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32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
WONDERFUL, A MUST SEE !, April 4, 2001
Having read recent newspaper accounts of the repeal of the remaining anti-miscegeneration laws in various states. I wanted to see more about the case which began it all. The State of Virginia V Loving. With a name like that the State of Virginia did not really stand a chance. But it would take another six years after Richard and Mildred Loving married before the United States Supreme Court overuled the State of Virginia's viciously racist findings to allow the Lovings to finally cohabit and return to their waiting relatives in Virginia. This wonderful film is about a genuine love story in which the Lovings a interracial couple from Virginia marry in segregation era America and feel the full impact of the old slavery laws come hurtling down on them. On their wedding night the Lovings are dragged from their beds and thrown unceremoniously into jail. Richard Loving is freed a day later because he is white but his wife has to languish in jail for another seven days before she is informed of what "crime" she has committed. The Lovings are invited by the judge to accept jail or be banished from the state for 25 years. After choosing the latter the Lovings find it impossible to shake off the homesickeness for old friends and family and decide to secretly return home. The remainder of the film is dedicated to their participation in the Civil Rights movements, the birth of their children and the legal battle which ensues with the State of Virginia. The Lovings legal representation was rpovided free by the American Civil Liberties union after Milded Loving wrote to President John F Kennedy. This scene is particularly moving. The leads are played by the beautifully sensual Lela Rochan ( Waiting to Exhale 1995) and the gorgeous Timothy Hutton (The General's Daughter (1999) This stunningly sexy couple who are instantly likeable and engaging , really bring the Lovings story to life. However this is a Hallmark film on a smallish budget so no one should expect riveting car cashes or lenghty court room speaches. The focus is always on the emotional chemistry between the couple and how their right to live without being harrassed by the state of Virginia or separated from their extended family is a matter of personal dignity and essential to the integrity of American society. Watch out for some original archival footage from Martin Luther Kings legendary "I have a Dream" speech.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Soul mates and the times, June 11, 2007
This review is from: Mr. & Mrs. Loving (DVD)
My husband and I first saw this when it was released 10 years ago. We found ourselves mirrored in this movie--the struggle of soul mates who happened to be different races to simply be together like any other couple. As played by Hutton and Rechon, this movie is one of the best love stories you'll ever see.
Who knows why Loving took to his wife so? In a part of the country where race was always a factor, love between these two people easily materialized and created lasting bonds. The Duke of Wales had no problem giving up his throne for the woman he loved; Richard Loving had no problem sacrificing for his love either. And this love story is just as heartfelt and powerful as any told in books or movies. The forces that strive to separate them, drive them out of their home in Virginia, pressure them, whatever, just don't succeed. It's a fascinating look at our country under apartheid and its growth out of it by activists who could find legitimate cases challenging our legal and moral views.
Aside from the politics, the love story soars. At the end, it will make you weep for a soul mate if you haven't been blessed to find yours yet.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thank you Mr and Mrs Loving, April 16, 2007
This review is from: Mr. & Mrs. Loving (DVD)
This was a powerful TRUE love story and much more. It was well acted and stayed true to the real story. My wife and I owe a debt of gratitude (to say the least) to Mr and Mrs Loving. We were Married in Louisiana in 1994. I am white and my lovely wife is black. I highly recommend this movie.
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