Review of The Way We Were (1973) by Grant S — 26 Feb 2016

Schmaltzy, dull, irritating.

Set in the period from the mid-1930s to the 1950s, a love story involving two markedly different people. Katie is an idealistic, uptight, Stalin-loving political activist. Hubbell is an easy-going, athletic, All American-type, and a talented writer. We see their different personalities affect their relationship and how they manage despite the differences...

Pretty much your stereotypical romantic drama, but with added dullness and schmaltz. So long-winded and pointless.

There is potential for profound statement, especially when we run into the McCarthy witch-hunts, but this is handled so heavy-handedly that the movie defeats its own purposes.

Elevating the nausea is Barbara Streisand, and her character, Katie. One of the most irritating characters in cinematic history. The fact that Hubbell sticks with her despite her personality being so off-putting harms any credibility the relationship had.

Robert Redford puts in a solid performance as Hubbell, and his presence probably gives us a clue to why this movie is so highly rated. The producers' idea was probably "Hey, how about a romantic drama, with Robert Redford in uniform for the majority of it. Women will love it!". Sure does look like they fell for the ploy...