
Watch Loving
- PG-13
- 2016
- 2 hr 3 min
-
7.0 (35,749)
Loving (2016) is a powerful drama film based on a true story that explores the journey of a couple's fight for their right to love and marry in a society that deems their union illegal. The film is directed by Jeff Nichols and stars Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton in the leading roles. It was one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2016 and was nominated for numerous awards.
The story of Loving takes place in the 1950s in rural Virginia, where Richard Loving (Joel Edgerton) and Mildred Jeter (Ruth Negga) fall in love and decide to get married. Unfortunately, their union is not recognized by Virginia law, as Richard is white and Mildred is black, and interracial marriage is not legal in the state at the time.
Despite the law prohibiting their marriage, the couple decides to travel to Washington D.C. to get married, and they return to Virginia to start their lives together. However, not long after their return, they are arrested in their home at night and jailed for the 'crime' of being married to each other.
Faced with imprisonment and the threat of being exiled from their home and family, Mildred and Richard are initially hesitant to take legal action. But as the years pass, and with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), they decide to fight against the Virginia law that criminalizes their love.
The film's plot revolves around the legal battle of the Lovings and their lawyers to argue before the Supreme Court that their marriage and as such, interracial marriages in general, should not be criminalized. The film is emotionally stirring and thought-provoking as the story is told with quiet, intense, and restrained scenes that explore the humanity of the Lovings and the ordinary nature of their struggle.
Ruth Negga's performance as Mildred is a standout in this movie, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She seamlessly portrays the emotions of a hopeful, cautious woman who longs to live a simple life with her husband and children. Joel Edgerton, on the other hand, portrays Richard with a deliberate slowness, conveying the internal struggle of a man who loves his wife and chooses to be with her despite the cost.
The movie is highlighted by a screenplay that balances the emotional weight of the story with its historical significance. The film is grounded in reality, presenting the facts of the case in a way that highlights the historical importance of the case while preserving the intimacy of the love story. The cinematography is also outstanding, featuring a muted color palette that reflects the tension and repression of the time.
Overall, Loving is a film that examines the consequences of denying individuals or groups the right to love and marry the person they choose. It is a sensitive and poignant portrayal of the Lovings' journey and the success of their landmark Supreme Court Case. It illustrates how their case against discrimination helped breakdown the barriers of injustice and discrimination, paving the way for greater compassion and equality in the US today. The movie is a must-watch for lovers of historical dramas, true stories of love, and those fighting for civil rights everywhere.
Loving is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 79.