So Euro, so reminiscent of older films redolent of Europe, with a peek behind the Fortuny curtains. The Adams score pulses as Tilda Swinton abandons her perfect life, leaving an ordered world for her randy lover. Its gravest limitation is that the film never builds enough of a case why she feels frustrated or might intend to bolt: we're left to deduce her motives from her actions and a few clever camera shots of her lust for food. Still in all, appetizing fare.… Expand

I found this beautiful film sorely lacking in both heart and logic -- despite the presence of Tilda Swinton, of whom I've been a huge fan since the riveting "The Deep End." (Those angles! That lanky grace! That mysterious eyebrowless face!) The languid pace never seems to lead anywhere, nor is there much of a clue as to why this woman would risk everything for a mashup with this particular young man. Weirdly, I felt shadows of several really good films, including "Unfaithful," "Damage" and even the Italian epic "Best of Youth." But somehow it managed to be less intense, and more tedious, than any of those.… Expand

When her daughter's passion splays beyond the expected, Emma Recchi (Tilda Swinton) hovers hummingbird-like. In a heartbeat, she could revert to her motherly role. Instead Swinton's plunge into passion and sensuality reveals her parched soul in Luca Guadagnino's breathless, primal drama I Am Love. John Adams' urgent, insistent soundtrack quickens as Emma's household prepares for the birthday dinner of the family patriarch. Russian born but long ago married into the noble Milanese clan of Tancredi Recchi, Emma seems detached. She is pretty and attentive. During dinner, she listens dutifully. Her villa is run flawlessly by maids and butlers. Her grown children are beautiful and sensuous. Like any successful wife, Emma embodies the family’s soul. The tension between old and new reveals itself early, as Edoardo Sr. announces his retirement. He chooses to leave the family business not only to his loyal son Tancredi, but also to his idealistic grandson Edo (Flavio Parenti). Tancredi's displeasure is evident, but Emma seems unable to comprehend such changes. She fulfills her role with grace. She seems content yet drained. As the festivities continue into the lush evening, Emma makes an excuse to go upstairs and lie down. Sometimes our passion is right in front of us. Emma's immersion in the fervent cuisine of Edo's friend Antonio (Edoardo Gabbriellini) draws us with her into an out-of-body surrender to pleasure and possibility. In terse pursuit one day, Emma follows Antonio. He spies her and invites her to his new restaurant. Here he can create flavors as nowhere else. Their sun-drenched passion soars amidst wildflower blooms and insects. When Edoardo Sr. passes away, Tancredi quickly plans to sell off of the family's textile mills. This will ensure spiraling profits. Edo's angst cannot move his father. A too fresh faced advisor tells the family about its great good fortune in this new world. "It’s all in how you look at it." Meanwhile daughter Elisabetta (Alba Rohrwacher) revels in her relationships with women. She cuts her hair short. She loves going to art school and making new friends. Only brother Edo and mother Emma are her confidantes. Her passion is carefully hidden from the disapproving eyes of the Recchi family. Guadagnino's roil of upper crust passion, of old and new, spins into something remarkable. Beyond tragedy and bravery, I Am Love sails upon seas of beauty. Swinton, who learned both Italian and Russian for this role, embodies Emma voraciously. The film's final scene is striking enough to be unforgettable.… Expand

A very elegant and stylistically crease-less film that starts slowly and builds up to a powerful crescendo. Tilda Swindon is sublime as both a Russian woman of passion and a ice cold woman from Milan.

I was blown away by this film. The scenery, the music, and the acting were superb. It is beautiful like few films are these days. I just wish that the film hadn't felt the need to fall into soap operatic cliches, especially in relation to a few of the supporting characters. Highpoints: The gorgeous opening credits; the triumphant closing scene. Lowpoints: a plot that sometimes favors the melodramatic over the subtle.… Expand

This is a movie for adults who are a little bit more curious and wiser than most in the movie-going audience. That's too bad, really, because Tilda Swinton between this movie and "Julia" has given us two of her very best performances. If she isn't nominated for Best Actress in this role, it'll be a travesty, she's just that good in it. I love movies that treat sexuality with the patience and thoughtfulness it deserves, rather than just throwing it in for effect. "I Am Love" is going to finish very high on my list of the best movies of the year.… Expand

All expectations dissolve as you watch I am love. The magnificent production design and set decoration pale to the miscast of Ms. Swinton's lover. She is obviously the anchor and rhythm of the film, yet not even her regal portrail, exquisite costumes and all around production can save the distraught taste of a film you will not love even if the trailer says so. The rest of the cast is more than ok, yet overall it doesn't make it.… Expand

Beautifully shot and beautifully acted, this oftentimes surprising drama is a fine look inside a large European family. It did seem clear that style was placed above substance though.

Absolutely mesmerizing film! Rich complex dynamics to ponder, disciplined acting (Tilda Swinton has scope and breadth seldom seen), visual feast! Watch the directors commentary with Swinton and you get even more. The movie sent me on a research quest to learn more about the setting, the villa, the characters, the music, etc. I agree with the comment that they needed to bring us more into the story of her past and why she was so responsive to passion. But, still one of my favorite all time movies.… Expand

Watching "I am Love" feels like flipping through magazines; a splash of 80s "Architectural Digest", forever missed "Gourmet" and as many italian fashion magazines as you can think of. Within all its glam and glum there is a plausible story line, one that feels real and moving if Tilda Swinton is in the scene. However whenever she is not around, especially when the movie strays into the Recchi family business, the weak male casting makes the movie feel outdated, and somewhat generic - a pile of old "newsweek"s you wish to get rid of! cliches unfortunately do not end there, some of the side plots simply dilute the impeccable work Tilda Swinton (TS) has done throughout the movie. Special note for two actresses playing Tilda Swinton's servant and mother in law. Both were phenomenal, they helped both TS and the movie to excel.… Expand

A magnificent film. The story, performances, and score are often sumptuous and grandiose. And with good reason: the intent is lush and emotionally absorbing storytelling. It completely worked for me. The climax of the film, really the last 20 or so minutes and through the credits were as good as anything this year.

Exquisite film. Every frame is full of beauty and meaning, so that you feel completely enraptured in it. This film is deeply sensual, very beautiful and quite moving. It does suffer from a melodramatic ending, slightly hampering the whole experience, but on the whole a captivating piece of art with a grand performance from Tilda Swinton.

Sumptuous and beautifully imagetic, it sometimes goes too slow but that's probably necessary for you to appreciate its particular atmosphere. There are a lot of vulnerabilities and intricate webs to explore in I Am Love.