I agree. I don't understand the hate/apathy towards this film. A lot of the film's charm and poignancy is also down to Hans Zimmer's great score and the song 'Eyes on the Prize' that closes the film. The scene where Bronte and Georges embrace each other just as they are being set apart because of their 'sham marriage' is a very touching, powerful moment.
shareYes, this is a very underrated film. Not only is it a light commentary on the institution of marriage, but it also perfectly captures the late-80s, early-90s "singles in the city" zeitgeist that influenced so many films and TV shows that followed. Unfortunately, most people remember it today as simply a "chick flick". For me, this is one of those films I couldn't forget after seeing it.
The sun and the moon, the wind and the rain.....
I don't like the term 'chick flick' (not your fault but the people who you quite rightly describe as dismissing this film with that label), because it implies that there's something inferior about films aimed at a primarily female audience, but I understand what you mean by it, and I agree that it's unfair it has been dismissed in such a way since it is a film that can be enjoyed by both men and women.
I think, like most Peter Weir films, it is a very sensitive, smart, subtle movie rather than the typically brash and obvious romantic comedy people who haven't seen the film might be inclined to dismiss it as.
I love the movie and it's a favorite of mine despite being underrated by so many.
It's a rom-com on the surface, but because it's Weir, you also get these deep subtexts about two world views colliding, and with a real sense of the issues of the preciousness of an urban garden (or park, as in the gorgeous final journey by Bronte and Georges) as a haven in an increasingly urbanized world, for poor and rich alike.
I loved the characters and conversations, the music is gorgeous, the cinematography and direction are beautiful, and I have always always (ever since seeing it) dreamed of one day being rich enough to own Bronte's insanely gorgeous NYC apartment, complete with greenhouse.
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I keep thinking I'm a grownup, but I'm not.
It's a lot better then the 6.2 that it has on IMDB. Gerard Depardieu was fantastic, the Piano scene is funny but also touching. Andie MacDowell probably gives one of her better performances in this. Both her and Depardieu have good chemistry. MacDowell's character apartment is such a stunning location within the film. The Ending also play's with the heart strings. What I love any other director would have had their characters run into each others arms and embrace and end it with them together. But Weir leaves it up to the audience if they get together or not. I think one of the reason's I think it's got such a low score.
Definitely deserves a lot more praise then it gets. Shame Depardieu never worked with Weir again.