I saw The Lake House on its first day of showing without many expectations. I know it is a Hollywood adaptation of an almost classic Korean film, Siworae, which was truly beautiful and also one of my favourite Asian films. So I didn’t hope for anything. Not at all. I guess I was excited to see how it would fare compared to the original, and of course, I am excited to see Sandy and Keanu back on the big screen together. I have to admit though, that although I like both actors (I like Sandy better) I am really not a huge fan of their team. I mean sure, they have great chemistry onscreen, but I really still prefer Neo and Trinity (a.k.a. Carrie-Anne Moss), anyway, it was still great seeing them back. I read the original choice for the male lead was John Cusack. It wold be interesting how that will look like but I’m glad Keanu was available for the role. Anyway, back to the film. So I wasn’t expecting much. But you what, when I came out of the cinema I was completely starry-eyed and wanted to see it again. That film is the love!
I am not going to go into details why I thought it was wonderful. I hate comparing it to the original version. Sure, they have the same time continuum concept but since they have different cultures, different writers and directors, the whole thing was given a different take. I still cannot decide which I like better. Both have their own distinct character. Siworae was great in a sad but beautiful way while The Lake House is wonderful in that hopeful romantic way. They elicited different feelings, but both were beautifully made. TLH was lovely. I love the characters, the progress of the film, the cinematography, the conversations, the architecture! Knowing for a fact that Sandy is into architecture I know this film must’ve meant a lot to her. One of what I thought was the really killer scenes is when Alex (Keanu Reeves) gave Kate (Sandy) an architectural tour of Chicago by sending her this street map and a letter guiding her through the city’s finest buildings and houses. And ended it with a message written in this glass wall. I thought it was really sweet.
At first one would find it hard to get used to the idea that the two characters are separated by two years, but as the film progresses, one will just eventually forget about that and find themselves immersed, somewhat involved in the story. It was easy to sympathize with the characters. And that’s another thing that I loved about it. It was a love story, but I’m glad that they didn’t go for overkill and kept it as close to reality as possible.
I love how the film doesn’t try to convince you of anything or pretend to be something. It simply tells the story. It’s wonderful. Another favorite scene was when they danced on the porch, and this Paul McCartney song (This Never Happened Before – it’s just perfect!). was playing. I love how the film can be funny at times (Duh, Sandra Bullock is in it!). and the dog! That mongrel should be given best performance by a pet award. She is just fantastic!
Dear. I have to stop gushing about this film. Yes, I saw it thrice already and I’m so going to get the dvd when it comes out, and also the book or soundtrack cd if there will be any available. I love its effect on me. It just changed something about how I look at certain things, I don’t know? hahaha. Perhaps its because Keanu Reeves looks good in white? Hee. And I’m not even crushing on Keanu (my type is like, Hugh Jackman! Hehe!) But anyway, this is definitely a film I will recommend for anyone to watch. In my opinion, it’s truly something worth seeing and gushing about over and over again.
