Love Story
Harvard Law student Oliver Barrett IV and music student Jennifer Cavilleri share a chemistry they cannot deny - and a love they cannot ignore. Despite their opposite backgrounds, the young couple put their hearts on the line for each other. When they marry, Oliver's wealthy father threatens to disown him. Jenny tries to reconcile the Barrett men, but to no avail.
Critics Sentiment
Jenny arranges Catholic funeral and comforts dying Oliver
Doctor reveals Jenny's terminal illness after blood tests
The film's biggest emotional shift occurs when Jenny's terminal diagnosis is revealed, dropping from modest approval to criticism of unrealistic medical scenes, before recovering as her graceful acceptance of death wins back audience sympathy.
Love Story follows a predictable sentiment arc that mirrors its narrative structure, starting with mixed reception of the central romance, maintaining moderate approval through their courtship and marriage, then plummeting during the poorly executed medical crisis before recovering with genuinely moving deathbed scenes. Critics consistently praise Francis Lai's score and some individual performances while criticizing the melodramatic execution and stilted dialogue, resulting in a film that divides audiences between those moved by its simplicity and those put off by its manipulation.
Full cast
Ali MacGraw
Jennifer Cavilleri
Ryan O'Neal
Oliver Barrett IV
John Marley
Phil Cavilleri
Ray Milland
Oliver Barrett III
Russell Nype
Dean Thompson
Tommy Lee Jones
Hank - Oliver's Roommate
Sydney Walker
Dr. Shapeley
Robert Modica
Dr. Addison
Katherine Balfour
Oliver's mother
Sudie Bond
Woman buying Christmas tree
Walker Daniels
Oliver's Roommate, Ray
John Merensky
Oliver's Roommate, Steve
Andrew Duncan
Rev. Blauvelt
Charlotte Ford
Clerk
Julie Garfield
Bystander at Harpsichord Concerto
Kevin O'Neal
Milo Boulton
Crew
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