Romance is alive and well

Rating: 8/10 (20 January 2015)

Richard Gere films fall into 2 categories me: "really like" and "really dislike." There seems to be little gray area. Count this one strongly in the "really like" column.
An Americanized-version of the original Japanese film, the story is centered on Mr. Gere's character and his willingness to break his routine looking for more from life (some people do not appreciate how good they have it). His life from the outside looks enviable – great job, great wife (Susan Sarandon) and great family. But as Mr. Gere commutes home every night he spots the lovely and lonely-looking Jennifer Lopez peering out the window of a dance studio. On a whim, Mr. Gere jumps off the train and into the studio hoping to meet Ms. Lopez. He is quickly taught that there is no hope there, but in the process learns that he loves to dance. As his wife becomes suspicious of a change in his routine and attitude, she learns of his secret lessons and questions the reasons for them and the secrecy. To say more would spoil the plot, and that would be just wrong.
I recommend this as a wonderful movie to watch – for young and old, for a great date movie, and even a great Valentine's movie. Just a warning to the male viewers, your woman may visibly swoon at the sight of Mr. Gere in a tuxedo carrying a red rose for his lady. Hard for us normal guys to live up to that image.