The Lovers (2015) Australia, India, Belgium

Two women's efforts from two different timelines to save their loved one.

Genre:

Action, Adventure, Romance, Science Fiction.

Tagline:

"Love is longer than life."

Also known as:

Singularity

What's in:

Largely on-topic, None off-topic, Spoilers are very-very few, Dialogues.

Length:

Approximately 5-minute read.

Review:

     It was in the pre-production for over a decade, before reshuffle and recasting happened with the existing one. It was supposed to be an Indo-Aussie joint production, but later the Belgium production company joined the project. After the several hurdles it managed to get completed. It was an Anglo-Indian historical romance-drama, during the British raj in India about betrayal, coup, revenge and a journey movie. Also simultaneously set in the modern world focusing an archaeological couple who discovers a lost ancient Indian jewel in a shipwreck. From there the story gets a perfect beginning, later moves back to India.

     I don't understand what's with the Chinese music where the actual story take place in the 18th century India. It was so good and blends well, but that does define India or Indian culture while narrating its story. If you are not familiar with both Chinese and Indian musics, then it's not an issue at all. But that does not it, the names are Hindu and Indian soldiers with the Persian costumes, swords and other gadgets.

     How the name 'Dragon's Throat' came to Indian geographical area and surname for the Indian characters in a wrong princely state. Like that, many stuffs make no sense, especially if you are from that part of the Earth. I think the research was very poor for making this movie. They should have hired an Indian musician and costume designer with an historian.

 Love has many faces, and one of them is jealousy.

     The quality was top notch, the cast and their performances were excellent. But I could not stand for Bipasha Basu's facial expressions. She was always been in a sad face look, so depressing. That is the way her character was developed, so nothing wrong in her display. It was her international debut flick as well, and the launch was so disappointing. Because the story was very weak, maybe very silly. I have never seen the narration set in the ancient India other than in the Indian films. Quite amazing locations, and convinced with the visuals that how the 1700s' subcontinent would have looked like.

     The major problem with this flick is that people can't get ending. How the time barrier was broken to pass through another timeline was never explained. The Hindu priest/saint/sadhu who blabbers about the space and time was a ridiculous than intellectual briefing. So this film owes lots of explanation to the viewers than entertaining them. I want to favour it, but I also want to be honest. The film was not like I was hoping for, very excited for the merge of historical subject with sci-fi, but did not stand tall. Thankfully, either it was not a bad movie of the year, I've seen even worse that I felt not to review. I won't recommend it, but there's a slim chance that you might like it, so choose it carefully.

Similar movies:
The Time Traveller's Wife, Predestination, The Lake House, Looper, Frequency.


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
   

Love's Christmas Journey (2011) USA

The story of Ellie & Aaron Davis: Getting ready for the festival.

Genre:

Drama, Family, Western, TV Movie.

What's in:

As always on-topic, Not a bit off-topic, Very less spoilers, Dialogues.

Length:

Approximately 7-minute read.

Part-XI review:

     The eleventh and the final one in the Hallmark's 'Love Comes Softly' movie series. Inspired by the characters from Jannete Oke's original book. Only the eight titles were the adapted screenplay and remaining two were original, but prequels. So all the ten films had connections, but was not in the chronological order. Prior to this watch, I was wondering where this one would fit in the series. Technically, it is neither a sequel nor a prequel, but my guess is it sets in a parallel timeline to the fifth movie with the characters those derived from the previous films.

     Patently, I was eager for this, at a time it was very sad that no more movies after this one in the series. These were the beautiful family drama episodes, obviously had ups and downs, but certainly it maintained the quality and context as it promised. This was a two part movie and each 90 minutes long. It looks natural these days a final movie in the series to split into two equal parts. The silver-screen films are done for the commercial purpose, but I don't know the reason behind this television film. Surely it was not a small story that stretched to nearly a 3 hours long. Quite well developed characters and plot under the original theme to match with a par.

     We know Aaron, the little boy from 'Love's Enduring Promise', whose parents were Marty and Clark Davis. Missie is his half sister, but the question remains who's Ellie? Actually Ellie was not introduced so far in the series who was born after Aaron, but the story was proceeded with Missie who got married Willie and moved away. Thus, it had no time to launch Ellie, in fact, she was unnecessary until now. But the thing is the filmmakers failed to make sure the viewers get the proper clarification. These series' so called cliche is, the deaths, that continued here as well. Almost all the films open with a similar fashion, except I think one or two movies.

 I didn't grow old by making mistakes.

     In the first part, it was a bit slow to start, but strongly ended with spilling some suspense to carry going to the next part. I went with so much curiosity, then I ended with a little disappointment. The story was neat in order and clearly explored all the corners, though slightly the theme was overused or maybe jumps off the line. Felt like I was watching some kind of Christmas carol movie. You are religious or not, that does not matter here, because of the praiseworthy subject about human life. To me it was one of the best in the series, except that Christmas miracle thingy which turned it from realistic to a fantasy.

     We can learn so many things from these films. Like today we easily contact with our dear ones from the halfway across the world through texts and video calls. But where this story set in the latter half of the 19th century, earning money, the food, getting shelter, long journeys, even it lets us know the struggles in life in the un-advanced medicinal world. I admit like I said I have usually seen plenty of western films that associated with action, adventure, crime, thriller. But it was very occasional to get a pure family enjoyable western drama. I think 'As I Lay Dying' was the last time I saw one which was severely underrated.

     Like I mentioned the Love saga ended with the previous film, this one was simply an extra piece attached to the series somewhere in the middle. Especially targeted for the festival season audience to watch with their families who are supposed to be the fans of this original series. I had a wonderful time the last few days with this series. I suppose I said it in all the previous reviews and again saying that it is a feel good movie series, about love, faith, society, struggles, friends, family and many more good and bad stuffs. Overall, it was the fine movies for the families, except a few technical flaws (that is common in the television movies), which are acceptable to the television standards. Finally, the time has come to me to put an end to the Love saga reviews.

Similar movies:
Love Comes Softly movie series.


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
 

Love's Everlasting Courage (2011) USA

The story of Missy after Ellen: A struggle to save the land.

Genre:

Drama, Family, Western, TV Movie.

What's in:

As always on-topic, Not a bit off-topic, Very less spoilers, Dialogues.

Length:

Approximately 6-minute read.

Part-X review:

     The tenth volume in the Hallmark's 'Love Comes Softly' movie series, that does not based on the Jannete Oke's book for the second time. The Other one was the previous installment, which both, this and that one are the prequels. So this story is very crucial as it is going to connect with the original story where it all began. If you have seen all the previous nine films, then you would know what to expect from it and easily grants your wish whenever you predict the segments. That is a sad perspective, but there are other stuffs also that takes place which keeps us occupied.

     Well, we know someone has to die here, that means the first death in the Love saga, which quite replicate there after almost in the every movie. Due to that reason, for the first time in the series a male character put in the driver's seat. Also, it mark's the beginning of the Missy's strong presence. She was just a child in this and we know what comes the next that we saw in the very first film.

     The struggling was the basic plot in this Love saga. The series of lessons about love, life, faith and honesty that set in the late 19th century society was the sub-plots. The newly married couple, Ellen and Davis with a beautiful young daughter, Missy, are set to face the nature's abrupt pose. It is a drought year, like all the farmers around, this family too coping with the difficulty. But things only get worse when they learn the price will be big if they fail to meet their usual target to clear the debt. It is beyond their reach, but they never lose the hope and fight hard against the odds. Only the end says what way the destiny drives them.

 She will need someone to show her that love doesn't leave the world with the passing of just one person.

     Most probably this is the shortest film in the series. Well, none movie ever reached the 90 minute mark, but this one barely touches the 80 minutes. Despite being a short tale, it covered lots of stories. In a couple of places it shifts the phase that quite changes the scenario, like the twists. Everyone convinced with their performances, at least for the television standards and for a small budget film. I was curious to know what happened to Cassandra, but as we know in this storytelling, it chooses one character and focuses it moving forward and never looks back. So she's history now.

     Like I said, it does what has to be done to bridge between the first prequel and the first movie in the series. So we can't blame for any game changing twists in the tale which is just a procedure to follow. I have to remind people that it's nothing to do with any particular religion. Of course, these stories focused on the Christian families, but all about being a good human being. I don't belong to any religion, when a movie differentiates the good and bad, delivers messages, focussed on the social issues, I always encourage it. So I won't spare this film series as well.

     I can't believe it's almost near the end, just one more to go and then it all ends. I have no idea about what will be the focus of the next film and where it's going to connect its plug in the series of 8 movies and 2 prequels. The prequels are done and dusted with this part, so we can expect the continuation after where it originally ended in the eighth film. Curiosity is with me with the high anticipation for it to conclude on a high note. Whether it delivers or not, have to wait and see. Hope I'm going to watch it very soon and give away one final review. Till then goodbye.

Follows by:
Love's Christmas Journey


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
 

Love Begins (2011): USA

The story of Ellen & Cassie: An unexpected meeting with Clark Davis.

Genre:

Drama, Family, Western, TV Movie.

What's in:

Largely on-topic, Very less off-topic, None spoilers, Dialogues.

Length:

Approximately 6-minute read.

Part-IX review:

     The ninth episode in the Hallmark's 'Love Comes Softly' movie series, but not based on any of Jannete Oke's books. Like I mentioned in the previous installment's review the book ends there, but the story continued with this film. Because I think the movie makers wanted it keeping going after getting a good response from the television audience. So instead to proceed forward, they have decided for a couple of prequels. Yep, this is the first of the two prequels. Disappointment for 'Love Comes Softly' book series fans, but treat for the movie fans.

     When I came to know about the prequels, I was excited only for one reason, i.e., to see Marty again. Precisely to say I was hoping for the return of Katherine Heigl. At that angle it is very disappointing, because this prior event based on the Clark Davis. Yes the one who offered his hand for Marty in the very first movie when she was lost in the unknown territory. But if you remember the original story (first film) was begun by introducing Marty and I was desperate for this story to be narrated from her side, but sadly it didn't.

     So this movie narrates by unfolding us who is Clark, where did he come from and how he's going earn his place in a small town. A movie that captured only the soft side of the story, like 'all's well that ends well'  kind of mindset which is one hundred and one per cent a family movie (When I said family, that mean gown ups only; excluding teens and below). Except the opening where it had some fights like a real western movie which quickly ceased.

     My thinking was, if it is watched by the today's teenagers, they would attack it from all the angles, because they're living in the era ruled by CGI and superheroes. To them it is an outdated theme, so that might be one of the reasons this series to be turned into a television product where the target goes straight to the women and families.

 We gotta hang on to the good ones... Let the bad ones go. Never let 'em haunt us.

     We got plenty of things to point it out why this film is so dull, but for the television standards it is easily passable. I had no issue with the movie, it was a good one filled with moral message and I enjoyed it. Everything was well arranged, a feel good movie, which looked a very much like another book adaptation. So it's not a bad idea it to turn into a book, but Jannete Oke have to agree to that. I'm saying that because of the book people who have read all the eight Love saga can get a chance to read if they're not interested in the film version.

     The story was very easy to follow. In fact, if you have not seen any movie in this series, you could start with this and the next one followed by the original order. But I won't suggest that, whatever the order the storytelling is, we must go through with the 'released' order. Because sometimes the hard work they have made to attach by filling the gaps between the prequels and the original films differs when we watch it in the chronological order.

     The cast selection was great, they gave their best shot. This kind of movie is very rare to come by. Maybe that is the reason I liked this series, so can't wait for the next two films. I'm not going to give full marks for it, I know the movie is not overwhelmingly awesome. Interestingly, striking with the genre that is usually associated with action, adventure, crime and thriller is what attracted me towards it. So another wonderful movie was included in the series, I think we should credit the writers and director for that. Two more films to go, see you at the next review guys.



Followed by:
Love's Everlasting Courage


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):
 

Love Finds a Home (2009): USA

The story of Belinda & Annie: All about the pregnancy.

Genre:

Drama, Family, Western, TV Movie.

What's in:

As always on-topic, A very few off-topic, Not much spoilers, Dialogues.

Length:

Approximately 5-minute read.

Part-VIII review:

     The eighth installment in the Hallmark's 'Love Comes Softly' movie series based on the book of the same name by Jannete Oke. In a sense it is the final movie, because the story won't move further towards the future in the next film. Everything halts here, only the timeline shifts prior to the first film in the remaining series. That's what I have heard, the rest of the films in the series are the prequels. Kind of interesting, but now let us talk about this film.

     Now the Lillian is a teenager who is helping her mother in the clinic, though she's not the centre of the story. Like in all the previous films, an admirer for her flash-ins from nowhere. So there is a young romance after all, but in other side of the narration a moral fight is set between the mother-in-law of Annie and Belinda. Yes, Haylie Duff has returned as Annie as I was wanted and she's pregnant. As usual how the story takes up the shape and ends is the remaining part.

 I learned something today that they did not teach me in medical school 

     There's a line 'our children grow up, start to spreading wings'. That should have been in the previous film, but makes sense in a way for this story. That concerns the father's over protective on the Lillian case which leads a small quarrel. Surprisingly, there are no deaths like the first time ever, instead ready to welcome a new member in the family. But a little saddens about Belinda's side of the narration, whether her wish is granted or not is remains mystery. It should have been puzzled out here itself or one more film for that would have been nice, and also where Lillian takes full control in the series.

     That means, it's never going to end, but keeps going. So I'm happy the one way or the other they finished it off. And another reason is the author haven't written anymore book in the series. I have heard who read the books said the movie versions are different and it was shrunk to the half of what the book is but still worth to have a peek. Then you know there's always some people who don't like comparing the book they have loved with the movie adapted from it. I haven't read a single 'Love Comes Softly' book, but watched all the films and enjoyed them.

     Western is the least watched by me from all the genre. In that, western-dramas are very rare for me. Refreshing from the guns and horses, cops versus thieves, trains, heist, bounty hunters and the Indians. Here it ended with a good message in a calm and simple way. Especially the pregnancy and childbirth were the core topic, how those were handled at those times was demonstrated somewhat incredibly for a television movie. I think that's it from this space for now, so then let us meet with the prequels.

Followed by:
Love Begins


Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


External link(s):