Actually that could've been a more accurate title for the movie. Not that the reception would have been any better. Probably the lack of emotion (or the feeling that there is a complete lack of it, including love),would have dragged this down either way. While another big Hollywood couple had issues after they made a very intimate movie together, I don't think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will take any issues from this.

Their characters on the other hand, they have a lot of issues. One of them being a happy couple right next door while trying to fix their own relationship. Both have issues and a couple newly in love exposes most of them. And while talking about exposed: this has way more nudity and mature situations that I was expecting. Don't get it twisted, it's not about excitement for the viewer it's about missing pieces for the characters involved.

The drama value is very high. And it's really good if you like a slow burning drama with not really likable characters. It's a piece of life so to speak ... can you handle it?

Glamorous married couple in the 1970s--he a writer who can't write, she a retired dancer--vacation at a French hotel overlooking the Mediterranean; he spends most of his time drinking at the local bar while she stretches out on the balcony with a book. 30 minutes goes by without much happening, while the viewer is asked to feast on the lush locale (the film was shot in Malta) and the endless movie star close-ups (which aren't so lush, as neither Brad Pitt nor Angelina Jolie Pitt, who also wrote and directed, look attractive here; she appears gaunt, and they both seem worn out). The couple, bored and prone to bickering, seem to be in a sexual rut, which is temporarily given a reprieve by the discovery of a small hole in the bedroom wall, perfect for peeping on the sexy newlyweds staying next door. Jolie Pitt may have overestimated she and real-life husband Brad Pitt's combined appeal, as their presence in these luxurious surroundings curiously fails to generate any interest, much less sparks. The voyeurism subplot promises drama that never really emerges, mainly due to the one-dimensional screenplay and flat handling. Alas, "By the Sea" sinks. *1/2 from ****

I kept waiting for something to happen to these two beautiful people. They are bored, and apparently not attracted to each other any more, but staying at a beautiful place surrounded by gorgeous scenery. They are unhappy, though. It's hard to empathize with these characters. Then they become obsessed with the newlywed neighbors, watching them have sex through a hole in the wall. Brad and Angelina become voyeurs, a turn-on, but not enough for their relationship. We find out later, it's because she's "barren," in a scene that is almost laughable. Kept waiting for Angelina to show some emotion. I became bored early with her wooden performance. First saw this movie before their break-up, and saw it again recently. I can recommend it based on foreshadowing of the cracks in their marriage, leading up to the real life break-up. So much can be seen between the lines. For the beautiful scenery, I would definitely recommend. But for anyone who doesn't appreciate slow-moving films, you will probably not enjoy.