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The Theory of Everything

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Eddie Redmayne in Theory of Everything (Universal Pictures)
Eddie Redmayne in Theory of Everything (Universal Pictures)

What it's about:

This is the extraordinary story of one of the world’s greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of—time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed.

What we thought:

The Theory of Everything is one of those beautifully made, intelligent, well-produced movies that will have you in tears by the end.

The film is a look at the absolutely mesmerizing relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife, Jane.

Getting a glimpse into the life of Mr. Hawking, whilst he is still alive, might at first seem a little intrusive but director James Marsh eloquently captures the real life tale without adding any of that fake Hollywood glamour to it.

The story is told with so much respect and love that you can’t help but get pulled into it. This is achieved even more so thanks to the remarkable acting by both Eddie Redmayne (as Hawking) and Felicity Jones (as Jane).

Redmayne, who earlier this week won the Oscar for his portrayal of Hawking, truly shines in this film. It’s unbelievable to watch him progress from a young vibrant Hawking to a wheelchair-bound Hawking with such honesty and realness that you never once doubt that this is really happening in front of your eyes.

Hawking, who suffers from an early-onset slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), himself praised Redmayne for the truly marvelous work he did in the film.

Even Jones truly comes into her own in the film with a truly captivating portrayal of Jane Hawking.

Yes, the film has its serious moments, as any true life story does. But it’s balanced effortlessly with funny, sometimes comical moments – an ode to Hawking’s own humorous side.

The Theory of Everything deserves the critical acclaim it’s receiving and its creators should truly soak up the praise they are so richly receiving.

Do yourself a favour and go watch this film at the cinema. Take along a friend and a box of tissues. You’re going to need both. You won’t cry because it’s so sad – but rather because it’s so beautiful.

Hawking’s life story will put your own troubles into perspective and will inspire you, even if just for a few moments, to have a good look at the things you complain about in your own life.

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