Me Before You

It's not often that a movie truly moves me to tears and when they do, they are unforgettable. This beautiful film should come with a warning to have tissues on hand. It is a sweet and heartbreaking romance and no, it doesn't have your typical happily ever after but that is what makes it so beautiful and sad. The acting is wonderful and there is plenty of humor and touching moments. Some people may be critical because it does address legalized assisted suicide but it's done so in a way that is realistic regarding terminally ill or severely incapacitated individuals. I loved both the movie and book but I should warn those who read the book but haven't seen the movie yet, there are plots and characters that didn't make it into the film - Will's sister is not a character in the film and the trauma that Louisa experienced is NOT in this film. But if you read the book, you will notice moments that allude to Louisa avoiding what happened in her past. It might have been an overwhelming film to include her plot - it worked better in the book.

I admit, I'm a bit of a sucker for a tear-jerker. And even more for British productions. I went into this production being familiar with only 4 of the supporting cast members, but not ever seeing Miss Clarke, or Mr. Claflin before.
I'm torn about my rating, because on the one hand I really liked the lead (actors) characters chemistry, and how they made positive changes in each others lives.
BUT I do NOT condone Will's decision at the end, nor is the storyline consistent.

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

There were a series of contradictions in the storyline that I just didn't understand....

If Will wanted to die so badly, why go through all the trouble of going to Switzerland so he could have an assisted suicide when he could have died from pneumonia 4 times over (especially the 3'd bout)?! Not sure how things are in England, but in the States, all he would have needed was a Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare stipulating his wishes-- such as if he wanted lifesaving measures in place or not (oxygen, antibiotics, etc.).
It really would have saved his family a measure of heartache in the end; at least his poor mother clinging to the hope that he'd change his mind in 6 months. And Lou... time, energy, effort, her 7 yr. relationship (albeit to a narcissist), and a romantic attachment.

I understand his disability was a struggle, and that one never knew when he'd take a turn for the worse.
But I can't help but think of real life examples of people who had similar circumstances, and refused simply to give up (such as Christopher Reeve who couldn't breathe, eat, or talk normally) because they loved life, and their loved ones!

Because Will proved he had the potential to help others on a small scale (finding a job for Lou's dad, and giving Lou a measure of financial independence at the end), I believe he had the potential to accomplish greater things, if he hadn't given up after the 1st year (when physical rehabilitation didn't restore him back to his pre-accident form).
..I can't help but think what Christopher Reeve and others have who contributed to humanitarian causes/ foundations, motivational speaking/mentoring, and supporting those in similar circumstances.

Why did he even bother making any positive personality changes?
He could have continued to treat Lou as he did the first 10 days for the next 6 months, keeping a level of detachment between them.
At the wedding Will admitted that he used to be a jerk before, and essentially wouldn't have given Lou the time of day because they were from different social classes.
Perhaps his accident made him learn how to view people from a less shallow perspective than prior to it? Or maybe he was just forced to tolerate her until he eventually discovered he liked her... I'm not sure which.

And why tell her contradictory things like she "was pretty much the only thing that makes me WANT to get up in the morning", which was essentially encouraging a romantic attachment; when he knew full well that in a couple of months time he would still end it all?!
...Then as their relationship progressed and they got closer, he gave some feeble excuse that "it could be a good life.. but not MY life!"
What does that even mean?! As long as he's still alive (not in some vegetative state unable to breathe, speak, and eat on his own), that IS his life! His accident didn't take away his ability to love, and be a giving individual who could still enjoy many things with his nearest and dearest (the "bucket list" showed us that)!

"Selfishly" he said he didn't want her to "feel pity" for him. But what he failed to understand is that when an individual truly loves another, "pity" isn't what drives them to take care of their loved one. And they wouldn't "regret" helping someone they really loved.
(I say this coming from the standpoint of being a caregiver to two family members for the past 15+ years.)

Several times I got the feeling he felt like a burden, and lacked humility in not wanting to accept help (as if it was some form of weakness). Which was skewed thinking on his part. His family, and his caregivers all expressed their wish for him to keep living, and that he would be greatly missed (something he refused to accept even moments away from death).

Advice from Will that he himself didn't live by:
"You only get one life, it's your duty to live it as fully as possible", and
"Live boldly. Push yourself. Don't settle."
"...Just live well.. Just live."

To me, these are words and attitudes coming from someone with a major chemical imbalance (depression), and in serious need of outside help. But there was no indication that he had (perhaps the book touched on this issue?). And I don't think that he fully went through the 5 stages of grief.
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Also, I think the physical hardships of quadriplegia was somewhat glossed over (aside from 2 or 3 quick mentions from the male nurse, and a brief stint in the hospital, we probably wouldn't have known any of it as Will wasn't very verbal about his physical ailments.)
Will's reasons for giving up as explained in the movie were as follows:
He couldn't resume his former job, he didn't want to go places that he had formerly been so as not to sully his previous good memories when he wasn't in a wheelchair, and he couldn't have a (typical) physical relationship with Lou.
_______

To sum things up...
Will was a man (with "Darcy" like potential), who refused to accept his present life/situation; and realize that it's not always what you can get out of life that is important, but actually what you can give. Nor could he find ways to have a meaningful life, in spite of his physical limitations.
He was unwilling to take one day at a time, even when those around him were pouring their hearts out trying to give him a reason to live. And in the end, expected them to watch on while he pulled the plug.

"ME Before You" = Him Before Everyone Else

I thought this movie was good UNTIL the end. The story line - well off, highly successful and good looking guy suffers a tragic accident and wants to kill himself. Meets a sweet "common" girl who falls in love and teaches him to live again - but ....being totally selfish - -- leads her on knowing full well he will not be changing his mind NO MATTER WHAT. Suicide is the ultimate selfish act and this movie reinforces that. Hollywood always has an agenda - evidently here it is unless you can live a perfect life with no hardships life is not worth living, life does not matter, suicide is a viable option, who cares how many people you hurt along the way. Had the potential to be a great story - I would have rated a 15 - not with that ending

Read the book, loved it. Watched the movie hated it. Agree with another reviewer that it felt sped up. I seriously feel like they took highlights from the book mashed them together and called it a movie. There's so much missing, chemistry between Lou and Will, the conflict between Lou and her sister. Lou's past, her relationship with her parents. Her huge dilema with Will s decision etc etc. I could go on and on. Casting was all wrong, I couldn't get past Emilia Clarkes over done facial expressions. Do yourself a favor and stick with the book.

I LOVED IT!!! CAN'T STOP WATCHING IT!!! I never knew that a quad's body deteriorated that way. I never knew of the excruciating nerve pain. For years I was totally against suicide, but after reading the book, I came away with a whole new prospective and it had nothing to do with him being a burden or not being able to care for himself. I wish Lou could have had more time to spend with him and show him love again, but only he knew how fast he was really deteriorating. It was powerful, very believable and handled very gracefully..