Quite an unexpected surprise

Rating: 5/10 (18 May 2011)

I have always believed that how you perceive a movie depends a lot on what you expect from it and whether your expectations are met or exceeded. As I was not expecting much from this movie, I was pleasantly surprised by it, as it is quite touching and well acted movie. Both the leads have done a very good job. It is also quite family friendly and both the lead characters are very sweet people who are good at heart.
My only complaint is that the movie could use a bit of clarity as somethings were left a little vague.
I am really surprised at the low ratings though. The movie is about a soldier who extends his duty voluntarily after 9-11 without asking his girlfriend and then the girlfriend leaves him.
I think the bad rating maybe partly due to the fact that even though the girl leaves her soldier boyfriend, she is shown in a positive light which may be seen as unpatriotic. But I have a different view, I thought the decision for extending his duty should have been a joint decision and the guy basically loses her trust. Also I think she is afraid of not only losing her but also of him extending his duty again.
Still quite a nice movie, though I didn't like a few plot points I don't want to nitpick. Generally now days I like 1 out of every 3 movies I see, so when I do like a movie I don't try to find faults.
Just while writing this review I discovered that it is directed by "Lasse Hallström" whose many movies I have loved in past most notably "Hachi: A Dog's Tale", Chocolat and Casanova.