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Serendipity
Cast: John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Bridget Moynahan, Jeremy Piven, John Corbett, Molly Shannon and Eugene Levy
Director: Peter Chelsom
During a bustling shopping day in a wintry New York; Jonathan Trager (John Cusack) meets Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale) in the very busy Bloomingdales under circumstances that seemed to have been pre-ordained by an unknown force. They both attempt to purchase the same pair of black gloves. While this unfortunate situation ended well in the both of them getting acquainted in a nearby cafй, both of them are unfortunately not single. Deciding to call it a night after having a drink, they both somehow leave a respective part of their winter clothing at the cafй and meet again by fate. They then spend a magical night together, which is spurred on by feelings of mutual attraction between the both of them.
However, even the best of things come to an end with Jonathan and Sara going through the night without knowing each other’s names. In a twist of fate, Sara’s name and number gets lost in the wind while passing it to Jonathan and she reads into this as an unfortunate sign. She then decides to leave the future of their so-called relationship into the hands of fate and destiny. Jonathan’s name and number is to be written on a five-dollar bill and used at a newspaper vendor, while Sara’s name and number is to be written in the first page of book of hers and sold at a used bookstore unknown to Jonathan.
Three years later, both of them are about to be married; but to two different people. While Jonathan is still living in New York, Sara is on the opposite side of the country. Then second thoughts start tearing in to the both of them, as the world seems to be reminding them of what might have been. They then attempt to locate the love that they lost that wintry night three years ago. How and when they finally find the pieces of useful information about each other (5 dollar bill, name/number in book) are probably the most endearing scenes in the movie. You can probably predict the ending by now.
Serendipity gives anyone who watches it a severe toothache. It is single-handedly the sweetest movie I have seen to date. While the ending is slightly predictable, it is well needed because a movie with a premise such as this needs a happy ending? While searching for one another in New York, the near misses of them meeting gives one such a rush and this feeling will build up right till the end. When they do finally meet, it makes you want to fall in love all over again. Serendipity is simple, sweet and it really works for anyone especially for those who deem life is controlled by fate. John Cusack requested the leading lady to be played by Kate Beckinsale, which explains their wonderful on-screen chemistry. The music used for the movie is exceptional and well fitted for each scene it’s used for.
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