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Falling In Love (1984)
(Cast: Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Harvey Keitel, Dianne Wiest, Jane Kaczmarek)
In this quiet little love story, two strangers meet on a train and find a connection impossible for them to resist. There is a lot of thoughtful action in this film; a chance to really know what these Soul Mate lovers are thinking and feeling. And there is a dollop of serendipity in how the actions manifest, asking the question: is it fate or happenstance that they have entered each others lives? As we watch them rangle with the disruption this new relationship has brought into their lives, we can’t help but root for a happy ending. Well acted by a fine cast. A must see film. [ladyjean]
Paris Blues (1961) VHS
(Cast: Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Sidney Poitier, Diahann Carroll, Louis Armstrong)
Two attractive American school teachers take a two-week vacation to Paris and meet two attractive American jazz musicians...and here comes love! The classic story of star-crossed lovers times two, with the backdrop of totally cool black-and-white early 60s Paris and a soundtrack by Duke Ellington. Adding to the juice is the fact that stars Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward are real-life soul mates (contentedly married for decades) and it was rumored that Sidney Poitier and Diahann Carroll fell in love and had an affair after making this film. Who could blame them? This is hot-cool romantic love at its best. A must-see movie! [ladyjean]
Remains of the Day
The Age of Innocence
The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
(Cast: Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep)
Probably the most heart-wrenching Soul Mates movie of all time, this tearjerker works on other levels as well. But the most important aspect of this film is the message regarding that mysterious attraction known as a “spiritual connection,” a feeling so deep and so compelling that it cannot be denied. There is no such thing as “coindidence” in this life, everything does indeed happen for a reason. A strong spiritual connection suddenly discovered (like the one the two characters in this film share) is confusing and usually very uncomfortable and disrupting, but it is real and should be given a thorough evaluation. Otherwise, one of the most important opportunities in a lifetime could be lost forever. Clint Eastwood is a thoughtful and articulate filmmaker...and he always brings good music to his films. [ladyjean]
The Way We Were (1973)
(Cast: Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford, Bradford Dillman, Lois Chiles, James Woods, Susan Blakely)
When I first saw this movie back in the early 1970s, I felt very connected to it, because I had just had a love go wrong myself, the kind that you think is the love of your life. So being heartbroken helped me to fall in love with this story, but even today I love, love, love this film! Heart-crossed and basically mismatched lovers take us on their journey of discovery over a period 20 years in a stormy relationship that just can’t find a way to work. But many times this is the fate of Soul Mates; this special spiritual connection is not always an easy thing to live with, even when the love is really, really strong. A beautiful film, and one that still brings up the tears for me after all these years. [ladyjean]
Tim (1979)
Described by the film studio as "an impossible love story come true," this tale of love between unusually star-crossed Soul Mate lovers is both touching and somewhat sappy. Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this movie, but the production style sometimes gets a little melodramatic. Mary Horton, an attractive, middle-aged woman hires young hunk Tim to tidy up her garden. She soon realizes that Tim is a fellow of below average intellengence and has been denied a proper education and assimilation into society. Mary takes Tim under her wing, and as things develop (both between Mary and Tim and within Tim's family) he comes to love and rely on her for a newfound happiness in his life. This story does have a happy ending, despite many twists and turns along the way. Mel Gibson (as Tim) gives a truly heartwarming performance, and Piper Laurie (as Mary) has just the right touch of warmth and coolness. For some, this film might be considered a "guilty pleasure." I simply consider it a delight. [ladyjean]
Walk The Line (2005)
(Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon)
It isn’t necessary to be a Johnny Cash fan when you settle down to watch this extraordinary film...because you will be by the time it ends. The acting is Oscar-worthy and the music is exceptional (and acutally sung by actors Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon). However, the deepest spiritual value of this story is in the soul mate relationship between Cash and June Carter: a once-in-a-lifetime love that simply can’t be denied. This is an excellent and very realistic example of how strong spiritual connections play themselves out in the physical world. Johnny Cash was both a religious and spiritual man whose life truly made a difference. Do not miss this one! (A real-world aside: When are they going to give Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar?) [ladyjean]
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