Review of I've Loved You So Long (2008) by John W — 06 Mar 2009

First the good news: Kristin Scott Thomas gives a superior performance. Sadly, that's about all I can say in a positive vein. Coming at this project from a writing point of view, I'd have to say that this is one of the most manipulative scripts I've seen in recent memory.

Please don't misunderstand me; I am absolutely moved by the idea of a story of a mother who kills her child as an act of love, of ultimate mercy. But there are ways to write this in an honest, a genuine spirit, and then there are the tools of melodrama run wild.

The basic story is a powerful one, but it's written by folks who do not write true-to-life -- they write clever. If it weren't for Scott Thomas grounding the gimmicky writing, this could be the worst kind of soap opera.

I'm no fan of a lot of the philosophy behind Western medicine but, about all I can say, with the cynical nature old age brings upon even some of the best of us, is that this an appropriate example of why physicians are not supposed to treat their own family members.

They are too close, emotionally speaking, to act impartially. Kristin Scott Thomas fans should not miss this, however. She definitely rises above the material with a wonderful performance.