‘The Age of Adaline’: A Romance That Will Defy Time
Some films beg to be seen on the big screen and those that can wait. The Age of Adaline falls into the former. Alas, as with most films, I never did see this at the box office. Multiple people told me it was excellent, and yet I never took the initiative to see it while it played in theaters. Instead, back in those olden days, I bought a DVD copy.
The Age of Adaline (2015) Film Review
In the early 1900s, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) is born. She lives a charmed kind of life with a family who loves her. She meets and falls in love with a talented architect. A daughter named Flemming soon follows, and they enjoy a wonderfully full life. Until she doesn’t and tragedy strikes. Adaline loses her husband and not long after, she was in a car accident that alters her forever.
Since that fateful night, Adaline stops aging.
This curiosity earns the attention of the FBI forcing Adaline to go on the run. She changes her identity through the decades, moving often though she remains close to her daughter (Ellen Burstyn). With exception to one mistake in the past 60 years, Adaline has also remains unattached… until today. Ringing in a new year introduces her to Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman). Recognizing Adaline now Jenny from a previous encounter, Ellis is intrigued; and he pursues her without reservation. But her secret remains between them and without promise of a real future, Adaline finds herself afraid of change… and love.
With the sequel vs the action blockbuster battles, the box office isn’t kind to ingenuity. Nor is it commonplace for quiet dramas. This film fulfills both needs in one story. Not only does it allow quiet and unique to co-exist, it does so with beautiful skill. The story suffers a few drawbacks, but for the most part, I feel like this film is one of the best to come along in a while. The script is a kind of contemporary fairy tale, which you have to keep in mind in order to fully enjoy this. It’s also a portrait of a woman living an extraordinary life.
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THROWBACK REVIEW: Blake Lively stars in 'The Age of Adaline': A #Romance That Will Defy Time Share on XTo begin, Blake Lively is good. She pulls off Adaline’s quiet, classy and wise persona with grace and self-confidence. Plus, let’s not forget the stunning costumes “through the years” of Adaline’s story. I adore Adaline as a character; her classic beauty and grace is a testament to what good characterization is. This is essentially Blake’s first starring role, and she meets the challenge. Ellis is something of a different story. He’s not a typical male lead, but… I like him. A lot. Perhaps his being played by a relative unknown helps to sell this. Everyone in the cast, including Harrison Ford and the actor who plays his younger character, are quite good.
“Tell me something I can hold on to forever… and never let go.”
– the age of adaline
Naturally, the costumes too are beautiful. Adaline has a stunning wardrobe. Seriously, her party dress is the only kind of “evening wear” women should wear. It’s a stunner. The story itself sort of evolves along with its fashion and whirlwind of eras. Adaline justifiably tires of leading the life she exists in. She misses living because she escapes what it has to offer her. This thread is a full circle kind of ending that is breathlessly lovely.
Those of us who admire the quieter, slower-paced drama are sure to make this film a frequent re-watch. It’s one of those films that has as good of a message. If you don’t mind a few flaws (there are some) and a pinch of whimsy, The Age of Adaline is sure to enchant you. It certainly meets and exceeds my expectations.
Content: there is implied sex. The couple begins to kiss before the scene fades away; we next see them lying in bed together. There is some minor profanity and a comment about having someone in the car. The film is PG13
I loved this movie. It was a little slow to me at parts…but the flashbacks were my second favorite thing to watch in the movie…the first being the bouquet of books. This hopeless romantic writer about lost it. LOL
Aw, I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Meghan! I did as well. It's such a "classic" romance and Blake was amazing in the role! I'm sad to admit I don't remember the "bouquet of books"!? How did I miss that!? Sounds terribly romantic. I'll have to go back for a rewatch. How sad. *sarcasm* ;D
I was kind of intrigued by this, but then I saw all of the negative reviews in magazines and through major websites and let it go. I should know better. I can't tell you how many films I have adored, which critics have hated. Thanks for bringing this back to my attention. I'm definitely going to give it a watch!
It's really quite good, Renee. The only drawback is the narration tries to be serious (scientific) instead of playing to the fairytale nature of the story. That aside, I adored this one. It can be a bit slow but Blake is amazing and the romance!? Awww…., super sweet.
Like you, I often adore/like those films the critics bash. If they detest them, I love 'em. ;)
Let me know what you think if/when you see this one, Renee. :)
I thought this looked sort of interesting when I saw it previewed in the theaters. Maybe I'll check it out sometime :)
walking in the air.
It is indeed interesting, Hannah; in a lovely, classic kind of way. :)
Oh, I absolutely loved this movie! Blake was perfect for the role she played.
Hi, Nine! I agree. Blake was perfect; it was fantastic to see her in something other than a teen-esque role. :)
This was such a good one. I second that about Adeline's wardrobe–that would have been nice. :) But all in all, such an enjoyable movie (and I actually thought at first I wouldn't like it)!
Ditto; I had such fun discussing this one with you all on Twitter. The film is beautiful and has some amazing acting as well as a charming romance. What we saw of the costumes were gorgeous! But then, as a period drama addict, I can never see TOO many of those. ;)
What a great review, Rissi! You put into words so beautifully my feelings about this film, too. Yes to the wardrobe, casting, and whimsical story! And, I would like to point out how fittingly timeless the name "Adaline" is. :)
Thank you for reading, Courtney; I enjoyed writing this because I liked the film so much. :)
The entire film was really brilliant. Sometimes it's nice to find something "old-fashioned" in comparison to what is popular at the box office nowadays. This film fit that mold and does it very well. Also, I agree! "Adaline" is a beautiful name. :)
I really enjoyed this one, despite the narrator who liked to stick his voice in scenes. I thought it was so fabulously done and the acting was fantastic as well. I could have done without the scene, which made it so I can't watch it with my kids, but otherwise, it was really good.
I love how you phrased that, Tressa – a narrator who "liked to stick his voice in scenes." 'Tis true, he did. The reviewed on Silver mentioned thinking it'd have been better if the narration had taken on a more fairytale narration (in my mind I could see something like Cinderella's storytelling working). I think that'd have worked nicely as the movie does have the feel without being a fairytale. :)
This is such a beautiful movie, isn't it? It's very quietness is what appeals to me I think. As I said on twitter (I think?), my one qualm is the fact that they tried to give actual scientific explanation for how she didn't age. While it didn't really bother me, per se, I didn't think they really *needed* to explain it. If that makes sense? But I absolutely loved this movie regardless! It's gorgeous. And Blake's costumes? Oh wow, if I had half her wardrobe! And her hair!
Oh! I should also note that I read lots about Harrison Ford's performance and I have to say that I agree. He did an amazing job. I could feel his emotions so clearly. Excellent performance!!
That it is. The costuming, the acting, the story… all of it is elegant. And yes, it's that quietness that makes it all so perfect in addition to the romance. Yeah, all that narration sort of put a damper on the romanticism. I mean, like you say, it doesn't ruin the film, but that was a flaw!
(YES! How fun would it be to raid some of our favorite fictional characters closets!? :D)
Everyone, including Harrison Ford were amazing. The producers gathered quite the talent in this film. :)
Glad you liked this one too!
This looked like such a weird movie…… Still haven't seen it.
It's actually SUPER sweet and romantic. But of course, as with everything, some movies aren't going to appeal to everyone. And that's okay. :)