For bearing the unfortunately sappy name “Two Lovers,” the film is surprisingly earnest and artfully endearing.

To set the stage, Leonard (Joaquin Phoenix), is the archetype for the “troubled soul,” who has never been the same since his broken engagement. In the film’s first minutes he jumps into the New York Bay. Fortunately, he is saved (“It’s a Wonderful Life,” anyone?), but is met with the worry and apprehension of his middle-class Jewish parents when he arrives home soaking wet.

Through a turn of events, he meets Vinessa Shaw, a good Jewish girl who has her life together and is instantly smitten with Leonard. A few days later, Leonard meets and becomes quickly attracted to Michelle (Gwyneth Paltrow), a beautiful, good-hearted woman, but someone who settles for men (like her married businessman lover, Ronald) who treat her as less than she deserves.

Leonard is in an impossible situation, where he loves two women – a struggle he and the audience toil through until his final decision at the end of the film.

This film is refreshing because it does not try to simplify or demonize characters. Instead of going the stereotypical Hollywood route, the film grinds in flesh and blood characters the audience can truly care for. Shaw aptly plays an endearing woman, and in her various expressions and genuine words, you believe and fall in love with her the moment she comes on-screen. Paltrow proves she is more than just a pretty face, showing she can be emotionally raw and honest. Phoenix is remarkable, playing the best role of his career. Not only in speech and appearance, but also in body language, he fully captures a man in torment and pain.

“Two Lovers” is good film that deserves much praise and admiration for showing the complicated nature of love between human beings, something that is becoming less commonplace in most romance films.

The beauty of the film really comes down to a familiar story that is given true understated performances, rather than over-the-top, sentimental soap opera clichés.