Rich, Sweet and Sobering, As Much About Evolving Relationships as Theoretical Physics

Rating: 9/10 (2 March 2015)

The intense, heartstrong, tragic saga of Professor Stephen Hawking, who succeeds professionally despite the personal and physical tolls of an early-onset ALS diagnosis. It handles the subject remarkably well, placing us in the wheelchair right beside him throughout his physical descent. When he aches, struggling with staircases, obligations and words alike, we hurt along with him. We fall head over heels for Hawking's relationship with his young love, Jane Wilde, only to watch their spark slowly flicker amidst the trials of his condition and increasing social status. It's a bittersweet combination of enduring hope and crushing loss. Beautifully shot and superbly acted, particularly in the two lead roles, this is a wonderful encapsulation of the vibrancy of a life well-lived. Well worth watching, it's sure to move you in many different ways, and maybe even make you think twice about what you've unsuspectingly put your own loved ones through.