A 1970 classic. The storyline - and technically not a spoiler alert because the opening line is Oliver (played by Ryan O'Neal) wondering out loud 'what can you say about a 25-year-old who has just died?'. You know how the film will end from the very start. What you don't know is the journey of Harvard University Law student Oliver Barrett IV and working-class, quick-witted Radcliffe College music student Jennifer Cavelleri, played by Ali McGraw.
Notably, the film is set against a wintery backdrop of Harvard University, Massachusetts. Throughout the film it is mostly either snowing or visibly autumn apart from a couple of scenes of a summer holiday, thus one would assume helping to enforce the romantic theme of the film.
The pair form a friendship, meeting their respective matches, challenging one another and soon find themselves smitten. They marry against the wishes of Oliver's wealthy, well-to-do father and build their life together.
Perhaps I was expecting my emotions to be dragged through the mud as I have experienced before with films such as Moulin Rouge and Educating Rita. I did enjoy the banter, the good natured teasing and the friendship between the two however I think the dynamics, dialogue and other aspects of the film have dated.
Although I hadn't read any reviews, I knew the basic synopsis of the film and I was aware the theme song was a hit covered by many artists including, Henry Mancini, Shirley Bassey, Nana Maskouri, Miss Piggy (on The Muppet Show) and none other than Rick Astley. The song 'Where Do I Begin?' was originally an instrumental but following the popularity of the song and the film the lyrics were later added.
Love Story was the highest grossing film in 1970.
You can listen to and watch Rick Astley's beautiful version of 'Where Do I Begin?' recorded live on Movie Music Mania in 2005 by clicking the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNBNOWp3238
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