The Lake House - A Romance That Transcends Time and Space
The Lake House, starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves, is my favorite modern romantic film. The funny thing is I never saw it promoted when it was being shown in cinema's. It was only after a friend recommended this movie to me that I decided to watch it. I thought it would be another perfectly bland movie to just pass the time.
What happened next, was the complete opposite from what I expected.
I discovered that this was a beautiful movie and was extremely romantic and yet funny at times too. It was really easy to connect with the characters and you could feel their love and it was believable. Keanu Reeves was even able to emote some kind of emotion for once. Ever since the Matrix, I've felt like he's become stuck as a one dimensional character but he really proved me wrong in this movie.
If you're looking for a love story that transcends time and space then I think you'll adore this movie. I have watched The Lake House more times than I can remember, and I normally don't watch a movie more than twice as it gets fairly boring and repetitive.
However, this film is emotional and you may even find yourself crying at points, as I did. Yet it's very romantic, which is surprising when you consider how little time the two main characters actually spend together. I think it's this separation that makes everything so beautiful, rather than your typical love movie that's more about lust than actual love.
The Lake House Plot - Sandra Bullock plays the role of a Doctor, called Kate, and needs to get away after losing a man hit by a bus while she is having lunch. She decides to go back to her old house, The Lake House, for some fresh air and to relax. While there, she picks up her mail and decides to leave a message for the new occupant.
Alex Wyler is the new tenant, played by Keanu Reeves. He's an architect and his dad designed and built the Lake House. He knows that no-one has lived in the house for years. It soon becomes apparent to both of them that they are in the same place but in different years. Alex is 2 years in the past and Kate can prove it. They quickly strike up a conversation and find that they have similar thoughts and feelings about the world. They would love to meet, but aren't sure how to go about it.
Don't worry if you're not a fan of time travel or science fiction. The time difference actually adds to the story rather than detracting from it. This isn't a futuristic movie with lots of special effects. Instead it's a very beautiful tale with lots of romance and moments where the characters are able to show how much they truly care for each other.
Kate has a boyfriend, but doesn't have the feeling that "he's the one". Instead, she finds herself drawn more to Alex. As they continue to talk, Kate tells Alex about how she lost a book that was very important to her once at the train station. Alex is able to retrieve the book, but Kate is already on the train and of course has no clue who he is, as for her they have yet to meet.
Kate tells Alex that she always loved the trees at the house on the lake. Alex is only just planting those trees when he receives her letter. He then does something very romantic, so Kate no longer has to miss the trees she loves so much.
Kate and Alex decide that they will meet. Alex books a restaurant for two years and one day in the future. Kate goes to the restaurant the next day and waits for Alex. The restaurant have been wondering what was going to happen on this day as it's been booked for the past two years.
When Alex fails to show, Kate is heartbroken. Alex can't understand why he wouldn't be there, and neither could I as I watched. However, their love is too strong and eventually the twist in the movie is made clear and the last few scenes of the movie are so heart wrenching. I sat on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. Was she going to be in time? Was it going to work out?
What I really loved about the movie is that it gave me new hope that you don't have to settle. Kate is happy with her boyfriend, but he doesn't really "get her" like Alex does. I loved that it also showed that Kate isn't looking for someone to move heaven and earth for her. It's not about money or success or anything else materialistic. Alex is able to show his love with little things that show how much he really cares. It's a great guide for guys to learn how to show someone just how special they are to them and it's a movie that girls will love because Alex does what you wish your boyfriend or partner would do, without having to tell them to do it!
Have You Seen The Lake House?
The Lake House Trailer
