Watch Breaking Up

Breaking Up is a 1997 romantic drama film directed by Robert Greenwald, starring Russell Crowe and Salma Hayek in the lead roles, with Abraham Alvarez in a supporting role. The movie revolves around the tumultuous relationship between Steve and Monica, a couple that has been together for five years but decides to break up. Steve (Russell Crowe) is an Australian photographer living in New York City. He is a free-spirited, artistic type who struggles to commit to a long-term relationship. On the other hand, Monica (Salma Hayek) is a lawyer who is serious about her career and her relationship with Steve. But after five years together, Monica feels that their relationship has become stagnant and she wants to break up.

The film follows the ups and downs of their break-up, as they struggle to come to terms with their emotions and move on with their lives. Steve, devastated by the break-up, tries to cling onto his past relationship, even as Monica tries to move on with her life. Monica believes that the break-up is the best thing for both of them, but Steve feels that they can still make it work.

One of the key themes of the film is the idea of closure. Throughout their relationship, Steve and Monica had kept secrets from each other, and their break-up also leaves some issues unresolved. The movie explores how difficult it is to find closure after a relationship ends and how important it is to accept the decision and move on.

Another theme of the movie is the idea of communication. Steve and Monica's relationship breaks down because they both fail to understand each other's needs and communicate effectively. The film highlights the importance of open and transparent communication in any relationship and how it can prevent unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts.

The chemistry between the two lead actors is electric, and they deliver strong performances throughout the film. Russell Crowe plays the role of Steve with impressive nuance, balancing the character's free-spirited nature with his fear of commitment. Meanwhile, Salma Hayek brings a quiet strength to her portrayal of Monica, capturing her ambition and intelligence, but also her vulnerability.

Abraham Alvarez, who plays Monica's colleague and friend, adds a touch of subtle humor and warmth to the film. His character provides a sounding board for Monica to talk out her feelings and provides a different perspective on the situation.

The movie also benefits from the beautiful New York City backdrop. The cinematography captures the city's different moods and settings, from the vibrant streets and bustling bars to the serene Central Park.

Overall, Breaking Up is a heartfelt and poignant movie that delves deep into the complexities of relationships and the struggle to move on after a break-up. The film explores universal themes that are relatable to anyone who has gone through a difficult break-up, and its emotional resonance has made it a favorite among audiences over the years.

Breaking Up is a 1997 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7.