Film tells long and twisting tales of romance

Opening Nov. 18, but not screened for critics, is The History of Love, from Romanian director Radu Mihaileanu.

Based on the 2005 novel by Nicole Krauss, it tells the story of Leo (Mark Rendall) and Alma (Gemma Arterton), who fall in love in 1930s Poland but are separated by the Second World War.

Sent to America and thinking Leo is dead, Alma marries and starts a family.

Meanwhile, in a parallel tale in 2006, another Alma (Sophie Nelisse) is growing up and learning to deal with her own feelings.

What follows is a long and twisted tale of romantic misunderstandings and unrequited love, with a significant twist in the final 15 minutes that explains much of what’s gone on in the preceding two hours.