Review of Last Chance Harvey (2008) by Annie C — 19 Jun 2009

The concept of the film make me wonder if the writing was inspired by Richard Linklater's 1995 film Before Sunrise and later in 2004 the sequel Before Sunset. Last Chance Harvey also deals with two strangers who meet at an airport(in which case Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy met on a train), both from very different background and culture, they try to get to know each other better with endless talks and walks while exploring who they really are as well. Just like Before Sunrise/Sunset, many might argue the lack of action, and slowness of the script. However, the beauty of films like these are the chemistry between the main characters through the dialogue, the way they react before and after they find the other person. It's fortunate that Thompson and Hoffman carried subtle and believable performances which triggered feelings that the audience could relate to. Both have perfect comical sense which made the film more enjoyable to watch. Unlike Before Sunrise/Sunset, Last Chance Harvey Harvey do not emphasize on first love and all the sparks and excitement you have when you meet someone new and different. To me, Last Chance Harvey is a movie about taking your chances(hence the title...), it's about taking steps to improve your lifestyle which, although it's miserable, it's something you are used to; it's about taking control of your life, and about taking risks and making changes. When Harvey finds Kate, he didn't find the most beautiful lady and immediately fall head over heels for her, what truly happened is that he found someone who is on a similar page as he, who is stuck; who is miserable; who wish things were different but is confused what they really want and how they could get it.

To me, Last Chance Harvey ended on too much of the positive and hopeful note. It's understandable however, we need hopeful films like this at a time when our economy is not looking too positive especially when the film is targeting middle age or older people.Like Slumdog Millionaire which I consider slightly overrated, we need postive and hopeful films right now although they might be a bit unrealistic. Life is full of (sometimes) unexplained coincidences, though I wish the film ended earlier in the scene where Harvey was at the stairwell, it feels good to watch a film with a warm happy ending(especially when they are about older people instead of sexy young people with high hormonal level...) and after all, it's a film about chances, I am glad the characters had control over their own lives and took the chances.