Customer Reviews

Mr & Mrs Loving [VHS]

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

In another review, someone asked what happened to the real Mr. and Mrs. Loving. I have read several newspaper/magazine about the Lovings. Richard Lovings was killed in a car accident shortly after he and Mildred were able to return to Virginia permanently. Mildred became blind in one eye as a result of the accident. Mildred is still living in Central Point, Virginia (the town where she and Richard grew up and met), but she does not want to be bothered by the media. For the reviewer who said the movie did not explain why Mildred and Richard got together, I have an answer to that as well. The town where the Lovings grew up had been racially mixed for decades, and had a long history of peaceful, friendly relationships between blacks and whites, as well as many interracial relationships. So, a white man and black woman becoming romantically involved (and the white man respecting and not using the black woman) was nothing unusual.

I have seen this movie. I thought it was wonderful!!! Thumbs up to the actors Lela Rochon and Timothy Hutton for bringing such an emotional story so realistically to life. I cried during several scenes when I first saw the movie. I don't think the chemistry would have been the same with any other actors. What I have wondered about since seeing this movie, is where are the "real" Mr. and Mrs. Loving today? Are they still together? If so, do they still live in VA? Where are their children? Does anyone know? I think they should do a documentary on the "real" Mr. and Mrs. Loving.

Mr. and Mrs. Loving is a movie about the love shared between a white man and a black woman. They fall in love and marry. They are arrested on their wedding night and forced to leave their home. After building a life in Washington, D.C. they decide that they want to go home. After being driven away once again they decide to fight for what they believe is right. A court ruling allows them to finally return to their home and their families. The great love shared between Richard and Mildred (Bean) is the kind of love that love stories are made of. This is a great movie and I highly recommend it.

This is truly a powerful movie. There are many people that need to watch this movie. So that they can understand that it is wrong to try to keep two people apart just because of their race. Mr. Loving truly loved Mrs. Loving. He did not see color. He saw her as a woman he loved. Their love overpowered adversity. It doesn't matter what nationality you are. If you love someone. Then whose business is it. But the two individuals involved. It is wrong to say that God meant to separate the races of people. Mrs. Loving truly loved her husband. It was good that she wrote the letter explaining their situation which brought the Attorney into their life. It was their right to be married. The racial harmony in Central Point, Virginia was beautiful. But not allowing two people of different races to marry was definitely unconstitutional. I would love to see the different races come together and try to be at peace with one another. We currently have a war going on and many men of different races are being killed trying to bring about peace in Iraq. I'm getting away from the movie. Just wanted to make my point. President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. died trying to bring equality among the people. Mr. and Mrs. Loving was a very powerful and moving movie. Timothy Hutton and Lela Rochon were excellent in their role as Mr. and Mrs. Loving. It's no one's business as to the race or the ages of two people that love one another. As long as one is not involved with a minor. Love should have no boundaries.

Thank you for requesting my review on this movie.

A young interracial couple of the 1960's fights Virginia's racist laws against mixed marriages. It seems unbelievable today that such laws would exist in the United States. Viewing this film reminds us that racial prejudice has deep roots and it takes ordinary citizens with the courage to stand up for their rights if discrimination is to be overcome. The movie was well done with good performances. A good film for young people to see to remind them not to take their freedoms for granted.

The struggles of Richard and Mildred Loving as an interracial couple in racist, segregated 1960's America are artfully portrayed in this powerful film. Hutton and Rochon give outstanding performances as the couple victimized by state miscegenation laws that spoke more to white interests than to the calling of humanity. My only criticism of this film (and it's a small one!) is that the issue of states' rights versus federal law was not clearly outlined and the ending, although heartwarming and inspiring, seemed fairly anti-climactic. However, the real focus of this film is the love story and what a love story it is!

Mildred Loving and My family were really true family years ago,we've been family for thirteen years, And then my sister married Richard & Mildreds oldiest son Sidney.I tell everyone watch the movie at least once. Mildred was a wonderful friend, one of my closest friends. She knew me and I knew her. She has told me so many stories about her and Richard. And Loving was the perfect name, they loved each other so much. I can remember sitting at Mildreds kitchen and us talking for hours. Or laying in Mildreds bed and talking about our lives being so simular. I loved her so much & I miss her even more. She is in my every thought. Leslie Houser.