I love horror movies. I’m also a big fan of action films, sci-fi and comedies. However every now and then I enjoy a movie that is though provoking and doesn’t need futuristic weapons, zombies or slap stick humor to entertain me. Such as the case with the film Last Love.
Two time Oscar Winner Michael Caine stars as Matthew Morgan. He is a widower living alone in Paris. The love of his life, his wife Joan (Jane Alexander) died from cancer. It seems that a huge part of his died along with her. He’s just going through the motions but not really living. He hasn’t even made the attempt to learn how to speak French except for a few words here and there.
Matthew and Joan came to Paris for a visit but Joan loved it so much she didn’t want to leave to go back to the states. Even though he didn’t want to, Mathew agreed to stay in Paris to make his wife happy. They also purchase home outside of Paris.
One day Matthew meets a young lady name Pauline (Clémence Poésy) after she defends him on a bus when he accidently bumped into someone when the bus hit a bump. Pauline took an instant liking to Matthew and offered to walk him home to make sure he got home OK.
At first Matthew was a bit taken as to why this beautiful young woman, decades younger then him, would befriend him. Soon he realized that there was something very special about Pauline.
The more time Matthew and Pauline spend together, the stronger their friendship becomes. It’s not a romantic relationship. Pauline fills the voids in Matthew’s life, and Matthew does the same for Pauline.
For some reason which I am not 100% sure why, Matthew tries to commit suicide. Fortunately he is unsuccessful and ends up in he hospital while he recovers. His son and daughter are notified and both fly to Paris from the United States to be with their father.
Matthew’s daughter Karen (Gillian Anderson) sees too caught up in her life to truly care what is going on with her father. She was more interested in shopping while in Paris and dashed off to get back home to her own “dysfunctional family”.
Matthew’s son Miles (Justin Kirk) clearly appears to have issues with his father. He’s also dealing with his own problems. Unbeknown to his father, Miles’ wife has left him for another man and filed for divorce.
Karen and Miles meet Pauline at the hospital. They don’ understand the relationship she has with their father. They think she’s just “gold digger” looking to take advantage of a lonely old man.
Karen leaves Paris, but Miles stays behind to get to the bottom of his father’s relationship with Pauline, as well as to convince his father to move back to the states. There are also unresolved issues that Miles wants to take care while he’s in Paris.
What will become of the special friendship between Matthew and Pauline? Will Miles and Matthew be able to repair their fractured relationship? Will deep wounds ever be able to be mended? To find out you need to pick up a copy of Last Love available on Blu-ray and DVD on December 31, 2013.
I found this to be a very heart warming, yet sad movie. Michael Caine did an outstanding job as Matthew. You really fell for him immedialy. I wanted to reach into the screen and give him a great big hug.
I was relived that this movie didn’t turn into a romantic one. I didn’t want to see Matthew and Pauline as lovers. I like the idea that they each filled a “hole” in each other.
This movie shows how people come and go into our lives for a reason. I’m sure everyone has experienced something like that.
Have you ever had a friend or acquaintance who came into your life, even for a short period of time, who seemed to fill a need, and then as suddenly as they appeared they disappeared? I know I have had that happened a few times. That is the relationship that Matthew and Pauline had. They needed one another at that moment in time and filled a need that each other had.
In the movie they mention a verse from a song called Anthem by Leonard Cohen.
There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.
Matthew sees Pauline as the “crack” in his life that let the light back in – the light that has been missing since his beloved Joan passed away. I think that is beautiful.
If you are looking for a movie with bombs going off, gun fights, sex, foul language aliens, zombies, murder or laugh out loud funny moments… this movie is NOT for you. If you a looking for a film that tugs at your heart strings, makes you think and beautifully acted then you’ll certainly want to rent (VOD) or pick up a copy of Last Love.
Here is the film’s trailer for your entertainment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Mary Happymommy says
This sounds great, Kimberly. I love Michael Caine. Thanks for the review!
M.Clark says
This sounds like an interesting drama about relationships. I don’t think that I would watch this one to be honest, but thank you for the review.
Cindy Merrill says
I find this plot quite fascinating. I hope to see this movie someday on DVD.
sarah jau says
I love to see romantic movies hope I can see this one !!!