I thought this would be a typical affair flick, with all the typical ingredients. But it wasn't. First of all, there appears to be nothing wrong with the marriage. The husband (Richard Gere) never beats the wife (Diane Lane), they haven't grown apart over the years. There is no reason given for her adultery. Maybe because it is not important, and the writer wanted to potray a marriage worth saving not destroying. Maybe she did it out of pure carnal desire. Men do it all the time. They profess to love their wives, but are driven to adultery. Here is a woman in that position. And this guy is like the male version of the typical "other woman". He is hot, practically generating an aura of sex wherever he goes. And of course he has a charming, romantic foreign accent. It is not hard to see how she could be tempted.

A big part of the movie is the eroticism. Some goody goodys might say it is unnecessary, but I think it goes a long way in the developement of the story and characters. And ok it is fun to watch. Sex is all the affair is about. Sex with her husband is loving and tender and sweet. Sex with Paul is rough and passionate. He dominates her, and will take her whereever he pleases, whether it be a hallway or bathroom stall. She could have just asked this of her husband, but then where would the story be?

It is a little sad to see Richard Gere as the old husband. Even though I wasn't even alive when An Officer and a Gentleman was made, that is how I remember Gere. He is very sexy. But in this role, he is able to show his diversity as an actor. I was just beginning to recognize Diane Lane..wasn't she the girl who played the godmother in such and such? After this role, I will not forget her, and I don't think many others will either. There is a great scene after her first time with Paul when she is on the train ride home out of NYC when she is recalling the forbidden act. In her face there is the combined feelings of torment and guilt but also pleasure. Lane portrays a myriad of emotions at once throughout the film brilliantly.

Emotion is key in this film. It is not about a steamy affair, but a test that will make or break a marriage forever. The outcome is refreshing. Richard Gere is still a love stories hero.