Review of Like Crazy (2011) by Slayde11 — 24 Jun 2016

Rarely have I ever been so uplifted and devastated by a single film over the course of 90 minutes. In my opinion, this movie is a masterwork of improvisation and calculated understatement. It illustrates the way young love can be absolutely overpowering; and how we can become intoxicated by the idea and memory of those early head-over-heels feelings, until we're no longer sure whether they're leading us forward or pulling us down.

I think the way you ultimately feel about this story -- the ending in particular -- has much to do with what you project onto it, based upon your own experiences. I will say "Like Crazy" is an extremely apt title.

It describes the swoon-worthy early stages of love ... yet also the painful, even damaging later stages where the urge to hold on and the desperate yearning to recapture can feel like (and possibly represent) a form of insanity.

Extremely thoughtful, honest, well-calibrated performances by both leads and every supporting player. Just don't let the first act fool you -- this is NOT a feel-good movie throughout.