Beautiful film

Rating: 9/10 (21 February 2015)

I am not one for love stories and tend to avoid movies about people dealing with terrible illnesses. I was dragged along to view this and was pleasantly surprised. It is an intimate portrait of a relationship between two intelligent extraordinary people. It is beautifully crafted, from the picturesque setting to the fabulous acting. Everyone knows Stephen Hawking is beyond gifted but I was struck by how strong and extraordinary Jane Hawking is. Stephen defies the odds both medically and scientifically.
Eddie Redmayne puts in a fine performance, bringing out the humour Stephen possess that captivates the women in his life. I would quite happily support his winning the Academy Award this year but I suspect the Academy will want him to pay his dues a little longer. This is a lovely movie that captures the essence of a love and the realities of dealing with a terrible illness alongside great triumphs.It is quietly powerful and touching without being mawkish or clichéd. Highly recommended.