The Story of Us (1999)

Director Rob Reiner's When Harry Met Sally... was about a relationship beginning; The Story of Us is about a relationship possibly coming to an end. Bruce Willis plays a comedy writer who chafes at what he sees as his wife's lack of spontaneity; Michelle Pfeiffer, who creates crossword puzzles, stews over what she sees as her husband's irresponsibility. The arc of their separation is interspliced with glimpses and scenes from their marriage--a combination of high points (the proposal, the births of their two children), low points (screaming fights), and the in-between (sessions with marriage counselors, moments in bed staring at the TV). Reiner indicates the passage of time by Willis and Pfeiffer's various hairstyles, and they occasionally let their hair act for them, but at other points their performances are sincere and deeply felt. The sheer power of the themes--the inevitability of conflict in a relationship, the necessity and difficulty of growth--give the movie a degree of emotional force, and there's no doubt that everyone who's gone through a difficult period in their marriage (which is just about every married couple) will find something to connect with. However, there isn't a lot of chemistry between the two leads. In one sequence Willis and Pfeiffer go to Venice to rekindle their old spark and find themselves hounded by another couple, the Kirbys from Cleveland, who are loud, crass, boring, and oblivious. Nonetheless, the Kirbys have a buoyancy that the glossy and elegant stars never quite manage; if The Story of Us had been the story of them, it might have been a better story to watch. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

Story of Us-DVD

I have always loved this story....who CANT relate to at least some of it? Especially if you're married or have been in a long-term relationship. Fact is, people change, but rarely at the same time or to the same degree. I wanted to keep this in my collection (my previous copy was VHS and I no longer own a VCR) so I bought the CD. I have a few friends who have never seen it, and 2 were going through relationship issues, so we had a girls night in tissue fest. I recommend this to couples or a group of friends. September 22, 2008

If Your Kids Have You Down OR If You Are Thinking Of Divorce/Breaking Up, You NEED To Watch This DVD: "The Story Of Us"!

While there is no accounting for difference of opinions about a film, sometimes there are core themes that viewers need to face. And "The Story of Us" holds up a wonderful, rich, powerfully performed, and subtle mirror of marriage and family that may not be what a viewer really wants to see reflected back to them. As a father of three sons who was essentially "forced" to accept divorce as the various therapists "solution," I strongly feel that this movie would have made at least a dent in their arguments. That is to say, "The Story of Us" dares to DEFY the politically, socially, culturally, and "modern" solution to marital "unhappiness" and stagnation: it "allows" the couple, Ben Jordan (played with great aplomb by Bruce Willis) and Katie Jordan (portrayed with enigmatic dexterity by Michelle Pfeiffer) to rediscover themselves and what is important to them.

Marriage and family--the most critical social institutions of all societies--have become near "cultural lags" in todays world of rapid change and emphasis upon "taking care of yourself first." For most people today, fifteen years of marriage is "enough;" and the Jordan's feel the pressures of giving up to find "personal happiness." "The Story of Us" takes a subtle, sardonic, insightful look at how this couple struggles. It shows the power of "time outs" for couples: time where each spouse can introspectively examine themselves without the "pressures" of children under foot; and, in this case, without the other spouse as well. Yet, critics pan the film because they are "looking" for romance and sparks:

"Willis and Pfeiffer, who should be flinty enough to strike sparks off each other, look glum and stony about the whole affair. All in all, a compelling argument for divorce."

Well, folks, divorce is a glum and stony act, BUT such actions are NOT a compelling argument for divorce--unless of course you BELIEVE in divorce as the be all solution to boredom or being frazzled (which is what Ben and Katie Jordan are experiencing). Moreover, I can state emphatically, that I have suggested this movie to a number of couples experiencing the same things, and this movie provided them with great comic relief and a chance to really talk about their problems. As a former professor of classes on The Family, one of my primary text books was "Family Talk: Interpersonal Communication in the Family" by Steven A. Beebe and John Masterson (ISBN: 9780075548966), something I still strongly believe to be the foundation for the survival of marriage and family as institutions.

Please note, that I am not suggesting that "The Story of Us" is a self-help movie. Rather, it is a very entertaining and subtle story that reflects real life. And, even if you have a healthy relationship and/or family, I think you will enjoy this movie if you give it a chance. That includes viewing "The Story of Us" not as a romantic or love story, but a story of marriage and family.

Please Note: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks. August 14, 2008

Great movie!

I really enjoyed watching this movie. As a woman who has been married for 11 years (and dated my husband for 6 years prior to marriage), I could really enjoy and appreciate the movie for what it is. It is a story about THEM and THIER relationship. I can definately relate to a lot of the different situations in the movie, and you can bet that the writers and director of this movie could as well. If you are a person who enjoys watching different types of movies, you will enjoy this one. I don't only watch one type of movie, and I find that documentaries, action, romance, sci-fi, thrillers, adventures, comedies, stand-up, even the slap stick humorous movies can be entertaining if written well. This movie was well written, acted, and directed and I absolutely loved it. June 10, 2008

Just like me

Amazing how much like a regular REAL marriage this movie is in my opinion. I saw so much of myself and my spouse that it was almost like watching us on screen. It made me laugh out loud and tears roll down my face. It's one of my favorite movies of all time. I loved it and can't imagine getting tired of watching. Michelle is gorgeous and Bruce is sexy, just like me and my spouse. : ) April 9, 2008

"The Story of Us" is Awful!

"The Story of Us" is one of the worst "romantic comedies" ever filmed. The writing is totally self-congratulatory, formed in precise paragraphs, and lacking in real-life spark. The performances by the actors are over-rehearsed and overwrought. The sliced-and-diced, forward and backward time frame construction is awkward and unnecessary. Don't waste your time with this movie! If you want to see a perfect little romantic comedy with Michelle Pfeiffer (and George Clooney), try the under-appreciated "One Fine Day." January 20, 2008

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