The film The Last Kiss is based upon an Italian film by the name of L'Ultimo Bacio which was released in 2001. However I was not aware of this when I entered the theatre to see The Last Kiss. I did walk out feeling as though I had seen an amazing foreign film. Of course I say that and you may wonder what I mean. Don't expect to go into this movie expecting the normal boy meets girl, some crazy misunderstanding happens. Boy chases girl down the freeway until they reach the airport and finally they realized it was all a mistake and they are meant for each other. You will not find that in this film, but what you will find are people faced with growing up and the relationships they have created along the way.

We start with Michael (Zach Braff), he and his girlfriend (Jacinda Barrett) have been dating for about three years when Jenna finds out she is pregnant. They are of course by all intents and purposes the perfect couple. Their friends envy Michael's relationship with his beautiful and kind girlfriend, while Michael feels trapped. While at a wedding Michael catches the eye of a young college girl (Rachel Bilson) he is intrigued by her and although she knows he has a girlfriend they flirt with each other and exchange numbers. The night they end up on a date happens to be the same night something tragic happens to his buddy Izzy (Michael Weston) and Michael is now where to be found. When Jenna confronts his friend Chris (Casey Affleck) Michael's alibi, Jenna suspects the truth.

This opens up the hard reality of the relationships, and the reality as well that not everything can be cured with an I'm sorry and a rose. Meanwhile you cut to Chris who has a son with his wife but feels as though they are growing more and more distant. While his wife holds on to his baby he tries to hold onto his previous life and not accepting the responsibilities that is ahead of him.

Izzy's character is not very developed we see a few sides to him early on. The most important would be the wedding scene where it is clear he still pines for his old girlfriend, and can not seem to let her go. Kenny has no ties to any women and chooses to use them sexually. Izzy and Kenny eventually decide to breakaway and set out on an adventure across country. While it may seem they are trying to run away, I see it more as an adventure to finally find themselves.

Back to Jenna and Michael, Jenna retreats to her parent's house played by the amazing Blythe Danner and Tom Wilkerson. Blythe going through a bit of her own midlife crisis can tend to relate to Michael more than Jenna. While Jenna is definitely Daddy's daughter in the way she thinks and acts. Blythe confronts some of her own fears and demons, maybe proving that no matter how old you are you are always confronted with some challenges that you fear. Challenges and responsibilities that make you want to run rather than stand and accept them.

Rachel Bilson does and amazing job as the young temptress who suckers in poor Michael. She makes it clear she isn't looking for a commitment although that seems to change over time as well.

The remainder of the story is between Jenna and Michael, and the healing that would have to occur in order for them to be together. Is it worth trying, can Jenna ever trust Michael again? As I said this isn't your normal cookie cutter romance, it is at times painfully real. Jacinda Barrett has come a long way from her Real World days, this was a very emotional trying role, and she delivered her performance perfectly. Tony Goldwyn, who is the director does an amazing job of pulling at your heart, making you laugh, then making you cry. I almost forgot to mention that the film was written or adapted by Paul Haggis.

This isn't the type of film which will appeal to everyone but if you like truly deep stories this movie is for you.