The Last Five Years

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Natalie H This film is a very intimate story of a relationship falling apart told from two perspectives: Kathy and Jamie. It's told in a kind of reverse order: one starts at the end and the other at the beginning they meet at the middle. So the narrative structure is inherently interesting. I wouldn't say in this film that it's too jarring when it jumps back-and-forth. The structure also highlights that even after it's all happened they are in completely different spaces; she seems to reflect on why things fell apart and he seems to be mourning what once was. The dynamics and the perspectives of the two people really shine through and are the core of everything that happens in the story so you really get a good feel of both perspectives.The viewer is able to see exactly how the relationship falls apart and can kind of form their own opinions on the characters. I will say the character relationship feels very realistic, and is compelling to watch the actors carry the story and do a good job. Songs are very good and fit the story very well since they allow you to inside the brains of the characters. Which is really essential to seeing how they think how they operate and really getting to know them so the songs are very important to the story.I would say this is kind of one of those films you have to watch a number of times on the first watch what's going on may not be exactly clear. One of the best things about this film is the attention to detail and the use of repeated words,phrases, and symbols sometimes to mark time. One particularly interesting detail was the bracelets and rings Kathy takes off at the beginning of the film; you see her get them from Jamie throughout the course of the film as it's told in reverse order. The phrase miles and piles is also used in multiple songs additionally the melody in still hurting sounds similar to the melody in see I’m smiling; the repetition helps to tie the story together. I like the dim lighting in the song still hurting and if I didn’t believe in you, which is directly contrasted by the lighting used in songs like better than that, Shiksa goddess, and the Schmuel song. I find Kathy's characterization particularly compelling and realistic because she is trying to save the relationship by accepting the bare minimum she isn’t getting what she needs but just accepts in denial thinking she's getting enough it til she snaps. The parallels between the careers also help to further the characters divide. He has everything he wants and she tries to tell herself being a part of his dream is enough for her while she is struggling. I appreciate that both the characters are kind of put on an even playing field for the audience to decide what they think of the characters versus the film telling who is right and who is the villain. This allows you to see they are both responsible for what happened while on paper Jamie was the one who cheated, was relatively inconsiderate, and skirted around issues. At the same time Kathy was willing to accept all of them and didn’t convey her needs til the end when things really fell apart. While I would argue he is a bit more to blame I appreciate that there’s an argument for both. But to generally wrap it up it's a good film worth a watch and was pretty easy to get emotionally invested in. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/08/24 Full Review Audience Member Huge fan of this film Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/28/24 Full Review Alec B The odds were stacked heavily against everyone involved making this film adaptation work, so the fact that it's not a complete disaster (and actually enjoyable) is impressive. Not everything works in translation but Jordan and especially Kendrick knock it out of the park. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 12/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Such beautiful music and an even more beautiful story. I love The Last Five Years so much. Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan show just how talented they are acting wise and singing wise. I can never watch this film too many times, and the music will live in my head for the rest of my life. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie is amazing and emotional about a couple falling in and out of love with each other over the span of five years, the movie jumps in throughout the story of their relationship through the good, the bad and the ugly of their relationship ending at their breakup. This can be confusing and hard to follow at times but is overall a great movie. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member "And I'm still hurting". Seriously this movie shattered my souls. But it's incredibly well told, acted, and sang. Worth a watch. Just bring every tissue box in your home and all of your trust issues. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews

The Last Five Years

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