45 Years

For almost 45 years, Kate (Charlotte Rampling) and Geoff (Tom Courtenay) have been married. Even though their marriage has remained childless, they have been very happy and fulfilling years, after which they are sure they know each other intimately. But of all things, during the preparations for their 45th wedding anniversary, Geoff receives news that throws him completely off course: the body of his great childhood sweetheart is found in glacial ice 50 years after her accidental death. Almost imperceptibly, the discovery reawakens old feelings and longings in Geoff. And doubts arise in Kate for the first time as to whether her marriage is really as filled with happiness, love and honesty as she had believed for the past four decades...

45 Years is the chronology of a week in the life of a married couple who discover how fragile love and trust can be, even after 45 years. With a great deal of calm and dramaturgical restraint, director Andrew Haigh traces how quickly a person who is actually absolutely familiar to you can become a stranger, and how vulnerable carefully built happiness can be. Even though the whole thing is told primarily from Kate's point of view, Haigh tries to show how differently Kate and Geoff deal with the situation. This then leads to a finale that is actually very touching and hopeful, but completely changes tone through one last look from Kate.

For their subtle, yet thoroughly intense acting, Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay were each awarded a Silver Bear at the Berlinale. This is completely justified, because even though they don't really do much but talk or stare intensely into space, and even though the film itself is quite sparse with dialogue, the two of them are able to say a tremendous amount with their facial expressions, and even with small gestures they are able to captivate the audience to the story, which is told in a very carried manner.

So the film lives then also from the play of the two main actors, from the ever more strongly condensing atmosphere and from its very atmospheric picture language. This combination also makes it easier for the viewer to gain access to the otherwise somewhat unwieldy production. Nevertheless, it is a basic requirement that you have a soft spot for a slow narrative flow, sparse dialogue structures and a minimal dramaturgy reduced to the absolute essentials. Otherwise, what can be quite intense and moving could degenerate into dogged boredom. But if you can get into the narrative and want to experience very subtle scenes of a marriage, you definitely shouldn't miss this quiet drama. Certainly something for the generation 50+, but also for younger lovers of strong actor cinema well worth seeing!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp