45 Years

I first watched 45 Years at the Berlin Film Festival in February last year, and I wasn't able to shake it off for weeks. Having re-watched it again this week for the purpose of this review, I'm happy to report it hasn't lost any of its incredible power. The film creeps upon you slowly and just doesn't let go.

This is a film though about few words, and most of the action happens in the way the gaze of the two lead roles changes, how she tentatively returns his embrace when they are dancing, the ferocity with which she strikes the piano keys, and moments in which they don't lock eyes but when they let their eyes drop.

A sort of British 'Amour' this wonderful film that rarely goes beyond the four walls of the home has keenly calibrated soulful performances from both the leads.

The direction and screenplay (intertitles are used) is understated, but younger viewers might find themselves stifling a yawn or two at times. The slow pace however, can make 45 Years' somewhat brisk run-time seem much longer. On the other hand, the film is perfect for the elderly to see, be intrigued by and savor.

The film is something that you should find time to watch, because it feels like a really long film even though it is just 91 minutes. As a statutory warning, do not watch this film with your significant other, maybe you will never get a letter about your ex who never was, but once someone really looks at you and starts poking, who knows what you might reveal?

For all its enormous inner strength and its use of nostalgia as a tool of  emotional strength 45 Years is a strikingly sterile look at a marriage that has apparently weathered many storms but remains steadfast in its  place. If there's any reason you need to watch the film it's to see how casually graceful the lead pair makes the drama of a past betrayal in  a marriage.