My Review:

Based on the best-selling book by Elizabeth Gilbert, made popular by none other than Oprah herself, Eat Pray Love stays true to the theme of self-discovery.  Newly divorced and restless, feeling uncertain and lost, travel writer Liz follows her passion and sets out to find herself as she goes to Italy, India, and Bali.  Julia Roberts does a great job in the part, looking appropriately forlorn, and gradually growing through her experiences.  There are a range of emotions for her to play.

Italy is all about the food, hence the “Eat” part of the title.  India is about discipline, and meditation, the “Pray” part.  And Bali is where Liz finally gives in and allows herself to “Love” again.  Javier Bardem is the sexy Felipe who becomes her new boyfriend.

My favorite aspect of the movie was getting to see these beautiful locations.  But as I wrote in my blog recently, people don’t need to travel to the ends of the earth to get in touch with their spirituality.  I wrote the blog before I saw the movie, and I feel it applies more than ever.  The supporting case is very good.  Though the “Richard from Texas” character mostly expounds cliches and for some reason is thought of as brilliant.  Liz comes off as a little whiny at times, but for the most part, she’s got that open-eyed and open-hearted attitude that gets a person where they want to go.

 

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