The other night I caught a showing of Blue Valentine; the supposedly controversial love story from Derek Cianfrance starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. While I liked the movie, I am baffled by how it was controversial or, really, even regarding in such a critical manner. The sexual aspects of the movie are not jarring or any more over the top than loads of other movies - the review board must have been having a bad day when they originally gave it NC-17. Beyond that, it's the telling of an abusive relationship - albeit a more realistic one than you typically see in movies. When things go sour it isn't even particularly unsettling as a viewer because you have no investment in the couple or understanding what their bond is. Sure, you see how they originally get together but it seems just as tumultuous as any other day between them. Overall, a quality watch but not exactly the crushing tale you'd expect going in.