It's not often you can say that a movie is just plain lovely, but that is exactly what the cryptically named Like Sunday, Like Rain is. Just in case your wondering, the movie's title is taken from the haunting piece of music which plays in the background of so many scenes. I hesitate to admit that I don't really understand the significance of the title, but probably more cultured viewers than me will find it makes perfect sense.
The movie essentially tells the story of two hurt and lonely people from two different social backgrounds and, interestingly, ages. Reggie is just 13 although extremely precocious. He's also more than a little bit difficult and egocentric. Eleanor is, well I don't recall her age being mentioned, but she is definitely in her 20s. These two hurt, lonely people connect and we watch as they get to know each other and love grows between them. There is nothing sordid involved of course. This love is pure, wholesome and platonic and sneaks up on both parties and takes them unawares. We knew it would happen though. We watch as they open up to each other and some of the pain they both feel is revealed and made easier by their sharing. Nothing remarkable really happens. There are no car chases, bullets, melodramatics or noisy explosions. Nothing terrible happens to either character, yet this movie is thoroughly engrossing.
The only criticism I have of this movie (and it's not really a criticism, just a regret) was with the ending. I grew to care for these two characters. I wanted them to stay together, to continue supporting each other, to continue the healing. I didn't want anything bad to happen to them. The fact that they parted, in a deeply touching and poignant scene, was heart-breaking and also very hard to understand. There seemed no good reason why they had to part ways. Both would have benefited by their continued relationship, but I guess that wouldn't have made an as affecting ending.
I can't say that I had come across any of these actors before, other than Debra Messing, but they all handle their roles admirably, especially the two central actors. The backgrounds are wonderful and the soundtrack featuring the haunting, eponymous title track is exquisite (no hip-hop or grating rap music here. Hooray!)
I am happy to recommend this movie. I know it won't appeal to everyone's taste - in fact I can think of some people in my own family and social circle who would turn it off before it was halfway through. Discerning viewers will love this though and will be amply rewarded for viewing.
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