The Way We Were (1973)

The Worst Film Ever

Sadly Over-hyped

Captivating movie !

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

If you haven't seen The Way We Were, you're missing one of the great classic romances. Watching it isn't a guarantee that you'll like it, but at least you'll be able to say you've seen it. Two of the biggest stars of the 1970s, Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand, unite in this unforgettable love story that supports the great theory of opposites attracting.Robert Redford, in his infinite handsomeness, comes from a privileged background and meets the stubborn, politically active Barbra Streisand in college in the 1930s. While she argues about Marxism and social injustice, he prefers to enjoy the simple and finer things in life. Somehow—you'll have to watch the movie to find out—the unlikely pair fall in love, but because of their dynamic, it's not always smooth sailing. "You push too hard," Bob says to Babs in one memorable argument. "Oh, but look what I got," she smiles. If there's a woman in the audience who doesn't tear up during that line, I'll give her a refund on her ticket price.Parts of the movie are sweet, parts are frustrating, and parts are hard to watch as Arthur Laurents captures the realism of difficult relationships. But if you're a fan of either of the actors, or like watching classic love stories like Love Story or When Harry Met Sally, you need to add this movie to your weekend watch list. Stock up on Kleenex and popcorn, and get ready to fall in love with Robert Redford.

In my experience of watching movies, THE WAY WE WERE is a rare bird: a romantic drama that isn't corny, has complex characters, and weaves in sociopolitical commentary without being overbearing about it. Given the title (and absolutely beautiful title song), nostalgia is one of the film's major themes. Yet nostalgia isn't approached from a purely idealistic standpoint either, as a third-act line from Hubbell (Robert Redford) indicates ("Katie, it was never uncomplicated"). The film, to a degree, is about how politics can be divisive, particularly in personal relationships, but also in one's professional life, as part of the story takes place against the backdrop of McCarthyism and the Blacklist in Hollywood. I found the whole thing to be extremely well-written and balanced, with Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford's characters each making valid points about devotion to causes, perception vs reality, and relationships. I haven't seen a lot of movies with either person, but both of them were in very good form here. And, the film had a very strong three-act structure that brought out the central relationship's development that much more. On technical matters, I thought period detail was attended to very well, with each segment/act being distinct in terms of light, color, etc. Then, there's the title song. Barbra Streisand has a beautiful voice that fit Marvin Hamlisch's music to a tee; and, the music itself did an excellent job of evoking a sense of nostalgia throughout the entire running time, appearing in various forms and instrumentation over the course of the film. It is without hesitation or reservation that I put this among one of my favorite films of all time. Everything about it just works, from the story, the acting, the music, etc. It's the kind of movie that will have you longing for the "good old days," even if you never grew up during that time period.

The Way We Were (1973): Dir: Sydney Pollack / Cast: Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford, Bradford Dillman, Lois Chiles, Patrick O'Neal: An opposites attract romance where the male cannot commit himself yet he can sleep with the woman in question. Romance reflecting upon nicer times that grow into loveless empty worlds. Barbra Streisand plays a political activist and Robert Redford plays a Hollywood screenwriter whom she knew long ago. They get reacquainted and romance blooms but they share different views on political issues. Directed with insight by Sydney Pollack who previously made Jeremiah Johnson and They Shoot Horses Don't They? While his talent brings out the theme, the screenplay blemishes the theme with its formula driven romantic drivel. Streisand plays her role with zest and intelligence but when she becomes pregnant Redford is unable to be there thus concluding upon bypassed responsibility. Redford is a fine actor but here he plays a guy who is unlikable and unsympathetic. Supporting roles are also flat with Bradford Dillman and Lois Chiles among others basically filling space. This film isn't very romantic by any means but it does feature the inspiring vocals of Streisand within the film's signature song. Although its romantic themes diminish it does reflect upon missed opportunities and moving on with hidden regret. Score: 5 ½ / 10

The Way We Were is a romantic film about a handsome young man and a radical and ordinary looking Jewish girl that features Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford.The screenplay by Arthur Laurents.It was based on his college days at Cornell University and his experiences with the House Un-American Activities Committee. Sydney Pollack directs.Katie Morosky is the secretary of the campus Young Communist League. Hubbell Gardiner,to whom Katie is fascinated due to fact that he is not only incredibly handsome and the top athlete on campus, but also writes great fiction for their short story class. Unfortunately,for all of his charms and talents, however, he's basically weak: He drifts into love affairs on the strength of drunken excuses and drifts out if the girl has too independent a mind. Katie does.She can't stand Hubbell's WASP friends with their jokes about Eleanor Roosevelt and their endless weekend cocktail parties. Hubbell, on the other hand, suggests that she find an additional mode of address to supplement her basic one, the impassioned political harangue. Anyway, they have nothing in common. But nevertheless,they they fall in love and get married and they move to Hollywood.They arrive roughly during the McCarthy period, and of course Katie is outraged in defense of the Hollywood 10 and Hubbell doesn't care. So we're all set up for the big obligatory scene where Katie stands up for principle and Hubbell chickens out at a HUAC hearing.Inexplicably, the movie suddenly and implausibly has them fall out of love and they split up.Overall,it is an engrossing, if occasionally ludicrous, hit tearjerker with Pollack, Streisand, and Redford doing a good job of bringing Laurents' script to the screen.It is enjoyable as a star vehicle for its handsome stars - Redford and Streisand - in their only film together.Although it does not resolve anything in the end and it turns out to be a talky melodrama with politics in the background,the stars manages to make the film a hit classic inspite of its limitations.