The Age of Innocence

Young handsome lawyer Newland followed his societal norm quite well until he met Ellen, who was the cousin of Newland’s fiancé. His flame of love was ignited at the first glance of her. Unlike Newland, she tried to divorce with her husband, which was utterly against societal norm. At that time, people in high social level agreed with separation rather than divorce. Newland was asked to persuade Ellen to change her mind. In the process of helping her, Newland fell for her. Trying to control his affection and keeping his engagement to his fiancé, he accelerated his marriage. However, neither marriage nor living in different cities faded his love to Ellen. They were trapped and tortured by their immoral affair. Just as Newland tried to jilt his wife and eloped with Ellen, he was informed that his wife was pregnant. Meanwhile, Ellen suddenly decided to go back to Europe. They draft apart since then and Newland led his loveless life following his norm. Twenty years later after Newland’s wife died, his son learned he had an aunt in Paris. So he and his father Newland went to visit her. However, Newland did not go upstairs. Instead he just looked at the balcony of her apartment, then turned around and walked away. Undoubtedly, bittersweet memories had rooted in his heart forever.
 
Why it was titled The Age of Innocence? Was the affair an innocent mistake in Newland’s life? Or the affair was so innocent (pure), which reflected his real emotion toward a lady without considering his social norms, that he remembered it all his life?

The scenes in the motion picture were beautiful. Since it illustrated people’s life style in high social classes in New York City, the apparels, hair styles and settings were very delicate. Men’s tuxedo, white bow tie and white lily in the buttonhole were very impressive. The sound track was enjoyable too.