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Fiennes and Mol Light Up the Screen

I watched Forever Mine last night and thought it was a pretty decent essay of an extramarital affair. We begin in the 1970's where Alan (Fiennes) is working at a swank hotel as a cabana boy. When he sees Ella, played by Mol, he falls instantly in love with her. The problem is she's married to a lowlife businessman (Ray Liotta, in full scumbag mode). They begin an affair which results in Alan getting disfigured from Liotta's goons and left for dead. Now it's 1987 and Alan is returning for revenge.

The dialogue is very cliche heavy, with dreamy declarations of love between Ella and Alan. But I thought that Fiennes and Mol were believable as the doomed duo. Liotta has got to stop playing the heavy. After seeing Heartbreakers and Blow, I know he's an amazing actor who can do so much more.

OK movie, but why this accent?

When I was thinking about ordering this movie on DVD I somehow doubted ist quality since "Forever Mine" was never released theatrically in the USA. But after reading several reports about it I kinda liked the storyline although it's nothing special: man and woman fall in love with each other, sadly she's married so they break up, he follows her, the husband get's angry and attempts to kill his rival. Another reason for me to buy this movie was the fact that the cast includes Ray Liotta, who's definitely one of the most talented and underrated actors in recent movie history.

"Forever Mine" starts extremely well (though I didn't like the opening credits) with beautiful locations and elegant direction but sadly Paul Schrader reduces the pace in the middle of the movie. For this reason you may need some patience to sit through this section. Another weakness is Joseph Fieness' accent. In my opinion it's simply too over the top and appears to be exaggerated and artificial. Don't get me wrong: I'm just an average German who learned English at school, maybe I'm wrong about this (please correct me if you think so) but his strange accent (at some points) almost ruined the movie for me. Still Fiennes' performance is quite OK (as long as you don't think about the accent) but he doesn't stand achance against beautiful and sexy Gretchen Mol (sadly her haircut looks awful in "Forever Mine") and especially Ray Liotta who's terrific in his usual bad guy role.

Thus "Forever Mine" is a nicely shot and well-acted movie though its only two weaknesses (slow moving center section, Fiennes' strange accent) might be crucial for some people.

Very Good Love Story

I enjoy writer-director Paul Schrader's work in general and many people do not. This film was no exception. It is a love story with Joseph Fiennes's character in love with corrupt Ray Liotta's character's wife. This is not "Body Heat" though. It is not a who-done-it. It is solely a love story and the hell the two characters go through as Liotta does everything possible to stop Fiennes in his tracks. Fiennes is seen in two guises, as a young, attractive cabana boy who first sees the wife on the beach and years later as a shadowy powerful figure in his own right who has come back to even some scores. There is a Catholic sensibility to all of Schrader's work and that is true of this one. I suppose since I am a lapsed Catholic that is a big part of his appeal to me. Guilt, obsession, revenge, and forgiveness permeate all of his work, including this film.

Fiennes Sleep Walks

through this movie. Not much to recomend here. The girl is attractive and Liota adds a little spark to a mundane movie. But Fiennes seems to lack the charisma or the intensity to carrey off this role. I disagree with the other reviews which state that he is the only reason to watch this movie. I feel Liota is starting to grow as as actor. He seems to be adding a little bit more to his charcter; instead of acting like he is in a complete rage. I hope he gets better parts and continue to grow. I enjoy a good mystery; they seem to be few and far between. I feel the writing of script's has been below par for years. This is a movie that needed a good script. It is not a all out action movie; once again the writing does not measure up. And those who like a good mystery are left wanting and wondering when they will be treated to a good movie of this type.

Unlikely love story...

Gretchen Mol falls for cabana boy Joseph Fiennes and fools around with him while hubby, Ray Liotta, is too busy with politics. Liotta finds out, takes revenge and that is that...or is it? No action here, pretty sappy. The only thing that could sell this is for the Mol fans...lots of skin...

Forever mine? Let's hope not!

Nice to see the Fiennes people here at work!

As far as 'Forever Mine' being a love story, well, there's no mistake there! 'Forever Mine' is like American Gigolo, meets Scar Face, meets the English Patient. OY! What a mess! And far less stylish I might ad. The plot has holes too large to fill in with roving tanks. And the dialogue! Double OY! (Paraphrasing here) "....Do you want this marriage to work..."? I wasn't sure if whether Liotta wanted the marriage to work with that line! "...Remember the night we walked for blocks in the snow because we couldn't get a taxi"? Huh? Some of Fiennes' lines were just as dreadful!

There was a comment about miscasting and Fiennes not being convincing enough to be taken seriously in the role that smitten out of the blue cabana boy/turned thug deviously driven by love and revenge. He is actually too nice, given "the nature of the beast". I don't know that Fiennes was truly miscast, it might simply have been direction. I don't know who is at fault.

I do have some good things to say. Fiennes' American accent is very good considering many British actors don't fair well with them. And the Cuban accent didn't seem to come off too badly. However, someone of Cuban background might prove a better judge. Ray Liotta is consistant. (Don't ask me what I meant by that) Gretchen Mol is fine considering what she had to work with.

While I can appreciate Mr. Fiennes as a good actor with enormous potential, it's probably a good, no wait, a GREAT thing 'Shakespeare In Love' hit the big screen before this one hit the little one! I agree with one of the other reviewers, that Fiennes' talent (along with the other actors) is wasted! An actor really never knows exactly what kind of mess he's gotten himself into until mid-way through or the finished product. Who knew?!

I remember reading stories that Schrader had difficulties in getting 'Forever Mine' to the big screen, it's just as well. I can forgive them this trespass, but I certainly can't defend this!

One other thing. Who was responsible for the makeup job regarding Fiennes'disfigurement? Whoa! Tight budget?

This movie is lush, mesmerizing...for some reason, I love it

The music, the lighting, the chemistry... I taped it when it was on TV, but will buy it when it is finally available on DVD. I'm usually a skeptical movie-watcher, and there are some lines here that others will call cheesy, but I think these superb actors make them believable. At one point, Ray Liotta says to Joseph Fiennes' over-the-top romantic character: "What is this gibberish? Nobody talks like this!" As a viewer, I was thinking the same thing, but believing in Fiennes' character nonetheless, and that scene made the character even more believable.

Gretchen Mol is lovely. The scene where she reads "Madame Bovary" to the elderly is so poignant...it's a shame this movie's distribution fell apart, because she deserved to be seen in this.

This is one of those movies I find myself watching again. Someone on salon.com did a great review of it...still available if you do a search for "salon" "forever mine".

A misunderstood film

Any true Paul Schrader fan must see this movie. Many reviewers have slighted the film, so much so, that it was never even released theatrically in the states. Still, I believe the film is much better than it has been given credit for, and that most reviews I have read have totally missed the point. The idea behind the film is an epic lovestory throwback to the classic movie,"Casablanca" type grandure. When you understand this, Schrader's heightened language and reality begin to make sence. If you give over to the film, the film will move you. Schrader is too smart and too good a film maker to put out garbage. Remember; we're talking about the man who wrote scripts like Raging Bull and Taxi Driver to name a few. The only major disapointment is Gretchen Mol. She is simply not a good enough actress to live up to Schrader's script. Joe Fiennes does very good, and maintains an intense presence through both identities of his Charactor. Of Course Ray Liotta is great as usual, with a strong performance by Vincent Laresca as well. The biggest surprise of the film was without a doubt the performance of newcomer Myk Watford, who plays Ray Liota's henchman with a superb mix of wild intensity, and humor. His and Liotta's performances will get you up in your seat everytime they come on camera. Bottom line: check it out, especially if you like schrader's other work.

It could have been great; still Fiennes saves it

I first saw this film because I am a major Joe Fiennes fan, having seen all his films and some of his plays. And I can understand why he wanted to make this film, because it must have looked like a great project on paper. The final result didn't live up to my expectations, but the actors are not to be held responsible for it.

In 'Forever Mine', we have Joe Fiennes doing accents, both American and Latino. He plays Alan Ripley, a cabana boy in a fancy hotel in Miami. Alan is pretty much the 'good boy' type, and very good-looking too. One day he sees one if the guests coming out from the sea, Ella, a young woman played by Gretchen Mol. It is like a thunderbolt, because he falls for her at first sight.

The thing is, Ella is married to Mark, a dangerous politician without any scruples played by Ray Liotta. She is not happy with her marriage and happens to fall for Alan too. While Mark is on a business cruise, Ella and Alan become lovers. When Mark gets back and the couple goes home to New York, Alan tries to follow her. Ella confesses to her husband that she had an affair with Alan, the cabana boy in Miami, and Mark decides to have Alan arrested, then shot in the face. When he thinks Alan is dead, he leaves the body alone, but it turns out that Alan was alive. He will return 14 years later, rich, with a deformed face and a latino accent, under the name Manuel Esquema.

The problem in this film is a series of clichés and bad lines that the actors have to deliver, along with a surrealistic makeup for Joseph Fiennes as Manuel. I couldn't help missing his English accent (not that he doesn't sound convincing as an American; he does, but I couldn't help it). It is difficult to understand how Paul Schrader, who has written good screenplays in the past, could have such a lack of imagination. Especially when it could have been great, because he had everything to make it so.

Joe Fiennes plays a likable Alan/Manuel and gives a virtuoso and very passionate performance; Gretchen Mol does a good job, Ray Liotta makes you hate his character and so on. The love scenes are good, meaning the chemistry worked well between Fiennes and Gretchen Mol.

Now, I'm not putting the film down: I am getting the DVD and I recommend watching it. Opinions vary, and some critics have described 'Forever Mine' as a delighful romance. It's not that I disagree with them, I just think that Fiennes deserved a much better material to work on, better lines. So did the other actors.

I suppose this is one of those films you have to see and form your own opinion. I have heard people say they liked it a lot, others not so much. If anything, it is worth seeing for Joseph Fiennes, whose talent never disappoints.

Fiennes-esque

Can it get anymore passionate than Joseph Fiennes? I don't think so. Interesting plot and believeable characters abound this intense romance with Gretchen Mole. Great twisty climax although the ending kinda left me bewildered. Dark and deep at points, but its worth it to see Joe in cabana shorts and shirt. Fun, fun, fun.

Forever Mine is now yours in review

The VHS that I purchased was in great shape. It played well and had the original cover to it, which goes well with my other covered favorites. I saw this movie on Dish Network and had to see it again. So I checked this site and there it was! FANTASTIC! It was well-packaged and had a quick delivery time.

Really really boring - yuk!

Ray Liotta has been in some bad movies, but this one ranks right up there among the very worst. Some reviewers enjoyed the love story, but these two would-be star-crossed lovers were incredibly unappealing to me and dull. This film didn't work for me on either level - boring love story or boring revenge story. I usually enjoy even the bad Ray Liotta movies because he can be so delightfully crazy, but he isn't quite crazy enough in this one even though he's the bad guy (he does make an attempt toward the end to come through, but it's too late by then - anybody who has stuck with the movie this far, doesn't really care by now.). If you really want a star-crossed lover's tale, surely you can dig up something more exciting than this one; and there are definitely better revenge plots out there than this one. I wanted to smack Alan and Ella by the end of the movie for being such sappy idiots. They deserve each other.

Classic Love Story

Like Alan fell in love with Ella the first time he saw her face I fell in love with this movie. OK so it may a little hokie the dialogue a little lame and the story a little far fetched, I still think it was a beautiful premise. A girl can dream can't she. I first saw it in June 2007,and I think at this point in time it's my favorite movie. And Conner Reeves' rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" knocked my socks off, he he definately gives Roberta Flack a run for her money! Beautiful soulful voice I looked him up (I was not familiar with him prior to) I have searched high and low for the soundtrack to no avail. The song is played during the closing credit. If you're familiar with the song lyrics it easy to see how it works with the script in the end; "the first time ever I saw your face', "the first time ever I kissed your mouth", and "the first time ever I lay with you". Like I said farfetched maybe but a beautiful concept.

JOSEPH IS SOOOOO FINE

Ok Ok, so from the other reviews, I understand what they mean.

Forever Mine is not the best movie in the world, but I think the sexy and always breathtaking Joseph Finnes and wonderful Gretchen Mol add something special to this love story.

It's kind of a love/hate relationship. I love the section when they first fall in love complimented by an awersome sex scene with a naked Joseph Fiennes. The second half of the film is still good, but does fall short of being one of those films where it is all wonderful, and you know you have found a gem of a film.

But all the same I keep on returning to watch the film.

Beautifully shot, but been here before.

Unfulfilled beautiful wife of powerful rich man falls for a passionate but poor cabana boy at a luxury resort hotel. Jealous husband finds out about affair, ultimately choosing a violent conclusion to the drama. A "road well travelled" movie that is often nice to look at (especially Gretchen Mol) but ultimately fails with a strong sense of having "been there before". Ray Liotta as the jealous husband effectively sleepwalks through his role - effective because he's a natural at playing the "prick." Gretchen Mol is convincing as the beautiful wife torn between passion and comfort as long as she doesn't speak. Joseph Fiennes is actually quite effective and believable as the obsessively romantic cabana boy but does not quite succeed in making the transition to powerful gangster during the second half of the film. FOREVER MINE begins with a quote from Philosopher critic Walter Pater, "It is the addition of strangeness to beauty that constitutes the romantic character in art." Fiennes as the cabana boy seems to emulate Pater's philosophical reverence for "the moment" as the ultimate truth, and the film is most effective in this realm. When director Schrader changes direction midway, from picturesque romantic drama to revenge suspense, the film looses its magic and "the moment" is lost.

IMPASSIONATE PASSION

I have felt that Paul Schrader is one of those artsy directors who critics love, but his movies rarely approach classic status, with the exception of "Taxi Driver." In FOREVER MINE, which is indeed reminiscent of oldies like BACK STREET or MADAME X, Joseph Fiennes plays a cabana man, a beach boy, who finds himself madly in love with the lovely Gretchen Mol. His reason for falling in love so quickly extends from seeing her come out of the ocean in a white bathing suit (Bo Derek in 10?). Mol, of course, is recently married to her boss, the slimy Ray Liotta. Their steamy affair sparks the first half of the movie, and then we flash forward about 14 years and we meet Fiennes again on an airplane, a new identity, heading for New York. He wants revenge on Liotta, who after Mol confesses of her affair, had Fiennes killed, or so he thought.
This movie is filmed nicely and Mol does a job worthy of Lana Turner or Susan Hayward, but Fiennes is less passionate than a John Gavin, and Liotta is just wasted in a poorly written role. That's the main problem with this movie---for a passionate film, it has no passion or soul. How can we really care about Fiennes or even Mol, for that matter? He is more in lust, and she is dumb enough to stay with Liotta, even after knowing what he did to Fiennes.
FOREVER MINE is a soap opera for sure, but it doesn't have a lot of bubbles.

twisted love

Fiennes is great as the man who is obsessed and in love with Gretchen Mol(id like to tap that ass) who is married to the awesome Ray Liotta(who is good as always). good suspense/romantic story with a gripping premise. theres also a nude scene. watch it and enjoy

forever mine

a great love story...it has all the elements ... what I would like to say ..I am interested in the getting the sound tract to thi movie....it has great music...anyone with the soundtrack or anyone who can tell me where to get a soundtrack I would appreciate that very much....email calvin@acs-isp.com

Forever Mine? - Oh, Never Mind

An excruciatingly boring movie with nothing to recommend it. Hard to believe that any film could make Joseph Fiennes seem uncharasmatic or Ray Liotta appear talentless, but this one manages to bury them both underneath an avalanche of trite cliches and slow pacing. Leading lady Gretchen Mol tries to bring life to her role through a series of overwrought grimaces, but she only comes off as a refugee from an old-fashioned melodrama. The script is abysmal; rather than allowing the characters to show any real emotion, it has them spell out their feelings to the audience via a series of "remember when's". As in, "Remember when I first saw you and my heart stopped?" Or, "Remember when we drank beers and gazed passionately into each other's eyes?" (snore) The cheesy dialogue isn't helped at all by Angelo Badalmenti's syrupy score, or the slightly out-of-focus "romantic" photography. On the whole, a silly and sophomoric dud that didn't make the theatrical rounds ... and isn't any better on home video.

Slightly Noir-ish & Incredibly Soapy Love & Revenge Story

Director Paul Schrader, known as writer too (of "Taxi Driver" and others), may not be everyone's favorite, and you are not impressed with his name any more, but still his style is unique in reminding me of those soapy, but engaging melodramas made in Hollywood in the 1950s.

Look at this story: Joseph Fiennes plays a towel boy (with a Spanish accent) at the beach of Miami, where he meets a newly-wed, but neglected wife (and Catholic) Gretchen Mol. Her husband Ray Liotta is dealing some (shady) business, and while he is away from the hotel, Fiennes and Mol fall in love with each other. Soon, however, sense of guilt compels her to confess the affair, and the enraged husband hires men to do what you know already when the film gets started.

Well, that's just a beginning. The director makes Fiennes come back years later, under heavy disguise of beard and another hairstyle and ... but wait! this is the most tricky part of the film. A British Fiennes, previously playing none other than the Bard, William Shakespeare, appears as a Hispanic American, and then he undergoes a physical transformation ... you really need a strong will to suspend the disbelief. But when you get over that part, and forget the fact that Liotta is typecast as a lout again, you will be entertained pretty much.

The fact is the story is not important. The obsession of the characters is playing the main part, and their acting is not bad, so the ride is quite agreeable, though predictable. Perhaps it is Gretchen Mol that attracts the eyes of the audience, male ones in particular. She is good as a wife torn between the love and the guilt.

As he always does, Paul Schrader sees the world from a different viewpoint, with our ordinary characteristics removed, and not-so-normal aspects exaggerated. The gorgeous seaside hotel of the opening scene looks somehow different, or bizzare perhaps (with the score of Angelo Padalamenti, famous for David Lynch films), and the characaters speak often corny dialogues as if they know they belong to those soap opera world. But that may be exactly the point.