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An Unfinished Life

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An Unfinished Life (2005)

53%
43%
78%
N/A
N/A
N/A
53 %
Reviews Counted: 128 Fresh: 68  Rotten:60 Average Rating: 5.9/10
 
Consensus: A story of disjointed family members yearning for true emotional depth, An Unfinished Life teeters between overtly saccharine sentiments and moments of real intimacy.
 

How does the Tomatometer work?

The Tomatometer measures the percentage of positive reviews from Approved Tomatometer Critics for a certain movie.[-]

Rated: 12A [See Full Rating] for some violence including domestic abuse, and language

Runtime: 1 hr 47 mins

Theatrical Release: 16-06-2006

Synopsis: Lasse Hallstrom (CHOCOLATE, CIDER HOUSE RULES) directs an all-star cast in this melancholy tale of bitterness and redemption, played out against the beautiful backdrop of rural Wyoming. Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) is a single mom on the run from her abusive boyfriend, Gary (Damian... Lasse Hallstrom (CHOCOLATE, CIDER HOUSE RULES) directs an all-star cast in this melancholy tale of bitterness and redemption, played out against the beautiful backdrop of rural Wyoming. Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) is a single mom on the run from her abusive boyfriend, Gary (Damian Lewis). With nowhere else to go, she and her young daughter, Griff (Becca Gardner), travel to the ranch owned by Jean's father-in-law, Einar (Robert Redford). Jean and Einar have been estranged since the accidental death of Griffin, Einar's son, which he has always blamed on Jean. A crusty old cowboy, Einar lives a rustic existence--working his land, minding his own business, and getting into the occasional noble fistfight on his trips into town. He follows a strict routine that involves paying daily visits to his son's grave and caring for Mitch (Morgan Freeman, BATMAN BEGINS), a ranch hand who has been bedridden since being mauled by a bear a year ago. But when Jean shows up with a granddaughter he never even knew he had, Einar's world begins to change, and old wounds begin, reluctantly, to heal. Meanwhile, Jean gets a job working at the local diner, Gary comes looking for her, and her dalliance with the handsome police chief, Crane (Josh Lucas), just might blossom into something more. But none of them can move on with their lives until Mitch confronts the beast that came close to destroying him. The relationship between Mitch and Einar is the most fascinating aspect of the film: the two men have spent a lifetime together, and though they constantly nag one another, they obviously share a deep bond. Morgan Freeman plays a role that by now comes naturally to him--a beatific wise man who sees into the souls of others, and whose dreams provide a mystical backdrop to the action. The plucky Gardner turns in an unsentimental show-stealing performance as Griff, who coaxes her grandfather back to life and ultimately delivers a message of hope and an intimation of the meaning that can be found in life's random cruelties. [More]

Genre: Dramas

Starring: Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez, Morgan Freeman, Joshua Lucas, Damian Lewis

Director: Lasse Hallstrom
Screenwriter: Mark Spragg
Producer: Alan Ladd, Harvey Weinstein, Matthew A. Rhodes
Director: Joe Roth, Mark Rydell

DVD Info

Release:

Nov 4, 2006

[DVD Details]
  • An Unfinished Life
  • From the acclaimed director of CASANOVA, CHOCOLAT, and THE CIDER HOUSE RULES ... Academy Award(R) winners Robert Redford (Best Director, ORDINARY PEOPLE, 1980) and Morgan Freeman (Best Supporting Actor, MILLION DOLLAR BABY, 2004) star in this powerful story of risk and redemption. Stoic and heartbroken, Einar Gilkyson (Redford) quietly lives in the rugged Wyoming ranchlands alongside his only trusted friend, Mitch Bradley (Freeman). Then, suddenly, the woman he blames for the death of his only son arrives at his door broke, desperate, and with a granddaughter he's never known. But even as buried anger and accusations resurface, the way is opened for unexpected connection, adventure, and forgiveness. Also starring Jennifer Lopez (SHALL WE DANCE?) and Josh Lucas (SWEET HOME ALABAMA, GLORY ROAD).
  • Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
  • Reviews

     
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    01/20/07
    Mark Kermode
    Observer [UK]
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    06/24/06
    Time Out
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    06/24/06
    Xan Brooks
    Guardian [UK]
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    06/24/06
    David Edwards
    Daily Mirror [UK]
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    06/24/06
    BBC
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    3/5

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    06/24/06
    Empire Magazine
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    4/5

    If the story seems overly familiar, it's because it's basically Heidi. Okay, so a couple of extra characters have been added and there's a great big bear instead of all that business with the wheelchair, but [it's] essentially the same.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    06/17/06
    Matthew Turner
    ViewLondon
    N/R

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    08/16/07
    Dave Calhoun
    Time Out New York
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    3/4

    A modern-day Western from Lasse Hallstrom which doesn't measure up to the best of the three-time Oscar-nominee's work, but is, nonetheless, a beautifully filmed panoramic production with a plot compelling enough to recommend.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    07/16/07
    Kam Williams
    Princeton Town Topics
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    N/A

    It's any director's job to tell the actors how to feel, but never a good idea to ask the same of the audience.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    05/09/07
    Prairie Miller
    Long Island Press
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    3.5/4

    An Unfinished Life takes us on the journey from the stifling prison of resentment to the freedom and healing of reconciliation. It's a trip worth taking.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    11/10/06
    Carolyn Arends
    Christianity Today
    Ratings Image
    3/5

    Un drama familiar previsible, inofensivo y hermosamente fotografiado, con buen elenco y poco más a destacar.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    06/05/06
    Enrique Buchichio
    Uruguay Total
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    05/12/06
    Jim Lane
    Sacramento News & Review
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    1.5/5

    If only the bulk of the film focused on the grizzly and not the deplorable people.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    04/30/06
    Kevin Carr
    7M Pictures
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    6/10

    ...an old-fashioned tearjerker, to be sure, yet parts of it undeniably work.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    04/07/06
    John J. Puccio
    DVDTown.com
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    3/5

    O roteiro sempre se sai melhor quando observa incidentes que, apesar de nada "cinematográficos", são suficientemente impactantes para seus personagens.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    03/17/06
    Pablo Villaca
    Cinema em Cena
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    N/A

    The sort of 'safe' drama that seems tailor-made for an endless run on the so-called 'arty' circuit ...

    Full Review | comment Comment
    02/07/06
    James O'Ehley
    SA Movie & DVD Magazine
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    6/10

    Everyone knows where the plot and its relationships are going, but we need a few warm and soft-focussed films. This is not a great film, but it is a nice one with several touching moments.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    01/13/06
    Mark R. Leeper
    rec.arts.movies.reviews
    Ratings Image
    B

    Things work themselves out in a quiet, logical, satisfying way.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    12/09/05
    Robert Roten
    Laramie Movie Scope
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    B

    Familiar territory, but subtly and effectively covered.

    Full Review | comment Comment
    11/13/05
    Bruce Bennett
    Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
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