Love in the Time of Cholera
dir. Mike Newell · 2007
The enduring nature of love can transcend time and circumstance, revealing the complexities and sacrifices inherent in human relationships.
"Love in the Time of Cholera" is a poignant exploration of unrequited love that spans decades, capturing the bittersweet ache of longing and the weight of memory. With its lush visuals and reflective pacing, this film invites viewers to ponder the complexities of love and the passage of time.
In Colombia just after the Great War, an old man falls from a ladder; dying, he professes great love for his wife. After the funeral, a man calls on the widow - she dismisses him angrily. Flash back more than 50 years to the day Florentino Ariza, a telegraph boy, falls in love with Fermina Daza, the daughter of a mule trader. Ariza is persistent, writing her constantly, serenading, speaking poetically of love. Her father tries to keep them apart, and then, one day, she sees this love as an illusion. She's soon married to Urbino, a cultured physician, and for years, Ariza carries a torch, finding solace in the arms of women, loving none. After Urbino's fall, are Ariza's hopes delusional?
Talking points
- the nature of love and longing
- the impact of societal norms on personal relationships
- the role of memory in shaping identity
- the intersection of personal and historical narratives
