Search - Lovers and Other Strangers on DVD

A Fun Movie

Randy Keehn | Williston, ND United States | 02/26/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I used to watch the Academy Awards so religiously that the names of the nomineees as well as the winners stayed with me for years. I immediately recognized "Lovers and Other Strangers" as a nominee and winner from years ago. However, I don't think I had ever seen it available on TV so, naturally, I didn't miss the opportunity. I am glad I watched it. This is a fun movie along the lines of that old TV show "Love American Style". By that I mean that it is a compilation of stories within a story and with love, sex,and humor as the main ingredients. "Lovers and Other Strangers" is clearly above the quality of the aforementioned TV show but it is not blessed with the overall quality of a major motion picture. It is one of those movies that is known as a "sleeper".



The movie focusses on a young couple near the eve of their wedding. The inter-related stories involve their friends and family and focusses on their relationships. A brother is getting a divorce, a best man is on the make, an aunt and uncle are discerning their own sexuality, a father-in-law is manipulating his love affair, etc. etc.. There is a lot of humor in these sidebars and there is a lot of truth in them as well. Indeed, the whole movie is a somewhat dated look at relationships in general with some touching discoveries along with some embarassingly "on the mark" looks at ourselves.



Because of the varied stories intermixing with one another, the movie moves along well and it culminates in a meaningful way. We see hope for one damaged relationship while we see another avoid getting off on the wrong foot. We see plenty more in the overall process and we leave with a good feeling. Our lives may not be changed by "Lovers and Other Strangers" but we are probably more apt to turn off the TV, buy that present, remember that birthday, and monitor our own relationships a bit better.



"Lovers and Other Strangers" was nominated for a couple of major Oscars including a Best Supporting Actor nomination for the good acting of Richard Castellano. The award it won was for Best Song ("For All We Know"). Usually, when the only Oscar a movie wins is for Best Song, it's an indication to buy the CD and not the DVD. In the case of "Lovers and Other Strangers" it's the movie that's worth buying."

Still funny after all these years

Randy Keehn | 05/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A big wedding, funny relatives, bittersweet relationships, a very young Diane Keaton -- what's not to love? In crowded theaters, Bob Dishy and Richard Castellano stole the show. Castellano still stands out, as do Gig Young and Bea Arthur. Favorite moment (for guys): a Steadicam shot of Bonnie Bedelia's face as she walks toward a bed. Not even Liz Taylor's face could rival Bedelia's for those few seconds. Favorite moment (for gals): Harry Guardino blowing a sweet, macho kiss to Anne Meara during the wedding ceremony."

A funny but sad look at marriage .

Randy Keehn | 06/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This film is a funny but sad commentary on marriage as seen through the eyes of different generations. The cast is wonderful, especially Bea Arthur as the wife and mother whose line, "I can understand you wanting to leave, but I can't understand you leaving" shows the difference in how women have changed in the way they look at marriage. Diane Keaton, Gig Young, Anne Jackson, and Richard Castellano are all excellent in their roles.This is one of my top 10 movies and the song,"For All We Know" by the Carpenters fits perfectly with the theme."

Still a classic

Randy Keehn | 01/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is over 30 years old, but still a classic. Diane Keaton fans will love her in one of her first roles. We still use some of the lines, especially "So, what's the story, Richie?" and I often tell my husband his hair smells like raisins just to let him know I still love him. I just wish Icould buy a copy at a reasonable price!!!!"