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Love in the Time of Cholera
2007 139 min United States of America, United Kingdom R 18+
★5.8
Drama, Romance
Director: Mike Newell
🎭 Based on
«Love in the Time of Cholera»
Trailers
Description
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.
Budget:
$45M
US Gross:
$4.61M
Worldwide:
$4.61M
Starring
Javier Bardem
Actor
Giovanna Mezzogiorno
Actor
Benjamin Bratt
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 2008
— Best Original Song
Key opinion
Love in the Time of Cholera is a divisive adaptation that succeeds as a lush, atmospheric romance but often fails to capture the profound psychological depth and magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez’s novel. While many viewers are captivated by the vibrant cinematography and emotional premise, others find the film to be a trivialized melodrama that leans too heavily into superficial sensuality.
| Cinematography | The film features stunning cinematography and a vivid color palette that effectively captures the atmospheric beauty of its tropical setting. | |
| Acting | Javier Bardem’s performance is polarizing; some praise his ability to convey deep emotion through subtle expressions, while others find his portrayal of the aging protagonist and the required makeup unconvincing. | |
| Adaptation | The adaptation is frequently criticized for replacing the novel's profound psychological development and magical realism with a superficial or even farcical tone. | |
| Score | The musical score by Antonio Pinto and contributions from Shakira are widely regarded as a successful, emotive accompaniment to the film's romance. | |
| Pacing | The pacing and length of the film divide viewers: some find the contemplative, decades-spanning narrative immersive, while others feel it drags and becomes exhausting. |