Blue Valentine (Derek Cianfrance, 2010)

What's it about? It focuses on a married couple (Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling), flitting back and forth in time to see how they met and how their relationship has subsequently unravelled.

Is it any good? Not a lot happens in a low-key affair, but two fine performances from the leads lends realism and honesty to a heartfelt film, making for some uncomfortable viewing as we are placed up close and personal to a dying relationship. The structure of the film means your sympathies will probably switch from one character to the other as you learn more about them and it touches upon both good and bad aspects of love/relationships that many couples will identify with. A love story, then, but not necessarily a lovely story.

Anything else I should know? Features a quirky little ukelele version of the old pop classic 'You Always Hurt the Ones You Love', performed by Gosling himself, although the artificiality of that particular scene may seem out of place in an otherwise naturalistic film. Check it out below.

What does the Fonz think? It's been described as not a good date movie. But maybe it should be.

Buy it on Amazon