This is one of those small, quirky films that rarely see the day of light,and most of the time end up on a dusty video shelf. Pity for those who miss it, because "Tattoo, A Love Story" leaves a mark, with it's funny dialogue, fine performances and overall with it's honesty. Clearly this is not a film that tries to be great, but what it tries to do it does well, charm you and ever so often leave you with a smirk on your face. In a time where many films try to be too original or too smart for their own good, where many films just rely on a familiar name with cliché on top of cliché, "Tattoo, a love story" comes over like a good flirt, honest, charming, warm, funny.It is never really original, but for some magical reason it works, like a joke you've heard before, but cracks you up whenever you hear it. Don't miss, it's 90 minutes of fun.
14 Reviews
Where are you Virgil?
slade-259 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Although suffering from a fairly predictable plot, this film IS special ... nice style and cinematography, some imaginative scenes and downright appealing (and unappealing) characters to love, hate, and make you giggle with amusement. Virgil is a delight, both as a character and as an actor. Pacing is excellent; never a dull moment. The director has done a wonderful job developing Virgil's character, and I'd sure like to see them reunite for another film! A number of the characters were nicely drawn and acted, with humor and insight. I'm ready for the sequel ... I don't know how I found out about this title, but I'm now happily fantasizing about getting my first tattoo, joining Virgil for a romantic bike ride and then a late night viewing of old b/w movies together ... mm-mm. I'm going to rent Pillow Talk right now!
Lighting rebelling story
hanshuang28 November 2004
Tattoo is, still unacceptable things commonly especially to Asian nations, still regards as some extreme things for young guys , still being sth strange to most of square people.
But this story gives perfect description by astringent and sprouting love.
Virgil , the naive tattoo man, is so impressive to make the contrast to the mundane thinking on tattoo things.
Another good slide of this film also shows the great way to perform the art of rebelling or liberating. Not too critical,not too serious , try to choose your life or the way to think about it . These are sth sth to touch people.
But this story gives perfect description by astringent and sprouting love.
Virgil , the naive tattoo man, is so impressive to make the contrast to the mundane thinking on tattoo things.
Another good slide of this film also shows the great way to perform the art of rebelling or liberating. Not too critical,not too serious , try to choose your life or the way to think about it . These are sth sth to touch people.
awesome indie...wish EVERYONE would watch it
elyn8628 September 2004
I was blown away by this movie's in-depth concept of coming to terms with one's self through a relationship with another, with the incredible notion that you don't have to lose yourself within that relationship to be happy. The acting was PERFECT, from the two awesome main characters, all the way down to the "poindexter kid" in the classroom. And the story line was simple yet poignant and deep when it had to be. This movie will leave you feeling like you could be the girl and could find someone like Virgil...and that isn't a small feat! As far as tattoos are concerned, I have a whole new appreciation considering some of it as art and for the reasons behind it being such a popular trend.
Predictable, but surprisingly enjoyable
StreamingInsight4 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Most Boy-seeks-Girl romance shows seemingly follow a predictable pattern, but it is the path to getting there which makes this one worth watching. Could the actors do a little better job at saying their lines...you know, so that we don't cringe at how bad they sound saying them? Of course. (I found it distracting from an otherwise enjoyable quirky show.) Could they make the girl any sexier, and the boy any less desirable? I doubt it - but that element plays nicely into the "10 dating a 2" part of their little love quest. Enough said. Just grab a friend and some munchies, sit back and enjoy chasing romance from a needle stick point of view.
Indie sensibility with commercial appeal
porterkelly19 July 2002
This film was funny, touching and romantic in every sense. I was completely enthralled. It was extremely well done...well-written, lovingingly directed, beautifully acted...just a joy to watch. Megan Edwards was amazing as the lead, Sara - comepletely believable throughout her character's journey, which could've been tricky in the hands of a less talented actress. I was captivated by this film from start to finish. I'm glad I was lucky enough to stumble upon a screening. As of this writing I don't think it has a distributor...it would be a shame if this film didn't get seen by a wider audience. See it if you can.
Great romantic drama for quite evening
Genadi4 August 2005
The movie was well done, well played by the actors. Storyline was good as well, it also touches about some society norms and questions their legitimacy, such as whether tattoos are good or bad? It also has good jokes, which suite the style of this movie well.
Only thing which annoyed me, is that the director or whoever edited it, has cut (I believe the scenes were filmed) scenes which showed some developing in story, which made it a bit harder to follow the story and understand what is going on. thats why 9 and not 10 :) Otherwise, its great movie, if you like quite romantic style movies.
Enjoy!
Only thing which annoyed me, is that the director or whoever edited it, has cut (I believe the scenes were filmed) scenes which showed some developing in story, which made it a bit harder to follow the story and understand what is going on. thats why 9 and not 10 :) Otherwise, its great movie, if you like quite romantic style movies.
Enjoy!
I have had a better time getting tattoos, than watching Tattoo: A Love Story.
deeds0726 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Are all these previous reviews jokes? I cannot believe the amount of people on here who enjoyed and was touched by this "movie." I have had a better time getting tattoos, than watching Tattoo: A Love Story. I feel like the flower tattoo at the end is enough to call this movie, well, atrocious. As an artist that has tattoos, I also feel like I have enough room to say that that tattoo is far from aesthetically pleasing. Its a mess. This movie gave unrealistic and negative connotations of tattoo artists and people with tattoos. That we smoke and drink, have excessive sex, ride motorcycles, and smoke marijuana all day. And let me not forget to mention, Virgil wasn't even tattooing correctly in all those close up shots. The acting...what to say about the acting. Awful? Terrible? No wonder these actors are hardly known; I wouldn't want anyone to know I acted in such a poor production. As for the story line, girl falls for "bad boy," we've heard it all before. This chick Sara doesn't even fall in love with the guy, she falls in love with his lifestyle. Notice how she still leaves him to go across the country? So the title is actually pretty fitting, I'll give it that. Still one star though, Tattoo: A Love Story is a joke.
Definitely one to pass on to a friend
J_Carls18 April 2005
(First, let me say that I think the folks who did not add a numeric rating have artificially depressed this film's score without realizing it. It would be nice if that could be fixed.)
This is a date movie, even if you don't have a date, because at its heart it is a tale about the kind of hope that arises when you stop, look at yourself and see the possibility of something new and better waiting to be let loose. It effortlessly captures a natural attraction between two people who hold the key to each other's soul, while defining the difference between manipulating, suffocating love and love that liberates. What's not to like about that?
This is a date movie, even if you don't have a date, because at its heart it is a tale about the kind of hope that arises when you stop, look at yourself and see the possibility of something new and better waiting to be let loose. It effortlessly captures a natural attraction between two people who hold the key to each other's soul, while defining the difference between manipulating, suffocating love and love that liberates. What's not to like about that?
Pretty charming indie: glad it's out on DVD
ads-3328 September 2004
I actually stumbled on this little gem when it was playing in theaters here and couldn't say enough for friends to see it; now I can buy it and show them what they missed!
I have never been in a movie where the audience consistently laughed throughout the ENTIRE movie (well, there was "Anchorman"...). It's an odd little masterpiece: the leading man is an overweight biker, the leading woman is stunning (but not yet famous in other films) somewhat unsure school teacher, a typical setting is a sushi bar in downtown Boise, Idaho -- and it charms and gets you laughing 'til you don't want it to end.
It's also a gentle film: you can show your parents this and they'll be laughing too, even though it's about tattoos and sex and rebellion... and rated "R". This is a world where the "Extra" who's rowing past in boat says "hi"; and the leads' friends keep popping up and had the theater roaring. Very original, quirky, surprising fun... glad my fav. little film is finally out to show others what I was talking about.
So now I can put it on my shelf now: a sweet little romantic comedy that's smart in its humor -- that nobody can say "I've seen that already."
You'll be loaning it to friends.
Christopher Lock Los Angeles
I have never been in a movie where the audience consistently laughed throughout the ENTIRE movie (well, there was "Anchorman"...). It's an odd little masterpiece: the leading man is an overweight biker, the leading woman is stunning (but not yet famous in other films) somewhat unsure school teacher, a typical setting is a sushi bar in downtown Boise, Idaho -- and it charms and gets you laughing 'til you don't want it to end.
It's also a gentle film: you can show your parents this and they'll be laughing too, even though it's about tattoos and sex and rebellion... and rated "R". This is a world where the "Extra" who's rowing past in boat says "hi"; and the leads' friends keep popping up and had the theater roaring. Very original, quirky, surprising fun... glad my fav. little film is finally out to show others what I was talking about.
So now I can put it on my shelf now: a sweet little romantic comedy that's smart in its humor -- that nobody can say "I've seen that already."
You'll be loaning it to friends.
Christopher Lock Los Angeles
A courageous movie about ordinary people/influence on others
wjm218 February 2004
Tattoo: A Love Story is a courageous independent film that explores the lives of ordinary working people and how they influence each other. Richard Bean is a real up-and-coming director. I'd like to see him interpret a Kurt Vonnegut story in the cinema medium
Offbeat romantic comedy give more than you expect
Film--Geek6 July 2002
It's not surprising that "Tattoo... A love story" won the award for Best Feature Film at the 2002 Florida Film Festival. For an indie film produced for under a million, Tattoo has a surprising amount of visual flair. The camera moves and production design will make you think it's a studio film.
The movie's total lack of recognizable actors eventually overcomes this somewhat. The lead actors are refreshingly new. Virgil, the romantic-at-heart tattoo artist is natural and likeable. Sara, the overachieving schoolteacher, is beautiful and overcomes a stiff first act with a strong second & third act performance. Some of the minor characters performances are rough around the edges, and that is the film's biggest weakness. Still, it's a great date movie, and offers five times the entertainment of Planet of the Apes at 1/200th of the price.
The movie's total lack of recognizable actors eventually overcomes this somewhat. The lead actors are refreshingly new. Virgil, the romantic-at-heart tattoo artist is natural and likeable. Sara, the overachieving schoolteacher, is beautiful and overcomes a stiff first act with a strong second & third act performance. Some of the minor characters performances are rough around the edges, and that is the film's biggest weakness. Still, it's a great date movie, and offers five times the entertainment of Planet of the Apes at 1/200th of the price.
Fell in Love with Tattoo: A Love Story
x-doloreebellezza12 April 2006
I never go to a rental store with a film in mind; I'd rather stumble across one without expectations. When I came across Tattoo: A Love Story, I decided to give it a shot. Am I glad I did! I thought this indie film was cute and funny, full of romance and also a great theme (never be afraid to be original and never shy away from who you are). I loved the tattoo Virgil draws for her (I won't say what it is) and have decided to make that the next tattoo I get. And, although this has nothing really to do with the movie, I think Virgil is very adorable. He clearly wasn't afraid to be himself (what with the sushi-eating and film rentals.) If anyone sees this movie at their favorite rental store, I recommend that they rent it (or even buy it) because it will remain a love story about tattoos ... or a tattoo story about love.
An off the wall, funny and sweet film
mazunderscore12 September 2006
I bought this film on DVD in a cheap discount shop for $2. I took it home and read the back, thinking i would just see what it was like and would switch it off if i didn't like it.
From the second it started I couldn't stop watching it. Everything from the beautiful Megan Edwards to the original music score was fantastic.
I took this film into my work and lent it to two very different people, both of whom really enjoyed it. There's something for everyone in it. Everything from comedy to romance.
This is a really surprisingly sweet, funny and most of all different film. It really forces you to think seriously about self image and our attitudes towards those who are different.
From the second it started I couldn't stop watching it. Everything from the beautiful Megan Edwards to the original music score was fantastic.
I took this film into my work and lent it to two very different people, both of whom really enjoyed it. There's something for everyone in it. Everything from comedy to romance.
This is a really surprisingly sweet, funny and most of all different film. It really forces you to think seriously about self image and our attitudes towards those who are different.
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