*HERE BE SPOILERS* During the long, drawn-out ending of this movie, I could hear sniffling and noses being blown everywhere. And indeed, if you're looking for a weepy to blub your heart out to, then this could be the film for you. Now, I have to confess on my side... the vision did get slightly blurred... but certainly not the flood-like levels I experienced around me. I last time I saw this level of collective sobbing was Titanic... I guess there's something about a charming pretty boy dying young that sets off the ol' female tear ducts. "HE HAD ALL HIS LIFE AHEAD OF HIM". *Snort*... "Madame, could you please remove your hankie from my lap?!"

Anyway, credit where credit is due... this is, for the most part, an engaging portrayal of two intelligent teenage cancer sufferers who don't know what the future holds. Gus appears to be in remission but has had a leg amputated, while Hazel has only one lung after her treatment, and has to lug an oxygen tank with her everywhere. They meet at a support group, which is of course full of false platitudes and unhelpful advice. The couple connect almost instantly in this staid atmosphere, and before long they're swapping books and sharing their own unique brand of black comedy.

In fact, they make a perfect match... which makes it all the more tragic that inevitably, one (or both) will pass away soon. Come on... you've seen the way this movie is marketed... you weren't expecting a happy ending. But before she shuffles off this mortal coil, Hazel wants to meet the author of her favourite novel in the flesh... because the story he wrote had an unsatisfactory conclusion that she wants elaborating on. One problem: he now lives in isolation in Amsterdam, and she doesn't have the money to get there. Plus, her health may be at risk during the flight. Thanks to Gus and her family's efforts though, her dreams come true...

The trip to Holland is eye-opening in more ways than one, as our intrepid duo have an unforgettable three days. Sadly, it's all downhill from there as events take a turn for the worst.The film does begin to lose some of it's power by becoming a bit too melodramatic, and the previously witty dialogue turns rather flowery to this trained ear. Still, it studiously avoids maudlin sentiment for the most part... So I suppose we can allow it to get a little morose during the climax. As long as old biddies seated nearby could be more careful with their snotrags in the future. Jeez... 6/10