45 Years

Charlotte Rampling, Tom Courtenay

A blast from a not.so.forgotten past threatens to dampen the simple yet elegant celebration of Kate (Charlotte Rampling) and Geoff's (Tom Courtenay) 45th wedding anniversary. A letter from the Swiss government informs Geoff that they found the frozen intact body of his former girlfriend Katya who died from a fall while they were hiking in the Swiss Alps, several years ago.

This letter throws Geoff off course as all his profound memories of his Katya come flashing back. He is in a daze sneaking off in the middle of the night to watch old videos of their time together. Kate though tries to remain focus on the preparations for the anniversary still enthusiastic even as she observes Geoff's changed demeanor. 

Set in a small English country side town, the film is clearly a vivid portrayal of the poignant breakdown of a seemingly happy marriage between a childless couple. It is painful to watch as long hidden and well suppressed feelings slowly brew to the surface. Kate and Geoff's contrasting reactions and demeanor adding to the tension of their now very fragile union. Would the celebration push through or would they cancel?  

Great subtle acting from veteran actors Rampling and Courtenay give this simple yet very meaningful (especially for couples who have been married for a long time) movie, so much life. 

It is important to observe Rampling's face during the last scene ... excellent performance. This shot alone is worth all the different emotions we, the viewers go through as we watch in awed silence "45 Years".