Break-Up

Year: 2006

Grade: A-

Country: USA

Director: Reed

Review

even better than i had remembered it. seeing it this time solidified my putting it my top ten of 2006. it’s just a very well-written and executed work. it toes the line between comedy and drama very effectively and realistically, it allows the viewer to see the film as either a drama or a comedy, or both, depending upon their disposition and it effectively portrays the dynamics of a relationship that is falling apart. both sides are balanced so well that it really allows the audience to empathize with each character in spite of their failings within the relationship. this is essential because a key component of the comedy is the foolish, child-like behavior of the two. if it devolves so much that we don’t respect them, or if one side is clearly worse than the other, then any dramatic effect is lost. the ending doesn’t give into conventions and i appreciated that. i know i’m likely to get razzed for gushing so much about this picture, but this is a well-executed film in a genre that is rife with cliché and unearned sentimentality.