Chasing Liberty

UK Release: 9th January 2004

Watched on DVD: Friday 1st June 2012

Rating: 12A

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Runtime: 1hr 51mins

Tagline: Every family has a rebel. Even the First Family.

IMDb Plot Synopsis: Anna Foster has never had an ordinary life. At eighteen years old, she is the most protected girl in America; she is the First Daughter. Frustrated with her overprotective father, the President of the United States of America, Anna makes a deal with him: only two agents are allowed to guard her while she attends a concert in Prague. When her father backs out of his promise, Anna flies into a temper and goes on the run with Ben Calder, a handsome photographer she runs into outside of the music club. They travel together with the intention of going to the Love Parade in Berlin. Anna hasn't told Ben who she is but more importantly, Ben hasn't told her who he is. Under the orders of Anna's father, Ben is supposed to keep an eye on the rebellious girl but falling in love with her wasn't something he expected to do.

My Review: The last time I saw this film I was a lot younger and so I was curious to see if the film has stood the test of time with me. And actually... it’s not bad. I forgot how sweet and romantic it was and it is the perfect cliched european adventure romance which, while very predictable, also just works. It’s surprising how much I still like it but I think it has something (read practically everything!) to do with Matthew Goode. It was actually after seeing him in Leap Year that I decided to dig out this old DVD to remind myself of his lovely natural english accent. Goode and Mandy Moore bounce off each other well and while of course the whole thing is wildly unrealistic they’re both really likeable characters - which is something that shouldn’t be underrated! 

The film looks great thanks to the beautiful sights of Europe and the side-plot romance between the secret agents is adorable too. Overall it’s oh so sweet, which you can’t help but smile at - perfect for a rainy night in!

Score: 7/10