Watch The Personals

The Personals is a 1999 independent film directed by Keiko Ibi. The movie tells the story of five single people in New York City who place personal advertisements in the newspaper seeking love and companionship. The film is shot in a documentary style, using handheld cameras to follow the lives of the five individuals. Through their personal ads, the audience is introduced to Rosa, a Cuban immigrant who works as a cleaning lady in a movie theater; David, a gay man who works as a fashion designer; Charles, a divorced father; Lois, a 76-year-old woman looking for a new partner after the death of her husband; and Maureen, a woman who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

As the film progresses, the camera follows each character through their daily lives, documenting their struggles and triumphs. We see Rosa working long hours cleaning the theater and taking care of her family, all while looking for a man who will treat her with respect. David juggles his job and his search for love, while Charles tries to maintain a relationship with his teenage daughter. Lois navigates the dating scene as an older woman, and Maureen deals with the challenges of dating while managing her illness.

The film also includes interviews with each of the characters as they reflect on their experiences with the personal ads. Through their stories, we see the importance of connection and companionship in our lives, and the struggles and joys that come with looking for love.

One of the strengths of The Personals is its portrayal of diverse relationships and lifestyles. The film includes both heterosexual and homosexual relationships, as well as interracial couples. The characters are from different cultural and economic backgrounds, giving the audience a glimpse into the complexity of modern relationships.

The film also touches on the broader theme of loneliness and the search for human connection. Each of the characters has their own unique reasons for seeking love through personal ads, but they all share a desire for companionship and intimacy. This theme is especially poignant in the case of Maureen, who struggles with her illness and fears becoming a burden on her partner.

Overall, The Personals is a thoughtful and engaging film that offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people searching for love and companionship. Through its documentary-style approach, the film provides a realistic and intimate look at the complexities of modern relationships. The movie's emphasis on diversity and the importance of human connection makes it a must-see for anyone interested in the human experience.

The Personals is a 1998 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.