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- Background on Five Feet Apart
- Breakout Performances by Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse
- The Comfort of a Good Tragic Romance
- A Lot Can Change in Just Five Years
As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen world, I must say that Five Feet Apart left an indelible mark on me. Being of an age where memories of youth seem like a distant dream, this movie resonated deeply with me, evoking emotions that felt grand and intense, much like the first love experiences we all go through.
The movie adaptation of “It Ends with Us” has been making waves due to its unexpected success at the box office, earning more than $50 million in its debut weekend, surpassing initial predictions. A number of factors contributed to the film’s strong start, but one factor that garnered attention was rumors about creative disagreements between star Blake Lively and director/co-star Justin Baldoni. It was observed that they did not promote the movie together, nor were they spotted at the premiere. Some speculation points towards Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds asserting control over production, leaving Baldoni out of the picture, while other reports portray Baldoni as challenging to work with.
As a fervent admirer, I must admit that while the details surrounding the recent events related to “It Ends with Us” remain somewhat vague and subject to speculation, it’s understandable if you’re seeking an alternative cinematic experience. The novel by Colleen Hoover, although adored by many readers, has also garnered its fair share of critics.
Background on Five Feet Apart
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my thoughts about “Five Feet Apart,” a heart-wrenching tale that graced the big screen on March 15, 2019. Starring Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse, this film follows the story of two young cystic fibrosis patients, Stella and Will, who long to be together despite a rule mandating them to maintain a six-foot distance. The title “Five Feet Apart” signifies the calculated risk they take to bridge that gap, potentially jeopardizing their lives.
Five Feet Apart achieved success at the box office, despite being relatively modest. It debuted in third place at the box office, earning $13.1 million on its opening weekend, which was impressive given its production budget of just $7 million. The film went on to amass a domestic total of $45.7 million and a worldwide total of $80.1 million. Although it didn’t shatter box office records, it proved that a movie can be successful without setting new benchmarks. In other words, it demonstrated that a hit movie doesn’t always have to be the biggest one.
Breakout Performances by Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse
A great romance relies heavily on the chemistry between its leading actors, and in the movie “Five Feet Apart,” both Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse truly excel and demonstrate the full capabilities of each performer. Sprouse, who had already made a name for himself as a child star through his roles in the series “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and its spin-off/sequel “The Suite Life on Deck” alongside his twin brother Dylan Sprouse, continued to rise in fame with his role in the popular CW series “Riverdale” as Jughead. In essence, Sprouse has evolved from a child star into a teen idol, and in “Five Feet Apart,” there’s an undeniable charm that recalls the appeal of Johnny Depp or Christian Slater in the late 1980s.
In “Five Feet Apart,” it’s Haley Lu Richardson who captivates the audience in a standout, career-defining role. Although she had previous roles in notable films such as “The Edge of Seventeen” and “Split,” this film truly showcases her talent. Throughout every scene, Richardson is mesmerizing. She skillfully portrays the heartbreaking struggles of her character, who fights to maintain control over a situation she cannot change while keeping her smile for others. Yet beneath this façade, we can see that she is bearing the heavy burden of living with cystic fibrosis day after day.
Richardson’s acting in “Five Feet Apart” garnered numerous praises from critics upon its debut. Since then, she has taken on notable characters in movies such as “Unpregnant” and “After Yang”, and the popular series “White Lotus”. Despite this, it is surprising that major productions have not yet approached her for leading roles, given her captivating screen presence. Her standout performance in “Five Feet Apart” remains her best to date.
The Comfort of a Good Tragic Romance
The movie titled “Five Feet Apart” shares a common ground with other tear-jerking romance films such as “Love Story,” “A Walk to Remember,” and “The Fault in Our Stars.” These films all revolve around young love and one or both partners battling a life-threatening illness. Although some may scoff at this familiar movie formula, it continues to thrive because when executed effectively, it can be incredibly heart-wrenching. Interestingly, these movies were box office successes, with “Love Story” released by Paramount Pictures in 1970 serving as a catalyst for the emergence of the New Hollywood era in the 1970s by resonating with young moviegoers.
Five Feet Apart captures the essence of what made its predecessors appealing. It immerses viewers in the heartfelt romance between its characters, thanks to remarkable lead acting. Furthermore, it resonates with a youthful perspective that audiences can relate to, recalling the intensity of emotions felt during their youth. For those who are older, these feelings may seem trivial now, but when young, they seemed as significant as life or death. Consequently, Five Feet Apart translates this literalized sense of urgency and importance.
The poignant story of loving someone unattainable is excruciatingly sad, which is masterfully depicted in Five Feet Apart. This film illustrates the high price both characters must pay for their union while also highlighting the profound impact of their separation. It’s a heart-wrenching romance that seems all too real because it offers no easy resolution. Furthermore, it skillfully captures the raw, intense emotions associated with young love – the stakes feel incredibly high and this is true for the characters in Five Feet Apart. The film is both emotional and cleansing, capable of eliciting smiles and tears from viewers, much like the best tragic romances.
A Lot Can Change in Just Five Years
The saying “They don’t make them like they used to” is frequently used casually, but the movie “Five Feet Apart,” released in 2019, turned out to be remarkably relevant just a year later when the world began entering lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the film, people are advised to wear masks, quarantine, and maintain a six-foot distance from others – advice that became all too familiar as the virus spread. Interestingly, few would have anticipated “Five Feet Apart” among 2019’s releases as a movie that mirrors reality so closely.
In recent times, the movie scene has undergone a transformation. “Five Feet Apart” appeared to mark the end of both romantic films and those aimed at young women, receiving significant cinema distribution. As early as 2018, the romance genre had begun moving towards streaming platforms with movies like “To All The Boys I Loved Before” and “Set It Up”, suggesting that it was no longer considered suitable for big-screen viewing.
Two months following the debut of “Five Feet Apart”, the film “Long Shot” – featuring prominent actors like Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron – underperformed and earned less than “Five Feet Apart”. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the notion that romantic films should be streaming releases. As a result, the romance genre and mid-budget movies had difficulty rebounding in cinemas. By 2024, movies such as “Upgraded”, “The Idea of You”, and “Turtles All The Way Down” – originally intended for a theatrical release – were instead released directly on streaming platforms.
As a movie connoisseur, I must say that if released today, “Five Feets Apart” would undoubtedly grace our streaming screens. However, its initial release timing could not have been more perfect – an ideal moment when a heartwarming teen romance like this could both premiere in theaters and captivate audiences. Admittedly, “Five Feet Apart” may not revolutionize cinema, but it’s a charming production that merits your attention.
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2024-08-16 00:01