the sleepless english patient

just like the hero in my all time favourite love story -- the english patient -- i am mostly sleepless these past few weeks. reminiscing about past lovers. those whom i have trusted and loved deeply, but who still slipped away like water on my tiny hands. last night, after surrendering to insomnia at around two in the morning, i decided to watch the english patient. again. for the nth time.

&&&&&&&&&

i have a lot of favorite romantic movies like breakfast at tiffany's, the roman holiday, and two for the road (most movies starring audrey hepburn), before sunrise and its sequel before sunset, love story with ryan o'neil,  ice castle, to name a few.

but nothing beats the english patient, the late anthony mighella's brilliant adaptation of the novel by michael ondaatje (a slim paperback but not an easy read mind you. it took me a month to finish it).

with ralph fiennes and kristin scott thomas playing the ill-fated lovers, the movie was even more poignant given the intensity of their performances. the movie deserved all its oscar trophies, including best picture, best director and best supporting actress for french actress juliette binoche, who played hana, the nurse who took care of the badly burnt count after the war.

my favorite scene was towards the end, when the dying katherine (scott thomas) was writing a letter to count de almasy (fiennes), who left her inside a cave to seek help.

here is her letter:

"my darling, i'm waiting for you.

how long is a day in the dark, or a week?

the fire is gone now and i'm horribly cold.

i really ought to drag myself outside but then there would be the sun. . .

i’m afraid i waste the light on the paintings and on writing these words.

we die. we die rich with lovers and tribes, tastes we have swallowed, bodies we have entered and swum up like rivers, fears we have hidden in, like this wretched cave.

we are the real countries, not the boundaries drawn on maps with the names of powerful men.

i know you will come and carry me out into the palace of winds.

that's all i've wanted….

to walk in such a place with you, with friends, on earth without maps.

the lamp's gone now and i'm writing.....

in the dakness."

i have seen this movie a number of times, usually when it's raining outside. i would have a glass of merlot or whatever cheap wine i can find, crackers, cheese, a blanket and voila -- a romantic date all by myself. luvly!

here is the scene (watch and weep!):

that's all fairies, bitches, witches and princesses. 

have a great weekend ahead!