Review of Brief Encounter (1945) by Tomas T — 10 Aug 2012

The 1940's romance classic, Brief Encounter, captures the essence of infatuation and portrays the good and bad sides of a forbidden relationship perfectly.

The film tells the story of Celia Johnson (Laura Jesson), a perfectly normal housewife in Pre-World War II England, who has her whole life turned upside down by a random encounter (Dr. Alec Harvey by Trevor Howard). What at first seems like innocent interaction between Alec and Celia soon turns into heated love affair which burns fast and ferociously. What is striking with the film is how up to date it is and how well the film captures the various stages of forbidden infatuation: The passionate feelings and unavoidable feelings of remorse and guilt.

The film is brilliantly carried on by Celia Johnson character's narration as she confesses her unfaithfulness to the viewers. The film is all about main characters who make the film very believable with their fervent performances. Celia Johnson portrays Laura Jesson as girlish and adventurous woman who is perfectly content with her uneventful life until she gets swooped away by the reputable/upstanding Dr. Alec Harvey. Trevor Howard as Dr. Alec Harvey being the perfect mix of gentleman and a man madly in love. Together they iconize themselves as the forbidden lovers whose feelings are still tangible even some 70 years.

Brief Encounter is one of those films which should be seen by everybody, no matter age or gender. The story of two strangers falling madly in love by chance is captivating and forever current making it a memorable film experience.