A touching film that poses the question; If you could forget, would you? And would it be worth it ?

Rating: 9/10 (28 July 2015)

To begin in an unorthodox manner, I have to pose you Taylor Swift's question; Was the high worth the pain ? The reason for this is simple, it is one of the hardest questions anyone can be asked, and the answer is not always clear. This also happens to be the primary subject matter of this film.
Featuring Jim Carrey in one of his rare serious performances, and Kate Winslet, who we largely get to know through Carrey's memories of her, this film handles that question elegantly. The rawness of the performances by the leads is both a shining monument to their prospective acting abilities, and gives you a sense of realism to their relationship that is seldom found in these types of movies. This is no fairy tale, but instead the story of two people that shows the highs and the lows, the love and the resentment, the connection so many love, followed by the loneliness so many fear.
For all it is centered around a philosophical question, the film manages to avoid the pitfall of pretentiousness, and remains emotive and relatable throughout, which is a key feature that most great films possess. By the ending, which is a satisfying climax to the film as a whole, you are left questioning. Is it worth it ?
That is the hallmark of a truly great film; not the budget, not the actors, but the sense of engagement you feel during, and the inquisitive questioning you feel after.
I would highly recommend this to anyone with an appreciation of love stories in the truest sense of the term.
A comfortable 9 out of 10