Love in the Time of Cholera: A Romance That’s Almost Timeless

Alright, let’s dive straight into this – Love in the Time of Cholera, directed by Mike Newell and adapted from Gabriel García Márquez’s novel. It sounds romantic, right? I mean, love and cholera, what a combo! But don’t let the title fool you—it’s more of a wander through the mess of love than a traditional love story.

Javier Bardem, the man can act! He is spectacularly convincing as Florentino Ariza, waiting over half a century for his so-called beloved Fermina, played by the stunning Giovanna Mezzogiorno. It’s a long gruel of yearning, like waiting for the Swedish summer that never comes. Bardem brings depth to Florentino’s ridiculous romantic obsession—sort of hops between charming and slightly creepy, if I’m honest.

Anyhow, let me tell you a little personal nugget. When I was growing up, my grandmother spoke of a dalliance by the Vänern lake that lasted about 40 years, much like Florentino’s infatuation. She’d say, “kärlek gör en tokig,” or love makes you crazy, and that’s what I felt Bardem nailed—madness wrapped in sweetness.

I’ve gotta say, though, the pacing felt like wading through treacle at times. Not that I don’t appreciate a slow burn, but this tested my patience just a smidge. However, the cinematography—now that, my friends, was a visual feast! Set against the lush Colombian backdrop, it’s eye candy even if the storyline feels a bit drawn out.

There’s a point here, I think, about how love never really dies, it just…changes form? Or maybe we Swedes are simply too practical for García Márquez’s brand of passion. Either way, perhaps it’s a reminder that love is an epic tale in itself, spanning decades, and sometimes, just maybe—worth every minute of the wait.

Check the trailer below