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29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
lighthearted and fun, February 12, 2004
Summer Lovers is a fun little film about a young couple on vacation in the Greek islands. Michael (Peter Gallagher) and Cathy (Daryl Hannah) are on a Summer vacation after college graduation and his father's death, and are apparently headed for engagement and marriage. Michael encounters and is uncontrollably drawn to Lina (Valerie Quennessen), a French Archeologist working at a dig nearby.What follows is a light but well handled exploration of the complications that ensue when passion and love collide with society's rules and expectations. What could have easily ended up as just another shallow movie sex romp actually does some justice to the theme of adults exploring new relationship territory and the power of overcoming one's barriers. Although lighter and not in the same league as "Same Time Next Year," it is still a good movie and a fun but somewhat thoughtful look at unusual relationships. It does not follow the expected Hollywood pattern, and I like that. (Can't say more without spoiling it.) I disagree that it is bubble-brained and predictable. The story isn't any sillier than the plot of Casablanca or the Wizard of Oz, just not quite the same caliber. The story is well told, dialog is okay, and the characters are believable. The scenery is gorgeous and well photographed, and the film is much more enjoyable on DVD than it was when I first saw it on cable and on VHS. The details in the scenes and sound track are much better. I caught much more subtlety in the photography on the DVD. I loved the footage of the beautiful whitewashed Greek buildings and the ocean. There are nude beach scenes and some other nudity, but it is relevant to the time, location, and situations of the characters. This is a love story about sexy young people on vacation in the Mediterranean, after all. The sound track is late 70s to early 80s pop (Prince, Tina Turner, Pointer Sisters, etc.), but good songs that drive the story. There are no real extras on the DVD, and I would have enjoyed at least some commentary from the actors or director about the film and its theme, shooting on Santorini, etc. There was apparently a "Making of" documentary done for TV, and that would be a nice addition. Since Valerie Quennessen is dead, something extra about her would be nice. I agree that she is the most interesting in the cast. Her passing is indeed sad. (She also had a small role in Conan The Barbarian, by the way.) I especially like one line where Hannah remarks that she had a dream where she was a mermaid. This movie was released in 1982 and Splash (with Hannah as a mermaid!) in 1984. Interesting. This is one of those films I watch every so often to refresh my attitude and have a light but not completely meaningless escape. Hey, not every movie has to be Doctor Zhivago or Schindler's List to be good to watch. Beauty comes in many forms, and should be enjoyed.
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