95 minutes, Drama, M

You’ve known the person you’re married to for close to 50 years, and been married for 45 of them. In that time, thousands of letters have arrived in your letterbox. But not one of them will change the course of your future like the one that’s just been opened. This is the reality that Kate Mercer (Charlotte Rampling) is forced to confront in 45 YEARS, a work of sheer class that conveys a pivotal message to all generations, in a most powerful yet subtle tone. Based on the short story “In Another Country” by David Constantine, Kate and her husband Geoff are preparing to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary, before life as they have lived, is about to change.

So, just what are the contents inside that envelope, you must be wondering? Of course, this is not something I will reveal in my review of the extraordinary 45 YEARS. What I will reveal though, is just how carefully considered & written and just how precisely timed every detail is handled, both before and after the event to change the course of Kate and Geoff’s lives. The slower nature in which 45 YEARS is captured allows the viewer to be further drawn in by the two impeccable acting performances on display. Despite no Oscar nomination like his colleague, Tom Courtenay is simply brilliant. His reading of Geoff along with the outstanding script go a long way to making his perspective a transparent one. As for Academy Award nominee, Charlotte Rampling, she utilises a wealth of experience to display her immense talents all throughout 45 YEARS, especially during scenes Kate communicates her internal thoughts and feelings when not a word is spoken. It’s truly sublime. The outcome delivers a valuable life lesson, using subtlety where needed, is never too ambiguous, nor does is opt for the melodramatic or become irrational. No, 45 YEARS is an astonishing, sophisticated, immaculate motion picture of dramatic arts.

4.5 out of 5

45 YEARS – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
It’s hard to imagine a younger crowd gaining the value needed from watching 45 YEARS. Teenagers with a strong maturity level only. As for content – thematic elements, some coarse language and a sex scene (no nudity).

Moviedoc wishes to thank Madman, Tessa from Madman and Cinema NOVA for the invitation to the Media Screening of 45 YEARS.

Review by Moviedoc
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