Review of Enduring Love (2004) by Daniëlle W — 16 Oct 2007

Joe has planned a postcard-perfect afternoon in the English countryside with his partner, Claire. But as Joe and Claire prepare to open a bottle of champagne, their idyll comes to an abrupt end.

A hot air balloon drifts into the field. Joe and three other men rush to secure the basket. Just as they secure the balloon, the wind rushes into the field, and at once the rescuers are airborne.

Joe manages to drop to the ground, as do most of his companions, but one man is lifted skywards. As Joe, Claire and the other rescuers watch this strangely beautiful sight, they see the man fall to his death.

Recalling the day's events at dinner with his friends Robin and Rachel, Joe reveals the impact the accident has had on his battered psyche. Ironically the balloon eventually lands safely, the boy unscathed. But fate has far more unpleasant things in store for Joe.

Going to retrieve the body of the fallen man with fellow rescuer Jed Parry, for example, turns out to be a very bad move.

Jed feels an instant connection with Joe--one that, as the weeks go by, becomes ever more intense...

A film indicating that love can affect people in different ways, whether it be platonic, obsessive or parental, it affects the human psyche and emotion, eventually ruling the way you think and react to situations. the film is shot beautifully, especially the dream-like opening which the film is centres around. the cast are fantastic in their respective roles, and Ifans is creepy, but I couldn't help but show empathy for him.

The soundtrack can be a little distracting at times as it is a little too dramatic, but it is a hidden gem from 2004, and a very surreal experience about how tragedy can affect people in different ways.