On Re-watching Summer in February...

(From Summer in February Facebook page) 

I know I didn't write about this film when I first watched it, and only until now have I decided to write about it. To be honest with you, I wasn't sure I had understood much from the first viewing, and I'm not proclaiming I understand a lot this second time around either. What I'm trying to say, is that although I picked up on a few connecting dots and could be able to see the whole picture clearer, I still failed to grasp much, nor could I learn to appreciate this film for what it might have.

(From Summer in February Facebook page)

What drew me to this love story in the first place was the Downton Abbey star Dan Stevens and his upperclass gentlemanly accent. I knew that this film was based on the book written by one of Dan's teachers, Jonathan Smith (he wrote the screenplay as well). Although Dan's (and of course other actors') performance is compelling, the film itself is a bit of a letdown, even though there were some potentially moving moments in the film.

(From Summer in February Facebook page)

Personally, the film has moments with neat lines that transform the moments into little climaxes, however, the buildup phases in-between two peaks are a bit weak, or maybe it takes too long to see the next little dramatic high point. If the story like this is to be turned into a feature film, I guess the buildup phases should be stronger, if not, then shorter.

If not making this film shorter, then I think a more in-depth portrayal of the main characters is needed. For example, I'd love to see more about the romance between Gilbert and Florence. It is rather too short. It would also be nice if I can see the development of Florence's jealousy of AJ's other women. Some of the moments, where the characters start to get emotional, ended too soon.

Morning at Lamorna Cove, Cornwall by Samuel John Lamorna Birch
© the artist's estate photo credit: Williamson Art Gallery & Museum

Still I've found some gems in the film--the music and the scenery. Throughout the film the music is utterly beautiful and brilliantly executed. It plays well with the film and the players deserve a round of applause (cue clapping). There are moments I was ready to get moved by the scene once the melancholy music set in, however, I couldn't because the scene was either not intense enough or it ended just too quick. The spectacular view of Lamorna, England opened my eye and I would like to sign up for a painting lesson just so I could go somewhere like Lamorna and paint the beauty out of it while I enjoy the view. I'd like to see the splashing waves, the shore, the colors of the sky, the grass swinging to the wind.

Behind-the-scene look at the score.

Official trailer

Summer in February Facebook Page
Official website