Brief Encounter - 1945 * * * * *

'You've been a long way away, thank you for coming back to me'

I've seen this hundreds of times and no every second of it, but have never really felt worthy of reviewing it. Whatever I say I will not be able to express how much I love this movie, only that it rates somewhere up with my very favourite movies of all time. You can never get sick of this film, it contains timeless feelings, emotions and beliefs that are still relevant today. Although made almost seventy years ago (how amazing is that!) the idea of getting stuck in a routine when you are married was present even then and the need for excitement and change was something only a few dared to dream of. Celia Johnson's performance is heartbreaking and raw and the empathy you have for her is painful. For once we feel compassion for someone who strays from their marriage and want her desperately to be happy whatever happens even after considering her relationship with gentle Fred who would never harm or hurt anyone. Trevor Johnson is also perfectly cast in his role as the outwardly confident yet quietly complacent Alec who, underneath his calm exterior is crumbling because of his feelings for Laura. Not only beautifully acted but perfectly shot as well with a stunning and hauntingly memorable soundtrack including Rachmaninov, this movie is in my opinion one of the core films that will continue to surprise and delight generations to come. Regardless of the lack of colour, this film is still as heart-wrenching and real as it ever was - one I can watch over and over again.