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This film by Director Lasse Hallstrom ( Cider House Rules, Chocolat and The Shipping News to name a few by him ) was actually made in 2004 but for whatever reason only made to the theaters in the early part of 2006, and before you can blink an eye it is on dvd. Again, a film that critics were unkind to, except perhaps for Robert Redford's performance.
Along with Redford, the film costars Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez and a very smart young actress named Becca Gardner. It's a character-driven story about acceptance and forgiveness. Redford's 21 year old son is killed in an accident. His young wife, Jennifer Lopez, was driving the car. Redford blamed her and she disappears. Unknown to Redford, Lopez was pregnant at the time of the accident. Lopez isn't too good at picking boyfriends and she flees from the last abusive relationship with her now 11 year old daughter. She heads to Wyoming hoping that her father-in-law will take her in until she can get on her feet. Redford is surprised to learn he has a granddaughter. He reluctantly takes them in but he is cold not only to his daughter-in-law, but the granddaughter as well ( though he warms up to her later). Morgan Freeman is a dear friend who was mauled by a bear that left him in severe pain and barely able to walk without crutches. Redford nurses and cares for his old friend. Morgan's character, and the bear play a huge part in the film's resolution.
Only once in awhile I watch a film where I become so engrossed in the characters that I hate to see the thing end. This was one of those for me. Redford as the grizzly, angry old father-in-law, and Freeman as the pain-wracked friend play off each other wonderfully. They, Redford in particlular, really made this film work for me. I was also very taken by the little girl playing Redford's granddaughter. Lopez, whose part is really not all that big, does an acceptable job as the hardluck daughter-in-law. I won't give anything away, but the bear that mauled Freeman returns and later in the film, it confronts Freeman once again, and I was sitting at the edge of my seat.
The cinematography is breathtaking and the PQ is outstanding. That combined with some wonderful acting, made this a winner for me. I had only rented it, but I now intend to buy it. This film is not for everyone. But for those who like character-driven dramas, I highly recommend An Unfinished Life.
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Along with Redford, the film costars Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez and a very smart young actress named Becca Gardner. It's a character-driven story about acceptance and forgiveness. Redford's 21 year old son is killed in an accident. His young wife, Jennifer Lopez, was driving the car. Redford blamed her and she disappears. Unknown to Redford, Lopez was pregnant at the time of the accident. Lopez isn't too good at picking boyfriends and she flees from the last abusive relationship with her now 11 year old daughter. She heads to Wyoming hoping that her father-in-law will take her in until she can get on her feet. Redford is surprised to learn he has a granddaughter. He reluctantly takes them in but he is cold not only to his daughter-in-law, but the granddaughter as well ( though he warms up to her later). Morgan Freeman is a dear friend who was mauled by a bear that left him in severe pain and barely able to walk without crutches. Redford nurses and cares for his old friend. Morgan's character, and the bear play a huge part in the film's resolution.
Only once in awhile I watch a film where I become so engrossed in the characters that I hate to see the thing end. This was one of those for me. Redford as the grizzly, angry old father-in-law, and Freeman as the pain-wracked friend play off each other wonderfully. They, Redford in particlular, really made this film work for me. I was also very taken by the little girl playing Redford's granddaughter. Lopez, whose part is really not all that big, does an acceptable job as the hardluck daughter-in-law. I won't give anything away, but the bear that mauled Freeman returns and later in the film, it confronts Freeman once again, and I was sitting at the edge of my seat.
The cinematography is breathtaking and the PQ is outstanding. That combined with some wonderful acting, made this a winner for me. I had only rented it, but I now intend to buy it. This film is not for everyone. But for those who like character-driven dramas, I highly recommend An Unfinished Life.
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, we finally hooked Chris. 
Hey, Chris, I really think you'll like this one.
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