The Edge of Love (2008)

Director: John Maybury
Starring: Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy, Matthew Rhys
Genre: romantic drama
Certificate: 15
Rating: ****

Firstly, this film is probably not for fans of poet Dylan Thomas - they would probably not be impressed with this film, as he is portrayed as a weak, selfish man.

However, the plot, which in some cases may be slightly too complex for a romantic drama, does drive the film forwards, with some fantastic acting from Knightley and Miller. Set over a long period of time in the second world war, you can easily see the relationships and characters develop throughout the film, but it would be nice to have the main one (between Knightley and Murphy) have a bit more screentime. As it was, it would have been unlikely for Knightley's character to forgive Murphy's as easily as she did. Again, towards the end, the reaction of Dylan Thomas (Rhys) when Vera (Knightley) confronted him about taking her husband to court perhaps should have been made more simple to understand that he was refusing her plea.

Although the plot does lack some simplicity, it does serve to keep the audience interested and enjoying the film, and that is mostly all that matters.

All the Real Girls (2003)

Title: All the Real Girls
Year: 2003
Director: David Gordon Green
Starring: Paul Schneider, Zooey Deschanel, Shea Whigham, Patricia Clarkson
Genre: Romantic drama
Certificate: 15
Rating: **

I decided to watch this film after seeing Zooey Deschanel in (500) Days of Summer, and, fancying a romance, this seemed like the film to watch.

Although the plot (and script) of the film is interesting, the way in which it is presented just does not work. I hasten to add that the second-half of the film is much better than the first, however it seems like some scenes are only put in there to make the films seem more beautiful, and have nothing to do with driving the plot forwards. The characters are hard to understand, and, although probably a more realistic take on love than a lot of films, they tend to be slightly boring.

I'm not saying the whole film is bad - the second half, and the acting, is good, it's just the way the film is that makes it not work.

The Notebook (2004)

Title: The Notebook
Director: Nick Cassavetes
Starring: James Garner, Gena Rowlands, Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams
Genre: Romantic drama
Certificate: 15
Rating: *****

The Notebook is a film I have wanted to see for a long time now. When I did finally managed to watch it, I was not disappointed. There is not much I can really say here, as I do not want to give anything away. What I shall say is that, if you are anything like me, the end of this film will have you sobbing so much that you will need to re-apply all of your eye makeup, and possibly change your white blouse, as it will be going see-through due to your tears.

This is one of my favourite films of all time, it will not only make you cry, but also laugh, and it will warm your heart completely, and repair your broken belief of finding a soul-mate.

This is a DEFINITE must-watch.

Ellie May