No one I know has heard of this movie, and that's a shame. Somewhat. The film's huge cast is similar to the better-known Love Actually, with the eclectic mix of seemingly-unrelated characters who finally congregate together in the end. It's also got a British actor (Sean Connery) to boot, as well as some big stars like Angelina Jolie and surprisingly, Jon Stewart (being a lot more romantic here than on his Daily Show, of course). But Playing by Heart isn't that funny, which may be why it's escaped everyone's ears. It's undoubtedly a well-made film, but it just didn't leave me gushing with praise. The acting was good, and the tribulations and angst the characters felt were real and at times somber (especially the poor man dying of AIDS), but the film left no lasting impression on me. The humor was rare and the drama on the dry, "oh well, too bad" or (in monotone) "wooo, problem solved, happiness for all" side. But then, I'm a finicky watcher and I admit, a borderline pretentious critic. Since I didn't dislike the film, it probably means most people will enjoy or even love it, so I give this a 7/10. Just don't watch it expecting to burst into uproarious laughter or a free flowing sob-fest. You'll most likely chuckle here and there (like when discovering John Stewart's bed buddy) and feel sorry for those afflicted with disease, who, for me, are the only truly touching characters in this not-bad, not-contrived, not-unimpressive film.

What can only be described as a total fabrication, Playing By Heart is as phony as a 3 dollar bill... Playing pretentiously on the Heart strings of its viewers, this mishmash of junk reeks with phoniness, and a surface skimming attempt of depth ...Wasted efforts by Sean Connery, and others, tries to explore different age levels of relationships, not excluding, Jon Stewart and Gillian Anderson, how it that for Science Fiction !!!Seeing Jon Stewarts "SENSITIVE" side makes you want to Puke, HEAVYILY ! Not to mention bedroom scenes, makes "Cabin Boy " performance look Oscar worthy... All in all, a complete waste of 121 minutes of your life, this film compares on the same level as Dan Akroyd's "Nothing But Trouble !" , another get your money back film !!!So, if you have a soft spot in your heart, and not your head, avoid this movie at all costs !!! It gets a 1, because they don't have negative numbers !!!

This was the last film I Watched from angelina jolie's films and I watched it in December 31 of 2006 Its a bit late to watch this movie but this was the movie that changed my point of view from angelina jolie and I think that angelina has performed her best act in this film.But its been a little crowded film which reduces the time for actors to perform their best .but it still worth watching and the dialogues are very strong .and recommended for couples . the story lacks excitement but it really mean what is said and romantic .I personally enjoyed the conversation between JOAN and KEENAN.I think the KEENAN character was established very proper

The lesson I got from the movie: Love is caring about someone enough not to burden them with EVERY negative thought that crosses your mind; as seen in the movie. In relationships, you need to Play by Heart. But keep your brain involved too.Some reviewers say the movie was: adorable, cute, sweet. More like irritating, juvenile, typical, pathetic, 90's, 'down with men' C-R-A-P. You can spot a movie made in the 90's. I'm glad the decade is over. And I'm not biased. I'm even a fan of some of the actors: Jon Stewart, Gillian!(the reason I saw the movie), Sean Connery(this "role" really reduces him). I didn't like any of their roles. And I have no problem with romance, but this movie is pathetic. It's for people into self pity. All these great reviews mirror our pathetic society. The ending isn't ingenious as someone said - It would have to be your 1st movie to think that. We're simply not told certain things until the end....the interweaving doesn't add to the story...unless I missed something in my uninvolved state.