Shirley Valentine - A Movie Review

I have decided that I am going to Greece for two weeks with Shirley Valentine and we’ll drink wine by the ocean.

Shirley Valentine in a 1989 film based on a play about a woman who is tired of her unappreciated placement in life. Putting her foot in the ground, Shirley decides to travel to Greece for two weeks. Her mind is opened up, feeling absolutely free from her dull life.

Not only did I watch this film because my dog was named after the titular character in the movie, but I liked the premise of the story. Shirley Valentine is a lovely movie about a woman who only has the walls to talk to. It’s a film that teaches people to go find themselves even if it means packing up their life and moving across the world.

In her breakout role, Pauline Collins is remarkable as the sarcastic Shirley Valentine. Her comical reactions, most specifically how she turned her eyes to the audience were the best! I loved the way Shirley talked to the walls (AKA the audience) about all her problems. Her accent added a unique quality.

We really get a sense of who Shirley is along with her bubbly personality. In the midst of a midlife crisis and a loveless marriage, Shirley asks the questions ‘What am I good for?’ Going on an adventure helps her learn a transformative lesson as she sits at a table right by the ocean, sipping a glass of wine. Who wouldn’t want to be in her place?

This film would not be as memorable without the credits of Tom Conti, Julia McKenzie, Alison Steadman, Joanna Lumley, Sylvia Syms, Bernard Hill, Tracie Bennett, and Gillian Kearney.

We get a chance to see how Shirley interacts with each character, especially her husband. Who does Shirley have to rely on? Believing that she has found harboring feelings for Costas (Conti) they share one of the most romantic scenes that I haven’t seen cinema portray in a long time.

Aside from romantic relationships or flailing friendships, the film also poses the importance of seeking independence. Many people fear to be alone. As I have learned, more people need to be independent. Don’t be afraid to travel, go to the movies, or go for a walk in the park alone.

Get ready for some stunning location cinematography on the island of Mykonos in Greece. Now I really want to take a trip to Greece. Everything from the blue ocean, the sky, and the beautiful town bring out the message in Shirley Valentine. Traveling is important. In order to live life we have to see the world.

Shirley Valentine introduced the film world more to the technique of breaking the fourth wall! It didn’t register to me that this was a film based on a play. Thankfully they did not get rid of Shirley engaging with the audience because it would have destroyed an element of the film.

Lewis Gilbert’s excellent direction brought out a film for women who are struggling in Shirley’s place. Everyone should be allowed to make their own life decisions. Life is all about learning. Gilbert’s focus on Shirley’s transformative journey is a prominent component that embellishes women of her age to go find life.

Change is a prominent theme. We all need a change. Change is a scary word, but we can learn so much upon making a step out of our comfort zones. We don’t stay the same forever.

I enjoyed Shirley Valentine. It is a beautiful gem with an eyeopening message. I recommend that you find it and have a watch.