Alternative Nation
Go Back   Alternative Nation > Entertainment & Arts > Movies > Movie Articles

Notices

Movie Articles Become your own film critic post your reviews of the latest film you've just seen.

Comment
 
Review Tools
<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Love In the Time of Cholera<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
Love In the Time of Cholera
Published by Bunnylingus
29th March 2008
Love In the Time of Cholera

When there’s a line which says, “Every time I smell turpentine, I’ll think of you,” you know you‘re in for a total cheesefest.

The story follows Florentino (Unax Ugalde/Javier Bardem) who falls in love at first sight with Fermina (Giovanna Mezzogiorno). The two exchange letters and agree to marry, but Fermina’s rich father sends her away because Florentino is not of a high enough class to marry his daughter. The pair continue to communicate via telegraphs, only for her to return years later to deny his advances. Heartbroken, Florentino embarks upon a series of meaningless affairs in order to take his mind off his broken heart, while Fermina marries a successful doctor (Benjamin Bratt). When Bratt dies 52 years later, Florentino makes his way to Fermina’s house after the funeral to declare his love.

The most disappointing thing about this film is that it takes too much time on cheesy romance and not enough of the gritty, interesting aspects of the story - the class struggle which prevented their union and affects the way in which Ferminas marriage progesses. Nor does it really detail any more than a few of the women Florentino acquires (Six hundred and twenty two, all together.). Also, it never really gives you enough of a hint as to why Fermina denied him after years of contact. Was it the class barrier, or was it because she changed her mind? I suppose you’re supposed to make your own mind up, but there‘s really not enough to go on, because we don‘t follow her story as closely.

More infuriating - young Florentino seems to undergo a massive transformation from 20s to 30s, from beautiful, smooth skinned Ugalde to the rough, broad features of Javier Bardem, while the actress playing Fermina remains practically unchanged. It begs the question of why Bardem was not used all the way through. Also, the way in which most of the characters were aged was ridiculous - adding grey hair does not make someone look 20 years older.

However, it is entertaining. I was never bored, and there’s plenty of lovely scenery to look at. The cheese is at times hilarious - Florentino’s own mother sets him up with a widow whilst she’s sitting in the next room, listening. If you’re in no way into romantic films, miss this one out. Its okay, it just could have been so much better. Definitely a cinema card kind of film.

Love in The Time of Cholera is out now.
Featured Reviews
Read more
Belching out the Devil - Mark Thomas

The evils of Coke.
Read more
Oxjam Hits The High Note

An interview with me taken from the Hub magazine
Read more
Brett Anderson

Read more
Ask Not What You Can Do For Your Country

Part I. Two Wolves And A Lamb.
Old 29th March 2008, 5:41pm  
Posh
Registered Child Abuser
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Gettin fingered
Posts: 18,175
Blog Entries: 224
Images: 30
Posh is taking over the worldPosh is taking over the worldPosh is taking over the worldPosh is taking over the worldPosh is taking over the worldPosh is taking over the worldPosh is taking over the worldPosh is taking over the worldPosh is taking over the worldPosh is taking over the worldPosh is taking over the world
Send a message via AIM to Posh Send a message via MSN to Posh
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

I don't even have to see this to know it's a terrible adaptation.
__________________
Fuck your signature privileges.
Posh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2nd April 2008, 12:30am  
pANDAS Radio
Super Discunt
 
pANDAS Radio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,765
Images: 22
pANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a studentpANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a studentpANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a studentpANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a student
Send a message via MSN to pANDAS Radio
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

I watched it a month or 2 ago. I enjoyed it, but not enough. The make up effects pretty much ruined it for me right away.
pANDAS Radio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2nd April 2008, 11:39am  
Bunnylingus
doon satans alley.
 
Bunnylingus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: avec moomaw
Posts: 29,988
Blog Entries: 31
Images: 173
Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’
Send a message via MSN to Bunnylingus
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

Its that bloody stupid moustasche!!

Its shite, but for some reason kinda watchable.
__________________
Quote:
She's built like a steakhouse, but she handles like a bistro.
Bunnylingus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2nd April 2008, 11:58am  
pANDAS Radio
Super Discunt
 
pANDAS Radio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,765
Images: 22
pANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a studentpANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a studentpANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a studentpANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a student
Send a message via MSN to pANDAS Radio
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

i thought it was annoying the way she still looked 30 when he was hobbling around with a stick and more wrinkles than a car park full of worried parents outside a Marilyn Manson concert.
pANDAS Radio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2nd April 2008, 12:04pm  
Bunnylingus
doon satans alley.
 
Bunnylingus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: avec moomaw
Posts: 29,988
Blog Entries: 31
Images: 173
Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’Bunnylingus is too good at this 'forum game’
Send a message via MSN to Bunnylingus
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

The guy I was with was getting really frustrated at the whole thing.

Her sister was the most ridiculous of all - 'do you recognise me now that I'm old and fat'? Well, aye, all they've done is give you grey hair and stick a belly on you.
__________________
Quote:
She's built like a steakhouse, but she handles like a bistro.
Bunnylingus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6th April 2008, 2:45am  
Rhythm Junkie
...playground tactics...
 
Rhythm Junkie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Islington
Posts: 3,186
Blog Entries: 78
Images: 22
Rhythm Junkie rawksRhythm Junkie rawksRhythm Junkie rawks
Send a message via MSN to Rhythm Junkie
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

If you want to know the answers to your questions, read the book.

I feel I need to add, as a disclaimer of sorts, I really disliked the book.
__________________
It ain't stalking it's just selective walking
Rhythm Junkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6th April 2008, 3:00am  
Sazzarella
moot moot
 
Sazzarella's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 2,904
Images: 25
Sazzarella = 2nd BestSazzarella = 2nd BestSazzarella = 2nd Best
Send a message via MSN to Sazzarella
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

Aw wasnt this the book in Serendipity ^_^
__________________

See I'm no king I wear no crown, But desperate times seem over now, But still I weaken somehow It tears me apart.
Sazzarella is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6th April 2008, 3:54am  
evilglamcaitlin
We Looked Like Giants
 
evilglamcaitlin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 6,663
Images: 147
evilglamcaitlin has left the buildingevilglamcaitlin has left the buildingevilglamcaitlin has left the buildingevilglamcaitlin has left the buildingevilglamcaitlin has left the buildingevilglamcaitlin has left the buildingevilglamcaitlin has left the buildingevilglamcaitlin has left the buildingevilglamcaitlin has left the building
Send a message via MSN to evilglamcaitlin
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

I read this as 'Love In The Time of Chlamydia' and thought it was just one of Rach's blog entries.


JOKE.
__________________
What's the point in love? It can't buy you money.
evilglamcaitlin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6th April 2008, 4:04am  
CHUCK LIDELOL
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Kid 'non
Posts: 2,549
Blog Entries: 1
Images: 15
CHUCK LIDELOL has more friends than you :pCHUCK LIDELOL has more friends than you :p
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

Hmm
CHUCK LIDELOL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6th April 2008, 4:26am  
pANDAS Radio
Super Discunt
 
pANDAS Radio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,765
Images: 22
pANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a studentpANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a studentpANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a studentpANDAS Radio is to AltNation what Pot Noodle is to a student
Send a message via MSN to pANDAS Radio
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhythm Junkie View Post
If you want to know the answers to your questions, read the book.
The book explains the terrible make up?
pANDAS Radio is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6th April 2008, 4:51am  
Rhythm Junkie
...playground tactics...
 
Rhythm Junkie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Islington
Posts: 3,186
Blog Entries: 78
Images: 22
Rhythm Junkie rawksRhythm Junkie rawksRhythm Junkie rawks
Send a message via MSN to Rhythm Junkie
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

Well it is set in the late 1800's so, aye, kinda

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sazzarella View Post
Aw wasnt this the book in Serendipity ^_^
Aye - it's still shite but
__________________
It ain't stalking it's just selective walking

Last edited by Rhythm Junkie; 6th April 2008 at 4:51am. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Rhythm Junkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6th April 2008, 5:20am  
CHUCK LIDELOL
Banned
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Kid 'non
Posts: 2,549
Blog Entries: 1
Images: 15
CHUCK LIDELOL has more friends than you :pCHUCK LIDELOL has more friends than you :p
Re: Love In the Time of Cholera

hmm
CHUCK LIDELOL is offline   Reply With Quote
Comment

Bookmarks
Digg del.icio.us StumbleUpon Google

Review Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Sin 



 Classic Grand Advert





Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.0.0
Advertisement
   



All times are GMT +0. The time now is 1:19pm.

Forums Directory
Copyright 2000-2008, Alternative Nation
Review powered by GARS 2.1.8m ©2005-2006

SEO by vBSEO 3.1.0 ©2007, Crawlability, Inc.
Page generated in 0.72027 seconds with 21 queries