Blue Valentine

Not really knowing what "Blue Valentine" was all about, I went into it pretty much devoid of any preconceptions.  In a nutshell, "Blue Valentine" is a look at the somewhat tumultuous relationship between Dean (Ryan Gosling) and Cindy (Michelle Williams), from its beginnings to the current day.  Both Gosling and Williams deliver fine performances covering a wide gamut of emotional states, and expertly play off one another throughout their relationship touchstones, which are layered on top of one another in a non-linear manner that still manages to show us how their story ultimately unfolds.

Tonally, the films hits all the right notes, and never rushes any of the reveals, but rather makes use of its story structure to keep a temperate pacing that produces a bittersweet reflection of their relationship.  It's very much a solid indie type of film that takes a realistic look into an unlikely relationship, and examines the array of emotional and psychological minefields that such a union produces for Dean and Cindy.  Overall, a solid film with 2 very strong lead performances by Gosling and Williams.

I give it 3.5 stars, or a grade of B+.