How long does love last? How many miles can be between people in love? How many memories does love inspire? Touch is a moving portrait with invigorating elements. Written and directed by Baltasar Kormakur, the film is based upon the novel by Olaf Olaffson. Touch is a journey of one young lover where reconnection creates a journey of compassion. Touch is mesmerizing and beautiful. The scenery in a place of escape filled with many memories boils over with positive feelings. Touch is culturally rich in the way it explores love and disconnect—finding moments of bonding that were once lost.

It is love at first sight that is enduring in a cinematic sense. The direction is authentic as is the film’s diverse writing. The direction begins with two young individuals, Kristofer and Miko. Palmi Kormakur plays Young Kristofer, Koki plays Young Miko, Egill Olaffson plays older Kristofer, and Yoko Narahashi plays older Miko. Most of the film is focused on Young Kristofer and Young Miko, and then Kristofer once he is a grown-up. Young Kristofer takes a job in an Asian restaurant at a young age, and he finds love while working in that restaurant. Miko becomes the love of his life. They become star-crossed lovers sharing true compassion towards one another.

It is fifty years later, and Kristofer spends his life in Iceland. The scenes take place just as Covid is heightening. Thoughts of Miko consume his mind. The focus of Kristofer crossing paths with Miko again delivers significant meaning in Touch. It is a vivid portrait that moves its audience. Touch is a title that may seem generic. Once the film is experienced, however, the title highlights the euphoric aspect of the word’s meaning. The film demonstrates how love and resilience have unique patterns, yet love can come most unexpectedly.

When Kristofer finds connectivity and learning in a new environment while he is young, many wondrous doors open for him due to his love for Miko. During an era in his life when things are shifting, Kristofer quits school to work in a restaurant. While he possesses a clever mind, he prioritizes his relationship with Miko. Their love is like a light turning on indicating good vibes moving forward.

Touch is simply wonderful. The film takes viewers on anexciting ride where love that was once lost is found again. Kristofer’s journey does not stop until he finds Miko again. Touch is one of the most breathtaking films of the year. Although it is subtle, the story successfully portrays continuity between the past and the present. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Touch.

The film adaptation of Amy Winehouse’s story is unsettling.While the film about her life seemed compelling, it spiraled downhill just like her life and left me with mixed feelings. Back to Black is written by Sam Taylor-Johnson and I had faith in her ability to direct this adaptation. Given her direction of Nowhere Boy in 2009, I felt Taylor-Johnson had the track record to make this type of movie a success. Back to Black is interesting, yet somewhat inconsistent. It is a deep and thorough look into the complicated life of Winehouse. The pacing is what causes it to not exactly hit the mark.

Marisa Abela plays Amy. She has the voice, the attitude, and the personality that sends electricity through the screen. Eddie Marsen plays Mitch, Amy’s father, who always looks out for his daughter. Jack O’Connell plays Blake, Amy’s husband, and the love of Amy’s life. Amy has people in her life who provide much support. Her life, however, is condemned because it is fueled by pressure, attention, and alcohol and drug abuse. Amy’s mentality fluctuates with the many hurdles of her instability.

The beginning of Back to Black features the happy moments of Amy’s life. This approach takes away the realistic point of view that the film could have had and jumps quickly to fame. The background of the Winehouse family is explored with in-depth writing, but Amy’s drug use is the hidden secret in Back to Black.

The pacing is what caused my mind to wander during the film.There was so much of the film focused on Amy’s musical fameand accomplishments, and then the spiral down to personal tragedies. The story picks itself up when her relapse into drug abuse begins to hover over her head. When that happens, Back to Black feels like an overwhelming array of overly done dramatics which does not work in the film’s favor.

The style of filmmaking does not do the story justice and is not as captivating as it could be. Amy says, “Music is my rehab.” Those words prove she was in denial about her addictions. Why make her addictions the primary focus?  The story could have had more layers by also focusing on art and empathy. Amy was such a deep character and reflecting that in the film’s writing could have led to an improved result.

My level of respect for the film was boosted by how managed to capture the reality of who Amy was. While she was growing popular, she was throwing it away. The movie painted a clear picture of her journey with addiction. People love Amy for her music but find it harder to accept the conflicts she fought within herself. While her story has some happiness, the downward spiral of sadness is pervasive.

Back to Black does reveal the extreme difficulty people face when fighting to overcome addictions. It also shows how fame becoming someone’s new normal can have negative consequences. The themes of addiction and fame are authentic in Back to Black, but I still give the film just two out of four stars.