Charity's Place.com

BED OF ROSES

REVIEWED BY CHARITY BISHOP

Our rating: 3 out of 5

Because of: sexual implications, language

Rated:

Though problematic in its morals, Bed of Roses is one of the more meaningful romances I have seen in a long time. Its protagonists are extremely likable and its format is unique. But perhaps what shines through the most brilliantly is its empathetic heart.

Lisa Walker (Mary Stuart Masterson) spends most of her time in the office, attempting to run the world... or at least, her corner of the spacious industry of trade in which she is involved. She barely has time for houseplants, much less romantic relationships. Having just lost the man who raised her, she returns home in tears. The following morning a mysterious bouquet of flowers is delivered to her desk by a charming florist, Lewis Farrell (Christian Slater). Phone calls to her sometimes-boyfriend and best friend Kim (Pamela Segall) turn up no evidence that either one of them were involved. Determined to get to the bottom of her secret admirer, Lisa attempts to convince Lewis to tell her who ordered them for her. He refuses, and instead asks her if she would like to help him deliver flowers that day, since she has been given the rest of the week off from work.

The two hit it off immediately and she is able to understand something of why he has chosen that profession, because if you deliver flowers "people are always happy to see you." Lewis is a tender-hearted soul whose single desire is to bring happiness into the lives of others, and Lisa's wounded heart makes her vulnerable to his sweetness. But conflicted emotions and a tragic past make her afraid of becoming serious with anyone, a fact that deeply concerns Kim when she learns Lisa has told him nothing of the truth. Their relationship is progressing well when Lewis makes a decision that will shake the romance to its core and force Lisa to confront the painful past with trembling reluctance. Lisa's journey to self-discovery and coming to grips with the experiences that left her emotionally dead make this film deeper than most. The audience senses her pain as she struggles against her fear of commitment, and attempts to come to the belief that it really is possible for someone to truly love her.

Lewis is one of the more likable romantic leads I have seen in a long time, because he is genuinely sweet. He spends hours listening to story time in the library, simply because he loves to share in the innocent appreciation of children. He buys up the city's entire collection of roses without thorns simply because Lisa loves them. He actually owns the florist shop, but does deliveries personally because he loves to see people comforted by flowers in their times of pain. The two make a decent couple that you want to root for, but also fall prey to immoral choices. In the rush to complicate their love life, the writers chose to make them intimate far too quickly -- two days after they met. They are shown in bed together talking on several occasions, and Lisa soon moves into his apartment. I am sorry that aspect tainted the production, because otherwise it is above reproach, without too much problematic language.

Ultimately the lesson it teaches is one about acceptance, forgiveness, and learning to open your heart even though it might mean pain. Lisa believes that roses should have thorns because they are "too perfect otherwise." Lewis doesn't see any problem with perfection. Life is never easy. It involves pain and love, happiness and despair, moments of sheer contentment and dissatisfaction. It is indeed a Bed of Roses.