 THE STORY OF US
Reviewed by: Todd Adams CONTRIBUTOR
FILM CREDITS Starring: Bruce Willis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rob Reiner, Rita Wilson, Julie Hagerty | Director: Rob Reiner | Producer: Rob Reiner, Alan Zweibel | Writers: Alan Zweibel, Jessie Nelson | Distributor: Universal Pictures The Story Of Us intensely portrays the pain of a marriage falling apart. This is a movie which delves into the line we've all heard: 'We just didn't love each other anymore.' Yet, The Story Of Us is also refreshingly based on a married couple not willing to throw that first love away.
The Story Of Us ranks highly on my personal list of worthwhile dramas. Thematically, this film boldly brings us face to face with our own relational imperfections. It's one thing to fight; it's another to view how ugly it really is. It's one thing to have needs; it's another to see how selfish we can be. It's one thing to feel misunderstood; it's another to see how we twist another's meaning out of context. I thought the acting was excellent. The emotional intensity of this couple is touching. I felt like these people mattered. The camera work and script are intelligent. This movie is well made. One powerful scene of Michelle Pfeiffer having flashbacks of her marriage is enough to bring both men and women to tears. From a Christian point of view, The Story Of Us is not offense-free. Lewd sexual remarks by minor characters in the film are a definite earsore. The heated arguments between the couple are full of swearing. However, couples lashing out at one another don't often communicate with tender words in the first place. Heated romance is displayed, but this is a married couple so the interaction is apt. I suppose if all Christians were perfect with perfect relationships, this movie would have no use. As it is, The Story Of Us hits home with the brokenness most of us likely face, at least from time to time. The overall morals are solid. These people could seek out affairs and addictions to cope, but they don't. They could abandon their family and escape, but they don't walk away. They could punish one other in the hurtful ways only those closest to you could, but they don't steep this low. The Story of Us demonstrates the perseverance of a couple to rediscover the love they once had, taking the hard road and not the easy one. I highly recommend this film for viewers who are ready for it. It may hit too close to home for some; others might not key in on the psychology and find it no more than a fight-filled drama. Beneath the surface of this well-produced film is a glimpse of the relational stress most of us will not completely escape, Christian or not; and a strong encouragement to persevere towards a godly ending. Year of Release — 1999 [ If our reviews have been helpful to you, please prayerfully consider a donation to help pay the expenses for making this service available to you and your family! Donations are tax-deductible. ] 
—Andrew, age 23 "a good message"... I think the movie had a good message behind all the rotten language. The message is that a marriage is worth working on, and that you won't always feel the same 'love' that you had in the beginning. I could relate to the dinners out with nothing to say to one another and thinking that you have nothing in common. But I could also relate to the deep down feeling that saving the marriage is the most important thing. My Ratings: [2/3] crude talk and offensive... Don't waste your time or money on this movie. I went, expecting a romantic story of a loving, yet imperfect marriage. Instead, I got nearly 2 hours of 2 actors yelling lines at each other for reasons the audience can't quite figure out. The script and the acting was so superficial, I couldn't get drawn into the story. I use the term "story" loosely, because actually, there is no story, just a montage of fighting, and an abrupt decision to work it out at the end. Besides lousy moviemaking, the language was very offensive with its incredibly crude talk of sex and masturbation as well as frequent use of God's name in vain. I have lost all respect for the supporting actors (Rob Reiner, Paul Reiser, and Rita Wilson) because of their willingness to say such lines, and for Michelle Pfeiffer for a brief sex scene in which she repeatedly uses the "f" word. I am ashamed to have seen this movie. Save yourself the shame and go to dinner with your spouse instead. My Ratings: [1/1] not recommended... I thought this was going to be a nice, romantic comedy, like the previews advertised. While the rest of the the audience found some things amusing, I did not! The main characters are contemplating a divorce, without having a real reason, other than they can't get along very well. It is evident that they still love each other. (I would give examples, but in case anyone still want to go see this, I won't.) There is no real reason for them to get a divorce! There was no abuse, no unfaithfulness. But, unfortunately, in this day and age, anything can and will be used as an excuse. I spent most of the movie in tears since my parents are going through a similar scenario. The only exception, is that they have an excuse to get divorced. (See above reasons.) I do not recommend this movie at all. "4 stars!"... For once, a movie where the marriage stays together! Despite what you may have heard, this movie is NOT about divorce, it is about why you SHOULD stay together. The final scene in this movie sums up everything. I give this movie 4 stars! My Ratings: [3/2] enjoyable, but offensive... My husband and I both enjoyed this movie, though we were uncomfortable with the heavy language, sexual talk and use of the Lord's name in vain. The movie portrays what is happening in our world today--separation and divorce; especially poignant is the way this affects the children. The parents keep this a secret as long as they can, but the daughter senses something is up. This movie was almost like therapy for my husband and I because it made us realize even more how we need to appreciate each other and show our love continually, for better or worse. I think that anyone who has been married for several years (we are in our 9th year) has felt some of the same feelings that this couple shared. Be cautioned as to the language and blatant sexual conversations that their friends have. Some of the guys talk about cheating on their wives, fantasizing, etc., but Bruce Willis' character doesn't buy into that--he wants to remain true to his wife. I highly recommend the last 15 minutes of the movie. If you can filter out the other negatives, I think this movie could actually encourage married couples to strive harder to make their marriages lasting and of great quality. My Ratings: [2/3]
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