Love and pain and the whole damn thing (1973) – Alan J. Pakula.

'I love you, and it's worth the pain!!!!'

A cautious and upright spinster Lila is ultimately smitten by earnest, boyishly handsome college drop-out Walter (Timothy Bottoms) during a scenic couch trip through a spectacular, and luscious-looking Spain. This sweetly funny, blissfully pretty road movie is consummately directed by Maestro Pakula, with performances of commensurate brilliance from Dame Maggie Smith and a youthful Timothy Bottoms. Without wishing to sound trite, I am always mesmerized by Smith's exquisite acting, appealingly natural, and wholly authentic, this iconic redhead being absolutely delicious to gaze upon is no small addition to any production!

The sublimely gifted Pakula makes it all look so breezy and effortless, as though creating a genuinely charming film was the easiest thing in the world! Having long had a great fondness for meet cute-ish road movies, Pakula's uplifting, sun-scintillated gem is no less sympathetically handled than Stanley Donen's classic Two For The Road. Edifying scenarios, sumptuous scenery, playful banter, and rich, well-defined personalities you can readily engage with. Only the most cynical, or calloused of heart would fail to be swept away by the captivating Iberian vistas, compelling performances and utterly joyful conclusion. I believe there's a tangible luminosity to some films that generously provides the viewer with an abundance of pleasure, I earnestly consider this to be one of those cherishable rarities.