I Am Love
Magnolia Pictures | Release Date: June 18, 2010
7.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 113 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
76
Mixed:
21
Negative:
16
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
3
LynFeb 26, 2011
I found this beautiful film sorely lacking in both heart and logic -- despite the presence of Tilda Swinton, of whom I've been a huge fan since the riveting "The Deep End." (Those angles! That lanky grace! That mysterious eyebrowless face!)I found this beautiful film sorely lacking in both heart and logic -- despite the presence of Tilda Swinton, of whom I've been a huge fan since the riveting "The Deep End." (Those angles! That lanky grace! That mysterious eyebrowless face!) The languid pace never seems to lead anywhere, nor is there much of a clue as to why this woman would risk everything for a mashup with this particular young man. Weirdly, I felt shadows of several really good films, including "Unfaithful," "Damage" and even the Italian epic "Best of Youth." But somehow it managed to be less intense, and more tedious, than any of those.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
MovieJayDec 17, 2010
This is a movie for adults who are a little bit more curious and wiser than most in the movie-going audience. That's too bad, really, because Tilda Swinton between this movie and "Julia" has given us two of her very best performances. If sheThis is a movie for adults who are a little bit more curious and wiser than most in the movie-going audience. That's too bad, really, because Tilda Swinton between this movie and "Julia" has given us two of her very best performances. If she isn't nominated for Best Actress in this role, it'll be a travesty, she's just that good in it. I love movies that treat sexuality with the patience and thoughtfulness it deserves, rather than just throwing it in for effect. "I Am Love" is going to finish very high on my list of the best movies of the year.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
4
raco2046Oct 4, 2010
All expectations dissolve as you watch I am love. The magnificent production design and set decoration pale to the miscast of Ms. Swinton's lover. She is obviously the anchor and rhythm of the film, yet not even her regal portrail, exquisiteAll expectations dissolve as you watch I am love. The magnificent production design and set decoration pale to the miscast of Ms. Swinton's lover. She is obviously the anchor and rhythm of the film, yet not even her regal portrail, exquisite costumes and all around production can save the distraught taste of a film you will not love even if the trailer says so. The rest of the cast is more than ok, yet overall it doesn't make it.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
8
wiggipopMar 27, 2011
Exquisite film. Every frame is full of beauty and meaning, so that you feel completely enraptured in it. This film is deeply sensual, very beautiful and quite moving. It does suffer from a melodramatic ending, slightly hampering the wholeExquisite film. Every frame is full of beauty and meaning, so that you feel completely enraptured in it. This film is deeply sensual, very beautiful and quite moving. It does suffer from a melodramatic ending, slightly hampering the whole experience, but on the whole a captivating piece of art with a grand performance from Tilda Swinton.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
SecretAgentGalSep 19, 2010
When her daughter's passion splays beyond the expected, Emma Recchi (Tilda Swinton) hovers hummingbird-like. In a heartbeat, she could revert to her motherly role. Instead Swinton's plunge into passion and sensuality reveals her parched soulWhen her daughter's passion splays beyond the expected, Emma Recchi (Tilda Swinton) hovers hummingbird-like. In a heartbeat, she could revert to her motherly role. Instead Swinton's plunge into passion and sensuality reveals her parched soul in Luca Guadagnino's breathless, primal drama I Am Love.

John Adams' urgent, insistent soundtrack quickens as Emma's household prepares for the birthday dinner of the family patriarch. Russian born but long ago married into the noble Milanese clan of Tancredi Recchi, Emma seems detached. She is pretty and attentive. During dinner, she listens dutifully. Her villa is run flawlessly by maids and butlers. Her grown children are beautiful and sensuous. Like any successful wife, Emma embodies the familyâ… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
5
RichardD.Jun 19, 2010
Yes it is a beautiful melodrama, with some exceedingly striking scenes and lush interiors. I've never seen more shades of brown in a single movie. This is a very stylish film and there is an arresting performance by the always Yes it is a beautiful melodrama, with some exceedingly striking scenes and lush interiors. I've never seen more shades of brown in a single movie. This is a very stylish film and there is an arresting performance by the always impressive Tilda Swinton. But at times the plot is contrived and even a bit silly. The love scene with Emma and Antonio goes on for ages (with loud climatic music to match!), and I do wish the film had been 20 minutes shorter. At times the music is stirring, at others John Adams' score clashes with the dialog.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
wordmasterAug 15, 2010
So Euro, so reminiscent of older films redolent of Europe, with a peek behind the Fortuny curtains. The Adams score pulses as Tilda Swinton abandons her perfect life, leaving an ordered world for her randy lover. Its gravest limitation isSo Euro, so reminiscent of older films redolent of Europe, with a peek behind the Fortuny curtains. The Adams score pulses as Tilda Swinton abandons her perfect life, leaving an ordered world for her randy lover. Its gravest limitation is that the film never builds enough of a case why she feels frustrated or might intend to bolt: we're left to deduce her motives from her actions and a few clever camera shots of her lust for food. Still in all, appetizing fare.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
nutterjrJan 26, 2011
A very elegant and stylistically crease-less film that starts slowly and builds up to a powerful crescendo. Tilda Swindon is sublime as both a Russian woman of passion and a ice cold woman from Milan.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
conschobharNov 15, 2010
I was blown away by this film. The scenery, the music, and the acting were superb. It is beautiful like few films are these days. I just wish that the film hadn't felt the need to fall into soap operatic cliches, especially in relation to aI was blown away by this film. The scenery, the music, and the acting were superb. It is beautiful like few films are these days. I just wish that the film hadn't felt the need to fall into soap operatic cliches, especially in relation to a few of the supporting characters.

Highpoints: The gorgeous opening credits; the triumphant closing scene. Lowpoints: a plot that sometimes favors the melodramatic over the subtle.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
TonyJan 9, 2011
Beautifully shot and beautifully acted, this oftentimes surprising drama is a fine look inside a large European family. It did seem clear that style was placed above substance though.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
peggybelleNov 8, 2010
Absolutely mesmerizing film! Rich complex dynamics to ponder, disciplined acting (Tilda Swinton has scope and breadth seldom seen), visual feast! Watch the directors commentary with Swinton and you get even more. The movie sent me on aAbsolutely mesmerizing film! Rich complex dynamics to ponder, disciplined acting (Tilda Swinton has scope and breadth seldom seen), visual feast! Watch the directors commentary with Swinton and you get even more. The movie sent me on a research quest to learn more about the setting, the villa, the characters, the music, etc. I agree with the comment that they needed to bring us more into the story of her past and why she was so responsive to passion. But, still one of my favorite all time movies.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
istanbulJan 31, 2011
Watching "I am Love" feels like flipping through magazines; a splash of 80s "Architectural Digest", forever missed "Gourmet" and as many italian fashion magazines as you can think of. Within all its glam and glum there is a plausible storyWatching "I am Love" feels like flipping through magazines; a splash of 80s "Architectural Digest", forever missed "Gourmet" and as many italian fashion magazines as you can think of. Within all its glam and glum there is a plausible story line, one that feels real and moving if Tilda Swinton is in the scene. However whenever she is not around, especially when the movie strays into the Recchi family business, the weak male casting makes the movie feel outdated, and somewhat generic - a pile of old "newsweek"s you wish to get rid of! cliches unfortunately do not end there, some of the side plots simply dilute the impeccable work Tilda Swinton (TS) has done throughout the movie.

Special note for two actresses playing Tilda Swinton's servant and mother in law. Both were phenomenal, they helped both TS and the movie to excel.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
MickVVJan 3, 2011
A magnificent film. The story, performances, and score are often sumptuous and grandiose. And with good reason: the intent is lush and emotionally absorbing storytelling. It completely worked for me. The climax of the film, really the last 20A magnificent film. The story, performances, and score are often sumptuous and grandiose. And with good reason: the intent is lush and emotionally absorbing storytelling. It completely worked for me. The climax of the film, really the last 20 or so minutes and through the credits were as good as anything this year.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
BelmsherAug 12, 2011
Sumptuous and beautifully imagetic, it sometimes goes too slow but that's probably necessary for you to appreciate its particular atmosphere. There are a lot of vulnerabilities and intricate webs to explore in I Am Love.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
DiegoSanRoblesDec 16, 2011
The simple elegance of the Jil Sander clothing Tilda Swinton wears throughout I Am Love is not analogous to the filmâ
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
0
applesmctavishOct 20, 2013
Absolutely terrible! Sweepingly pretentious; clumsy; a preposterous story with wooden, utterly unlikeable characters; coupled with Tilda Swinton's cold, unblinkingly alienesque face made this literally the worst film I have ever seen. I threwAbsolutely terrible! Sweepingly pretentious; clumsy; a preposterous story with wooden, utterly unlikeable characters; coupled with Tilda Swinton's cold, unblinkingly alienesque face made this literally the worst film I have ever seen. I threw my hands in the air on several occasions and could hear snickering in the movie theatre from several rows and not least from my Italian partner. It was two years ago now but we still laugh about it; especially the restaurant scene. Try some Fellini or de Sica if you want something Italian and even remotely watchable.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
Tigger1Apr 5, 2014
This is a beautiful, graceful film and Tilda Swinton gives an extraordinarily radiant performance as Emma. In the beginning, the dreariness of her privileged married life is communicated by a muted palate of monochromes and beige shades butThis is a beautiful, graceful film and Tilda Swinton gives an extraordinarily radiant performance as Emma. In the beginning, the dreariness of her privileged married life is communicated by a muted palate of monochromes and beige shades but as her love affair develops the colours become brilliant, she appears strikingly in an orange dress. It is a subtle film, her position as an outsider in her own family is expressed by the occasional comment of her mother-in-law and a tension shown in conversations around the table.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
John935May 24, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love this film but admit that it requires a considerable suspension of disbelief. A euro-hippy story of filthy rich Milan housewife who falls for a mere chef (but he's a good cooker with a cute walk). Major consequences ensue (of course). That this would never happen in real life is true (probably) but in a way that's the point: Love like this is impossible and therefore must be seized at any cost. Composer John Adams consented to the use of his music after the film was already filmed. It's very emotional music and fits the film beautifully. Interesting subplot involving newly-out lesbian daughter. Note Tilda on the toilet and maid sobbiing with joy. Ok, the whole shebang is utterly ridiculous but if you can just approach it as sound and vision and unlike anything you've seen before you'll love it too. Crazy coda with newly absconded couple apparently living in a cave runs for awhile next to the closing credits. As insane as David Lynch but sunnier: Love wins.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
LrblrbFeb 6, 2015
I would give this film a 10 for beauty: fashion, food, art, architecture, and filming style. Some of the acting is also a 10 (Emma, Ida, the mother in law). The film falls short though in telling a compelling story and many of theI would give this film a 10 for beauty: fashion, food, art, architecture, and filming style. Some of the acting is also a 10 (Emma, Ida, the mother in law). The film falls short though in telling a compelling story and many of the characters are completely flat.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
HabibiehakimSep 17, 2021
If Guadagnino's describe the movie as a "Desire" and if what it really means is his "Desire", then this one is not for everyone.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
NickTheCritickOct 22, 2022
Emma is the "foreign" and composed wife of Tancredi Recchi, an influential exponent of the Lombard industrial upper class. Married without love, Emma and Tancredi live between ease and hypocrisy in a large villa in the heart of Milan withEmma is the "foreign" and composed wife of Tancredi Recchi, an influential exponent of the Lombard industrial upper class. Married without love, Emma and Tancredi live between ease and hypocrisy in a large villa in the heart of Milan with their three children: Elisabetta, Edoardo and Gianluca. Close to his father for cynicism and concreteness, Gianluca stands out from his brothers, sensitive and idealistic like Emma, ​​who lovingly watches over their precarious happiness. Edoardo, his mother's pride, disappoints his father's expectations by falling back on the management of a bucolic restaurant in partnership with Antonio, a talented young chef with a low social background. Antonio's entry onto the scene will subvert equilibrium and destinies with the strength and "scope" of love. After the mediocre The Protagonists and the disastrous, terrible "Melissa P." Luca Guadagnino returns with a film about the upper class with some good moments in it (nice camera works, and a well depicted erotism) but that simply didn't fully convince me.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

79 Critic Reviews

7.0 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL