Review of Bed of Roses (1996) by Robin D — 14 May 2009

"Bed of Roses" is one of my all-time favorite romance dramas - it is subtle, bittersweet and poignant, a story about two people who despite different backgrounds and approaches to life, find that they are true soulmates after all. Mary Stuart Masterson gives a finely nuanced performance as Lisa,an emotionally crippled woman who finds it difficult to establish real relationships with people because of the emotional scarring experienced in her childhood. She is focused only on making her mark professionally, and seems quite content with life...that is until, Lewis [Christian Slater] comes into her life. A yuppie turned florist, Lewis beguiles and confuses Lisa with his attentions and sensitivity. This is a guy who sends her flowers just because he felt she needed them to cheer her up, a guy who attends children's storytime at the library [not for any perverse reason, but because he truly enjoys it, losing himself in the wonder of the story with an almost child-like expression of awe].

The closer the pair get, the more perturbed Lisa gets, unsure as to her own emotions with respect to Lewis. Things reach boiling point when Lewis takes Lisa home to meet his family during the holidays, with emotional repercussions for the pair.

I felt the theme of emotional healing through true love was subtly portrayed by the two leads who share a credibly on-screen chemistry without being over the top. Nor was it overly sappy - all the elements of this love story was credibly played out and the pacing was just right. I loved the cinematography, especially with the focus on the flowers, the sights and sounds of things around Lewis and Lisa - it beautifully captured the evolving relationship.

Though this never did hit it big at the box-office, it is nevertheless a well-done romance drama that has always managed to tug at my heartstrings, and I've watched it many times over the years. Highly recommended for the romantic at heart.