In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with a plethora of information and instant connectivity, there still exists a love that awaits. These films tell the tales of long distances, longing lovers, and their distant loves, showcasing the enduring power of love despite physical and emotional separations.
Of Love and Longing
The Lunchbox (2013)
Starring Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, this film creates a narrative that could be of love, friendship, or an anonymous relationship. Seeking to win her husband’s heart, Ila cooks many delicacies and fills the lunchbox, intending to deliver them to her husband, Rajeev. But mistakenly, it reaches Sajan Fernandez, a dangerous, lone gentleman. He starts getting that lunchbox box every day. A strange warmth lingers in the lunchbox. When one day he discovers Ila’s letter in it, he writes back. This becomes a continuous letter exchange that opens a portal, allowing them to share their respective worlds. Ila’s marriage does not survive because of her husband’s infidelity. Ila longs to meet the gentleman. Sajan doesn’t meet Ila, even if he reaches the designated place. The next day, when an empty lunchbox reaches Ila, there is a letter from the gentleman explaining why he didn’t meet her, with a surprisingly poetic reply.
Before Sunrise (1995)
The first instalment of the iconic ‘Before Trilogy’ stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as Jess and Celine, two strangers who meet on a train bound for Budapest. With Jess heading to the US from Vienna and Celine to Paris, they share a fleeting connection before parting ways. However, Celine joins Jess in Vienna, and they spend a night wandering the city’s streets, discussing life, art, and love. As they stroll, their conversations flow effortlessly, and the tension between them builds. They encounter a poet and improvise a romantic phone conversation in a café booth. Eventually, they part ways, making a promise to reunite in Vienna in six months without exchanging contact information. The film concludes on a hopeful note, leaving the audience wondering if they will reunite.
Her (2013)
This film is not about distance, but about intimate love. Yet, within that closeness lies an epic gap of infinite proportions. This film is set in the near future and tells the story of Theodore Twombly, a professional writer who pens letters for strangers. After a divorce, Twombly purchases an artificial intelligence-enabled operating system that evolves at its own pace. The voice of this artificial intelligence is a woman who calls herself Samantha. They discuss loneliness, Theodore’s life, and his separation. As Theodore goes on dates, he finds human connection unappealing. His love interest becomes Samantha. However, Theodore’s ex-wife remarks that he can no longer feel human. A ‘sex surrogate’ named Isabella attempts to bridge the gap between Theodore and Samantha, but Theodore struggles to accept her. As Theodore’s depression deepens, he grapples with the question: can machines truly understand people, or can people truly understand machines? In the end, the artificial intelligence machines migrate to another realm, and Theodore bids farewell to Samantha. He undergoes a transformation, and Samantha transcends the human-machine divide, entering a new realm. The star-studded film features Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Chris Pratt, and others.
Image : Parade
Antaheen (2009)
Abhik Chowdhury, a police officer, has an online chat partner named “Ratjaga Tara” (Awakend Star), but he’s unaware of the person behind the name. Unbeknownst to him, his online conversations are actually with Brinda, a TV journalist. When they finally meet in person, their words resonate, but they remain oblivious to the fact that their online connection has created a parallel platform between them. Brinda pays the price for her honest journalism, and she is killed. Abhik later discovers the truth behind her disappearance, creating an infinite distance between them. The film also weaves in the story of Abhik’s aunt, where two strangers had a long, anonymous conversation over the landline, only to suddenly stop talking one day. The movie concludes with the message that love is a distant star, leaving the audience with the haunting tune of ‘Bhindesi Tara’ (Foreign Star ),which poignantly says, “I feel so alone as I can’t touch you.”
The Notebook (2004)
Noah, a poor mill worker, falls for Allie, a 17-year-old, at a festival in South Carolina. Despite their different social classes, they share a deep connection. Noah dreams of building a farm and a dream house, but societal rules and class lines create obstacles, leading to their separation. Allie’s arranged marriage and Noah’s service in World War II further divide them. Years later, Noah builds the dream house and Allie’s mother reads her the letters he sent, revealing their enduring love. The film opens with an old man, ‘Duke’, reading a notebook to an old woman in the hospital, revealed to be Noah and Allie, who remember their love story despite Allie’s dementia. They dance and pass away in each other’s arms, breaking the distance that had hindered their love. Starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, the film showcases the power of love to transcend time and distance.
