Love Story
Love Story

Love Story

1970Movie100 minEnglish

Harvard Law student Oliver Barrett IV and music student Jennifer Cavilleri share a chemistry they cannot deny - and a love they cannot ignore. Despite their opposite backgrounds, the young couple put their hearts on the line for each other. When they marry, Oliver's wealthy father threatens to disown him. Jenny tries to reconcile the Barrett men, but to no avail.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes57%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users87%
Director: Arthur HillerGenres: Romance, Drama

Plot Summary

Oliver Barrett IV, a wealthy Harvard student, falls in love with Jennifer Cavilleri, a working-class Radcliffe student. Despite their differing social backgrounds and Oliver's father's disapproval, they marry. Their happiness is tragically cut short when Jennifer is diagnosed with a terminal illness, forcing Oliver to confront his family and his own mortality.

Critical Reception

Love Story was a massive box office success and a cultural phenomenon upon its release, resonating deeply with audiences for its emotional themes. While critically divisive, with some praising its romantic sentiment and others criticizing its perceived melodrama and simplicity, it became one of the highest-grossing films of its time.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its powerful emotional impact and genuine tear-jerking moments.
  • Criticized by some for being overly sentimental and melodramatic.
  • Admired for the chemistry between its lead actors and its exploration of love against odds.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly loved the film's touching romance and emotional depth, finding it a beautiful and moving love story that stayed with them long after viewing. Many appreciated the simple yet profound portrayal of love and loss.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Won a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Fun Fact

The film's iconic line, "Love means never having to say you're sorry," was originally written as "Love means always being willing to apologize," but was changed by director Arthur Hiller and screenwriter Erich Segal to be more memorable and impactful.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Ryan O'Neal ("Oliver") is the son of a wealthy family who falls in love with "Jenny"(Ali McGraw) - a working class girl of whom his father (Ray Milland) does not approve. When the couple decide they are serious, his relationship with his fa...
JPV852

JPV852

Well acted tear-jerker has some nice scenes and dialogue between Ryan O'Neil and Ali MacGraw, and thankfully not overly schmaltzy. Today this sort of thing would be on Lifetime but back in 70 was a box office hit. Not sure it's something I'...