My Blueberry Nights
Oscar nominee Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain) and Grammy Award-winning singer Norah Jones star in this "ravishing triumph... [of] pure romantic sensibility" (Armond White, New York Press). Law plays a big-hearted owner of a small New York diner who tries to soothe Jones' jilted heart with his blueberry pie. But only after going on a year-long cross-country odyessy does she realize love was right at her doorstep all along. Gorgeously filmed by award-winning director Wong Kar Wai (In The Mood For Love) and featuring Oscar winner Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener) and Oscar nominees Natalie Portman (Closer, Garden State) and David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck), My Blueberry Nights is an optimistic ode to love and "one of the best movies of the year!" (Andrew Sarris, New York Observer).
Member Reviews
what a dissapointment - Mintycake
I couldn't believe that after all the hype this movie had (and stellar casting) that this was such a let down. It's basically the story of a girl who hangs out at a cafe run by the handsome Jude Law and eats blueberry pie with him after closing time. Then she decides to work two jobs as a waitress somewhere else because ?? who knows??? I still don't get the point of this movie? it was really stupid...don't waste a rental on this one.Love Stories...with Ice Cream - Stitch
As a cynical old codger who thinks he’s seen it all, I was reluctant to sit for what I expected would be a sentimental bit of fluff. Most reviewers here seconded my reluctance. Instead I was pleasantly surprised.
Yes, it is slight but there are lovely bits of subtlety and in total we found it an affirmative and kind sequence of stories. Norah Jones may appear to be unsuited for more challenging work but then again let’s withhold judgment until it arrives. But here both of us observed how well she suits this character…an effective foil for the more dynamic Weisz and Portman and convincing chemistry with Law. The low key late night setting of the NYC diner is particularly effective but do confess my prejudices from nostalgic reminiscences of when I lived there eons ago.
The Memphis segment is particularly interesting, partly due to a solid believable alcoholic by David Strathairn. And a nice touch with the screenplay, interspersing the day diner shots to give us a picture of the whole man. Add to this Rachel Weisz not gilding the lily of the much younger wife who committed her youth too early; the wrap-up makes sense.
Natalie Portman stole the show in Luc Besson’s Léon (1994) as the 12 year old Mathilda and she continues to impress. My audience really tuned in to her here as she skillfully combines the duality of professional gambler and vulnerable daughter. A minor cavil might be she’s less convincing from a card shark standpoint, but she aces the scenes where she fights her instinct to connect.
This is not a fast paced script; in fact, I was expecting an additional adventure. But the conclusion with its myriad of close-ups seems fitting; after all, this is not rampant sexual obsession but instead ordinary folk like most of us seeking an emotional home.
In summary, quiet and comforting…like blueberry pie. Recommended for evenings with your partner when you really need a little respite from Apocalypse Soon.Skewed - pezliz
I tried to appreciate the dark cinematography, but couldn't quite get past it. The story has major flaws - set in modern time, but communication is put back decades - who needs to use a phone book? Aside from that, it moves a little slow. Maybe I was looking for a little more than what was intended in this movie?
Member Reviews
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what a dissapointment - Mintycake
I couldn't believe that after all the hype this movie had (and stellar casting) that this was such a let down. It's basically the story of a girl who hangs out at a cafe run by the handsome Jude Law and eats blueberry pie with him after closing time. Then ...Love Stories...with Ice Cream - Stitch
As a cynical old codger who thinks he’s seen it all, I was reluctant to sit for what I expected would be a sentimental bit of fluff. Most reviewers here seconded my reluctance. Instead I was pleasantly surprised.
Yes, it is slight but there are lovely ...Skewed - pezliz
I tried to appreciate the dark cinematography, but couldn't quite get past it. The story has major flaws - set in modern time, but communication is put back decades - who needs to use a phone book? Aside from that, it moves a little slow. Maybe I was looking ...