves people so much it can't judge them; it loves these sinners even as it disapproves of their sin.
This is probably my new favorite film from David Lean. Which is a pretty huge statement when you think about it.
This review of Brief Encounter (1945) was written by Davey M on 22 May 2008.
Brief Encounter has generally received very positive reviews.
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