'Breaking Up'
(Russell Crowe, Salma Hayek, Abraham Alvarez, et al / DVD / R / (1997) 2016 / 20th Century Fox)
Overview: Academy Award winner Russell Crow stars with Salma Hayek in the passionate story of two lovers swept up in an intense relationship, a man and a woman who cannot live with--or without--each other in 'Breaking Up'.
DVD Verdict: If not for any other reason, 'Breaking Up' is a great chance to see two actors (Russell Crowe and Salma Hayek) strutting their stuff! These two actors have such great chemistry together, you REALLY believe that these two are a couple who can't live with each other but can't live without each other.
This is basically a two actor piece and a showcase for both actors. It is both funny and heartbreaking to watch these two desperately try to work out their differences and live together happily. Both characters are very realistically drawn and it is nice that neither character is show to be completely at fault for the failure of the relationship. Both have problems; he's out of touch and fearful of change; she over analyses and is at bit of a pain.
I found myself identifying with both characters on and off, but mostly (and surprisingly) with the Russell Crowe character. Usually, the men in such films are never given much motivation for their reluctance to "commit." But in this film, we find out why he is fearful, and it is a reason men AND women can relate to! Both sexes can also relate to Salma Hayek's character's frustrations with his pettiness and her reluctance to believe that he sincerely loves her.
For all of those ladies who think Salma Hayek can not act check out this film! This is the best opportunity she has EVER been given in a film. She is really turns in a brilliant and moving performance. After seeing 'Breaking Up', it truly showcases all the other work she has undertaken since. My only gripe would be the ending! I guess I'm a hopeless romantic, because I hoped they would somehow wind up together at the end of the film! But it does add a realistic if heart breaking touch that is not often seen in "Hollywood" films. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.77:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.
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