Fridae

What is the meaning of love? Many of us have been in (and out of) relationships, but can any one of us say with absolutely certainty that we understand love? Even if we've experienced deep and passionate feelings for someone, does that mean that we know what it's like to be in a long-term marriage � one that spans the decades?

Deep and enduring love is the subject of this beautiful drama about an old couple who have been married for more than 40 years. When the wife (Julie Christie) is stricken with Alzheimer's disease, she starts to forget things. At first, it is the little things like the words "wine" and "kettle".

But soon, she starts to forget the big things � like her husband (Gordon Pinset). She stops recognizing him altogether and starts an affair with another, because she thinks she's still single. But her husband loves her so much that he is willing to forgive her and sacrifice anything for her happiness...

Away From Her is adapted from Alice Munro's short story and directed by the young actress-turned-director Sarah Polley. Veteran actress Julie Christie garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. But the acting honours really should have gone to Gordon Pinset as the suffering husband. His performance is so subtle, so nuanced, that it breaks your heart in ways you may not expect.

There is a line in the film that Gordon delivers, about how the red-hot passion he felt for her when they first got married seem so casual and superficial compared to the profound and indescribable emotions he feels for her after 40 years. One can only wish one is lucky enough to know what he means.