A timeless theme, dating back to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, first love.“Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?” – Shakespeare
This February 12 in the Philippines, just in time for the Valentine’s Day, Endless Love movie will tell the story of a young couple’s joys of first love and their fight against all odds to keep it.
I was invited by Solar Entertainment Corporation to see the premiere of United Pictures 2014 version of Endless Love, based on the book of Scott Spencer like the 1981 version which starred Brook Shields. The new version is from a screenplay by Shana Feste and Joshua Safran.
I have seen the 1981 version when I was 19 years old which was memorable due to it’s great title song Endless Love by Lionel Richie and Dianna Ross and because it starred Brook Shields. I was excited to see if I would enjoy and like this 2014 version.
Synopsis
Endless Love stars Alex Pettyfer and Gabriella Wilde in the story of Jade Butterfield and David Elliot, a privileged girl and a charismatic boy whose instant desire sparks a love affair.
It was made more reckless by parents trying to keep them apart, the story of rich girl, poor guy. Although separated by class, their attraction is unstoppable.
During the months following their high school graduation, Jade, a sheltered young woman with a limitless future, falls in love with David, a working-class boy with a troubled past who in turn falls head over heels for her. Their romance objected by Jade’s controlling father who wants a great future for her while the mother encourages the relationship to thrive.
Over the course of one unforgettable summer, two young lovers will defy logic and allow their all-consuming passion to determine their future together.
Movie Trailer
With Alex Pettyfer and Gabriella Wilde starring in the leading roles as lovers, the movie utilized 2 of the hottest stars in Hollywood to play the role of the two star-crossed lovers.
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| Gabriella Wilde is Jade Butterfield |
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| Alex Pettyfer is David Elliot |
Directed and screenplay by Shana Feste, this movie co-stars led by Bruce Greenwood as Hugh, Jade’s overbearing father; Joely Richardson as Anne, Jade’s romantic and idealistic mother and Robert Patrick as David’s father, Harry, a mechanic.
They are joined by young talents Rhys Wakefield as Keith, Jade’s loving, yet rebellious, older brother; Dayo Okeniyi as Mace, David’s reckless best friend; and Emma Rigby as Jenny, David’s ex-girlfriend who is still in love with him.
Although based on the 1979 book of Scott Spencer, the screenplay did a good job in putting the movie to the contemporary setting complete with SMS messaging. In taking an exploration of a love so intense that nothing will stand in its way but still manage to get it rated “PG-13” in the US or R-13 here in the Philippines compared to the R-15 rating of the 1981 version. The fireplace was was more sutler in the current version.
The scene depicting the euphoria of first love was project well, complete with the “kilig” moments. The passion and desires of their love projected on screen with great photography of cinematographer Andrew Dunn. Everyone can relate to that feeling which makes this a great Valentines date movie.
Then there is the melodramatic sadness part; when things go wrong. The backdrop of Buttlerfield’s lost of Jade’s brother due to cancer was not only a good logical explanation of Jade’s isolation, but it was the base of all the drama in each of the Butterfield characters.
While Jade’s father objection to the love affair contrasting to the encouragement of Jade’s poetic artistic mother, adds more spice to the love story. It has the hint of a Romeo and Juliet but still very grounded to contemporary realities.
Aside from the love story of Jade & David, this also tells the story of family love and the complexities of it.
The euphoria, the drama, and even a few light moments makes this movie enjoyable for everyone, young and old. It makes you want to be in love again (or even try again). This romantic drama tells both sides of love: the ideal and the complications / practicalities of it. Very relate-able.
The movie has a young and fun soundtrack as well which helped scored the emotional ups and downs. Music is by Christophe Beck, and the music supervisor is Randall Poster.
Even the costumes designed by Stacey Battat was brilliant show both the changes in the lovers wardrobe as they progress through the story. Jade’s transition from a young girl wearing converse to a woman wearing her fiery independent rebellious red dress.
I rate it 3.75 out of 5 stars and highly recommends it as a date movie for this Valentines seasons. With or without a date, you will definitely enjoy it.
Endless Love, distributed by Solar Entertainment Corporation and United International Pictures will be in Philippines cinemas starting February 12 just in time for Valentines week.
*** Credits: Trailer and photos from Endless Love movie page
