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"New York, I Love You" is a romance film that follows a multitude of New Yorkers as they work, live and play alongside one another in the city that never sleeps.
The movie is actually a collective work of short films that are tied together with a single unifying theme: finding love.
Each character takes a unique path to become united with another, whether it be a spouse, an acquaintance, a co-worker or a child.
The stories are emotionally packed yet relatable, so most moviegoers should find at least one of the 11 different tales significant.
The film is a follow-up to a similar 2006 movie, "Paris, je t’aime." It stars an ensemble cast that boasts a number of internationally known actors, including Christina Ricci, Robin Wright Penn, Shia LaBeouf, Orlando Bloom, Rachel Bilson, Bradley Cooper and Natalie Portman, who also acted as one of the film’s 11 contributing directors.
The movie does a fantastic job of depicting the lives of a diverse group of city-dwellers. It leaves out all the cheesy scenarios usually found in New York City-based romance films and introduces the viewer to more intimate stories of the metropolis.
One situation shows a female college student who flirts with one of her peers while still trying to convince her professor to leave his wife.
Another part of the film follows the thoughts and actions of two individuals as they try to analyze whether a one-night stand was meaningless or the start of a thrilling relationship.
Other scenes in the film chronicle a father’s day in the park with his daughter, a husband and wife’s night out and a filmmaker capturing the everyday actions of New York City’s residents.
It would be wrong to label the movie as a "chick flick" or a "love story," as it avoids portraying each relationship in a "happily ever after" scenario.
Portman and LaBeouf could be singled out as two of the film’s standout actors, with each playing an equally haunting role that stays with the audience long after the film has ended.
Noteworthy performances are also given by Ethan Hawke, who plays a creative writer, and Shu Qi in her portrayal of a Chinese herbalist who catches the eye of a painter.
"New York, I Love You" is not for everyone. Many may find the film to be a bit jumpy, as it sometimes fails to finish one story before moving on to the next.
Fans of independent films like "Garden State" and "Closer" will appreciate "New York, I Love You" for its artistic approach to storytelling and its realistic views on love and loss.
Grade: B-
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