Movie Review

Can love defy death?

“Tell me, my dear, can a heart still break once it’s stopped beating?” In an animated film that explores the themes of love, death, and marriage, the taunting question posed by Lord Barkis leaves one unanswered question to the viewers, can love defy death?

As William Shakespeare wrote in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the course of true love never did run smooth. The Corpse Bride (2005) follows the story of Victor Van Dort; a shy groom meant to marry Victoria Everglot. However, due to unfortunate circumstances, he finds himself in a dilemma when Emily, the corpse bride, rises from her grave, assuming that he has married her. Hence, we follow the two characters as they venture between the land of the living and the dead.

In the movie, Elder Gutknecht, the wise ruler of the land of the dead, emphasized how the living could not marry the dead since it is stated in one’s wedding vows that the marriage will last “until death does us part.” Therefore, Emily and Victor’s marriage has been void from the beginning since life has departed the former while the latter remains to live, which implies Emily’s cruel fate with Victor.

Meanwhile, in a literary sense, the film portrays death as unrequited love. Although Victor may have become fond of Emily, it is obvious where his heart lies in the end. Emily’s selflessness contributed to her character development because as she found peace within herself, it shows how a “dead” heart can break and that love never dies, even if it means one has to let go of someone. In other words, love sets us free, and it conquers all, including death.

The Corpse Bride remains one of Tim Burton’s iconic works as the movie has touched the hearts of many. Nevertheless, it would have been better if the film presented how Victor and Victoria grew fond of each other since it seems their story was a bit rushed. Though, it is understood that it might have been a creative decision too.

In conclusion, Emily and Victor’s bittersweet story exemplifies how love knows no bounds. Despite one’s fear of the unknown when in love, death does not erase its essence as that is where genuine eternity lies. Indeed, there is no end to it after all because even after someone’s passing, the love they left behind stays as it is.

Is Love Worth Dying For?

"Till Death Do Us Part" is quite a beautiful vow, isn't it? It is a familiar phrase we all love and hold dear to our hearts for it promises a couple's shared tomorrow. Yet, in the 2005 film "Corpse Bride" this statement bears all but beauty and only leaves a shade of red.

"Corpse Bride" is another classic produced by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Helena Carter, and Emily Watson. A visionary of nuanced topics, tackling "Love" amidst conflict. If one were to focus on the issue at hand, the main character could be pinpointed immediately, namely; Victor Van Dort.

We tag along with Victor as he is tangled in a ‘love triangle’ between two characters he is to marry, Emily and Victoria. Compared to other dramatic renditions of this trope, Burton skillfully contrasts the two female characters by echoing the wedding vow. In Victoria’s case, she represents the humanity of marriage as a commitment until both hearts grow old. On the other hand, Emily’s heart has already matured in the sands of time, and she must take Victor along with her.

This is when the audience must ponder the importance of love and put it above all in life. Are we even prioritizing love if our lives are endangered because of it? Even after Victor decided who he chose in the end, we still wondered if we would have chosen differently. Do we go with love that is easy to understand, like Victoria’s, or act as martyrs for Emily?

This moral dilemma is a testament to Burton's proficiency in imprinting a personal and timely message. But, just like in any subjective form of art, there will always be room for audiences' wishful thinking, perhaps of a happier ending, especially for Emily. Nonetheless, this film did what it came here to do: question why we love to love.

If you finished this film and would have given your life for Emily, don't fret. In our day and age, we inevitably slave ourselves to our passion and our loved ones. Yet, we must never forget that saving ourselves from the pressure of love strengthens the feeling of it even more. One should not offer their life in the name of love, but offer their love until the end of life.