Ordinary Love- A Film Review
'Ordinary Love' follows Joan and Tom, a couple who have been married for years but whose lives are turned upside down when Joan is diagnosed with breast cancer. As the film title shows, the plot is very "ordinary" and easy to follow- there aren't big stunts, high-tech special effects, sensationalised drama clichés or massive twists and turns in the story. However, there are many more elements that make the film extra-ordinary. Lesley Manville and Liam Neeson's raw and emotional performances, as Joan battles with the effects of chemotherapy and her husband Tom's devotion is tested with trying to help his wife, whilst also struggling to cope himself had me tearing up. The parallels between the opening shot and the closing shot, which both show Joan and Tom enjoying their evening walk were also very powerful, showing a hopeful ending- that couples can be tested in the most difficult ways and still get through the other side.