An Unfinished Life Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
every secret takes on a life of its own
In order to escape from the abusive boy-friend, Gary Winston (Damian Lewis), Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) moves with her young daughter Griff Gilkyson (Becca Gardner) without previous notice to the ranch of her father-in-law Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford) in Wyoming. Jean and Einar are disaffected, since he blames her for the death of his beloved son in a car accident. Einar is taking care of his friend Mitch Bradley (Morgan Freeman), who was attacked and seriously wounded by a bear, and he does not know that he has a grand-daughter. While Mitch heals his wounds and forgives the bear, Einar also changes his feelings regarding Jean, finally understanding that accidents happen and accepting her and loving his grand-daughter.
| Robert Redford | Einar Gilkyson |
| Jennifer Lopez | Jean Gilkyson |
| Morgan Freeman | Mitch Bradley |
| Josh Lucas | Sheriff Crane Curtis |
| Damian Lewis | Gary Watson |
| Camryn Manheim | Nina |
| Becca Gardner | Griff Gilkyson |
| Lynda Boyd | Kitty |
| R. Nelson Brown | Rancher Kent |
| Lasse Hallström |
7.20 out of 10 (5731 votes)
Visitor Reviews
An Unfinished Life..... An Unsatisfying Film
posted on 09 Aug 2009This movie suffers from a few things, but mainly an inferior script, and a couple of miscasts. Robert Redford plays a role that he has played a few times before e.g. "Jeremiah Johnson", "Electric Horseman", "Horse Whisperer", etc. But here he is older, crankier and embittered. Then we have his faithful partner played by the dear Morgan Freeman. All I could think of was that Freeman was really weakened by the script and lack of ability to shine under its constraints. He dons the monster makeup of an invalid horribly disfigured by a recent bear mauling leaving him crippled and under the resentful care of Redford. A sad circumstance indeed. Then along comes Jean (Jennifer Lopez), his ex-daughter-in-law with her 10 year old daughter Griff. The reasons for her coming to Redford are obscure and not clearly understood. Redford scorns her and resents her for the death of his son. It was only an accident as Freeman reveals and any other mature and reasonable adult would believe so. But Redford is childishly belligerent and unwarranted in his attitude towards Lopez (Jean). Is this a movie about an old redneck codger who has to come to terms with his painful reality that his son's mortality was an act of God? Unfortunately, I'm not sure but the process in "An Unfinished Life" is rather boring to the point of being nearly agonizing to watch. Jennifer Lopez is exactly what we expect in this film, wooden as Oak and does what she does best; looking gorgeous with perfect lighting, coiffed hair and perfect Scott Barnes makeup. It's not that she is unlikeable, it's just that she doesn't emit much sympathy which weakens the weight of the drama. She even attempts to give a slight Southern accent which doesn't work and gets muffled in her thick New Yorican dialect. Most disappointing was Redford's acting. He is a capable actor with a great showcase background. However, his acting is totally wrong here. He plays this role with such angst and indifference, it's hard to believe he would have any love for anybody let alone his deceased son and crippled partner. His scenes with Freeman were as warm as a prickly Spine-Fish. Bantering back and forth like two old geasers who can't stand each other. Morgan Freeman is the most lovable of all and we can't help but embrace this wonderful man. I didn't understand the necessity of the bear and his forgiveness towards its nature. I think this film was just trying to make an excuse for showing a bear for animal lovers. I thought retribution would have been more believable considering the bear crippled him for life. But it was equally hard for me to accept that Freeman was willing to live with this contemptful man. There are other minor performances such as Josh Lucas (Sheriff Crane) a miscast stud not really good enough to play a premiere leading man. And the daughter (Griff). She's pretty good for a child actor, but the script treats her poorly. Like a dumb kid who asks lots of questions.And why do we have to be subjected to that execrable Country music in the background. I know this takes place in the wilderness, but must we always have Country Music?! This film could have been better if it had a stronger script and the actors were willing to take their plight and heed a bit further.
Fine performances highlight Spragg novel adaptation
posted on 26 Jul 2009Robert Redford makes a strong bid for his first Best Actor nomination since "The Sting" in 1973, as he plays Einer Gilkyson, a bitter, disillusioned Wyoming rancher who takes in his abused daughter-in-law (Jennifer Lopez) and heretofore unknown grand-daughter (Becca Gardner).Escaping her violent boyfriend, Gary (Damien Lewis, "Dreamcatcher"), Jean Gilkyson (Lopez) takes her daughter, Griff, from Iowa to a run-down homestead occupied by her father-in-law, still blaming her for the death of his son 11 years before. The two are like oil and water, and neither wants to deal with the other, but necessity forces them together. At first gruff and unfeeling towards Griff, Einer softens to the point where he begins to manifest a genuine love and concern for her. While this is going on, however, he is dealing with his only friend and ranch hand, Mitch Bradley (Morgan Freeman), who was recently mauled by a rogue grizzly bear; and jean has to watch her back when her ex returns looking for her.Directed by Lasse Hallstrom ("What's Eating Gilbert Grape," "The Cider House Rules," "Chocolat") and adapted from Mark Spragg's novel, Life is a wonderful film, full of terrific acting, taut storytelling and beautiful scenery (most of the picture was film in British Columbia by cinematographer Oliver Stapleton, "Ned Kelly," "Shipping News").Redford, Freeman and little Becca Gardner give Oscar-worthy performances, while Lopez holds her own with this talented cast. In a year of terrible movies for the most part, this one is a pleasant surprise and not to be missed.
An excellent film with Redford and Freeman in fine form. Not to be missed.
posted on 24 Jul 2009An Unfinished Life may be the sweetest movie you'll see this year, and certainly the most beautiful. Take yourself to the theater, then look forward to the DVD. We are treated to watch Robert Redford play a perfect curmudgeon, crusty, craggy, a rancher named Einar Gilkyson, in his 60's who has a lot to do every day. His first duty is to take care of his best friend and long time cowboy buddy, Mitch Bradley, played by Morgan Freeman. Then he gets to milk the cows. Their friendship carries the film through the ups and downs of life, with Mitch as the guiding light to Einar's disgruntled reality. Unable to pull her own life together, Einar's daughter-in-law arrives with Einar's granddaugther in tow, needing a temporary place to stay. Jennifer Lopez plays Jean, and her daughter, Giff, is well played by Becca Gardner. The daughter-in-law is immediately rejected by Einar, still feeling the loss of his son and blaming her for it. They stay any way, and the story develops their lives as the four of them work out their differences while living on the ranch in a stunningly beautiful valley. Josh Lucas plays the local sheriff, a handsome man that reminds one of the younger Robert Redford. He gives spark to Lopezs character while being a complete gentleman. An Unfinished Life brings a man and a bear together to acknowledge each others strengths, and brings an unhappy, bitter man to realize that he still has an amazing family right in front of him. Appreciation and forgiveness, along with some adversity, show us that unity is still possible even given previous misunderstandings and alienation's.Every one in the film does a good job, and you feel like you have just visited the ranch and had dinner with these characters, and you want to go back for breakfast. The relationships in this film are realistic and intelligent, not sappy nor Hollywood glossy.This is a wonderful film and it is a great delight to watch Redford, Freeman, Lopez, Lucas and Gardner play their parts in such gorgeous scenery. There is plenty of humor in the film, and an honest look at how we work out our emotional dilemmas and hang ups and eventually bring out the best in ourselves, often by being around someone else's best. You will feel bested yourself, for watching this fine film. Compliments especially to Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman, a dynamic duo. They are a perfect compliment to each other, and their maturity is a great bonus to the film.
A Thoughtful and Caring Work
posted on 14 Jul 2009This is a thoughtful and caring work which details a family in crisis. That may not seem like anything new, and indeed, it isn't! But the performances and unique personality of the work elevates it far above the others of this premise.Robert Redford is brilliant as the curmudgeonly (and grieving) cowboy cum grandfather. He exudes manly sensibility. While that may seem an oxymoron for most of you, his character blusters and spews, but in the end, he hears the wisdom and heeds wise advice from life-long friend and companion, Mitch (Morgan Freeman). He seems determined to remain a piece of stone, all the while, the stone softens despite his determination, until the audience no longer recognizes the gruff exterior he presents in the beginning.Morgan Freeman builds, through some beautifully patient and enduring sequences, a most endearing character, herein. His ability to love what has caused him such great pain, and still love life, family, friends, and himself, is such a moving demonstration of the power of quality of heart this character possesses. This is my new favorite Morgan Freeman performance, hands down.Jennifer Lopez. I'm not a fan. On first viewing, I thought her performance was too subdued, the nuances too subtle; however, upon second viewing, I have to admit that her situation is vicarious, her pain is deep, and her daughter's pain only compounds her own. Even when taking that into account, her performance is still too subdued to make me buy her heroine/strong empowered female pitch. Her actions exhibit strength, but her performance quality does not convey the inner fortitude one finds and firmly affixes into place, upon facing these situations. Sorry.Becca Gardner, however, is a joy. She's reminiscent of a younger Lindsay Lohan, without the sugar factor setting off alarms. Her performance is real, poignant, and honest in its pain and determination not to allow her pain to rule her life.The photography herein is visually stunning with breath-taking vistas, and amazing Canadian landscapes. Some of the long shots looking at the forest in which Bart the Bear 2 dwells, the ranch, etc. are just beautiful.Bart the Bear 2. You may remember him from Dr. Doolittle 2. Brother of Honey Bump Bear and son of Bart the Bear, Sr. who lived to the ripe old age of 23. You may know Bart, Sr. from such works as The Great Outdoors, The Bear, White Fang, On Deadly Ground, Walking Thunder, Legends of the Fall, and others. Kudos go out to Doug Seus, owner and trainer of some of the most talented and loved bears in the business, not to mention the beautiful wolves, and other animal performers he has trained for the business.Aside from all that, the story itself is so well done. The realism in the portrayals, writing, dialog and delivery is foundationally solid enough to fully support the remaining film elements, performances, etc. herein.All in all? This is one great movie about a family's pain, and the healing power of forgiveness and redemption. I loved it.It rates a 9.3/10 from...the Fiend :.
Unfinished Life is a sleeper
posted on 10 Jul 2009I have watched this movies 4 times and each time, I enjoy it more and more. I can not understand why this movie did not receive recognition from the Academy of Arts and Sciences and from the other awards like the Golden Globe, etc.Morgan and Robert were a magical twosome.Jennifer's acting in this movie really impressed me.The new youngster, Becca Gardner was a wonderful little actor.I am starting to really like Josh Lucas. He has really improved with each movie he has performed in.Bart the Bear was on cue as always. It is wonderful that he was able to perform in what I believe, may have been his last performance in a movie.The Cinematogphy was awesome. The camera person(s)were so good that I am interested in visiting the great state of Wyoming. The script, the writer(s) were exceptional.And finally, this movies should have received an Oscar.
Nice
posted on 24 Jun 2009Swedish movie about US country life filmed in Canada. Redford goes one further than ever before, playing a character with a definite mean streak and the look in his eye is something you've probably never seen before.Freeman is his usual and as such and with Redford on screen you know this is going to be good. JLo - it's not that she's bad but why oh why pick her for she certainly is not good either.Lasse's come a long way since Mitt Liv som Hund and this might not be one of his big movies but it's not bad either. Things wrap up very nicely thank you and the screenplay is cleverly and craftily woven.
Don't miss this movie! How wonderful to see a movie with people facing problems we all face! Great!
posted on 12 Jun 2009I saw a preview of this movie last night. I have been an admirer of both Redford and Freeman for years. They are a marvelous team. I was moved by their banter and by the the caring relationship that is a result of forty years of friendship. Both give Oscar-worthy performances. Jennifer Lopez was surprisingly good as the victim of domestic abuse. The little girl who played her daughter was also excellent.As my sister and I left the theater, a woman with a clipboard was asking for comments. We both said, "It was great." She answered, "That's what everybody is saying. They liked the story and the actors." Don't miss this movie! We need more movies that focus on people, not explosions, special effects and gore.Margaret
Wonderful, except for what has to be the worst screen misstep in recent memory
posted on 02 Jun 2009*SPOILERS AHEAD* Just got back from seeing this film after much anticipation. I won't reiterate what most positive voters have already said. Plainly and simply it's a wonderful little film that, for me, was successful on a few fronts.Firstly, it's a redemption story that actually has a successful redemption. Most films that try to be, aren't. And it follows what I believe to be necessary 'rules' for redemption movies. Which immediately impressed me. This is *primarily* the story of a man -Redford- mired in mourning, who's let his life get away from him. The means for his redemption arrives in the form of his daughter-in-law and his grand-daughter. Nicely done without being heavy-handed. Secondly, it's a small tale that sticks to the story. Yes, there are several threads that are being woven as we watch, but Hallström manages to create a final product that's both simple...and elegant. And it's not bombastic. It could easily have been; it deals with bombastic issues...wife abuse, the loss of a loved one, ongoing physical trauma, emotional rapprochement...but handles them with aplomb and grace.Thirdly, Hallström remembered that this is a *visual* medium. I love my words ('I get 'em wholesale!') but the restraint shown here dialogue-wise is truly admirable. As for the misstep... Jennifer Lopez's character wanting a quickie with the sheriff in his car was completely and totally incongruous and not at all in keeping with what an abused woman on the run for safety with her 11 year old daughter would engage in. Yes, she'd crave physical comfort, any kind of comfort due to her circumstances, but this dalliance was entirely unnecessary. Nothing was made of the relationship between her and the sheriff that made this scene necessary. In fact, it wasn't in the spirit of the movie and certainly made you question Lopez's character. If I had the chance to ask the director one question, it would be why he shot the scene this way and why, oh why he kept it. (I'm a screenwriter; I'd be more than happy to offer up suggestions as to how *I* think the relationship should have been portrayed.) In fact, what goes on between these two characters is perhaps the only shortcoming of the film.
the book is great!!!
posted on 23 May 2009I have yet to see the movie, but after reading the book, I truly hope its the same. In the book, there's so much tension, love, hate, and happiness. The writer did a great job. Towards the end, I noticed I got really tense about what was going on with the bear and then Roy. I couldn't put it down, knowing it was 5:30 am and I had to be up at 8. I'm mostly curious to see if jlo can pull it off. Reading the book and then looking at her other movies,I just don't see it. Although, she is talented and I'm sure she does a great job. All the main actors are awesome! I can't wait to see who Griff is played by. Well, i'll see tomorrow nite for myself.
Nothing But Quality
posted on 17 May 2009Jean Gilkyson (Lopez) leaves her abusive boyfriend and goes with her daughter, Griff (Gardner), to live in Wyoming with her former father-in-law Einer (Redford). That is the last place she wants to go because Einer blames her for his son's death.There is something about a Robert Redford movie. You will never be disappointed, and add a Morgan Freeman to the mix and you have nothing but quality. Newcomer Becca Gardner as 11-year old Griff, may rival Dakota Fanning for some top jobs later on. Jennifer Lopez finally gets some well-deserved recognition and can now play with the big boys. All in all great performances all around.Now, you know the old boyfriend will find Jean. You just know. I expected more violence than what I saw. But, maybe what I saw was closer to something that would happen in real life rather than in a movie where senseless violence, special stunts and effects rule.This family thing with its suspicions and half truths comes full circle in a very enjoyable way. Einer is a tough nut to crack, but you see a soft side in him the way he cares for Mitch (Freeman), who is all but bed-ridden due to a bear mauling. Mitch and 11-year old Griff are the voices of reason here and they guide the story very effectively.One of the best lines in the movie has Mitch asking Einer if he would bury him next to his (Einer's) son. Einer says, "don't you think you should die first?" I was somewhat disappointed in the scenery. Yes, Wyoming is beautiful and like Montana it has the BIG SKY. The problem is we didn't see too much of all that. Why not? Many scenes went by too fast. The brown hills "we all love" were too often in the way. Damn brown hills.Yes, some will say this is predictable(but not at all sappy), and isn't it nice to, once in a while, see a family come together and forgive what was for too long unforgiven? Huh? Anyway, there is nothing but quality throughout. Very enjoyable.
Robert Redford's version of Million Dollar Baby
posted on 13 May 2009This movie is a good "family" movie with almost the same plot as Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby of 2004. A woman (Lopez) leaves an abusive relationship to meet with a cantankerous older man (Redford) who lives in his past with a long time friend (Morgan Freeman again). The older man resents the intrusion of the woman but finally learns to care for her and her daughter, who is his granddaughter by his son who was killed a number of years ago.The subtle growth of both the old man and his daughter-in-law and granddaughter aided by his friend, is the heart of this story, as it was in Million Dollar Baby. And, like that movie, it has performances by Redford, Freeman and Bart the Bear (a grizzly who figures prominently in the plot) that are Oscar worthy.It is a movie that leaves one thinking about the value of life and family and will surely be nominated come Oscar time.
One of the best movies I have ever seen
posted on 05 May 2009Maybe it was that the movie was not a blockbuster, maybe it was because Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman just happen to be two of the greatest actors of all time, but I feel that it is a mixture of a bunch of small things that made it wonderful. This movie tugs at the heart strings and actually gives a realistic picture of what life is like. The whole story is portrayed with the backdrop of the most scenic valley in the Rocky Mountains (I believe Canadian Rockies). Simple, yet complex. Few movies can actually be said to have this. There are some parts which I feel could have been left out, such as Josh Lucas' part (was it actually necessary?) but overall one of the best movies ever made, and I feel perhaps the greatest that was never released in a movie theater. All of the human emotion is felt: Loyalty between two best friends, Remorse and Regret, Love and Compassion, as well as Respect for nature and for a way of life. The premise of this movie provides a way to bring the problems of two completely different worlds together: the domestic violence and issues of a mother and daughter collide with a sulking, miserable father who disdain life but is loyal to a best friend. The best scenes are the ones between Morgan Freeman and Robert Redford, the dialog was original and realistic. I feel perhaps Jennifer Lopez might have been miscast, but I feel she still does a good job overall. 10/10, and I encourage everyone to see it, and don't let the fact that it wasn't a major release deter you from watching. A great film to watch with your family, possibly not good for smaller children but teenagers and young adults should watch this with their parents!
An Unfinished Life: a wonderfully understated film
posted on 29 Apr 2009Lasse Hallstrom's film, An Unfinished Life, is a beautifully photographed, tightly structured film. Marvelous performances by Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez, and Becca Gardner make this one of the best films of 2005, not to mention some very good supporting performances by Camryn Manheim and a great "villain" played by Damian Lewis. The underlying tension created by the mostly unseen presence of the abusive ex-boyfriend, in addition to the grizzly bear sub-plot which also acts as a metaphor for acceptance and letting go, give Hallstrom's film a depth sadly lacking in most recent films.I barely heard or saw any publicity for this film, but it's a gem. A touching and believable drama about acceptance, blame, forgiveness, pain, life and death. It's well worth your time and money to see it. Hallstrom (What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Chocolat, and The Cider House Rules) once again shows that there are fresh stories to be told on film and film artists to make them. C.S.
Remarkably beautiful and subtly brilliant
posted on 23 Apr 2009An Unfinished Life is not the type of film you finish seeing and your mouth is gaped open and you think...WOW that was incredible. Instead An Unfinished Life immerses you into a drama, a deep story with vivid characters, touching moments, an intriguing back story and then makes you think about long after it's over. The beauty of the setting and photography of this film, the brilliant veteran actors, the beautiful young actress, a plain and simple story set amongst a ranch type setting that plays just as much a part of the story. An Unfinished Life is subtle but downright brilliant.Part of that brilliance I have no doubt is with the help of two of the main characters. To describe or try to put words to these two men is nearly impossible because separately they are career veterans, they command a screen presence like no other and they know their craft. They create such depthy and emotional characters you get attached to them with everything they are. The incredible, incomparable Robert Redford is one of my favorite actors. His performance as the emotionally distraught, distant and rough around the edges rancher Einar Gilkyson was Oscar worthy. He goes through an incredible transformation in this film but it's not a typical he sees the light and has an epiphany type change but rather a gradual realization of his own self and his family. Redford absolutely shines in this role and at the age of seventy this year the man commands screen presence and makes you beg to watch him like someone half his age. In all his roles this might be one of my favorites. Dramatic, dark, emotional, you pity the man and feel for his losses. Secondly the enigmatic Morgan Freeman. He plays Einer's only friend in the world, his long time Ranch Hand Mitch Bradley. Now Freeman's challenge is that his character is practically crippled, in worlds of pain from being mauled by a bear who plays an important part to the story. Mitch Bradley is a kind but firm man and he cares for his best friend Einer like a brother. Freeman is brilliant and his acting chops come out full force by showing his pain and physical limitations. Together Freeman and Redford are absolutely mind boggling. They come off like the best of friends which is so important for this film. Jennifer Lopez plays Einar's daughter-in-law Jean Gilkyson. I wondered if Lopez could really hold her own against these two veterans and she does!! Her role is played down and she doesn't get a major spotlight but still she is good in the part and fits in wonderfully. Despite what anyone says I still think Jennifer Lopez is a great actor and she has picked some great roles lately. A very big stand out performance is from 16 year old Becca Gardner who plays Lopez's daughter and Redford's granddaughter Griff Gilkyson. Gardner may be new to acting but she has stumbled into a movie where she has some heavy reputations to live up to between Lopez and Redford and Freeman but she pulls it off perfectly. She holds her own and doesn't back down for a minute. The scenes with her and Redford are absolutely endearing and touching. She has great emotional parts and this may be a major point in her young acting career. I would go so far to say that her performance was worthy of a supporting Oscar nod. Josh Lucas, and Camryn Manheim round out the cast in small supporting roles. Lucas kind of stuck out to me...I don't know why. He's a decent actor and he has had some good roles but he just didn't seem to mesh with this cast. Perhaps he looked too clean cut I don't know. Manheim is always delightful as she is in this film. She protects Jennifer Lopez's character and bestows wisdom on Robert Redford. She too is a worthy addition to this cast.It might seem like the story is a little slow but it never feels that. Brilliantly written you are sucked into the lives of these people and each one has their own little story within the bigger story. Each person has something to overcome, something to face whether it be an abusive relationship, the death of their beloved son, or an enormous Grizzly Bear. The film is also absolutely about forgiveness at it's very core. It's a powerful message about family and love and grudges. It's about people changing and becoming better for themselves. It is such a heart felt beautiful movie that it just gets under your skin and sticks with you forever. It's destined to be a classic I think. Brilliant and Oscar Nominated director Lasse Hallström has such a unique way of creating a world around the characters. He brings to life this ranch and the small town around them and he makes it almost like a character in itself. The beautiful mountains, the animals, the small diner, everything feels so real and important. This film is breathtaking and anyone who loves good movies or a good drama must see this film again and again because I know it will now be one of my favorites. Subtle but brilliant!! 9/10
An Unfinished Life Delivers!
posted on 24 Mar 2009I have to say that within the past two years I've hard both positive and negative comments on the film adaptation of the book "An Unfinished Life". I for one was extremely interested upon hearing that a movie was being done with Jennifer Lynn Lopez, Robert Redford, and the brilliant Morgan Freeman. This cast for years have entertained me through splendid movies such as Selena, Out of Sight, The Way We Were, and Million Dollar Baby. Although very aware of the skepticiscm of having La Lopez in a film with Oscar performing co-stars, would prove to show ones stubbornness. Lopez gives a knockout performance and I would challenge anyone who says she was miscast for this role. Isn't it the job of the actor to travel outside of their character, and convey the feelings of another. I don't think much is needed to be said about Redford's and Morgan's heartbreaking performances. Lasse Halstrom has outdone himself again, he has brought justice to the splendid novel by Mark Spragg. I trust all of you will give this Oscar worthy movie a shot, before you draw any of your conclusions. 'An Unfinished Life' reminds me of an old family western, filled with heart and emotion. This coming from a guy whose never in his life has been quite so fond of the wild west.
Completely sappy and predictable, yet...
posted on 14 Mar 2009You have to ask yourself where the Hallmark Channel or the Lifetime Movie Network are when you need them because this is one of those films that would have definitely played better if it ran on either of those but I'm the first to admit that this lightweight effort still manages to be watchable. Story is about Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) who heads to Wyoming with her 12 year old daughter Griff (Becca Gardner) to escape from her abusive boyfriend Gary (Damian Lewis) and hopefully stay with her father in-law whom she hasn't talked to in over 10 years.*****SPOILER ALERT***** Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford) lives on his ranch and tends daily to his friend Mitch Bradley (Morgan Freeman) who was badly mauled by a grizzly bear and needs shots of morphine for his constant pain but their lives are interrupted when Jean shows up on his doorstep asking for help. Einar blames her for the death of his son but when he finds out that Griff is the granddaughter he never knew he reluctantly agrees to let them stay. Jean gets a job in town at the local diner and even manages to start a romance with Sheriff Crane Curtis (Josh Lucas) while back at the ranch Griff helps out with Mitch's meals and morphine shots and even starts to get on Einar's good side. Things get rocky when Einar and Jean vent their guilt at each other but eventually things subside and look for the better until Gary shows up and starts more trouble.This is directed by Lasse Hallstrom who has shown in past efforts a penchant for stories about characters who are trying to find themselves but while this isn't quite as gooey and icky as "Chocolat" it's still nowhere near as pertinent as " The Cider House Rules". This film is utterly predictable and sappy and has loads of symbolism involving the grizzly bear being locked up and while I'm the first to admit that this plays like a cheesy television movie of the week I still found this to be watchable. The script is totally devoid of surprises and everything you think is going to happen does but you have to give the cast all the credit in the world because it's their talent and star power that gets the audience through this without rolling their eyes too many times. It's hard to describe what charm this film has but I think it goes mainly to Redford and Freeman who together bring a comfort to this story and bring their characters to life. One would naturally expect a better film given the cast and director but I do have to be honest and say that this still doesn't come off as bad as I originally thought and I think that certain portions of the audience will discover this. Sure, it's a cheesy film and offers nothing new but I think (somewhere) buried in this script there's a heart and the cast gives whatever life there is to the story.
Brilliant cast
posted on 08 Mar 2009This is the third film from the director that I saw after Chocolat n Cider Ho...I would not call this one a great piece of storytelling but I speak entirely for myself when I say, the characters do not let you go, while you watch this movie. And that is something. Each character and player when he/she is on screen is telling you so many things at a time that you get completely engrossed in their story.Jennifer Lopez plays a single mother running away from her abusive(typical) boy friend Damian Lewis and has no where to go but to her Father-in-law who hates her. Father-in-law is of course Robert Redford who is not looking forward to anything in life, and his only real purpose in living seems to be to take care of his wounded friend Morgan Freeman. There is Bear which wounded Freeman and is the terror element in the otherwise peaceful Wyoming (smashing locales) town and there is Josh Lucas the love interest/sheriff for Jenny's Cinderella. There is débutant Becca Gardner the even-tempered daughter of Jenny's. Camrein Maynheim (The Practice) has a supporting role. And there I finish the list of principal characters in the movie.Now why I am taking pains to mention each one of them is because they are who make this movie watchable. Especially Freeman,Gardner and Redford (in that order). Not that others do a bad job. But these three provide all the entertainment. None of the characters are living in what we would call normal circumstances in any way. At the same time there is nothing new about the story they are telling. It is just the way they go about telling it. Unhurriedly, through gestures and expressions, breathing life into these stereotypes. There is redemption for everyone involved and that is expected. But the story manages to teach you something, and not in a very persuasive manner. That is the redeeming feature of the movie and may be that is the flaw. It will fail to influence too many, some might even find it boring. But I guess that is Okay because for the few viewers who like an optimistic story told with compassionate characters played by expert actors, this one is worth watching.
Surprisingly good movie
posted on 04 Feb 2009I was pleasantly surprised at the downright engageability of this movie.Robert Redford reminds us all what a marvellous actor he is in this great comeback, and he wears well, physically also. I can't think where I was disappointed in one of his roles.Here he plays Einar Gilkyson, a disappointed, angry farmer down on his luck, reflected in the remaining down-at-heel livestock, house and vehicle surrounding him, manifesting his internal spiritual poverty.His only kindness is to his farmhand, Mitch, here played by Morgan Freeman who has the reliable, all knowing, all seeing sidekick down pat. He should take a patent out on it. Mitch has been mauled badly by a bear and is crippled and morphine dependent as a result. Cared for and tended to by Einar for many years.Jennifer Lopez, playing Jean, his daughter-in-law, shows up after a 12 year absence towing her eleven year old daughter, Griff, played by newcomer Becca Gardner in a wonderful performance. Einar is hostile to this, he's always blamed Jean for killing his son in a tragic car accident.How all these disparate people heal and bond (Mitch has to forgive the bear who destroyed his life) is the crux of the story.Nothing is over-sentimentalized, the story is gently unwound under the able direction of Lasse Hallström who also delighted me in What's Eating Gilbert Grape - another engaging character study.Jennifer Lopez, against all my predictions, nails the role beautifully - and it is a tricky one, waxing between a saucy temptress and an abused woman with maternal instincts.There are a quite few telling moments in this film, made by understatement rather than the regulation Hollywood plank on the head.One is when Griff has thought she has figured out the relationship between Einar and Mitch and is very much alright with it and another where Einar tells Jean that a good child can only be produced in one way and says that isn't a compliment, it's just the way it is.Lovely gentle film. I would see it again. 8 out of 10.
Very enjoyable
posted on 15 Jan 2009Good cast, good plot, good score, good scenery, and most of all, good ending. One criticism I read was that it had a 'predictable ending.' If that means it didn't have a bad ending, then I'm all for predictable endings. The movie was very well done, and not over the top in any regard. Just thoroughly enjoyable. Worth the price of admission. (It would have been a hoot, though, if Ben Afleck played the old boyfriend.) There were a couple of aspects that reminded me of Redford's "Horse Whisperer," but that didn't detract from the movie. I hope it makes it to DVD. And I agree with another comment I read: why the Disney morons decided to give it only a limited release is beyond me. Perhaps really fine movies are not profitable?
An Unfinished Life
posted on 25 Aug 2009I haven't read the book - didn't even know it was from a book but am a real fan of Morgan Freeman and Robert Redford so when I saw a preview of the movie while on business in the US I knew I had to see it before I left. I saw it as a sneak preview which cost a little more but it was well worth the money and I was not disappointed.I was a little sceptical about JLo being in it but she did a pretty good job and any slack was definitely picked up by Freeman and Redford who both played excellent parts.I shall be reading the book and also be waiting for the movie to go to DVD. It is a real heart warming story with good humour in the right places, some people may view it as slow but I thought it went at just the right pace for the story that it told.I know I haven't really said much about the story line but I haven't left a review before an do not want to give any spoilers away. All I can say is that if you like Freeman & Redford then you will love this movie.