True Love (I) (1989) User Reviews

Marrying Young

[sol- · 7/10 · 12 August 2017]

As their wedding date draws closer, two youths grow increasingly uncertain about whether they are ready to get married in this debut feature from 'Dogfight' director Nancy Savoca. The script is by Savoca and her husband (Richard Guay) and the film benefits from showing both sides of the equation. As the boyfriend, Ron Eldard is torn between his bride and his unmarried friends who just want to party; as the girlfriend, Annabella Sciorra wonders if he is mature enough for her. There is some intriguing background information as it is revealed that her parents eloped and as they plan a larger-than-life wedding, it seems like they are mostly interested in making up for what they missed out on. Despite showing both sides though, the film is far more balanced in favour of Sciorra, which makes Eldard seem like a selfish jerk. A more interesting film may have given both sides equal weight rather than leave us wondering what she ever saw in him in the first place. If flawed though, the film survives well on account of great, naturalistic dialogue exchanges and memorable quirks like the option for blue potatoes at the wedding ceremony (!). The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival; no small feat considering that it was competing against 'Heathers' and 'Sex, Lies and Videotape' and other films that have gone onto become better known cult hits.

True Disappointment

[kergillian · 5/10 · 4 March 2001]

This film has been lauded by critics everywhere, from Leonard Maltin to the acclaimed American Cinema series, so I was truly disappointed when I sat down and watched it. Granted, it's an indie film by a first-time director (Nancy Savoca), and I'm not an Italian American (removing a possible bond to the film) so I couldn't expect a divine epiphany. But the film did not meet any of my high expectations for it (I suppose I should have learnt long ago not to have those;) The plot was passable, though some of it was very unconvincing. I think the acting made it much worse than it would have othewise been. Annabella Sciorra was a standout; she was pretty much the only bright spot of the film. Her character's parents and friends weren't all that bad either, but any acting quality ended there. Ron Eldard left much to be desired. His character was unrealistic, had no distinct personality, and was *beyond* overdramatized. His immaturity and crudity were overplayed, and his friends were cardboard, without much decipherable distinction between them. I had a hard time believing she would even marry him after most of his antics, which seemed excessive and unbelievable. Not unbelievable in the sense that it couldn't have happened to anyone, but moreso that his character seemd to swing too wildly back and forth between an moronic irresponsible teenager and a future groom with issues to work out. As well, his mother's apathy towards his antics (especially as she sits passively and watches him running repeatedly to the bathroom to throw up after a night of drunken revelry) seemed completely unrealistic. Lack of subplots also contributed to this film's problems. The attraction of one of Eldard's friends to one of Sciorra's is never properly realized, and his sudden proposal to her has no justification and seems absolutely ridiculous As well, there are quite a few other little side scenes like that one that suspend the realm of reality to the viewer. The characters felt one-dimensional, they were never properly developed (save, perhaps, Sciorra's character). This made it even more difficult to relate to them, and to the film. Overall, this film could have been much more lucid, instead it falls quite flat. There are many worse films of its type, but comparing it to Moonstruck or calling it 'one of the year's best films' (both comments are on the box) is more than far-fetched. 5/10.

favorable recommendation.

[countrl · 7/10 · 1 May 2009]

The leads seem to have either wonderful acting skills, natural chemistry for each other or both. My money is on both. The movie allows the viewer to feel like they are part of the various conversations. You feel like you are at the kitchen table when that scene is shown. It accurately portrays the vast amount of decisions and disconnects that many couples endure when going from the words "will you marry me" to the words "I do". I liked all the supporting actors and actresses' performances. The parents show a good loving chemistry as well. The music is good if you like the 1980's sound (my fav. is Pam Russo's hit "It works for me") . Granted there are no chase scenes or major explosions, but it is a cute romance worth watching.

Loved the acting; the characters; the story and the music.

[bdelsorbo · 22 February 2000]

I loved this film. As an Italian-American, I could readily identify with the characters in this movie and found it to be very heartwarming and realistic. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about "The Sopranos" which shows Italian-Americans in the most negative and humorless way imaginable. "True Love" depicted the closeness and genuine warmth between family members and friends and made me forget that I was watching a movie. Recommend it highly!

Don't waste your time

[liana-16 · 1/10 · 5 January 2008]

One of the least funny "comedies" I've ever wasted time watching.

The characters are so awful I didn't care what happened to them, and the story is depressing - the clue that it's no fun to watch is the term "slice of life" on the DVD case.

That should always be a warning. "Slice of life" means, nobody is happy.

Also, the term "True Love" has absolutely NOTHING what so ever to do with this movie.

Boring, bad, stupid, unlikeable characters...what else do I need to say?

very bitter/and very sweet

[mrffrp50 · 10/10 · 22 September 2005]

This film is as about 'slice of Italian life' as you can get..and one without blood shed-..THEN NEWBIES - SCIORRA AND Eldard are amazing as a star crossed hot tailed engage typical Italian/irish couple- Sciorra is drop dead beautiful and still is !!... the charm about the film comes into play with the often witty /eccentric and very colorful supporting cast - in every scene a support actor steals the scene- i love very ethic Italian stories about the family and the cousins and the aunts uncle and cousins and this film fits the bill perfectly . its warm hearted - lively and sooooooooooo true to reality about the angst of love- and marriage -

Well worth my time...

[dancing_yogini · 8/10 · 14 June 2006]

Wonder why more people haven't commented on this Sundance film festival winner? Maybe because it's a very niche film.

Extremely well done study of New York Italian American culture on all levels; the food, the sex; the dysfunctional relationships with each other and with the church; the constant cursing; the weakness of the men and the strength of the women (Who really rules?) As well as the love; the camaraderie; the family support and acceptance with, "This too shall pass attitude and it will be better."

I agree with one of the reviewers that some of the characters were not well developed. It was not important to develop them. Anyone knowing the culture can fill in the blanks. Maybe not such a good technique for "outsiders". Perhaps a reason why it has not become a popular film.

It's also a very astute study of male female relationships and a view at the difference between men and women.

This is the second film I've seen by Savoca and I love the way she just says, "This is it! It is what it is!": No judgement values, no preaching just take it or leave it. Make up your own mind, while she presents all aspects "good and bad".

Well worth my two hrs., and maybe yours.