Away from Her (2007) ****

Away from Her (2007) is that kind of movie that hits you so hard that you start to wonder about love in a non-cynical way.

Basically, there are at least two kinds of people who have strong opinions about human bondings: those who think love is the most amazing grace on earth and those who trash the idea that ever-lasting love exists.

The story is centered on a old couple's love and struggle. Based on Alice Munro's short story "The Bear Came over the Mountain," the script was concisely written that it didn't add much drama to this movie. The actress-turned-director Sarah Polley successfully delivered what Alice Munro's stories should be like, "explore human complexities in a seemingly effortless style."

Although there are a good many movies talking about the impact of Alzheimer disease on our lives, "Away from Her" might have explored a different level -- Is oblivion worse than betrayal or the other way around? The seemingly devoted husband was confused when he saw his beloved wife affected with Alzheimer disease developing strong affections towards another man, and so he started to speculate she might just be putting on an act to punish him. Our doubts usually stem from our fears that other people may commit the same crime as we did.

The story chose a kind-of-happy ending since the audience already learned that good days may not be as common as bad days in this sentimental story. But, I guess most of us can act like the husband who held his wife in his arms and braced himself for tomorrow's pains. Life goes on no matter what you want to believe.