Amazon.com: This disastrous 1996 film by Sir Richard Attenborough was meant to be part of his informal series of movies about great men, including Gandhi, Chaplin, Cry Freedom (the Steven Biko story), and Shadowlands (C.S. Lewis). In Love and War is a recounting of young Ernest Hemingway's World War I love affair with Red Cross nurse Agnes von Kurowsky, who was eight years older than he and who became the basis for the Catherine Barkley character in A Farewell to Arms. O'Donnell is terrible, in a word, and Bullock mostly seems out of sorts when playing someone real. Except for the scene in which Hemingway is introduced, fearlessly making his way to a trench under heavy bombardment, you have no idea that this person O'Donnell "portrays" will eventually change the direction of American literature. For a much better experience, look toward Attenborough's previous works. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Sweet but forgettable.
In Love and War is a sweet romantic drama but there are some flaws in this epic love story. Sandra Bullock and Chris O'Donnell have wonderful and natural chemistry but the story seems inaccurate and forced. O'Donnell plays doomed writer Ernest Hemingway and I just felt like the part was too big for him, he tried to make it his own and he failed. Bullock saves this film, she is an unappreciated actress, good film just weak aim.
Rating: - The War of the Critics and Reviewers
Although I've seen this movie twice and enjoyed it very much both times, I believe I can understand some of the negative reactions on the part of some viewers (and critics). Some of the criticism rests on the more subdued way in which Sandra Bullock plays Agnes (inconsistent with the personality of the historical figure) and the final scene which, in fact, did not occur. That said, many productions supposedly based on actual events take incredible departures from historic reality, such as the much-acclaimed "Saving Private Ryan," which fills the screen with gripping action and terrific performances ... Read More
Rating: - A present for a loved one.
I bought this for my girlfriend and had to watch it cause it was supreme orders from the upper management :)
At the beginning I thought this was going to be a boring movie. In fact the beginning was kinda slow and as I dont like romantic movies I felt itched by the fact of watching the movie. The story was caring and developing, all those events happening and the love story in the middle, at the end I could understand the feelings of Ernest Hemingway... it is painfull to know someone that you have loved betrayed you and let you down.
Still the movie is really really good, it ... Read More
Rating: - With everything so substandard there's really no reason to give this a chance...
I half expected to loathe this movie before I sat down to watch it, so I can't really complain that I was let down or that it proved an utter disappointment. Just by looking at the front of the DVD I knew this was going to be a very substandard film. Don't get me wrong entirely; I like Sandra Bullock, I won't lie. For some reason I find myself drawn to her despite the fact that she's not really the greatest actress out there and time and time again she chooses the worst role for her career, but I still love her and will watch anything she's in just to watch it (watch something like `Two Weeks Notice' ... Read More
Rating: - Pleasantly sweet...
True, not completely factual. True, relationship development between Ernest and Agnes lacking. However, still worth a look if you are not demanding too much. It made me smile and sigh and later retire for the evening with a gentle and calm feeling about love and circumstance.
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