In Love and War (1996)

The War of the Critics and Reviewers
Although I've seen this movie twice and enjoyed it very much both times, I believe I can understand some of the negative reactions on the part of some viewers (and critics). Some of the criticism rests on the more subdued way in which Sandra Bullock plays Agnes (inconsistent with the personality of the historical figure) and the final scene which, in fact, did not occur. That said, many productions supposedly based on actual events take incredible departures from historic reality, such as the much-acclaimed "Saving Private Ryan," which fills the screen with gripping action and terrific performances all-round, but creates a myth that all but a two in a squad of men died finding and saving Private Ryan. So, even as a historian and WWI buff, I found the departure in this case not all that drastic and the performance of Sandra Bullock, someone I enjoy seeing on the big screen, in a more subdued and sombre role not only different and refreshing, but perhaps a more interesting and evocative choice on the part of Sir Richard Attenborough . I could be wrong, but I believe some of the critics and reviewers simply wanted to see Sandra Bullock in a more characteristically plucky role and, quite simply, a movie with considerably more action.

A present for a loved one.
I bought this for my girlfriend and had to watch it cause it was supreme orders from the upper management :)

At the beginning I thought this was going to be a boring movie. In fact the beginning was kinda slow and as I dont like romantic movies I felt itched by the fact of watching the movie. The story was caring and developing, all those events happening and the love story in the middle, at the end I could understand the feelings of Ernest Hemingway... it is painfull to know someone that you have loved betrayed you and let you down.

Still the movie is really really good, it had me sitting onthe couch watching the movie, something not any romantic movie can do for me.

With everything so substandard there's really no reason to give this a chance...
I half expected to loathe this movie before I sat down to watch it, so I can't really complain that I was let down or that it proved an utter disappointment. Just by looking at the front of the DVD I knew this was going to be a very substandard film. Don't get me wrong entirely; I like Sandra Bullock, I won't lie. For some reason I find myself drawn to her despite the fact that she's not really the greatest actress out there and time and time again she chooses the worst role for her career, but I still love her and will watch anything she's in just to watch it (watch something like `Two Weeks Notice' or `While you were Sleeping' and you'll instantly understand why I love her). Chris O'Donnell on the other hand is not someone I'm even remotely drawn to nor do I care to watch anything he attaches himself to. All that said, I sat down to watch `In Love and War' because my wife remembered liking it years ago and I can safely say when it was all over she had changed her opinion of this waste of a film.

Biopic's are actually one of my favorite genre's of film. I love to see real life displayed in an interesting and entertaining way. The life of Earnest Hemingway could have been very interesting and entertaining had the cast and script been nailed down a little tighter. I actually have much hope to see Hemingway's story done right next year when James Gandolfini takes on the lead role in the upcoming biopic. Here though O'Donnell really adds no light or layers to his character and thus does Hemingway a huge disservice, painting him as immature and unlikable. I had so much trouble understanding why these two people were so drawn to each other. Bullock may be miles ahead of O'Donnell but that only goes to further prove how terrible O'Donnell is here, for Sandra herself is mediocre at best.

The film follows Hemingway as he embarks on an affair with a Red Cross nurse right years his elder. Even with its focus on this part of his life it could have broadened better and became more than just a poorly constructed love story. It had plenty of potential and judging by the director Attenborough's other work it's almost embarrassing to place this in the list. In fact `Shadowlands' is one of my favorite biopic's for it truly fleshes out the people we're supposed to be caring about. `In Love and War' does nothing of the sort. It plays out like a made for TV movie, one that you would never waste your time actually watching. There are a few scenes that are touching, all of which deal with other characters, but they are far from enough to rescue this film from mediocrity. In the end, `In Love and War' does nothing for me besides help me to realize that sometimes you can judge a book, or in this case a film, by its cover.