Cast: Hugh Grant, Meryl Jessica Parker, Sam Elliott, Mary Steenburgen; Director: Marc Lawrence; Producers: Martin Shafer, Liz Glotzer; Screenwriter: Marc Lawrence; Music: Theodore Shapiro; Editor: Susan E. Morse; Genre: Drama; Cinematography: Florian Ballhaus; Distributor: Sony Pictures; Location: USA; Running Time: 123 mins;Technical Assessment: 3
Moral Assessment: 3.5
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 and above
High profile and successful Manhattan couple, Meryl (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Paul Morgan (Hugh Grant) have almost everything going for them except their failing marriage caused by Paul’s infidelity and Meryl’s suspected infertility. Meryl has been living alone in her apartment and Paul has been staying in a hotel for three months already. But when they witness a murder and become a target of a professional killer, they will have no choice but to come to terms that they will live together again under one roof. The FBI’s witness protection program takes them away from New York to a tiny town in Ray, Wyoming. There, they will experience a totally different life together away from the city, with Paul trying very hard to rekindle their old romance. Will Meryl finally give in?
The premise, though pretty interesting, remains to be the usual Hollywood mainstream. The film has lots of strengths and acting is one of them. Parker fits the role of a materialistic city girl perfectly and Grant is as convincing although quite predictable. There are still some stereotypical portrayals present in the story like the typical New Yorkers and country folks but the story does not dwell on too much of these so the entire picture comes out as refreshing. The suspense part is a bit slow and does not really build into a climax and the romance lacks certain sparkle. But the Parker-Grant tandem provides some sort of depth and maturity in the romance so they are able to pull it off. The focus on the marital issues comes out effectively and it is this part of the movie where the audience is tickled. The laughs are good enough and do not undermine the audience’s intellect.
Marital problems and issues abound the fast-paced city lifestyle so the film’s theme will always be timely and relevant. There are two distinct characters in the story and their differences are really apparent. Issues of infidelity, communication differences, personality differences, and even infertility are discussed in the film head-on. Infidelity is a mistake in any relationship and the movie tells the audience just as that. No justification. No compromise. It is wrong and will always be wrong in the eyes of men and in the eyes God. But then, the film also recognizes the value of forgiveness. It is in forgiving one another that a couple stays together in marriage. It is also in forgiveness that they are able to fully fulfill their marriage vows. However, as shown in the movie, forgiveness is not given easily unless there is sincere contrition on the part of the offender. Paul has to say sorry so many times but the words meant nothing until Meryl felt the sincerity. When the Morgans lived in the tiny town of Wyoming, they are able to appreciate one another - both their similarities and differences. Once they have been away from the busy and materialistic city lifestyle, they are able to communicate like they have never done before. And finally, the Morgans are able to realize life’s essentials – relationships. More than the wealth and status, it is their marriage—their family, that is worth keeping and worth saving.
