Not a first date movie

Rating: 9/10 (21 March 2004)

I'm entering my seventh year of marriage, as I write this. We've come a long way: first kiss, first night, first night on the couch, first fight, first compromise, first last apology, first marriage, first kid... there aren't many firsts left for us, and even fewer I want to experience. Love's old hat. But love with this imperfectly perfect woman is what I want most of all.
I bring this up because ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND reminded me of these things. The other reviews have already mentioned of the film's prowess and its explorations of the themes of love and memory. I do think that it is an excellent concept executed impressively. (If you're not into 'arty' movies, they used a similar story in an episode of "That 70's Show.") I also think a well-timed video release should ensure some Oscar nominations next year. But the reason I bring up my own baggage in this comment is to explain why I think this movie resonated so well with me. I can't think of the last time I saw a film offer this kind of complex and unflattering portrait of romantic love, and still make it seem like the glue of the universe.

Long story short, I laughed, I cried, I fell in love again. Since I've only seen it once so far, I can only rank it a 9/10.