A test in the sands of time, “Love in the Time of Cholera” is a movie about just how long love can last between two individuals, even as events conspire against them. Set in late 19th century Colombia, the movie begins with Florentino Ariza (Javier Bardem) and Fermina Daza (Giovanna Mezzogiorno) falling in love with each other at an early age. At that time there was a cholera epidemic, with thousands dying from the disease. It’s love at first sight for Florentino when he delivers a telegram to Fermina’s father and sees her for the first time. Quickly, he is writing letters of love to her and even though they rarely see each other, at the time, they are sure that they are in love. Florentino eventually proposes to her, but Fermina’s father, Lorenzo Daza (John Leguizamo), prevents the marriage from happening by taking Fermina away into the countryside. They don’t see each other for many years. While Florentino tries to keep himself pure of any women, Fermina marries Dr. Juvenal Urbino (Benjamin Bratt). Heartbroken, Florentino begins a number of affairs with women in an effort to fill the gap of hurt and love that was created by Fermina’s marriage to another man. He waits for more than 50 years until her husband dies and then tries again to reignite the love he and Fermina once shared. The location of the filming couldn’t have been better. It was filmed in the same country in which the book was based. The director has perfect locations and extras, with everything being filmed in Colombia and most of the extras being Colombians. Thus, it is easier to grasp what culture the cast is and the scenarios in which they find themselves. The story line is a classic: love enduring and never failing, even in the midst of uncertainty. The main characters are outstanding. Florentino’s character, played by Javier Bardem, is to perfection as a bachelor never out of love with Fermina. He cannot live without love and is willing to die for it, or in his case, wait for it. Fermina, played by Giovanna Mezzogiorno, is done exceptionally well. Her character goes through a change of heart when she is taken away and then finds her love with Florentino again much later on, close to the end. The supporting actors, Benjamin Bratt and John Leguizamo, both play their roles very well. While in other films, they’re likeable characters, in this one, they’re the dividers of Florentino and Fermina to good effect. “Love in the Time of Cholera” is a good film for those who love classics. If you can stand looking through history and be patient for love to finally win over your hearts, this is a good movie. My rating: B+