Serendipity

Sarah is a girl who believes obsessively in destiny. So, according to her, if two people are meant to be together they'll be; the fate would decide the time though. Until then, they've to be content with signals that will remind them of their soulmates. Two perfect strangers bump into each other on a Christmas evening while shopping for gloves. Jonathan feels instant spark, but Sarah is not so sure. She would rather wait for an appropriate time. For now, they would spend a wonderful evening together. At the end of that, Jonathan gets to know her first name. Years pass by; they are about to get married to two different persons. But, hardly there have been a day when didn't think of each other. What they do now? It's a passionately romantic movie. Not too much drama like Titanic. It has the flavor 'Sweet November'. The comedy is kept to minimum. John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale have played their parts convincingly. Beckinsale is adorable, and Cusack has some bohemian charm. His disheveled look sometime contradicts his Romeo-like role. But it contributes positively to his constant confusedness. The ending is so predictable. Only that it may not happen when you think. Peter Chelsom deserves applaud for making a beautiful film, even though when you know what would happen next.

Serendipity...I went to meet an old friend for drink that had just moved back in to town. I was running late, parked at the opposite end of the street where I always parked and missed them. I ran into another friend who asked, me to fill in on a dart team. Then I met a man who was at the next board and talked with him all night. At the end of the night I was walked to my car by one of the guys. On the way home our paths crossed again. To make a long story short we crossed paths again, and the next day he asked me to marry him. I waited two years and we have been married for twelve years. Unfortunately yes, I was in a relationship when we met. It does happen! Even though I thought this film had a few problems. I liked the actors, the story and for gosh sake stop being so cynical everyone!!!

Jonathan Tragger (John Cusack) meets Sara Thomas (the gorgeous Kate Beckinsale) by chance in the Christmas eve, in Bloomingdale's, both trying to buy the unique pair of black gloves available for sale. They decide to go to the cafeteria Serendipity and Jonathan asks for her name and phone. Sara decides to write it in a book, and his on a five dollars bill. She gives the bill to a newspaperman and she says that she would sell the book in a New York used books store. She states that if destiny wants them two together, Jonathan will get that book back. Or she will receive that bill again. From this day on, Jonathan will 'chase' Sara's book trying to reach his lost love.

I did not know the word 'serendipity'. In accordance with Webster' dictionary, it means 'an apparent aptitude for making accidental fortunate discoveries'. The character of Sara believes on it, but regrets for her belief in the end of the story. This is the typical predictable and commercial film, but supported by a very charming actress (Kate Beckinsale) and actor (John Cusack). I am a suspicious viewer to make any comment in this regard, since I love Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack. But I really believe there is no way that any viewer dislikes this movie. The cover of the DVD is also very beautiful. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Escrito ans Estrelas" ("Written in the Stars")

Plot

A couple search for each other years after the night they first met, fell in love, and separated, convinced that one day they'd end up together.

Cast

John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale lead and both excel while flanked by Jeremy Piven, Eugene Levy but sadly also Molly Shannon.

Verdict

Serendipity is one of those movies it's no exaggeration to say I fell in love with after my first viewing, such an endearing, gloriously woven, masterfully crafted tale and my opinion has changed but only very slightly over the years.

You see it's a wonderful romance with enough comedy to add to how charming it is but not enough to take away from its core elements. It's a movie with cast who consistently knock it out of the park and leads who deliver wonderfully. It's a film with a fantastic soundtrack (Both score and licensed), amazing cinematography and leaves you with a smile on your face. Do you know how rare you can say that about a movie? I adore Serendipity, it's everything a film should be.

Rants

So, as I said my opinion has changed and the film has dropped from a 10/10 to a 9/10 and that's because my adult sensibilities and experiences have shifted. My issue? It's the dynamic of the characters meeting while both involved with someone else, that arguably the only reason nothing happens between them is because of the elevator debacle and that they spend the next few years obsessing over each other despite being engaged to their significant others. As I've grown older I've garnered an appreciation for just how messed up this is and it ever so slightly spoils this otherwise masterpiece.

The Good

Incredible cast Fantastic soundtrack Great cinematography Wondrous script Wholesome and endearing throughout

The Bad

Molly Shannon is just awful here The cheating dynamic bothers me greatly.

Often I spend my time with a movie outside of it, watching me watching it, imagining how and why it became what it is.

But every once in a while, I fall into the thing. It succeeds in its intent, to charm me. It happens almost never with date movie because the conventions and expectations are so rigid. That makes them obvious and invites me to step outside. But this worked for me, and it might for you.

I think it is because it does three things. The first is that it is remarkably competent; film-making — at least this kind — requires attention to so many elements. This is quite simply one of the most well engineered date movies I have ever seen in terms of those elements. No risks, no innovation, no real art except in the performances. Just polish, skill, craft.

The second is that it unashamedly touches on romance, the heart of romance as well see in movies. Its a rich notion that probably exists only in movies and a few magical times with the person you love — so you know it is real. But cinema inflates and freezes it for you to hold. Perhaps that is not so wise, but it is what romantic films are about and this plays those keys.

The third thing is what interests me the most. Mind you, I only suss this out afterward.

I have recently come to appreciate the invention of what I'll call noir, the noir world of fate. Its entirely a movie notion that as we watch, we become gods and goddesses that (perhaps against our wills) change the world we see so that coincidences apply. Often they are unhappy, but noir fate can work the other way as well. Not usually; it takes some clever invention which we have here. Its why there's mention of Cassiopeia. See? (I mean that literally.)

Its such an attractive idea, that two souls are fated to meet, (one a film producer, the other an analyst). They were born to be together, born alike in some fundamental way. The world will contrive to make the natural fit. Its something to yearn for, and that's what date movies are for: a pinnacle of happiness in love.

This captured me. I suppose it was fate. I wish something similar for you.

Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.