“All My Life” is a romantic drama based on the true story of a young couple, Solomon Chau and Jennifer Carter, whose wedding plans quickly take a turn when the groom is diagnosed with liver cancer. The film is directed by Marc Meyers and stars Jessica Rothe and Harry Shum Jr.
Going into the film, I wasn’t aware it was based on a true story. In hindsight, I also think that helped me look at the film more critically. The film opens with narration by the female lead, Jennifer. She introduces the theme of the film, later is not guaranteed, so life is not meant to be lived later. She admits she did not embrace this view until she met Solomon, which is where the film begins. Their meeting starts off cute, but then the next 30 minutes of the film speeds up. It fast forwards through their entire relationship, sopping at the couple’s engagement. It feels too rushed and overwhelming, and did not allow me to emotionally connect with their relationship or characters.
The film slows down on occasion. However, this is just to emphasize that Sol hates his job, he randomly feels pain, that he can cook, and to remind viewers that he and Jennifer are happy and work rather well together. However, there was still not enough time for the audience to emotionally connect with their relationship, or with them as individuals, especially Jennifer. I will admit though that the proposal scene helped a little!
About halfway through the film as they start planning their wedding, Sol learns he has terminal liver cancer which puts a halt on their plans. It puts a strain on their relationship both physically and emotionally as he goes through treatment. Just when hope comes, it then leaves just as quickly. It wasn’t until the film’s final minutes when I started to feel more emotional towards them as a couple. However, it was almost a little too late (that was of course until I saw the real-life footage of the actual couple’s wedding during the last 5 minutes of the film and started crying). I think if the film wasn’t based on a true story, it would have fallen a bit flat.
More character exploration may have made “All My Life” feel deeper. Photo: Universal Pictures, 2020.
I felt Jessica Rothe outacted everyone in any scene with her, and at times feels the one carrying the film. I’ve only seen Harry Shum Jr. in supporting roles. This was my first time seeing him as a male lead. Though I love the actor, the film may have been better off if it was a different actor playing Sol. However, pacing is a problem. Overall, the film felt too rushed during the first half; if they added another 30 minutes, they could have stretched out their relationship a bit more before the tragic news. The writing also seemed a bit cliché and cheesy at times, so that did not help with trying to connect with these two main characters.
But “All My Life” has its strengths. The film’s theme, as mentioned in the beginning of this review, was clear and resonated with me by the end. I will definitely take the lesson of living life the now, because again, later is not guaranteed. It also comes at a significant time. Considering the pandemic we are still in, in a way it was a bit of a reminder to not take your time for granted.
*”All My Life” is available to watch via streaming on YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Prime.
