Rating: 
Summary: One of the three greatest films to come out of England
Review: [rev: 6/16]Gents, be admonished: this is not just a ladie's film. And it is certainly not to be missed. It is certainly not only for the sentimental among us. It is for the compulsive and intolerant: wisely, the perceptive husband, knowing and understanding, makes the compassionate decision at the end. It is also not a perfect film. We accept it, nonetheless. It is too perfect, in all other ways. It is a breath of fresh air. It seems written, acted, and directed with complete care and consideration. I'd like top drop a few scenes: the Donald Duck scene in the movie theatre could go: it seems a nod to the American audience, and is ultimately too awkward and unnecessary. I could find more, yet, ah well...who cares... The challenge of this film is the tentative pleasure of getting away with an infidelity vs. the tentative pleasure of rigorously denying the pursuit of such an indulgence, and doing the right thing. The fact that the crux of the decision is left up to the female half of the infidelitous pair in this film somehow makes it all the more fascinating and all the more sinfully delicious. It would make it all seem the more risky in some way, and plays teasing games with the persistent belief that a woman would never, could never do this. The viewer is sentimentally challenged here, and morally as well. This film is beautiful, sentimental, potent, powerfully dreamy, romantic, simple yet unforgettable, and one of the most valuable cinematic experiences you will ever, or can ever, hope to have. And I sincerely mean this, and any experiencer of this film, who has stopped quietly and still when the matter of this film came up in your presence, would probably have said the same to you, if they weren't lost in the powerful reverie this film induces, for just about forever! Own a copy. You'll watch it more than once, and probably often. (Oh, the other two greatest English films, eschewing comedies, Dickens and tales of Hoffman, are THE THIRD MAN [all right, ODD MAN OUT, or FALLEN IDOL, if you must !] and A CANTERBURY TALE)
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