I enjoyed watching this film but also knew as I was watching it that this movie was a bit flawed. However, despite some shortcomings in the script, the acting was so good that I could ignore the problems and focus on all the good in the film. In so many ways this is a very lovely film to watch--with excellent direction, cinematography and music combining with the acting to make the film quite magical at times. The romance between the two leads is quite touching and the film nearly brought me to tears on several occasions.
Unfortunately, the script was at times like a roller-coaster--being occasionally both wonderful as well as clichéd and silly. The central issue that the movie eventually revolves around is Frederic March's blindness caused by an injury in WWI. Because of the fabulous buildup of his relationship with Merle Oberson from childhood infatuation to their ALMOST getting married during the war, March's decision when he's blinded in the war to run away and create an all new life just seems contrived and senseless. It's more like it's a plot device and not the way a real person would act. In addition, Oberon's apparent "ESP" that allows her to KNOW March was injured in the war just seemed irrelevant and dumb--especially since her ESP wasn't able to let her know that March was in fact alive and hiding his blindness! This "extra sense" aspect of some films just seems like a big cliché to me. However, my advice is do NOT give up on this movie but appreciate all the good it has. It still is a very good and worth while film.
Unfortunately, the script was at times like a roller-coaster--being occasionally both wonderful as well as clichéd and silly. The central issue that the movie eventually revolves around is Frederic March's blindness caused by an injury in WWI. Because of the fabulous buildup of his relationship with Merle Oberson from childhood infatuation to their ALMOST getting married during the war, March's decision when he's blinded in the war to run away and create an all new life just seems contrived and senseless. It's more like it's a plot device and not the way a real person would act. In addition, Oberon's apparent "ESP" that allows her to KNOW March was injured in the war just seemed irrelevant and dumb--especially since her ESP wasn't able to let her know that March was in fact alive and hiding his blindness! This "extra sense" aspect of some films just seems like a big cliché to me. However, my advice is do NOT give up on this movie but appreciate all the good it has. It still is a very good and worth while film.