This is a movie that surprised me on many levels. I think the acting was decent. The plot wasn't very fast-paced, but in my opinion it was very, very real (personally, I could fully relate to this relationship minus the physical aggression part). It's not a story about partying, or love, or careers. And nope, I also don't think it's a movie about abusive relationships. In the end, it's a story about two children, who are suddenly faced with grown-up decisions and fully unable to deal with them (Spoiler: towards the end, Mel reaches that conclusion, saying she's scared to grow up, and at the end she actually makes the grown-up decision to let Dan go). Mel is deeply insecure (it's all over the movie, like her acting really insecure when he says he doesn't like kissing her after she smokes, then later with the porn, and so many other moments), acting out on her fears and regretting it just moments later. I don't think she's even really aware how much of a problem her anger issues are. Dan is much less insecure, but he's not a great communicator. He says little things that make Mel even more insecure. He has a new life, one that doesn't suit Mel well (his new friends and work), but instead of trying to resolve their differences, he just does his own thing. The circle of doom is easily born from this: her acting on her insecurities triggers him becoming more distant and focusing more on his work and co-worker, which in turn triggers her insecurity, which causes her to act less reasonable, which triggers him becoming more distant etc. Their problems could be resolved, but it requires them to act like grown-ups. Him, to talk about her aggression issues (and not in the middle of a fight) instead of cheating and lying about it. Her, to tell him about her insecurities in an open way and talk with him, instead of keeping looking for confirmations that he loves her. But they are still kids, not mature enough to take a step back and solve the problem, rather than wrapping op in their own frustration.
63 Reviews
Suddenly everyone is concerned about the morals of this movie
seronjaa-797-31312412 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
"Absence diminishes mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind extinguishes candles and fans fires." Francois de La Rochefoucauld
I think this movie proves this wisdom pretty much. I also don't understand where all the hate towards this movie comes from, but my guess would be, because you saw yourself in it. If all of you are in such perfect relationships and never were in a bad one, then where do all the divorces and break ups come from? Surely not from another planet. The characters are not here to be liked or loved by the audience. They're not children's cartoon characters. They just show their realistic far from pefect story and that's it. Compared to many other trashy and cliché love movies, this one at least got me thinking a little. About distance, what people think love is, big decisions, young love and so on. Sure, you can judge the characters for not being good role models, but they were never supposed to be. And as someone who doesn't like alcohol, you can also be grossed out, but I think it gives the movie a real feel to it. Young people being stupid, very emotional and trying to do the right thing, but failing to do so. That's life. It hurts, it's fun, it's pain.
I think this movie proves this wisdom pretty much. I also don't understand where all the hate towards this movie comes from, but my guess would be, because you saw yourself in it. If all of you are in such perfect relationships and never were in a bad one, then where do all the divorces and break ups come from? Surely not from another planet. The characters are not here to be liked or loved by the audience. They're not children's cartoon characters. They just show their realistic far from pefect story and that's it. Compared to many other trashy and cliché love movies, this one at least got me thinking a little. About distance, what people think love is, big decisions, young love and so on. Sure, you can judge the characters for not being good role models, but they were never supposed to be. And as someone who doesn't like alcohol, you can also be grossed out, but I think it gives the movie a real feel to it. Young people being stupid, very emotional and trying to do the right thing, but failing to do so. That's life. It hurts, it's fun, it's pain.
If Taissa just kept her fingers out of her hair ...
irinafiruti25 July 2020
....cause seing her running them 10 times a minute robbed me of all the attention to their acting which aside from this was great and gave credibility to a very realistic portrayal of a teen-gone-adult relation and it's challenges!
This is not a love story, this is the portrayal of an unhealthy relationship.
rumrolf27 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I felt like this story wanted to prove something and that is that women can also be the abusive and aggressive ones in the relationship. Have in mind that I'm a female so there's no way this is biased. I'm actually recognizing that men can be victims of abuse too. It happens. The relationship between Dan and Melanie seems perfect to the outside but has an unhealthy nature. They have arguments in which she pushes and slaps him while he tries to keep her away from him. In one incident, after she pushes him, he falls to the floor and hits his head. The blood stars running so they both go see a doctor. The doctor asks him what happened and he lies, she believes him and let them go after saying something like "okay, that's all I need to know". You can clearly see if the situation was the opposite, she would have asked a lot of questions to find out if Melanie had been hit by Dan. A friend of Dan even says so when he tells her what really happened.
Then there are more fights in which she seems like the victim but really isn't. He even goes to jail for a whole day just because the police saw them and assumed he was trying to hurt her. There's a moment when the aggressor becomes a victim when she almost gets raped by a random dude.
Thinking about it, they are both victims, of themselves. They are so caught up in that twisted "love" they feel that they can't seem to function when they are on their own. That's why she forgives his infidelities and he forgives her aggressions. That's not love that's obsession and lack of self-esteem.
Then there are more fights in which she seems like the victim but really isn't. He even goes to jail for a whole day just because the police saw them and assumed he was trying to hurt her. There's a moment when the aggressor becomes a victim when she almost gets raped by a random dude.
Thinking about it, they are both victims, of themselves. They are so caught up in that twisted "love" they feel that they can't seem to function when they are on their own. That's why she forgives his infidelities and he forgives her aggressions. That's not love that's obsession and lack of self-esteem.
A character study in which you hate all the characters.
uncle-paulie18 August 2015
While it starts off, relatively cheerful and upbeat, the protagonists (Taissa Farminga and Ben Rosenfield), play a young couple in college who have supposedly been together for 6 years. There relationship is whimsical at best, fleetingly showing any signs of chemistry or real passion towards one another.
While yes, this is an indie picture, the timing and plot are unerringly slow and nonsensical.
The supporting cast, are awful. Not helped by your immediate disdain for their characters, while Farminga's college friends play a highly stereotypical 'white girl wasted' college students, they do not grate as much as Rosenfields, 'hipster', work colleagues. In what world, would any self-respecting, reasonable audience member watching this film believe that firstly, they resemble anything similar to a real person, let alone this aloof, "bring us another beer" cool, music, hipster adults.
While, the main protagonists are certainly in appearance alone OK for this film, they're acting is not. Farminga spends the whole film either crying, or touching her hair. I would love to know how many times she literally ran her hands through her hair in this film, but that would mean I would have to watch the film once more.
Overall, I would definitely give this film a miss, the fact that Netflix spent £1m, buying the rights to this film, show's only that they are too successful.
While yes, this is an indie picture, the timing and plot are unerringly slow and nonsensical.
The supporting cast, are awful. Not helped by your immediate disdain for their characters, while Farminga's college friends play a highly stereotypical 'white girl wasted' college students, they do not grate as much as Rosenfields, 'hipster', work colleagues. In what world, would any self-respecting, reasonable audience member watching this film believe that firstly, they resemble anything similar to a real person, let alone this aloof, "bring us another beer" cool, music, hipster adults.
While, the main protagonists are certainly in appearance alone OK for this film, they're acting is not. Farminga spends the whole film either crying, or touching her hair. I would love to know how many times she literally ran her hands through her hair in this film, but that would mean I would have to watch the film once more.
Overall, I would definitely give this film a miss, the fact that Netflix spent £1m, buying the rights to this film, show's only that they are too successful.
I DON'T WANNA BREAK UP
nogodnomasters9 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Dan Mercer (Ben Rosenfield) and Melanie Clark (Taissa Farmiga) are in their last year of college and getting ready to go out into the real world. Dan is working as an intern for a record label and has their eye. Mel appears to be on her way to be an elementary school teacher at their home in Austin, Texas. Dan and Melanie have been together for 6 years. Melanie has become extremely co-dependent. She likes to drink, but is not good at it. Dan doesn't like her friends, and Melanie doesn't like Dan's work friends. Their relationship is at a crossroads where they can't live with each other, but can't live apart.
After the 20 minute introduction of characters and the set up, the film started to slow up. There are some slow scenes. You have to ask, "What is their problem?" and then you remember what it was like to be that age. Of course if you are at that age and in that type of relationship, this film could be 5 stars for you. The film was well acted. Taissa nailed it. Good screen chemistry. I just couldn't get into the self imposed drama of their lives.
Guide: F-bomb, sex, brief Internet nudity.
After the 20 minute introduction of characters and the set up, the film started to slow up. There are some slow scenes. You have to ask, "What is their problem?" and then you remember what it was like to be that age. Of course if you are at that age and in that type of relationship, this film could be 5 stars for you. The film was well acted. Taissa nailed it. Good screen chemistry. I just couldn't get into the self imposed drama of their lives.
Guide: F-bomb, sex, brief Internet nudity.
Irritating...if you're over 25...
shreeree21 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
*possible spoilers* I found this grating to watch. I just wanted to kick her butt the entire time. It was obvious what the problem was and who was the cause. She wants him to give up all his dreams, but she wasn't offering him a better alternative in return for all this loyalty she expected from him.
She does what many girls do. She makes him her life, her future, her career choice, her everything. All healthy relationships have a me time and you time, then there is a you and your friends, a me and my friends, a we and our friends time. This is where the trust comes in. It has to be that way to stay sane.
To put it simple this movie is about one person outgrowing another person. IT happens and the thing about young love is no one says that the person you loved all through your youth is the person you have to spend your adult life with. Obviously, He wants to grow up and go to the next level of life called "become a responsible adult" and she wanted to still be high school while playing at house. I don't know if that's a race, thing but my mother and grandmother would never allowed the spending the night and screwing in their house in the first place. They figure then you can afford to get a hotel or do it somewhere else, then you're old enough to accept all the responsibilities that come with being sexually active.
In this movie they try to be very realistic to the fact that most young relationships are destroyed by too much drinking and partying. Unless you both are into the scene, it gets really tiresome for the sober one to always be the logical and responsible one.
Life is too short to spend the best years of your life babysitting your lover. It's okay if you no longer want to be the one to make sure this person get home safe, don't end up in bed with some stranger, or have unprotected sex with someone you both know. Trying to get you to not drive drunk, because you never think you're drunk. Then there is the staying up all night making sure they don't vomit in their sleep and most of all you don't want to deal with the violent tendencies that you've warned them about time and again when they wonder where your scratches and bruises come from the next day.
In this movie I felt at some point someone would realize she was bipolar and get her some help.
No matter how long you've been together, 6 years or 6 months. not even the sexual chemistry you may have together can outweigh a partner's dysfunctional tendency.
Know if you give up your dreams for another person you will eventually resent and blame your failures on that other person. Never invest your complete happiness in another person, it's too much responsibility on another person and simply it isn't fare to someone you supposedly love. life sucks.
She does what many girls do. She makes him her life, her future, her career choice, her everything. All healthy relationships have a me time and you time, then there is a you and your friends, a me and my friends, a we and our friends time. This is where the trust comes in. It has to be that way to stay sane.
To put it simple this movie is about one person outgrowing another person. IT happens and the thing about young love is no one says that the person you loved all through your youth is the person you have to spend your adult life with. Obviously, He wants to grow up and go to the next level of life called "become a responsible adult" and she wanted to still be high school while playing at house. I don't know if that's a race, thing but my mother and grandmother would never allowed the spending the night and screwing in their house in the first place. They figure then you can afford to get a hotel or do it somewhere else, then you're old enough to accept all the responsibilities that come with being sexually active.
In this movie they try to be very realistic to the fact that most young relationships are destroyed by too much drinking and partying. Unless you both are into the scene, it gets really tiresome for the sober one to always be the logical and responsible one.
Life is too short to spend the best years of your life babysitting your lover. It's okay if you no longer want to be the one to make sure this person get home safe, don't end up in bed with some stranger, or have unprotected sex with someone you both know. Trying to get you to not drive drunk, because you never think you're drunk. Then there is the staying up all night making sure they don't vomit in their sleep and most of all you don't want to deal with the violent tendencies that you've warned them about time and again when they wonder where your scratches and bruises come from the next day.
In this movie I felt at some point someone would realize she was bipolar and get her some help.
No matter how long you've been together, 6 years or 6 months. not even the sexual chemistry you may have together can outweigh a partner's dysfunctional tendency.
Know if you give up your dreams for another person you will eventually resent and blame your failures on that other person. Never invest your complete happiness in another person, it's too much responsibility on another person and simply it isn't fare to someone you supposedly love. life sucks.
Acting of Farmiga and Rosenfield elevate and simplistic indie drama
ArchonCinemaReviews14 September 2015
Hannah Fidell writes and directs her third feature film 6 Years, a film about the youngest love and what happens when it arrives at a pivotal crossroads.
We all know someone or have experienced that first love, it feels ideal and true, almost too much so, and 6 Years examines that relationship when the persons in the relationship begin to evolve.
6 Years could not be more indie in content if it tried. Okay, that's a bold faced lie, but it is very 'indie'. It has a mundane but appreciable quality in its grasp on real and un-exaggerated relationship dynamics. The events that transpire are unremarkable but contain weight and merit in their impact on the couple, Dan and Mel. Mundane is not necessarily bad, however those wishing to use cinema as a form of escapism should look elsewhere.
Both Hannah Fidell's writing and the performances of Taissa Farmiga and Ben Rosenfield make 6 Years incredibly engaging and honest. The characters are flawed, neither innocent as their relationship becomes increasingly volatile, and at times they can be purely irredeemable. Their emotions are pure and some more elder actors might learn a thing or two from these gifted talents.
Less experienced independent film watchers tend to have a problem with complex characters who exist rather than trying to win over the audience. Further, when it comes down to the plot and drama in the film, it is quite youthful in its simplicity. Twenty-somethings should be able to see themselves in the film and appreciate its sincere approach to love and relationships.
Please check our website for full reviews of all the recent releases.
We all know someone or have experienced that first love, it feels ideal and true, almost too much so, and 6 Years examines that relationship when the persons in the relationship begin to evolve.
6 Years could not be more indie in content if it tried. Okay, that's a bold faced lie, but it is very 'indie'. It has a mundane but appreciable quality in its grasp on real and un-exaggerated relationship dynamics. The events that transpire are unremarkable but contain weight and merit in their impact on the couple, Dan and Mel. Mundane is not necessarily bad, however those wishing to use cinema as a form of escapism should look elsewhere.
Both Hannah Fidell's writing and the performances of Taissa Farmiga and Ben Rosenfield make 6 Years incredibly engaging and honest. The characters are flawed, neither innocent as their relationship becomes increasingly volatile, and at times they can be purely irredeemable. Their emotions are pure and some more elder actors might learn a thing or two from these gifted talents.
Less experienced independent film watchers tend to have a problem with complex characters who exist rather than trying to win over the audience. Further, when it comes down to the plot and drama in the film, it is quite youthful in its simplicity. Twenty-somethings should be able to see themselves in the film and appreciate its sincere approach to love and relationships.
Please check our website for full reviews of all the recent releases.
If this is "realistic" then take a good look at yourself.
voodoomoocow2 November 2016
Anyone who says this is a realistic portrayal of a relationship needs therapy and I don't mean that in a snarky way. If neither of you need therapy then even your worst relationship would never be this insufferable.
The girl needs anger management and the guy seriously needs to work on his communication skills.
Every single character was unlikable. I work in Austin so the only thing I could relate to was the scenery and hipsters but even then they were too spunky and friendly for Austin hipsters so my brief glimpse of immersion was ruined as soon as they opened their mouths.
And don't even get me started on the ending, but I'm trying to keep this spoiler-free to give fair warning to any rational person thinking about trying this movie.
Don't do this to yourself unless you need background fodder or you are under 25 with a heightened pain threshold.
The girl needs anger management and the guy seriously needs to work on his communication skills.
Every single character was unlikable. I work in Austin so the only thing I could relate to was the scenery and hipsters but even then they were too spunky and friendly for Austin hipsters so my brief glimpse of immersion was ruined as soon as they opened their mouths.
And don't even get me started on the ending, but I'm trying to keep this spoiler-free to give fair warning to any rational person thinking about trying this movie.
Don't do this to yourself unless you need background fodder or you are under 25 with a heightened pain threshold.
From teenagers to young adults, a couple has been together 6 years. Will they turn it into a lifetime?
Amari-Sali3 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Preconceived Notions
Naturally, if a movie presents itself as us getting to know two young people who have been together for 6 years, you know there is going to be drama. After all, they seem to only be in high school or college and been together forever. Question is, though: what will tear them apart and, will the reason for reconciliation make sense? Though they could always go down the road of showing what keeps two young people together for 6 years, but I doubt that is an option.
Trigger Warning(s): Rape Attempt
Characters & Story (with Commentary)
They are the enviable couple. They met sometime in high school, stayed together through college, and are so cute and in love that they almost seem foreign in modern times. Yet, they are real. They are Mel (Taissa Farmiga) and Dan (Ben Rosenfield). One, Mel, who plans on becoming an elementary school teacher and then there is Dan who wants to work in the music industry.
Which leads to the conflict of the movie. Dan's co-workers, especially one named Amanda (Lindsay Burdge) are getting more of his time and energy than Mel. Then, to make things even more difficult, not only is the relationship between Amanda and Dan getting muddy, but also Dan is offered a job in New York. A big issue for Mel since, currently, both she and Dan live in Texas. Leaving us to wonder, by the movie's end, with Dan having so many opportunities, both professional and perhaps sexual, what will become of the 6 years he invested with Mel? Will they remain together and try to work it out; perhaps go on a break; devolve their relationship into a friendship; or will their breakup be something of a tornado ripping apart each other's lives until it seems all that was built in those 6 years was nothing but dominoes being set up to fall?
Highlights
>It is hard to deny that Farmiga and Rosenfield make a cute on screen couple. The type you'd imagine, by the end of the movie, might end up engaged, married, or perhaps would end the movie with children. For the way things seem in the beginning, it is like we are presented a cute little suburban fairy tale.
>I liked how there was a balance between Mel having her own friends, her own career, and Dan had his own friends and his own career. That way it didn't make Mel seem like an accessory, or make Dan seem like a tool. Both had equal footing both in the relationship and in the film.
>Though I didn't agree with a lot of the drama in the film, I was glad one of the issues brought up dealt with Dan possible going to New York and how Mel reacted when it wasn't so much a discussion but him saying he was going to. That was perhaps the first time that it seemed their issues weren't something sort of random and out of left field.
Low Points
Fully recognizing that in this generation a 6-year relationship seems more like the exception than a rule, to me anyway, I just couldn't get into any of the drama surrounding this couple. If it wasn't Amanda and Dan being too friendly, it was Mel's friends who honestly seemed like some undercover haters who all but said, "I hate that you have had a boyfriend so long and all I can do is drink my way to someone looking at me twice." Which perhaps is a harsh thing to say but, honestly it did seem no one was happy they were a couple but Dan's mom. Everyone else seemed ready, and willing, to mess things up one way or the other.
On The Fence
Outside of Dan's conundrum with possibly going to New York, I'm unsure if there is any depth to the other problems in the movie. I mean, 6 years with one girl, who seemingly was his first and only, he doesn't present as something rough, and she doesn't present it as something bad either. Though, you have to wonder if maybe, subconsciously, perhaps he felt like he settled for what got comfortable. Then, when it comes to her, maybe she got more invested in it than him which, perhaps, is the only explainable reason for why, after Dan's mistakes, and an incident which leads to cops coming, they end up going back and forth until a final decision is made at the end of the movie.
Final Thought(s): TV Viewing
I think what I ultimately wanted was a mature romance. One in which, yes, they fought and had arguments, but it wasn't because some third party was tempting him, or she was put in a position where something bad could have happened. Rather, could there be, for once, a romance film like this rooted in reality? Where maybe they do question, after 6 years, where are we going from here? Are we together because it's convenient and what we are used to, or is this truly meant to be? Much less, when things are no longer convenient, and your dreams are taking you across the country, are we going to work things out, or is that the end of our run?
Those were the type of topics I was hoping for, but unfortunately what is presented is 3 incidents of them going from breaking up to getting back together, with each reconciliation making less sense than the last. Yet, despite how many times I rolled my eyes, a part of me must admit I did have hopes they could work it out. For it was just seeing them as happy as can be within the first 5 minutes, which really got me invested. To the point that, despite the type of BS I could not picture anyone putting up with, I still wanted them to end up happily ever after.
Naturally, if a movie presents itself as us getting to know two young people who have been together for 6 years, you know there is going to be drama. After all, they seem to only be in high school or college and been together forever. Question is, though: what will tear them apart and, will the reason for reconciliation make sense? Though they could always go down the road of showing what keeps two young people together for 6 years, but I doubt that is an option.
Trigger Warning(s): Rape Attempt
Characters & Story (with Commentary)
They are the enviable couple. They met sometime in high school, stayed together through college, and are so cute and in love that they almost seem foreign in modern times. Yet, they are real. They are Mel (Taissa Farmiga) and Dan (Ben Rosenfield). One, Mel, who plans on becoming an elementary school teacher and then there is Dan who wants to work in the music industry.
Which leads to the conflict of the movie. Dan's co-workers, especially one named Amanda (Lindsay Burdge) are getting more of his time and energy than Mel. Then, to make things even more difficult, not only is the relationship between Amanda and Dan getting muddy, but also Dan is offered a job in New York. A big issue for Mel since, currently, both she and Dan live in Texas. Leaving us to wonder, by the movie's end, with Dan having so many opportunities, both professional and perhaps sexual, what will become of the 6 years he invested with Mel? Will they remain together and try to work it out; perhaps go on a break; devolve their relationship into a friendship; or will their breakup be something of a tornado ripping apart each other's lives until it seems all that was built in those 6 years was nothing but dominoes being set up to fall?
Highlights
>It is hard to deny that Farmiga and Rosenfield make a cute on screen couple. The type you'd imagine, by the end of the movie, might end up engaged, married, or perhaps would end the movie with children. For the way things seem in the beginning, it is like we are presented a cute little suburban fairy tale.
>I liked how there was a balance between Mel having her own friends, her own career, and Dan had his own friends and his own career. That way it didn't make Mel seem like an accessory, or make Dan seem like a tool. Both had equal footing both in the relationship and in the film.
>Though I didn't agree with a lot of the drama in the film, I was glad one of the issues brought up dealt with Dan possible going to New York and how Mel reacted when it wasn't so much a discussion but him saying he was going to. That was perhaps the first time that it seemed their issues weren't something sort of random and out of left field.
Low Points
Fully recognizing that in this generation a 6-year relationship seems more like the exception than a rule, to me anyway, I just couldn't get into any of the drama surrounding this couple. If it wasn't Amanda and Dan being too friendly, it was Mel's friends who honestly seemed like some undercover haters who all but said, "I hate that you have had a boyfriend so long and all I can do is drink my way to someone looking at me twice." Which perhaps is a harsh thing to say but, honestly it did seem no one was happy they were a couple but Dan's mom. Everyone else seemed ready, and willing, to mess things up one way or the other.
On The Fence
Outside of Dan's conundrum with possibly going to New York, I'm unsure if there is any depth to the other problems in the movie. I mean, 6 years with one girl, who seemingly was his first and only, he doesn't present as something rough, and she doesn't present it as something bad either. Though, you have to wonder if maybe, subconsciously, perhaps he felt like he settled for what got comfortable. Then, when it comes to her, maybe she got more invested in it than him which, perhaps, is the only explainable reason for why, after Dan's mistakes, and an incident which leads to cops coming, they end up going back and forth until a final decision is made at the end of the movie.
Final Thought(s): TV Viewing
I think what I ultimately wanted was a mature romance. One in which, yes, they fought and had arguments, but it wasn't because some third party was tempting him, or she was put in a position where something bad could have happened. Rather, could there be, for once, a romance film like this rooted in reality? Where maybe they do question, after 6 years, where are we going from here? Are we together because it's convenient and what we are used to, or is this truly meant to be? Much less, when things are no longer convenient, and your dreams are taking you across the country, are we going to work things out, or is that the end of our run?
Those were the type of topics I was hoping for, but unfortunately what is presented is 3 incidents of them going from breaking up to getting back together, with each reconciliation making less sense than the last. Yet, despite how many times I rolled my eyes, a part of me must admit I did have hopes they could work it out. For it was just seeing them as happy as can be within the first 5 minutes, which really got me invested. To the point that, despite the type of BS I could not picture anyone putting up with, I still wanted them to end up happily ever after.
I had hope
constanza-nm14 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
OK. I like indie movies. I like indie movies about relationships and love, but this movie is crap. I'd keep seeing pictures and gifs of it on tumblr, so I decided to give it a try, after all, a lot of the times, they end up being very good films. But what a disappointment. It really sucks when you are waiting for the minutes to pass because the plot is so boring. The characters are not interesting at all and you can't really feel sympathy for any of them, what's the point then? Maybe the music? Not worth it. Cinematography? Lame. This could have been a good film, but nothing of it is worth watching. Don't watch it. Seriously. I love watching movies about complicated relationships and broken hearted characters, but this one is a waste of time. ' p.s: These must be the worst drunk performances I've seen in my life.
This movie was therapy
ohrubydear15 September 2015
I am bothered considerably to note how familiar I found this story. It's not the first film to portray a young romance filled with passion and volatility. But most lack the authenticity of 6 Years.
The characters are RAW. There is no hero here. Not since Blue Valentine have I seen characters expose such intimate flaws, while still maintaining empathy.
Credit for this should be awarded to the improv heavy style and insanely talented actors. Rosenfield is effortless perfection. His bargaining pleas were heartfelt and his retaliations so cold. Farmiga shone as both victim and aggressor. The grief and the rage and regret in her face felt far too real.
I think this movie will gain more favour with those who find it relate-able. Well worth the watch for me.
The characters are RAW. There is no hero here. Not since Blue Valentine have I seen characters expose such intimate flaws, while still maintaining empathy.
Credit for this should be awarded to the improv heavy style and insanely talented actors. Rosenfield is effortless perfection. His bargaining pleas were heartfelt and his retaliations so cold. Farmiga shone as both victim and aggressor. The grief and the rage and regret in her face felt far too real.
I think this movie will gain more favour with those who find it relate-able. Well worth the watch for me.
Too much left unsaid.
cvalley-3141412 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This movie portrays an unhealthy relationship with little character development. Despite having been together for 6 years, Mel and Dan failed to recognize the reality of their relationship. I enjoyed the scenes that realistically showed them together. It was relatable as a viewer. But ultimately, they were toxic for each other. Mel & Dan's backstory should have been more elaborated, to help the audience better understand the dynamics of their relationship.
So many things that kill me!
tbyrd-5008818 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
If I could speak to the characters of the movie:
(1) No girl should deal with that much self loathing to continue a relationship with such a douche bag! (2) For the love of everything holy, please put your hair in a ponytail! (3) There is zero chemistry between you two, so please move on already.
To the teens watching this movie: (1) If the relationship between the main characters of this movie is a biopic of your life, please get help.
To the powers to be: (1) The only reason I gave this movie 2 stars is for the acting. They are exceptional actors
I was flipping through Netflix and stumbled on this hour of my life I'll never get back. I went to high school. I'm sure there may have been one or two messed up couples who can relate to this story, but this storyline leads to a 48 Hours special. If you are looking for a romantic drama, I suggest "To All the Boys I Loved Before." At least you'll turn the TV off with a smile and not wondering if there really is such a thing as a "healthy relationship."
(1) No girl should deal with that much self loathing to continue a relationship with such a douche bag! (2) For the love of everything holy, please put your hair in a ponytail! (3) There is zero chemistry between you two, so please move on already.
To the teens watching this movie: (1) If the relationship between the main characters of this movie is a biopic of your life, please get help.
To the powers to be: (1) The only reason I gave this movie 2 stars is for the acting. They are exceptional actors
I was flipping through Netflix and stumbled on this hour of my life I'll never get back. I went to high school. I'm sure there may have been one or two messed up couples who can relate to this story, but this storyline leads to a 48 Hours special. If you are looking for a romantic drama, I suggest "To All the Boys I Loved Before." At least you'll turn the TV off with a smile and not wondering if there really is such a thing as a "healthy relationship."
Not sugar coating the relationship
Gordon-1114 September 2016
This film tells the story of two young lovers, who have been in a dedicated relationship for six years. They are still very in love, needing each other constantly, until cracks start to appear in their relationship.
The film is about this couple having been in relationship for six years, not about the entire six years. The plot is simple and easy to understand, yet what I don't understand is how they managed the previous six years. It appears that one of them is not mature enough to deal with a relationship, and gets abusive and violent when something doesn't go as planned. I would have walked straight out the relationship of that happened to me! Overall, I think "6 Years" is quite an honest and believable portrayal of a relationship. It doesn't sugar coat the relationship.
The film is about this couple having been in relationship for six years, not about the entire six years. The plot is simple and easy to understand, yet what I don't understand is how they managed the previous six years. It appears that one of them is not mature enough to deal with a relationship, and gets abusive and violent when something doesn't go as planned. I would have walked straight out the relationship of that happened to me! Overall, I think "6 Years" is quite an honest and believable portrayal of a relationship. It doesn't sugar coat the relationship.
Underwhelming with a few redeeming qualities
Eleanor_Bee22 January 2019
6 Years is a movie that feels more like a draft than a final product. Everything feels underdeveloped, especially the two leads. Mel and Dan are both awful people, and it feels like Hannah Fidell herself doesn't empathize with her characters. These are the people we're supposed to at least be invested in, but what's the point if neither the filmmaker nor the audience likes these people or wants them to be together? I get that this isn't a love story, but there still should be a certain level of empathy for the characters. However, there is none, and they're both careless without any sense of self-awareness.
To be fair, Taissa Farmiga and Rosenfield both do very well with the material they're given. They improvised just about everything, though they couldn't do much beyond what Fidell gave them. Even though I'm writing this a few years after the film's release, I still hope they have lasting careers. They're believable as a couple, and they sell the final scene.
I also think Fidell herself deserves some credit for exploring unhealthy relationships. Though I think it could have been done much better, unhealthy relationships are not often portrayed outside the Lifetime lens, so for her to create complex characters in this situation deserves commendation.
Do I recommend it? I dunno. I cried when I watched it, but that was likely because I'd just had a breakup. If you've got time to kill, go for it, but it's not going to be the thought-provoking, life-altering experience it clearly wants to be.
To be fair, Taissa Farmiga and Rosenfield both do very well with the material they're given. They improvised just about everything, though they couldn't do much beyond what Fidell gave them. Even though I'm writing this a few years after the film's release, I still hope they have lasting careers. They're believable as a couple, and they sell the final scene.
I also think Fidell herself deserves some credit for exploring unhealthy relationships. Though I think it could have been done much better, unhealthy relationships are not often portrayed outside the Lifetime lens, so for her to create complex characters in this situation deserves commendation.
Do I recommend it? I dunno. I cried when I watched it, but that was likely because I'd just had a breakup. If you've got time to kill, go for it, but it's not going to be the thought-provoking, life-altering experience it clearly wants to be.
Nice film that's too shy about its own material
Nanosecond19 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I went into this thinking it was going to be another Like Crazy (2011) which I absolutely enjoyed: a drama that naturally documents the highs and lows of a young couple's relationship. 6 Years (2015) borrows heavily from that film's style but lacks any of its substance which is quite disappointing since it has adult material waiting to be explored but is simply poked and prodded and never turned over.
Dan (Ben Rosenfield) loves Mel and Mel (Taissa Farmiga) loves Dan. It's that simple. They've been together for 6 years to the surprise of their friends and colleagues given that they're only in their early twenties. All is well as we're shown a rosy glow, summer montage of Dan and Mel making love, riding bikes, frolicking at the beach, eating ice cream, and hanging out with friends at a BBQ party. After a hard night of partying and drinking, Mel gets into a drunken, irrational fight with Dan and shoves him into a dresser, cutting the back of his head. This serves as a foreshadowing of bigger fights to come, all of which show cool-headed Dan becoming the unlucky foil to Mel's rage. There is a subplot with Dan trying to decide whether or not to take a job in New York, away from Mel in Texas but that only serves to put stress on the relationship and highlight Mel's sudden and, mostly, undeserving mood swings.
The film's attempt at trying to study domestic abuse from the perspective of an abused male is noteworthy but becomes annoying when it is clear the filmmakers have no intention on exploring the matter further. The story suffers for it and, unfortunately, so does one of its actors. Taissa's performance really shined in the small, subtle moments when she was doting on her boyfriend, discussing/defending her long-term relationship amongst friends, or expressing remorse for her actions after fighting with Dan; but when it came to pulling off the big outbursts she either couldn't fully commit or couldn't go to a dark enough place in order to convincingly pull off the performance. I think it was because she needed more background information on her character, just as much as the audience needed it. We get glimpses of Dan's supportive mother which gives us a cursory explanation for his laid back, cool-headed, rational disposition. But we're never shown Mel's mother. She remains a mystery just like Mel's quick tendency to lash out. Not many films realistically show a natural progression of domestic abuse, particularly from a male's perspective, so it was quite disheartening when it seemed this film was too shy to go any deeper into the topic of its own adult material (which even includes an "almost" rape scene!).
All in all, it's still a nice film that's beautiful to look at and listen to. The film is wonderfully shot in a clear, crisp yet hazy white glow highlighting both of its stars attractive features and scored with nice indie tracks masquerading as 80's synth pop. In the end, 6 Years will have you ready to break up with it but wondering what could have been. Skip the theater and check it out on Netflix or cable when available.
Dan (Ben Rosenfield) loves Mel and Mel (Taissa Farmiga) loves Dan. It's that simple. They've been together for 6 years to the surprise of their friends and colleagues given that they're only in their early twenties. All is well as we're shown a rosy glow, summer montage of Dan and Mel making love, riding bikes, frolicking at the beach, eating ice cream, and hanging out with friends at a BBQ party. After a hard night of partying and drinking, Mel gets into a drunken, irrational fight with Dan and shoves him into a dresser, cutting the back of his head. This serves as a foreshadowing of bigger fights to come, all of which show cool-headed Dan becoming the unlucky foil to Mel's rage. There is a subplot with Dan trying to decide whether or not to take a job in New York, away from Mel in Texas but that only serves to put stress on the relationship and highlight Mel's sudden and, mostly, undeserving mood swings.
The film's attempt at trying to study domestic abuse from the perspective of an abused male is noteworthy but becomes annoying when it is clear the filmmakers have no intention on exploring the matter further. The story suffers for it and, unfortunately, so does one of its actors. Taissa's performance really shined in the small, subtle moments when she was doting on her boyfriend, discussing/defending her long-term relationship amongst friends, or expressing remorse for her actions after fighting with Dan; but when it came to pulling off the big outbursts she either couldn't fully commit or couldn't go to a dark enough place in order to convincingly pull off the performance. I think it was because she needed more background information on her character, just as much as the audience needed it. We get glimpses of Dan's supportive mother which gives us a cursory explanation for his laid back, cool-headed, rational disposition. But we're never shown Mel's mother. She remains a mystery just like Mel's quick tendency to lash out. Not many films realistically show a natural progression of domestic abuse, particularly from a male's perspective, so it was quite disheartening when it seemed this film was too shy to go any deeper into the topic of its own adult material (which even includes an "almost" rape scene!).
All in all, it's still a nice film that's beautiful to look at and listen to. The film is wonderfully shot in a clear, crisp yet hazy white glow highlighting both of its stars attractive features and scored with nice indie tracks masquerading as 80's synth pop. In the end, 6 Years will have you ready to break up with it but wondering what could have been. Skip the theater and check it out on Netflix or cable when available.
Took me 6 years to finally watch it
allycox6 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I love romantic movies and this movies has been popping up on suggested movies on multiple platforms for me for years! I finally watched it and I was disappointed. For a break up story, it was bad. But I never been a huge fan of sad endings unless they are done really well. This was done well but not amazing. I definitely got the impression that they should not be together and their relationship was toxic. I don't understand how you could only be having the caliber of problems they were having at the end of their relationship. She had a abusive when drunk problem, he had a cheating problem. Those aren't problems that just happen suddenly after 6 years of being together...in my opinion. I just found myself asking the whole movie, how did this relay even reach 6 years.
film did not arouse any empathy
krofkrof16 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I could not feel for Mel or Dan the whole movie. Their 6 year long relationships was not believable. At some points it seemed like their two newly in love teenager who are too shy to act normal around each other.
There also was no chance to feel with either Mel or Dan. The film didn't give me the chance. It was told more from the outside of the characters, more observing than feeling the inner thoughts.
Also the acting was not that good. Both were touching their hair all the time. Once Mel stopped Dan started.
Story was told way too fast. Once I started being a bit involved the film was over in that exact second. So you can say I liked the ending in a way.
During the film there were no big up and downs. I missed that. It lost the suspense very fast.
Although I liked the way of giving her the part of being violent. It was not believable for her character and the way he portrayed it but still I liked the concept of switching the stereotypes. In other scenes they felt for the stereotypes very much. Story-wise and how the supporting roles behaved. If violence should have been the theme of the film it was too small in comparison. It would have been better it the theme went along all the film. Not necessarily shown in all scenes and the plot but still be discussed. It felt more like a small side topic which was mentioned parenthetically.
So all in all it needed to be more lively and it needed to give the audience a chance to get involved and feel with the couple or either Mel or Dan.
Although I liked the way of giving her the part of being violent. It was not believable for her character and the way he portrayed it but still I liked the concept of switching the stereotypes. In other scenes they felt for the stereotypes very much. Story-wise and how the supporting roles behaved. If violence should have been the theme of the film it was too small in comparison. It would have been better it the theme went along all the film. Not necessarily shown in all scenes and the plot but still be discussed. It felt more like a small side topic which was mentioned parenthetically.
So all in all it needed to be more lively and it needed to give the audience a chance to get involved and feel with the couple or either Mel or Dan.
Hard to watch..
peace_on_earth4 June 2022
Because it reminded me of my teenage relationship I had. Very real, very raw. Believable and genuine. Yes, the relationship is tumultuous but when you're young and in love, you're immature and jealous, this is what a lot of relationships are like at that age. Really good movie.
Disappointing
anamaria_b199425 September 2017
I got home after work and thought of watching Netflix. While scrolling through some movies, I stumbled upon this one. I wish I hadn't. The plot moves sooooo sloow you feel time has stopped while you were watching this.. The actors... It is sooo annoying seeing Mel running her hands through her hair every damn time!!! It's too unreal! Too boring! Too shallow! It is mt first time writing my opinion about a film. This is how much this film disappointed me.
Follows a young couple's struggle to carry on with their relationship while they grow up.
isa-3613730 May 2016
I can see why many people disliked this movie. It's a representation of life without filters, without a happy ending, just life. If you've been in a long-term relationship, you'll like this film. I've always loved Taissa's acting, and this is no disappointment. I think she does a great job with real-life characters, she's believable. Overall this movie seemed so realistic to me, not just for the plot: their reactions, the way they carried themselves, the people around them. It's the representation of real life drama, without exaggeration or fantasy. It kind of reminded me of Boyhood in the sense that it follows a story very close to reality. I enjoyed it.
I watched this film twice
xinhzai_sl9 November 2019
Get A Hair Band!!
mcjensen-0592426 July 2021
I know many reviewers have mentioned this, and it's because it's ultimately so distracting you want to grab her through the screen and give her a rubber band. I couldn't find one character to relate or sympathize with. It would be great if someone would act in a mature and reasonable way, but it just doesn't happen. They've supposed to be together for 6 years, but every scene it's like they're on a first date. Awkward, like they don't even know each other. Moral: Drugs & Booze Make You Stupid. The people who made this movie are proof of that, apparently. Acting and soundtrack are extremely weak. Dialogue is trite garbage. How many mindless party scenes are we supposed to endure? No funny moments anywhere in this film. Brainless people doing idiotic things in a dull manner. Nothing but losers. 1 Star for Taissa just cuz she's so cute. I start all films at 1 because just getting a film made is worth that in my opinion.
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