Rating of
3/4
Men Are Better at Romance Than Women
PsychoKing1227 - wrote on 02/22/11
"Blue Valentine" is unlike other films of its genre (the modern relationship struggle genre, that is) in the sense that it didn't try to demonize any one partner over the other. There are moments more frustrating than others, where we feel the plight of both partners collectively - but the film grapples with emotional traumas and unfounded processes of decision-making. For most of the film, we feel like Michelle Williams' character, Cynthia, is being less than zealous in trying to make her relationship stand the test of time, but we understand that she made rash decisions that she wishes with all her soul she could take back. Ryan Gosling's performance as a devoted father and husband who feels the tension, which makes him feel less than adequate is nothing less than superb. A truly inspired film, "Blue Valentine" is a story of loss and the unmitigated illogic that drives our lives to the most confused and cornered destinations. A rare cinematic gem.
