Blue Valentine
Release date: December 29, 2010
Director: Derek Cianfrance
Screenplay by: Derek Cianfrance, Cami Delavigne, Joey Curtis
Cast: Michelle Williams, Ryan Gosling
Blue Valentine chronicles the life span of a relationship between Dean (Gosling), a hard-working, chilled man, and Cindy (Williams), whom he meets at her grandma’s nursing home.
How the relationship withers away is devastating, considering the way it was edited non-chronologically. Blue Valentine overlaps situations and the things they say to each other. It’s not really a romance in the sense that you feel you’re on cloud nine like in a sappy rom-com. It’s nothing like it. You know what’s going to happen for sure, how both of them grow apart.
Williams’ and Gosling’s performances are raw, especially during the devastation period in which he’s trying to be something that she doesn’t really seem to need. It’s frustrating, and infuriating… even though you know how much Dean could love Cindy, there is a point when you — as a person and audience — go and say enough is enough.
I really have no idea how there are people taking sides on this story and calling the characters nasty names, when in reality both of them had some of the blame… and in the end, it is what happens to relationships. Do we really need to find a guilty side?
Also, a soft spot for those ending credits with the fireworks.
Recommended to anyone up for good performances, but avoid if you’re going through a tough relationship. The experience might be devastating for you.
Rating: 
I thought this was a really raw and painful movie to watch (in a good way). Great performances from Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling. I certainly hope Williams can get the Best Actress Oscar over Portman/Bening.
@Castor, I’m still a little bit baffled that Gosling didn’t get a SAG nom or Oscar. It just seems like Williams wouldn’t have been as strong if Gosling hadn’t been there.
@Ghost Writer, Gosling was as good as he was on Half Nelson… and Lars and the Real Girl.
@Castor, I know where you’re coming from… and even though I haven’t been in good terms with Portman, my second time watching Black Swan – this time on a big screen – still… blew me away. That last scene. Portman as the black swan was… all sorts of wow. xD
totally agree that this was such a painfuly beautifully film. well performed and well written
@Candice Frederick, thanks for stopping by. Also, the Blue Valentine ending credits with the fireworks is to die for ;D