Search - Lionel Richie, Jonathan Tunick :: Endless Love (1981 Film)

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Strawberry | Maricopa, AZ United States | 02/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"to understand a much misunderstood movie! Endless Love is one such movie. So what brought me to this conclusion? Viewing it three times in a row and finally "getting it." You see, when I read reviews depicting this movie as a world-class disaster I was surprised, seeing as how Franco Zeferelli directed it. It couldn't possibly be that bad, I thought to myself...so I rented it. To be honest, the first time I watched it I was a little disappointed. Although the cinematography was excellent, I noticed far too much "choppiness" and little editing errors here and there. I was also a bit uncomfortable with the way the storyline was headed, partly because I had my own preconceived notions and felt "set up" for something different than what I was seeing. As one reviewer put it, "Endless Obsession" would have been a more suitable title, or so I thought at the time. When the movie ended I felt a little uneasy, like I had just missed something big. So what did I do? I rewound the thing and began to watch again, this time trying to ignore the inconsistancies and kept an open mind. As I sat there immersed in Jade and David's world, I finally began to understand. Franco Zeferelli knew exactly what he was doing, he was telling us this story through the eyes of these kids, not as the more knowledgable interpreter. To suggest that this movie would have been better if Jade and David's love had been more "mature" is ridiculous. That would have killed the whole point. Were Jade and David truly in love? Yes, I believe they were...however, they weren't ready to handle the intense emotions they were experiencing maturity wise, and this is presicely why everything span out of control when Jade's parents allowed them to have adult relations, especially in their own house! For many people, sex can be a powerful force, and it's extremely difficult to break the emotional and physical bond it creates. Most teens are simply too naive and irresponsible to handle the baggage that comes with a sexual relationship. Like the saying goes "fire is beautiful in a fireplace, but it's destructive anywhere else." I believe Jade's mother permitted this to go on because of her own longing for her youth, when her kind wholeheartedly believed in "free love" and the paradoxal delusion of a "more innocent time" ran rampant. Her own twisted nostalgia prevented her from being the older and wiser mother she should have been. When push came to shove and David was banished (Of course he didn't see that one coming), it's no wonder he lost his mind. They had led him on into thinking that he had already became part of the family, then suddenly BOOM, see ya. So what if it was only a month-long banishment? A month feels like eternity to a teenager who is in love. As far as David was concerned, They may as well have told him never to come back again. By that time him and Jade had already spun their cocoon, and come hell or high water testosterone driven David was going to protect what they had created. Simply put, bad news and raging hormones don't mix. I don't believe that David had "metal issues." He was terribly misguided and in his own mind was almost grieving a death. His idea of being the hero who rescues his beloved Jade is extremely stupid in retrospect, however I couldn't help but feel deep pity for him. He needed someone to shake some sense into him and remind him that a month isn't forever, that he still would have seen Jade at school. When I saw David as being the kid he was portraying, my attitude toward his suffering changed. David is a classic example of Freud's theory of "Return of the Repressed," by denying yourself you create what you fear. David and Jade were the victims of a self-fulfilling prophecy, perpetuated by the ignorance and indifference of their parents. In it's own way, Endless Love is a masterpiece, because it doesn't automatically assume that what Jade and David are experiencing is "puppy love," but rather reluctantly allows the idea of them being in love and poses the question "what if?" What if they really are in love, how would it work given the circumstances they are in? Given their lack of maturity, wisdom, positive family influences, life experiences, etc., how exactly would their love flourish? The answer is sad but very realistic. A love at that stage in life has a nil chance of surviving, and even if it does work out, it won't be the likes of a storybook fairy tale. Chances are that the road will be full of impossible hurdles, road blocks and many tears. Problems are inevitable, however love is a precious thing and the movie does its best to emphasize it in the end. Was this movie perfect? NO, I wouldn't go that far. I think that for its time, it does stick out among all the other teen flicks that were made during that decade. Next to Risky Business, Endless Love is one of the better movies that actually have depth if you look for it. Just my humble opinion!"

Endless Love.

alamsami | 11/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Endless Love", although the movie was quite tiresome and endless... the title song was a smash hit across the globe in 1981. The song was recorded under a very busy schedule by Miss Ross & Lionel Richie. Both superstars performed the song in one day, and since then it's been a love song that has been compiled endlessly & an instant theme for all lovers across the world. Mariah Carey & Luther Vandross revived the song in the early 90's, but still the original version is unsurpassed.
This Soundtrack album includes the title track several times, track one, in full version, track eleven (Reprise) and Instrumental & with dialogue taken from the film. Another Gem on the Album is the other Diana Ross/ Lionel Richie Duet title "Thinking Of You". Other favorites: Kiss singing Disco "I Was Made For Loving You" & Cliff Richard's haunting "Dreamin'". A Must! Recommended."

ONE OF THE BEST ROMANTIC MOVIES OF THE 80'S

Horror Movie Fan | Puerto Rico | 04/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST LOVE MOVIES OF THE 80'S, MUCH LIKE A SOAP OPERA AND BROOKE SHIELDS AT HER BEST. MOREOVER IT WAS THE FIRST MOVIE WHERE TOM CRUISE MADE A CAMEO APPEARANCE AND ALSO THE FIRST MOVIE FOR JAMES SPADER. THE SOUNDTRACK WAS SUPERB... A STORY ABOUT TEENAGE LOVE AND HOW PARENTS CAN SPLIT TEENAGE COUPLES AND MAKE THEIR SON'S LIFE MISERABLE. I LOVE THIS MOVIE AND I JUST HOPE IT IS RELEASED ON DVD BEFORE WE ARE TOO OLD TO WATCH AND ENJOY IT...."