Sunday

Nice enough set up, where Charlie has 24hours to convince the love of his life to get back with him. It had some nice tunes, locations too were pretty nice. It had a few nice dream like sequences, but came off a little pretentious, like its trying to be A Terrence Mallick film.

Unfortunately the film didn't execute on any of the levels I was hoping for. For instance showing me just how unbelievably perfect these 2 could be if they got together again, or just how deeply these 2 need each other to function in life, love or even just survive day to day in a deeply compelling way, or really get behind this man Charlie, show me just how hard it hit him and why when things ended how much his life went downhill and show me just how much of a struggle it is to get her back that I'm 100% behind this guy... ....but the whole film is just very tame, slow paced but not in an interesting way, there wasn't anything that grabbed me in terms of any of the scenes, events in the film, the chemistry between the 2 was not believable.

On a technical note the opening scene in the airport, the audio wasn't synced right to their lips moving, really? come on, it's not that hard to fix. A few of the outdoor shots are quite over exposed to where it was pretty distracting. In this day and age even with DSLR's that can be avoided.

Great movie. So simple but explains the story so well. The best part is the on screen chemistry but it helps that the main stars are married in real life. You can really relate to the story.

Beautiful setting, with a lovely heart warming story line. Just shows that good films don't necessarily need glitz and glamour and action scenes. This is a hidden gem

Unorthodox romance tells the story of an estranged couple, who briefly reconnect following an overseas fling that results in pregnancy, with the door left open for a more enduring reconciliation after a weekend spent rediscovering their mutual affection. The two leads really carry the entire story which is surprisingly effective despite having really very little actual plot. It's somewhat unconventional in that the story begins several months post an intense holiday romance, with the characters now at their lowest ebb in the relationship, re-building trust and forging bonds as prospective parents sober following their torrid affair.

NZ location work showcases the multi-textured city of Christchurch, it's picturesque beaches, parks and gardens contrasting the demolition of modern ruins, a reminder of the earthquake devastation inflicted only a few short years ago. There's an occasional misfire in the situations (i.e. the dial-a-rap song and Gondala strip both seem a little unnatural even allowing for their context) but otherwise, the story seems very sincere.

Probably could've developed a couple more characters and scenarios to pad out the 70 minute run time (e.g. perhaps some more meat in the flashbacks which are relayed like silent memories), but overall if you can appreciate a well acted independent movie in which character is gradually revealed at a deliberate pace, then this sensitive, atypical romance should keep you engaged.

8 stars. A lady living in Christchurch, NZ after the earthquake has tentatively started a new relationship. She also invites her ex-boyfriend back for a day to see whether they can resolve the conflict that caused their breakup. Although they're still in love, she won't have him unless he will give up his job driving trucks in Afghanistan to be with her full time along with his baby whom she's carrying. The job pays well, and he needs the money to cover mortgage payments for his house in Melbourne, Australia. Will he sacrifice his chosen livelihood to meet her needs? Does she love him enough to only see him one quarter of the time? They'd like to marry if they can find a way. Many couples grapple with these questions. I appreciated the simple story line with stark choices, the realistic script, the natural acting, and writers' confidence to convey the story without violence, sex, or dysfunction. The two lead actors wrote the script, along with the director.