a good film. but not adaptation of the novel of Garcia Marquez. and the cause it is not exactly the lost of magical realism aura but the option for a slice of soap opera. it is the film of Javier Bardem and Giovanna Mezzogiornno but the desire to give only a dramatic love story in the clothes of XIX century is not the most inspired. it represents only a big mistake. because the story becomes too subjective and, in many scenes, almost childish. because Javie Bardem has the bad luck to must be the shadow/sketch of Florentino Ariza. because the events are almost pieces of broken statue - too many, without precise place, result of improvement. so, maybe, a beautiful film. for costumes, atmosphere and romanticism with taste of cinnamon. but , unfortunately, to far by the novel.and this does a precious virtue - the cast -, becoming a sin. because it is a waste of energy to not use great actors to resurrect the essence of a real seductive novel.

Adapted from the Gabriel García Márquez novel, this is the story of Florentino as a young man in 1879 Columbia who falls in love at first sight to Fermina Daza. Her family would keep them apart, and he begins a life of sexual relationships with many women.I have not read the novel, but I assume it is a romantic epic. I just think it is probably too epic to put it all on film. At over 2 hours, this thing is a rambling melodrama. Although Javier Bardem is a great actor, I wonder if aging up Unax Ugalde would have been better. They don't really come off as the same guy. Maybe they could glue on a beard on Unax. Also the use of English really takes away the power of this as an Spanish language novel. The use of so many non-Spanish actors like Liev Schreiber and even John Leguizamo who isn't much of a Spanish speaker really dilutes the atmosphere. There is almost a cheesy feeling to this Mike Newell production.

The film adaptation of the famed piece of Spanish literature, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez, is not an entirely accurate portrayal of this conflicting love story. In the civil war-ridden nation of Columbia, circa 1880, with the devastating cholera epidemic continuing to ravage the country, a conflicting love story is inspired. Fermina Daza, a prudent young girl with a tyrannical father, inadvertently attracts the eye of Florentino Ariza, a telegraph boy with a romantic nature. He falls hopelessly in love and pursues her with intimate letters. As she responds, a passionate bond grows and they share this love together. However her feelings are more reserved than her lover's. In the book, García Márquez explains "In reality they were distracted letters, intended to keep the coals alive without putting her hand in the fire, while Florentino Ariza burned himself alive in every line." (pg. 69) Florentino's intense devotion to her could be a consequence of spending most of his time overwhelming himself with love themed literary works. Fermina is yet a less vulnerable character. However, Fermina's father discovers her secret affair and has other plans for her. He threatens Florentino, then forces an involuntary move upon Fermina to separate the star-crossed lovers. Fermina travels with her father for about three years, while concealing her contact with Florentino over telegrams. They remain sure of their arrangements to marry, until comes back from traveling. The moment she sees him upon her return, she realizes that their love was an illusive product of immaturity. Florentino is left heartbroken and vows that he will love her until he dies. She marries a distinguished doctor, with the support of her father. Florentino maintains 622 affairs, using sex to mend his heartbreak while waiting for Fermina's husband, Dr. Urbino, to die of old age. Until, at the age of about 70, Dr. Urbino finally dies and Florentino makes his move. Offended, Fermina disgraces him and is left to grieve for her dead husband. After time, Fermina and Florentino's love is rekindled carefully. They spend valuable time together on a cruise, and Florentino's purpose for life is obtained. In the movie, Florentino is shown as a love-stricken man with a pathetic and creepy obsession. His character is almost irritating to watch. García Márquez hints at these elements in the book, but they are not so dominant as in the film. Also, the connection between Fermina and Florentino is not described in the movie to the extent that it is narrated in the book. Although she does return her love for him in the movie, their deeper connection and agreement still does not appear on screen. In the novel, they exchange love letters for about five years (since she was thirteen years old) and had thoroughly planned their engagement. The film seems to ignore their character development in that aspect and continue to demonstrate them as two distant lovers lacking union. When she first realizes Florentino's affection towards her, she does not predict him to be admirable or serious. Her experimenting with his attachment in the beginning evolves into a real one on her part. Márquez writes, "These unexpected, almost childish antics caused an unfamiliar curiosity in Fermina Daza, but for several months it did not occur to her that it could go any further. She never knew when the diversion became a preoccupation and her blood frothed with the need to see him…" (pg. 58) . The movie illustrates half the events and insight needed to get the main ideas across. I strongly suggest that if you are interested in this movie that you read the book before hand. It will not be as typical and the situations will not seem as unrelated as they do in the film. The only way to enjoy this movie is to understand the story further than what you are shown. PS> The movie also does not explore Fermina and Dr. Urbino's marriage as though it should have been (read the book). He is also a very prized citizen in the book, having founded numerous organizations and leading many foundations. He is portrayed differently in the movie.

Although the film managed to cram most of the novel's story, it left much more to be desired from the actors. Aside from Benjamin Bratt marvelously playing the part of Dr. Juvenal Urbino, the supporting cast members did a much better job of making me believe their character than the main cast did. There is a fine line between being passionate and being pathetic, which Javier Bardem did a perfect job of crossing. Not to mention John Leguizamo's lame attempt at a Spanish accent.This film might be perfect for the person who has not read the novel and is just interested in watching a film for the sake of watching.I don't believe justice was done to the Dr. or to the love shared between Fermina and Florentino. A deeper understanding of each characters background would have been satisfactory.I suggest people read the book and then read it again because this film is a waste of time.