When I was an 8 years old boy, owning video set was forbidden in my cursed country, Iran. Those days we were at eight years war with Iraq. In such bad situation, old movies on Betamax video tapes were our family's only fun whereas that was so risky due to country's law .You would have been arrested if it was proved that you have videotapes at home. My father was MD and one of his clients used to rent tapes although illegally. I watched so many great movies, mostly classics, in this way in that time. One of most memorable movies among them was "Griffin & Phoenix: A love story". It was a dubbed version & Its Persian title was "The kite" apparently because of emphasized presence of that motif in the storyline. This name had remained on this movie since before Iranian revoloution in 1979. After I saw the movie; I was stuck into that although I was so little. I watched that Betamax tape over & over again in the next years. Oh my god! It was amazing! The film's impact on me sustained so. I don't know anything about my childish reaction to this movie but now, I certainly can say It's brilliant, a film in the mood of 70s nihilistic cinema with anarchistic characteristics. This movie just made after a highly admired movie, "Love story" by Arthur Hiller, and after that Swedish director, Roy Anderson, Had made his own version of love story in the title of "A Swedish love story". "Griffin & Phoenix: A love story" is a deconstructive adaptation of love story, having less sentiment & added some intelligence with a mentored attitude toward the life. The message is straight: Nothing will be remaining from human except those moments spent on delight and love. I don't believe in an outside realm. All we can get is in this life although all the things have to be faded away gradually, Likewise me, likewise my Betamax videotapes. Unfortunately I have no longer a version of my lovely favorite movie. Sad but true.

Peter Falk and Jill Clayburgh certainly don't sound like the typical romantic couple. In fact, it's hard to envision them as being a couple at all…until you watch "Griffin and Phoenix: A Love Story". The story is the old "two dying people fall in love" one, but it's done with such grace and believability that the film is really irresistible.Griffin (Falk) is told by his doctor that his cancer has spread and he only has a short time to live, so he decides to take a college class instead of moping around at home. There he meets Phoenix (Clayburgh) a fun-loving, carefree woman to whom he is instantly attracted. The two naturally fall in love, sharing many emotional, sweet, and poignant scenes together. Griffin accidentally discovers Phoenix's secret, though: she too is dying of cancer, and also wants to live a little before the end comes. The two make an unbreakable agreement: when one knows it's the time to leave and face death, the other cannot follow, but must remain behind and not interfere. One day Griffin comes home to find a note from Phoenix stating that she has left, and reminding him of their agreement not to search for her. Griffin cannot say goodbye so easily, and frantically searches until he finds Phoenix in a hospital, on life support and clearly close to the end of her life. Although she is upset that he has found her like this, the two lovers embrace one last time before Phoenix passes away. Griffin then slowly walks down a street, staring blankly ahead while smashing car windows, as the film ends.I saw this film at its premiere over 32 years ago and I have often thought of its message. If you just review the film's plot and cast, you'd think that there's no way this film would be any good. Logic suggests that Falk should be badly miscast as the male lead in a poignant, romantic movie like this; however, he is absolutely excellent as Griffin. Clayburgh is wonderful as always as Phoenix, bringing a cheerful yet rational approach to her doomed character. The two lovers' final scene together is truly tearful and emotional, and makes you feel as though you are there sharing their love and pain. The two leads turn what could be a mawkish, maudlin story into one that is uplifting yet very sad at the same time. It's just a wonderful film with great acting—a stunningly superb TV movie.

This movie does not strike a single false note. Every touch is right on target. Unfortunately it's almost never shown, so do not miss a chance to see it. Except for the fashions and locations, Griffin and Phoenix has not aged a day. Very beautiful, moving and funny.

... that is a love story with a very grown-up attitude toward death. Falk and Clayburg are excellent together. A TV movie classic that has been repeated a number of times--but, alas, not lately (to my limited knowledge)Both are dying, but neither knows the other is, and some dramatic misunderstandings are the result. I won't say any more--except to note that the ending is a classic.