I don't think this is a great movie, but I do think it has some great points. It deals with sexual dysfunction in a way that is different from most films. I'm not sure it's necessary to say that I'm going to give a spoiler here, since movies about a female's sexual dysfunction generally give the same cause for it, but for those who haven't noticed this, then I guess I'm going to give a spoiler here. Anyway, this film's different approach to sexual dysfunction is particularly apparent where Lee's character describes her past relationship with her father and how she felt about things at the time; few movies dare to stray from the typical "horrific memories of abuse that I repressed in the past are now ruining my life" approach. This film does not exploit Lee's character's past abuse, like so many other films seem to. Her past abuse is essential for understanding who her character is and what her relationships are with those around her, as this movie is a character and relationship study. Her abuse is not treated trivially or like some cheap plot device. It is also valuable to see how Lee's character's abuse affects her husband; so often, movies and television shows have the guy deal with such things in a highly unrealistic and polarized manner, even though knowledge of another's abuse can profoundly affect others as well. This movie does a decent job of dealing with this.
I think this is a good movie for couples to watch; many people would benefit from observing the characters in this film communicating with each other.
For those who are turned off by a lot of sex in a film, this movie does have it, but this film is NOT like soft porn. The sex is generally not erotic, and it seems to be more about the characters involved than about the act itself. Even the sex in this movie is about communication, and I think that's a valuable thing, because so many people seem to clam up when it comes to sex, rather than talking about it with their partner.
As for Lee's character's borderline personality: For those who don't really know what that is and who find that the movie's description was too vague or ambiguous, if you type "borderline personality disorder" into the search box in most any search engine, you will find that there are lots of sites devoted to BPD, which may give you a greater insight into Lee's character. Or head down to your local library (or perhaps university library) and pick up a copy of the DSM-IV or a psychology textbook. Just avoid self-diagnosis or diagnosing your friends with the information. BPD is quite a fascinating this; I'm surprised more movies don't make use of it, instead of constantly using Multiple Personality Disorder (now called "Dissociative Identity Disorder") and/or repressed memories to explain everything unusual a person does, especially considering both MPD and repressed memories are highly controversial topics in psychology at the moment.
I think this is a good movie for couples to watch; many people would benefit from observing the characters in this film communicating with each other.
For those who are turned off by a lot of sex in a film, this movie does have it, but this film is NOT like soft porn. The sex is generally not erotic, and it seems to be more about the characters involved than about the act itself. Even the sex in this movie is about communication, and I think that's a valuable thing, because so many people seem to clam up when it comes to sex, rather than talking about it with their partner.
As for Lee's character's borderline personality: For those who don't really know what that is and who find that the movie's description was too vague or ambiguous, if you type "borderline personality disorder" into the search box in most any search engine, you will find that there are lots of sites devoted to BPD, which may give you a greater insight into Lee's character. Or head down to your local library (or perhaps university library) and pick up a copy of the DSM-IV or a psychology textbook. Just avoid self-diagnosis or diagnosing your friends with the information. BPD is quite a fascinating this; I'm surprised more movies don't make use of it, instead of constantly using Multiple Personality Disorder (now called "Dissociative Identity Disorder") and/or repressed memories to explain everything unusual a person does, especially considering both MPD and repressed memories are highly controversial topics in psychology at the moment.