Love is a many splendored thing

Rating: 7/10 (13 June 2010)

I have always believed that our characters and our lives are fashioned by those we love and associate with. Perhaps subconsciously we want to be like them, This film is based on a rather sweet story of a teenager with no particular beliefs who falls in love with a girl of gentle nature and strong Christian beliefs Her father a minister of religion restricts her social activity informing her that when a young man gives a present he expects something in return. Despite her father's disapproval, they continue to see each other and their love blossoms.
Quite unexpectedly the girl is struck with cancer and their happy world is turned upside down. The whole tempo and mood changes and the actors are called upon to express these new feelings. The two leads give creditable performances The rebellious young man becomes thoughtful, kind and caring; the girl calm and courageous awaiting some kind of miracle. There are some touching moments towards the end of the film. The girl rallies sufficiently and the two are wed, but shortly afterward collapses and dies. Such a heart breaking incident..
Then follows my favourite line. The young man is sitting with his father-in-law and quietly says "She always prayed for a miracle".. After a pause her father says "You were that miracle".
This is not an award-winning film The acting on the whole was well done although I did have trouble with the lack of clarity of the mumbling voices. I think sub-titles were required. I have to say I preferred "Love Story" which has a similar theme and a great sound track.