Blue Valentine - Avoids Taking the Easy Way Out

This may not have been the best movie of 2010, but it was my favorite.  Perhaps the most conditional four and a half stars I've ever issued. 'Blue Valentine' is really wonderful. Gritty, personal, edgy, beautifully acted and so real, BUT.... it is dark and unbelievably layered.

Like the decline of the relationship portrayed in the film, the depth of the story leaves you lacking for oxygen at times. All of us have known relationships like the one played out on screen and some of us have been in them. It's constantly painful and often hard to watch, but lovely at the same time.

The characters are not at all who they seem to be in the early minutes of the film, and they never stop evolving. By the end you know each of them intimately. There are components of their personalities you love and loathe. You want to hug and slap them both.

Where other films would have taken a turn toward idealism at the darkest depth of the story, director, Derek Cianfrance keeps going. It is refreshing if not depressing. There are no 'a-ha!' moments in this movie and its better for it.

Above all else are the stunning performances of Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams.  I was shocked by their true snubs by the Oscars.  Williams while nominated should have won.  Gosling, like the film was not even nominated.  Just silly.

So, make a point to see 'Blue Valentine' if you can handle the unapologetic reality. If not, see something lighter - it ain't for everybody.