Customer Reviews

Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A big favorite from the early 70's, directed by Alan J. Pakula. It has been a very long wait for this film to finally make a DVD appearance. Maggie Smith and Timothy Bottoms, two "odd ducks", manage to discover each other in romantic Spain during their summer vacations. This discovery leads them through hilarious adventures, with all sorts of eccentric characters against a backdrop of stunning scenery and soaring romantic music. At the time of the original movie release, it quickly became a quiet cult favorite, with fans returning to the theaters for multiple viewings. It has been the only film of the late director Alan J. Pakula that was unavailable on DVD, and we are very glad to see after over 30 years, we will once again have the pleasure! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Though I had never seen this film, based on the 5-star reviews here and on my deeply-held conviction that Dame Maggie Smith can do no wrong, I went ahead and ordered it. Having now seen it, I'm so glad I did--it is a magnificent film. Hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time, it reminded me of the emotions a REAL love story can bring about. Also, I must mention that the musical score is absolutely gorgeous, one of the most beautiful, wistful film scores I've ever had the pleasure to listen to!
I will watch this many times in the future, and for anyone on the fence about buying this, don't be, it's an amazing and wonderful experience. You won't be sorry.

Like previous reviewers I had waited SO LONG for this movie to be available on DVD. This is such a good movie and yet few have ever heard of it! I have never been able to forget it. I had a recorded-from-TV copy and every so often I have watched it, despite the poor quality of the VHS tape. To have such a DVD is a joy.

Others have descibed the plot and the music and the scenery and all are top notch.

We must remember that time is precious and if you are lucky enough to find that special someone each moment is to be treasured.

LOVE AND PAIN IS A TRULY WONDERFUL FILM IN MY OPINION. EVERYTHING ABOUT IT HAS IMPRESSED ME. THE SPANISH SETTING IS BEAUTIFUL, THE SCRIPT BY ALVIN SARGENT IS BOTH HUMOUROUS AND POIGNANT, AND ALAN J PAKULA'S DIRECTION IS SUPERBLY UNDERSTATED BUT STILL INTIMATE.
HOWEVER THE FILM IS MADE TRULY MEMORABLE OF COURSE BY THE MAGNIFICENT PERFORMANCES OF MAGGIE SMITH AND TIMOTHY BOTTOMS. THEIR UNLIKELY ROMANCE IS MADE TOTALLY BELIEVABLE BY THEIR TREMENDOUS CONNECTION.

THE MUSIC BY MICHAEL SMALL IS ALSO AN OUTSTANDING HIGHLIGHT OF THIS GREAT AND UNDER-RATED FILM.

I fell in love with this movie decades ago and it is one of my all-time favourites. It's a hilarious but very tender love story involving an awkward young American man and a sad, repressed, middle-aged Englishwoman travelling in sunny Spain. They blossom in each other's company and bravely reject convention in order to find happiness together. It's beautifully filmed, as close to a perfect film as I've seen. I'm so happy it will be released on DVD--now I can retire my old VHS copy. Do yourself a favour and buy this movie!

I am a belated new member to the Maggie Smith fan club. Long before she became the esteemed Prof. McGonagall in Harry Potter, I liked her immensely in Gosford Park, Tea with Mussolini and Ladies in Lavender.

So it became a mission of sorts for me to acquire DVDs of her earlier work simply because I knew there is more to Dame Maggie than just being a "spunky old lady".

"Love, Pain and the Whole Damn Thing" is one of those movies can be described as a guilty pleasure. Oh definitely not because of the plot - which is the usual guy-meets-girl, guy falls in love with girl, girl dies *thud*. In between this predictable story line were two strangers, poles apart, but both seeking the same thing. So who cares if she's a middle-aged spinster who attracts the weird types and he's awkward college-aged young man who is gawky and wimpy (Timothy Bottoms' character here reminds me of Michael Cera's roles these days)? More than just embarking on a February-December affair, the journey of these two people was paved with good, lustful yet memorable intentions.

I cannot believe how young Dame Maggie was here. So much that when I found a post somewhere on Tumblr from someone who had seen "Gosford Park" and asked if Maggie had ever been young, I hunted for a YouTube clip of this movie (with the awkward bed/falling on the floor scene) and sent it to that poor thing.

Most reviews here have commented on the wonderful Spain setting and I have to agree. I think each place they visited was symbolic, but notably the last, La Mancha, representing what seems to be such a foolhardy relationship - it was doomed from the start or so it seems.

I loved this movie and only wish that it came with special features (I live for them).

Here's a lovely gem from the early 1970s, a story of love & human connection that goes its own awkward, endearing way. I expected a terrific performance from Maggie Smith, and she delivers one that's quietly stunning in its tics, hilarity, and poignance. But I was pleasantly surprised by just how good Timothy Bottoms is, playing a young man who's so uncomfortable, so lonely & unable to fit in, that we squirm uncomfortably with him.

When these two unlikely lovers meet & slowly, clumsily begin to blossom, it never feels formulaic. I was never quite sure where the story would lead next, which made it all the more enjoyable & fresh. And when a certain revelation is made towards the end, it throws all that's gone before into an entirely new light. A second viewing is a very different experience!

It's no secret that current romantic comedies are dreadful, for the most part. If you're looking for something much better, something with genuine humanity, humor & almost painful tenderness, you won't do better than to spend a couple of delightful, aching hours with Walter & Lila. Add to that the landscape of Spain, drenched in sunlight & history, and you can't go wrong. Highly recommended!

I have ben waiting many years for this classic film to emerge onto dvd. It left an indelible mark on me when I saw it on ite original release.Currently I have to endure a poor quality dvd which I recorded off TV years ago.This is a bitter sweet romantic story about a young guy who meets up with a much older woman on a journey through Spain which will change their lives forever. The casting of Bottoms and Smith is perfect and the direction is superb.Once seen never forgotten.

Maggie's balance of fall down slapstick comedy and heartbreaking honesty is unmatched anywhere. Sit back and watch a master work her magic. This is a wonderful film, way before it's time. I am so grateful it's been rescued from oblivion.

Hey movie collectors...this movie has been finally released!!! It has been a long wait but well worth the waiting. Excellent acting from Timothy Bottoms and Maggie Smith. It is a beautiful love story based on a May-December relationship. A must see..you will not be disappointed!!!