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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Cougar-Douglas Sirk Style Jul 26, 2009
Director Douglas Sirk is a true cinematic master. On the surface his films would appear to be fuzzy melodrama. Scratch the surface and look beyond the apparent glitz more serious themes emerge. Beneath the gloss Sirk is examing prejudice or exploring it to the degree that the bean counters would allow. The real prejudice here isn't so much the age discrepancy between Ron(Rock Hudson) and Carrie(Jane Wyman). No, the self appointed in-crowd show their disapproval towards Ron's chosen profession, gardening or horticulturalism is more appropo. This prejudice really masks their envy in that Ron doesn't really care and goes to the beat of his own drummer whereas they are straightjacketed in boring lives that were predetermined for them. Like their prior outing in Sirk's "Magnificent Obsession" Hudson and Wyman strike kinetic romantic sparks. As fitting for the material the age discrepancy seems more pronounced then it did in "Magnificent Obsession". This film would make a terrific double-bill with Todd Haynes' "Far FRom Heaven", a homage to Sirk and this film in particular. Both films are terrific but Haynes is able to more explicitly explore themes that Sirk was only allowed to allude to.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Wonerful movie for anyone who has lost a spouse. Jul 17, 2009
I saw this movie many years ago and when I lost my first husband remembered the movie and it provided some comfort when dealing with a new relationship and how it was handled with children from first marriage. I purchased the movie recently to help a friend who lost her husband at a relatively young age. There can be problems for children when a widow/widower begins a new relationship and this movie deals with that issue. Oldie but goodie.
John du Prey - Classical Review Jun 17, 2009
Superb artistic work provides the layers of romance that so imbue this delicate film, that it transcends many romances that fail because of flaws in the story editing, the cinematography, or the soundtrack. Even the art direction in this work appears to be intricately designed and presented within all sets (no exception); these touches of perfection elevate romances to the genteel state of relationships. The intent to refine all levels to an exceptional standard are present in this work.
Now, in principle, a true relationship between an older woman and younger man must allow for mutual attraction, common interests, perhaps some manner of intimacy (that is acceptable to the woman); then she allows him to kiss her, and the stage of set (as in this movie) with beautiful colors, shadows, hues, silohuettes, nuances of interior design, and exterior shots (photographed with the eye of a perfectionist). Subtle transitions in the romance carry us, like doves on the wind, from Prologue to Act I to the unfolding conflict within Act II. A need for resolution to preserve the romance is introduced with expert care. We understand that need; dramatic irony and intent flawlessly merge into Act III.
To be fair, one would have to speak to all the crescendos, decrescendos, diminuendos, and denouements present in this film. These measurements of classical excellence are distinctly at work within the screenplay, set design, art direction, nuances in acting, conflict/resolution beauty, the two minor climaxes and the major climax (subtle enough to watch many times, in one's lifetime). The actress easily creates a heroine, who (in her day) perhaps touched women in a very sensitive way; her thoughtful, intelligent awareness of her commitment to a new man in her life is presented with grace and subtle feminine restraint. All That Heaven Allows harkens us back to a time when films (as a rule) treated women with dignity, respect, and honor.
Magnificent Mar 08, 2009
I rate Magnificent Obsession and All That Heaven Allows the same, holds your attention, you do not want to look away for a second for fear of missing any part of the movie.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
I wish Heaven would allow me this! Feb 19, 2009
This film has always been one of my old favorites, and even though it may seem very old fashioned, and out-dated to some viewers, it is worth a look. I like to see this film as a sort of, time capsule. Living in the world we live in now, it is very hard to imagine that people once lived this way. I personally would never make major decisions of my life based on what my friends or neighbors thought. To think that it was once seriously frowned upon to date someone who was younger or older than yourself is kind of funny because that seems to be the standard now. This is one of the things I find so interesting about this film, the way it depicts how much our standards of morality have changed over the years.
Many people believe that the 1950s were the most idealistic times in American culture, post WWII and pre-JFK assassination. This film does a splendid job of capturing some of the ideals of that time, surrounded by a beautiful love story. While watching this film again recently, it dawned on me that no one loves like this anymore. No one longs. You seldom ever see that expressed in movies today. The exquisite pain of longing for someone; a love that waits, is steady, and true. How I miss films like this, where the two lovers embrace in a passionate kiss and the camera pans away to give them privacy and to leave it up to our imaginations as to what happens next.
If you enjoy sweet, tender romances with, dare I say,.......a happy ending, then you will love this film.
My only complaint at all is that the dvd itself is priced rather high, but, for true fans of this film, it is worth it. I feel lucky to have found it on dvd at all.
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