Title: Blue Valentine
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams
Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutesWhat It Is: Married couple Dean (Gosling) and Cindy (Williams in an Oscar-nominated performance)  used to be what many strive for young care-free and in love. However since then their lives together have seen a downward spiral of apathy. They care less for themselves then they do one and other and their only true connect is the couples daughter Frankie. We not only get a look at the skeleton that used to be their relationship, but what life was like before they knew one and other, and how they became a couple.

What We Think: When you view this film I’m going to warn you that you aren’t in for a traditional boy meets girl story. This is a real, raw look into a fractured relationship between two people that used to be somewhat in love. It’s brutal, honest, and beautiful all at the same time. Cianfrance’s direction while at time may seem heavy-handed makes one feel like a fly on the wall. As if their inner demons are a secret meant only to be whispered between them. While the cinematography changes with the tide of the characters often times getting as gritty as the situations. When it comes to soundtracks this one kicks some ass. Featuring music only by Grizzly Bear, as well as a song sung by Gosling called ironically enough “You Always Hurt the One’s You Love”.

Our Grade: A, At times it seemed almost like the director was lost As some scene seem to be ill-fitting and others feel incomplete. As well the film lacks some balance making the ending a giant head scratcher.  Regardless of these things the films beauty, and performances make up for quite a bit. Leaving you with a feeling like you just saw someone air their dirty laundry. It may not be the most pleasant of tales, but it’s a close to real as you’ll see in Hollywood.