Absolutely beautiful

Rating: 10/10 (23 May 2020)

Not the kind of movie I would seek out or watch but it generated so much positive buzz and every time I came across something referring to it on YouTube or the interwebz, I would read people gushing praise and hurling adjectives at it.
Decided to rent it off iTunes the one night as I had nothing to watch and I wasb't in the mood for reading or playing a game and I was spellbound right up until the end. This was one of the most moving and beautiful pictures I have ever seen. I was skeptical about the praise initially because as often is the case when something is hyped to the heavens, be it a book or a movie or a CD or a game, you are bound to end up being disappointed.
Not here. Everything from the wonderfully lazy and meandering way this love story unfolds (just like I expect summer holiday to play out). to the gorgeous Italian landscape, to the outstanding soundtrack (the music is just as much a character in this film and the songs chosen elevate the entire film), to the performances from every single actor. While Chalamet is the breakout star here, and his work is exceptional for such a young actor, what surprised me the most was the depth and vulnerability on display from Armie Hammer, not somebody I would associate with this kind of delicate acting given his poster boy movie looks. I became an instant fan. Don't even get me started on Michael Stuhlbarg's monologue towards the end of the film. It felt like being hit by speeding train. It leaves you shattered.
This movie is sublime and is now in my top 5 favorite films of all time. Thank to to everyone involved in making this, I haven't been moved, to tears, like this in a long time.or felt such a profound sense of emotions since I was a young man in my late teens and early twenties (I am now in my mid forties).
Excellent, excellent stuff.