The film adaptation of Ian McEwen's Booker nominated novel is a pearl of a story. Edward, a history graduate and Florence a concert violinist fall in love. It is 1962 and following the conventions of the time, they wait until their honeymoon to consummate their marriage. Florence is terrified of sex, and the first part of the film deals with Edwards faltering attempts to move Florence from the appallingly wooden romantic dining in their honeymoon suite in a Victorian seafront hotel on the Dorset Coast.
Florence tries to meet Edwards needs but, in her nervousness,... and their collective fumbling, Edward is overcome and to Florence's horror ejaculates on her leg. Disgusted by this Florence runs off to the beach, where the next part of the action deals with the conversation they have. Florence's attempts to address her problem with a suggestion to Edward of how he could accommodate his sexual needs with her lack of desire, much to his chagrin.
The consequences of this have a profound effect on Edwards life, and without spoiling the story, lead to him ruminating on how his life could have been if he had perhaps been a bit more understanding of Florence's needs, and put his love of her first.
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The direction demonstrates a pathos which stirs a 'what if' feeling in the audience. The plot reflects a human behaviour trait which demonstrates that even in intense hurt, much of our initial emotional reactions can be moderated over time, even if we choose not to admit it to ourselves soon enough to avert the anguish it can cause.
Super acting by Billy Howie and Saoirse Ronan, who make a convincing display of intense awkwardness a pleasure to watch. Joined with a talented supporting cast of Samuel West and Emily Watson, make this simple narrative intensely rich and moving.
Verdict
Was emotionally moved and would definitely watch again and get even more from it!
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