Love in the Time of Cholera

Aroview: Javier Bardem's outstanding performance cannot shore up this florid, largely faithful adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's universally adored novel chronicling a love sustained over several decades.

While admirable for its ambitious scope, the film falters through bewildering linguistic flip-flops and an inadequate grasp of the poignancy and gravitas of Marquez's surficially preposterous characters. Still, viewers can revel in the sumptuous costumery and high-end production values.