Search - Paperback Romance on DVD

Carol G. from JUNCTION, TX
Reviewed on 3/20/2011...

This is the very first time a handicapping condition is adequately revealed, especially a woman with a handicapping condition. I was born with a club foot and every time I was climbing a tree, my mother was shouting "Be Careful!" I almost died of apoplexy when our heroine goes flying over the rail in the shopping center to land on a baritone singing below because I could not stop laughing. I have watched the film about 18 times and still almost collapse from laughing with each viewing! Already damaged, more damage is the most subconscious fear of the handicapped female. There are those who say we laugh hardest at what we fear most!

Another aspect is the predatory nature of some (I hope) males in this world when the old lecher says to her, paraphrasing that handicapped women make the best sex partners, implying their willingness to please because of their lowered sexual value! I found this also part of my life history, predation by males for their belief that a "damaged" female will always try to please.

And the most important aspect is the handicapped person wondering (as I have done my whole life) what it would be like to be normal--that is the most intriguing aspect of the film for a handicapped person--to only have a skiing accident instead of a lifelong difference! A wonderful film and I am gratified some viewers found it funny and entertaining themselves, probably normals.

I own this DVD but I can't part with it!

Frank E. (realartist) from HENDERSONVLLE, NC
Reviewed on 1/20/2009...

I was astonished one day when I explored a used book store and discovered two twenty foot long racks, five feet high, and filled up on both sides with paperback romances. It has been said that these poetically worded steamy novels serve as porn for women. This movie has as its central love interest one such woman who pens these novels. It happens she had polio at age 6? and requires a brace on one of her legs-and crutches. Our marvelously charming and handsome romantic lead overhears her behind a library screen talking out a steamy love scene as she struggles with the best choice of words. A wonderful love story ensues as a result of this chance encounter with Mr. ultra handsome for her, but only by way of an accident requiring a leg cast -which she uses to conceal her infirmity. All this sounds quite sad- but the reality is that this movie turns out to be one of the funniest movies you will ever see. And at the same time,you get to watch some extraordinarily tasteful love making scenes you have ever witnessed in a movie also! It is sexy and will make you laugh so hard you cry. And the love is so real and good, THAT will make you cry also.

Cute! Strange, but cute!

skunktrain | So. California, USA | 01/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I didn't quite know what to make of this movie when I first saw it. Finally, after thinking about it for a while, I decided that I liked it. It was quite funny in parts. A withdrawn, reclusive erotic romance writer meets suave and handsome jeweler Eddie ( played by Anthony LaPaglia). She at first rejects him, because she's shy about her handicap -- she's had to use leg braces, thanks to a childhood case of polio. Later, she meets up with him again, (or rather, chases after him) after she breaks her leg in a freak accident. With her leg in a cast instead of a brace, everyone (including Eddie) assumes that she had a skiing accident. And she lets them continue to assume that, keeping her handicap a secret.Of course true love finds a way in the end, but there are many adventures along the way-- jewel thievery, an undisclosed girlfriend, a Russian policeman, and more! Plenty of twists and turns appear in the story. This movie definitely goes for the surprises -- a "romantic" scene can suddenly turn into something else entirely! I confess there were a few times that I was thinking, "No way! This is some sort of bizarre dream sequence! This isn't what is supposed to happen!" But it *does* happen. And somehow, it works. It's a pretty sweet film, in a weird, bizarre way. And I decided that I liked it."

Not very romantic

Jessica | Bilthoven Netherlands | 04/03/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this movie last night, but I has not left much of an impression. It was a weird movie, with some hilarious scenes, but there was just no way I was going to like the main characters. Sophie - an erotic writer - chases after Eddie, a jewel thief with a fiancee. There is nothing romantic about it. They willingly deceive Eddies girlfriend, Sophie knows about his illegal business and lies for him to the police. All ending in a very embarrassing scene with police listening in on them in a sleezy motelroom. This is not what I call romance....

"

Mind Candy Suspended in theTrojan Horse Position

C Ruiz-Esparza | San Francisco, left of Albuquerque | 08/25/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It is not a great movie, but is very likable. This movie is the perfect answer to wanting some spicy mind candy. It is funny and just sentimental enough with a little edge. It has some really funny and whimsical erotic scenes in the mind's eye of the challenged young writer of purple prose. Gia Carides (Strictly Ballroom) needs better representation in the States because she has a great knack for comedy, and we should see her more often. Anthony LaPaglia (Lantana) is handsome, dashing and appropriately a jerk and even quite silly. The rest of the cast is subtle and plays this seemingly unlikely story with wonderful, fanciful credibility. This is a fun and very original movie!!!"