Aurora Borealis (2005) User Reviews

good stuff

[[e-mail] · 8/10 · 12 May 2005]

i caught this at Tribeca 2005 and i was not expecting what i got - a realistic portrayal of a family in a drama film which wasn't melodramatic or preachy.

instead of distilling the personalities down to identifiable quirks, the cast and crew of aurora tackled the near impossible task of fully fleshing out the majority of the film's characters.

the result was a window into the life of a family that was fascinating to watch. this is also one of the few films I've ever seen which portrayed strong elderly characters. catch this when it hits theaters and video.

Moving story about a man trying to deal with his life and his family

[se7en187 · 8/10 · 12 June 2006]

I saw this film at the Watefront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan. Directed by James Burke, the film is about unemployable Duncan Shorter (played by Joshua Jackson, making an impressive break from his usual teen and college aimed roles) who gets a new job as a handyman so he can be near his grandparents Ronald and Ruth (Donald Sutherland and Louise Fletcher). Juliette Lewis plays Kate, the home assistant of the grandparents, helping Ronald deal with his Alzheimer's disease. Duncan and Kate meet and quickly form a relationship. Set in the winter of Minnesota, the film is a touching story about a man trying to cope with the death of his father and trying to break free from his fears of the past, present, and future.

I really enjoyed this movie, the acting was wonderful. Donald Sutherland gives a heartbreaking performance as the deteriorating grandfather, it's not over the top, it's just true and believable, proving again why he is one of the greatest actors working today. It's nice to see Louise Fletcher in this giving another one of her great role, even if she doesn't get much screen time. Juliette Lewis also does a nice job, even though it does seem like a typical Lewis performance. And I really enjoyed Joshua Jackson, this is the first adult role I've seen him play and was very impressed. I'm really looking forward to seeing Jackson's future roles, now that I know he has this kind of range.

Overall, it was a nice film, worth watching just for the performances. I wish everybody involved with the making of it the best of luck.

Donald Sutherland tour-de-force

[sslear · 7/10 · 25 June 2007]

I enjoyed the characters in this movie tremendously.

Donald Sutherland is riveting as an 82-year old man with Parkinson's disease and rapidly advancing Alzheimers. I would recommend the movie for that reason alone. Oscar-winner Louise Fletcher brings great feeling and warmth to her role as his wife. The death-cloud that hangs over these two brave characters is contrasted by the vivacious love of Jason Jackson and Juliete Lewis. They are warm and playful and believable, and there's no way a viewer can not root for their happiness. The setting, Minneapolis, is a wonderful change of pace from the usual NY/LA scenes. Supporting characters seem natural - neither more nor less than you would expect of them.

I would've rated this move higher, but the ending is too pat. I won't give it away, but the story has three mysteries and 10 minutes from the end it seems like everyone realized "Oops, only ten minutes left to finish the movie." In quick succession, each of the three mysteries is resolved, exactly like you'd imagine they'd be. It's a shame, because a movie that makes us think & feel for 113 minutes ends up with 10 minutes of "yup, of course." See it anyway.

The Northern Lights are in Aurora Borealis

[ClaytonDavis · 7/10 · 15 September 2006]

Aurora Borealis

The Indie film, "Aurora Borealis" directed by John C.E. Burke has created a fair and moving picture with sensitive undertones and subtle cultivation. The film tells the story of Duncan Shorter, a young twenty-something with poor work ethic, an underlying affliction, and an ill-conceived perception of life. Joshua Jackson or better known as "Pacey" portrays the young passive Duncan. Since the untimely death of his beloved father, Duncan has been quite engulfed and comfortable in his small town in Minnesota. A town where all your friends have been around since elementary school and everyone wallows in their entity and sheer irksome lifestyle with Duncan being no different. From adulterous brother that uses his apartment to his unsupportive circle of friends, Duncan is in no way progressing or moving forward to a dissimilar lifestyle that is destined to take over. The only sanctity of his life is his grandparents, Ronald and Ruth played exquisitely by Donald Sutherland and Oscar winner, Louise Fletcher. Ronald has grown ill over the years with his battle with Parkinson's disease and his steady decline of fragility. Ruth has been the sole caretaker of Ronald but as Ronald becomes more ailing and developing thoughts of suicide, the family must face the choice of a home for him or the inevitability of Ronald attempt at ending his existence. Duncan must now face not only the choice of losing another family member but past demons that surface throughout the film. The sheer tenacity that director Burke has to tackle such a sensitive subject as euthanasia and elderly anguish is electrifying and at times heartbreaking. The volume of humanity expressed throughout the film alone is worthy of viewing consideration. When Duncan meets the nurse of his grandfather, Kate (Juliette Lewis) we see Duncan's world start to be challenged for the first time. Only in the subtlety of sacrifice that the film shows could the film illuminate fully. Joshua Jackson breaks away from his television-type personality and gives a befitting performance. This is the first time he has taken am admirable first step into a leading character. His "Duncan" is tortured and multi-layered but during the approximate two hours of film length it's not always clarified. With perhaps a bit more research and shedding some insecurity, Jackson may have nailed the pivotal role. Louise Fletcher returns to glorious form as Duncan's grandmother, Ruth. Since her Oscar Win for 1975's "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" she's been missed from the silver screen with exceptions of cameos in "Cruel Intentions" and "A Map of the World." Ruth is the champion of the family with her constant understanding of Duncan's insecurities, pain and misguided life to loyalty, passion and care for her feeble husband. There is excellent movie magic being made indeed for the veteran actress. The standout of the cast is coming from the too often ignored and phenomenal veteran actor, Donald Sutherland; who is just waiting for that little bit of buzz to hurtle him into serious contention for a supporting bid from critics. The film has been flying under the radar with the low budget and lack of advertisement but rest assure if enough people see the film Sutherland could be a threat to many men seeking Oscar gold this season. Sutherland's "Ronald" is hilarious, completely likable and a beautifully written character. The courage that Sutherland shows in his character is just cutthroat fire of the film. Leave no mistake, "Ronald" fragility may seem like his weakness but the vulnerability he leaves you after a riveting speech or antithesis will leave you absolutely enthralled. All technical aspects of the film are your average "Plain Jane" kind of independent film but Burke does capture the essence of the culture that we are thrown into. A beautiful musical score coming from Mychael Danna and a crisp clear cut editing style coming from Richard Nord known for his Oscar nominated editing in "The Fugitive." Burke gladly invites the audience into the screen along with a family of heartache and sorrow. I felt compelled and satisfied with the outcome when the credits started rolling. The "northern lights" are evident in "Aurora Borealis" and are gladly incontestable. Post-experience will leave you in disposition and wonderful serenity.

Grade:***/****

"Aurora Borealis" is worth watching for the acting

[tarbosh22000 · 7/10 · 12 May 2010]

"Aurora Borealis" is a well-written film, but slightly clichéd.

The plot: Duncan (Jackson) is always getting in trouble and is always unemployed. His new job is to take care of his grandfather, Ronald (Sutherland) who has Parkinson's. While he's helping him, Ronald's caretaker Kate (Lewis) meets him. They fall in love and she wants to leave to go to San Diego. But Duncan doesn't want to leave his family.

The main draw of the movie is the excellent acting by all. Lewis and Jackson have some great chemistry. You feel for him and his situation. Sutherland is also good as the grandfather. The problem with the movie is that the director wants to tie up ALL the loose ends. Every scene that didn't have a payoff, it does in the end, if that makes sense. Because of that, it feels clichéd.

But overall, "Aurora Borealis" is worth watching for the acting.

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Oscar-worthy performance by Donald Sutherland

[trlrtrax · 10/10 · 30 June 2006]

I had never seen Joshua Jackson before. What a talent, and what a nice surprise. His is a masterful performance of a young man turning the corner from being mired in his thinking to one who awakens before our eyes. This cast is absolutely perfect, from Juliette Lewis' free spirit, to Louise Fletcher's supportive, but somewhat helpless grandmother, to an absolute, don't-miss-this Oscar performance by Donald Sutherland as the aging grandfather whose illness is getting the best of him. Roger Ebert & Richard Roeper have talked about their hope Sutherland gets another good role, because he's such a fine actor. This is the role, this is the year, and I hope the world discovers this little gem of a movie in the glut of big studio releases and marketing. It's rated R for language, but it's barely an R. Because of the discussion of suicide, it's really just a PG-13. Find this movie. You'll have to look for it, because it's being released in the small indie art house market. It should be in every multiplex in America.

an experience

[Vincentiu · 4 July 2014]

it could be a beautiful film. high acting, charming story, precise nuances, romanticism and drama in right doses.but, I admit, for me it represents an experience. for its honesty, for the delicate exploration of nuances of fundamental pillars of life, for science of detail and, sure, for inspired music. it could be the film of Kiefer Sutherland who does a magnificent role but it is a sort of question about the values of spectator. it could be the film of Joshua Jackson who becomes more than a nice promise but it is more. it is perfect movie for reflection. well made, profound and useful, it is a must see it. for a motif who has not place in words. maybe, for an experience.

I can see the "Northern Lights" from the living-room window in my apartment!

[sol-kay · 7/10 · 7 February 2009]

**SPOILERS** Bittersweet and touching little movie that has to do with young Duncan Shorter,Joshua Jackson, who's life had hit a road block ever since his father-David-died of a sudden heart-attack ten years ago when he was 39 years old.

Listless without any ambition Duncan's life has been going absolutely nowhere since he dropped out of school and gave up a collage scholarship when his dad passed away. Now Duncan is worried about his 82 year-old grandfather Ronald, Donald Sutherland, who's going fast with his kidney's shot and both Parkinson's and Alzheimers diseases starting to set in. With his Grandma Ruth, Louise Fletcher, unable to take care of her ailing husband Duncan gets a job at the couples apartment house as a handyman to be both close to Grandpa Ronald and thus prevent him from being sent into a local nursing-home that in fact, being the free soul that he is, will end up killing him.

It's when Duncan meets Grandpa's home assistant Kate, Jullette Lewis, that he starts to feel that his life is about to turn around for the better. Kate is not only well liked by Grandpa Ronald but the old guy wants to play match-maker in getting her and his somewhat shy,with women, grandson Duncan hitched! It doesn't take long for both Kate and Duncan to fall in love with each other but the big stumbling block to them ever staying together is not only Gramps but what Duncan has been searching for, without success, the last ten years! The circumstances of Duncan's as well as his philandering brother Jake, Steven Pasquale, father's death!

As Grampa Ronald's health begins to slowly deteriorate he starts to look for a way to ends his misery by getting Duncan to help him kill himself. Duncan who's been haunted over the years over his fathers, a recovering coke addict, sudden death, which he believes was the result of a drug overdose, is very much against letting Grandpa Ronald end his life, this time with a shotgun blast, in somewhat the same way!

Solid performances all around by an all-star cast that includes in a very small but important role John Kapelos as the late David Shorter's best friend Stu. It was Stu who was with David the night he died and who set Duncan and his brother Jake's minds at ease in just what were the chain of events that lead to his tragic death.

***SPOILERS**** As for Donald Sutherland as Grandapa Ronald he was never better as the sad and suicidal old man who saw his life ebbing away right in front of his eyes. Grandpa Ronald in trying to get Duncan to help him do the job, by blowing his brains out, on him backfired together with his shotgun when Duncan changed his mind at the very last moment. In the end it was fate that intervened and made Ronald's last moments on earth far more tranquil, and less bloody, then what they could have been.

A wonderful film about life and family...

[car1fsu · 9/10 · 22 November 2005]

I saw a screening of this movie last night and absolutely loved it. I went in with little to no expectations, and the film definitely delivered. The performances were subtle yet perfectly spot on, with the standouts being Joshua Jackson and Donald Sutherland. This is a true leading man role for Jackson, and takes him beyond just being "Pacey" into being a great, adult actor. Donald Sutherland is also a revelation, and their acting chemistry is fantastic.

The film isn't manipulative or preachy, it just tells a story and tells it well and manages to make you care about every single character, which is quite an accomplishment. This is James Burke's first film, and I hope he makes many more because he is a talent. He has quite a way with actors (he got a great performance out of everyone, even the smallest characters) and a great sense of tone and control. He also was able to balance the humor of the script with the pathos, and never make it feel forced.

If you like films about real characters and real emotions, you should see this movie -- you won't be disappointed.

more Sutherland

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 8 May 2016]

Duncan Shorter (Joshua Jackson) is a struggling 25 year old in Minnesota, and gets fired from yet another job. He lets his married brother Jacob and Jacob's mistress use his apartment. He visits his grandfather Ronald Shorter (Donald Sutherland) who is struggling with Parkinson's, and his grandmother Ruth (Louise Fletcher). His visiting nurse Kate (Juliette Lewis) fears Alzheimer's. Duncan falls for Kate. He gets a handyman job at his grandparents' retirement apartment. He is still haunted by his father's death 10 years ago.

The story with Duncan and Kate is rather standard rom-com. It's not the highest comedy but the two leads are solid performers. They are perfectly fine with some fun moments. It's nothing special. Sutherland is the more interesting part of this movie and the more complicated part. His relationship with Duncan holds far more compelling drama. Concentrating on that would obviously change the tone of the movie. It's a choice to make this special but also poses specific dangers. At least, it would be unique.

Aurora Borealis - Moving, funny and well-paced

[mamatrauma · 10/10 · 9 May 2005]

This is a great film, very moving as well as funny. I got a chance to see it at its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in April, 2005. Donald Sutherland and Louise Fletcher are extraordinary as the grandparents. I didn't realize how much I had missed seeing them act. Personally I think it's the best thing I've seen Josh Jackson do, and I plan to buy the soundtrack if it gets released. The director is James Burke - I've not seen any of the other movies he directed but he's really good. The pacing seemed just right, he did a great job casting the major parts and I felt he got a lot out of the secondary actors as well. I think it's miscast as a family picture by Tribeca - it's much better and edgier than the standard family fare and there's language use and sexuality not always appropriate for the under 13 crowd. Please note that my 12 year old son saw it with me and loved it. I just had the urge to cover his eyes twice but I resisted. :-)

Chilly scenes of winter

[jotix100 · 10/10 · 19 September 2006]

The death of an influential figure can take its toll on an impressionable young person, even years after the tragedy happened. Such is the case with the aimless Duncan Shorter, a young man who has not lived up to his potential. After his father died, ten years ago, he has been restless, dropping out from school and losing jobs constantly. On the other hand, for Jacob, his other sibling, the loss of his father didn't affect his life the same way; he went on to make something of himself, but he loses his priorities as he continues to have extra marital affairs.

Duncan's grandfather Ronald, suffering from Parkinson's disease, has moved into Minneapolis with his wife Ruth. Duncan goes to visit one day and finds employment in the building as a handyman. Duncan, who loves his grandfather, bonds with the old man. Ronald doesn't appear to be getting better, as Kate, the friendly physical therapist, tells him. The young woman has a case of wanderlust as she is never stays in one place for much time.

It's easy to see how Duncan and Kate are attracted to one another as they develop an easy relationship. When Kate is told about an opportunity in San Diego, where she will be house sitting for a year, rent free, she jumps at the opportunity. Duncan is not keen in leaving Minneapolis where his family and friends are, and where he thinks he belongs.

This surprising film, directed by James Burke, was a surprise. Mr. Burke gives the movie an immediacy and reality like no other mainstream films in quite a while. Based on the screen play by Brent Boyd, the film tackles important issues without much effort. The way he presents Ronald Shorter and how his illness affects him and those around him, is one of the best ways how the Mr. Burke succeeds. Compare the way the director and the writer deal with a man afflicted with Parkinson's that makes a film like Nike Cassavetes "The Notebook" treatment of Alzheimer's disease appear phony from beginning to end. Having known first hand the devastating effects of this tragic disease, our heart went after what Ronald Shorter has been dealt by life.

Having admired the work of Joshua Jackson for quite some time, didn't prepare us for his intense performance as Duncan. This young actor is a joy to watch because he never makes a false move, he is always a welcome presence in any film. The excellent Donald Sutherland is worth the prize of admission. His Ronald Shorter is hard to watch, but this exactly what a person at this stage of the disease looks and acts like. Mr. Sutherland gets better and better each time one sees him. Juliette Lewis gives an easy going portrayal of Kate, the restless woman in search of adventure, who is not quite ready for anything until Duncan happens to come along. Luise Fletcher and Steven Pasquale give also appealing performances.

The musical score by Michael Danna and the winter landscape of Minneapolis of Alan Kivilo contribute to add another layer in this film. Ultimately, James Burke ought to be congratulated for bringing all the elements together into this wonderful slice of life of a film.

Top 10 film for 2006!

[gpoobah12 · 10/10 · 17 January 2007]

I saw this at the West Los Angeles screening last September. Since I was feeling a little homesick for Minneapolis, I decided to take a flyer and shell out $10 to see it. My expectations weren't that high since Mr. Dawson's Creek, Joshua Jackson, was one of the leads.

Little did I realize that Joshua Jackson would be brilliant in this movie. As good as Joshua Jackson performed, Donald Sutherland turned in one of the best performances by any actor. This movie doesn't beat you over the head with a stick, it's much more subtle than the current schlock that passes for cinema these days! Juliette Lewis plays against type, but does it so well. You actually care about the characters. This is one of the best crafted films of 2006! The only flaw I see in this movie is the lack of distribution. I've told my friends across the country that this is a "must see" movie and only those in MN have been fortunate enough to see it. There are so few well made films, something needs to be done to increase Aurora's exposure!

Fine Ensemble Acting in a Quiet, Powerful Little Film

[gradyharp · 10/10 · 12 June 2007]

AURORA BOREALIS is a superb film by James Burke ('In Dark Places' and 'Tis a Gift to Be Simple') from a story by Brent Boyd ('The Green Room' and 'Crazy') and if this film is a sample of how these two fine talents collaborate, we can only hope for more. The cast assembled for this movie gives evidence that the actors deeply admire their vision: it is well deserved.

The setting is winter in Minneapolis, the hometown of the Shorter family: Grandfather Ronald (Donald Sutherland), Grandmother Ruth (Louise Fletcher), and the two grandsons Duncan (Joshua Jackson) and Jacob (Steven Pasquale). The boys' father died at age 39 (10 years prior to the opening of the story) and both boys grew up on their own, feeling deserted by a father who had been a cocaine abuser at one time. Duncan had been a champion hockey player, but when his father died his goals diminished and he has been in and out of odd jobs without a solid look at his future. Jacob runs a nursing home business and when he is not working, he is bringing his girlfriends to Duncan's flat for trysts. Duncan cares for his grandfather Ronald who has multiple illnesses (Parkinson's Disease, dementia) yet who maintains a humble life with Ruth. As Ronald's condition deteriorates, Duncan takes a handyman's job in the complex where his grandparents live and during this time the two men bond more closely than ever: Ronald's fading mind sees northern lights from his apartment window and Duncan out of love and growing understanding lets him believe they are real. Ronald is aware of his mental instability and lets Duncan know that he would like to take his life with a shotgun, an idea Duncan prevents.

Ronald and Ruth have a health care provider Kate (Juliette Lewis) whom they trust and love and encourage Duncan to seek out as a partner. Kate and Duncan date and fill the wide gaps in each other's personalities, yet when the opportunity comes for Kate to move to sunny San Diego, she is unable to make Duncan budge from his safe routine existence in Minneapolis. But as Duncan's resistance is broken down (he learns from a mentor that his father did not die of cocaine abuse, Ronald dies a natural death, etc), he views Kate as the person who can alter his outlook and his life.

Every member of this cast is extraordinary: Donald Sutherland creates a man eaten by Parkinson's Disease and dementia without ever becoming a caricature, Louise Fletcher reminds us how self-effacing her acting has always been, Juliette Lewis turns in one of her most sensitive roles, and Joshua Jackson finds every nuance of the troubled but needy Duncan and engages our empathy. Each of the smaller rolls is likewise pitch perfect, no doubt due in large part to the sensitive direction of Burke. It is so refreshing to watch a film as meaningful in message and in skillful acting as this, a movie that restores our confidence in film as art. Highly recommended. Grady Harp

Sweet surprise at Tri Be Ca

[drjosh28 · 10/10 · 13 May 2005]

While at the Tri Be Ca Film Festival last week, I luckily happened into a screening of "Aurora Borealis" and left the theatre in tears and awe by the sheer range of humanity expressed in this film. When the movie ended I was upset because I wanted to keep following the life of Duncan. His character had captivated me with his honesty, innocence and good hearted approach to the world. The main character could be any one of us, lost in this world, looking for some meaning in our lives. A good soul, but without direction since his dad died mysteriously ten years earlier and no mother in the picture, Josh Jackson plays a young man trying to find himself as he floats from job to job until finds work in his grandparents' apartment building as an assistant to the super. There he befriends the residents of this "retirement" home and finds himself deeply entwined with the life struggle of his ailing, Alzheimer's afflicted grandfather, played brilliantly by Donald Sutherland. Louise Fletcher is perfect as the physically healthy, level headed, yet frustrated spouse to Sutherland's ornery and belligerent senior citizen. Every scene with Sutherland is exquisite and sad, yet beautiful, as he forces us to face our own mortality and that of our aging parents and grandparents. Jackson's character is seen as a failure by his financially successful, but fidelity-challenged brother and by his boyhood buddies with the usual jobs of twenty-somethings. Duncan shines, however, as he reluctantly, yet dutifully and lovingly cares for his needy grandfather all the while falling for his grandfather's nurse, played sweetly by Juliet Lewis. The direction and photography are beautiful with wonderful shots of Minneapolis/St. Paul and the film moves with a perfect pace. The score is incredible throughout, but the opening Bob Dylan song was amazing and is still playing in my head as an accompaniment in my life.

Recognizing those who are usually neglected

[warnroby2000 · 10/10 · 28 June 2007]

I had never heard of this movie because up until this year, I have been on protest of pop culture. I missed out on a lot; however, this movie has been an experience for me that has not been taken lightly and will perhaps stay with me for a very long time (maybe the rest of my life). It gives such great insight on how it must feel to grow old and also portrays the challenges that come when coming of age. This movie has given me and those I viewed it with, an honest perspective of what we have to look forward to and dread as we age. It reminds me too appreciate being young and look forward to the reflections I will have when I am old. It also is a tribute to the large population that has come to a point of their life where they again do not have control and must accept what life has given them. Above all, family is always consistent for those who are lucky enough to have family even if they forgot it was there. There is strength in it and we all must recognize that, no matter how tough it has been. I want to thank the cast for choosing such a lovely movie and to open the eyes and hearts to those of use who are so far removed from the elderly/disabled/sick population that are so often neglected.

Absolutely wonderful

[lisa-704 · 10/10 · 20 March 2006]

Just viewed this film at the RiverRun Film Festival in Winston Salem, NC and was overwhelmed at the performance. Donald Sutherland captures the essence of someone with dementia - anyone who has had a grandparent with these diseases can relate to this movie. All of the characters pulled you into the story - if you left the theater untouched by this film, then you must have slept through it. It makes you laugh, cry, be angry and feel compassion. I look forward to seeing it again when released to the theater circuit. I will highly recommend it to my family and friends. It was told that the distributors want to change the title -- don't - it works really well with the story line - show your trailers on TV - there are enough of us that just enjoy a good story at the theater without having to watch, blood, guts and gore! Bravo to everyone involved in this film!

Touching, but only for the open-minded

[reneweddan · 10/10 · 8 October 2010]

Joshua Jackson does great, he reminded me of Dawson's Creek which is way before my time, but I did watch it often on reruns during the summer. Donald Sutherland's acting as one with a disease is perfect, he deserves more recognition. The rest of the cast all did well!

This film is under-appreciated and under-valued. It's a gem that should have more followers.

The story is about a young man who lost his way after the death of his father. Years later, his grandparents reconnect with him and his brother. He soon meets a girl and things begin to shed light on how much hes wasted his life.

Enjoy this movie, there are rarely any like it, it takes a chance and it works beautifully. The only thing about it that might not be appealing is the fact that the film is depressing through and through, don't expect everything to be Hollywood style happy.

I loved this film, spare an hour and 45 minutes and watch it, it'll inspire you.

A beautiful film reminiscent of Good Will Hunting

[santanajconsoli · 10/10 · 13 February 2006]

I was fortunate enough to catch the final showing of this film at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and was left breathless by the time it ended. A wonderful script written by Brent Boyd about a young man struggling to deal with family issues, love, and his own future is magnificently captured by director James Burke. Donald Sutherland gives one of the best performances of his fantastic career and Joshua Jackson can finally shed the image of Pacey from Dawson's Creek with a solid performance as well. The film was an unexpected, pleasant surprise and I strongly recommend it as one of the best films I've seen so far in 2006.

A Touching Story

[lakaren225 · 8/10 · 1 May 2005]

This was one of the better films in the Tribeca film festival of 2005. The story was touching, simple, and compelling. Donald Sutherland did an outstanding job and deserves an award for this performance. I also felt the writer wrote a wonderful script with characters you truly cared about. I am not crazy about Joshua Jackson, who is not a very strong leading man or actor, but he barely pulls it off. If they cast a better actor in that role, it would have been amazing. The simplicity was the best part of this film and it proves that a powerful story is better than fancy camera work or show off directing. I highly recommend this film. Oscar nominations for best script and for Donald's performance.

A well-kept secret

[peliculita · 8/10 · 8 September 2006]

I had the pleasure of viewing this movie just tonight, and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, the acting was amazing. I have never been as impressed and blown away with Donald Sutherland's acting as I was after seeing his performance. This role and his role in Ordinary People have to be his two best roles that I have seen. His performance as an aging grandfather with Parkinson's and ongoing dementia was accurate, heartbreaking and hilarious all at the same time. If I had any influence in the industry, I would try to vouch for him getting at least an Oscar nomination, if not the award itself. Everyone in the movie is amazing as well. It's not often that you see a movie where you forget that you are watching movie stars but actually see the characters in the story, but this film achieved that, and no small feat considering the numerous well known actors in it. I highly recommend the film.

Aurora Borealis

[pnelson1971 · 10/10 · 1 September 2006]

Wow, it's been a long time. This flick is awesome! This is the type of film where you cannot take your eyes off the screen, and you feel completely mesmerized. For a day or two afterward the images of the film are still in your head. You know what I mean? What struck me the most about this film was the timing of everything, it just felt....tight...! The film deals with issues we all encounter in our lives. Being stuck, love, letting go, growing old. It's all there. AND it's funny! I think Donald Sutherland should be nominated for this one. He is way overdue. And, Juliette and Josh Jackson do amazing jobs as well. More than worth the trip to the theater!! MN

Minneapolis in winter, warmed by a family story

[leeloominai-3 · 9/10 · 27 September 2006]

The opening scene was filmed on one of the coldest days on record, and vividly illustrates the harsh cold of Minneapolis in winter. The climate and surroundings fit the family's story well, since even in the coldest, harshest reality there is a glimmer of warmth and love.

One little annoying detail...they were too cheap to film in San Diego! The San Diego scene was filmed somewhere in LA...we don't have neighborhoods or freeways that look like that...it's only a 2 hour drive...come on.

Other than that it was a great film. Donald Sutherland was amazing, he really found the character.

It is a good film IF you're in the mood for it.

[siderite · 8/10 · 4 September 2008]

It has it all: romance, family relationships, old people, young people, friends, comedy, Juliette Lewis; but it is a slow movie. It doesn't really start and doesn't really end. It's like a slice of someone's life. So you have to be in the mood for one of those "life" movies.

The acting is top notch, something that comes naturally to Donald Sutherland, but all the other actors played well also. The music is suitable, the story unfolds in a predictable, but natural way.

Bottom line: a movie about losing yourself in the comfortable but dead zone of friends that don't really help, family that doesn't really go anywhere, jobs that don't do anything, but that feels like home. The happy ending shows our hero getting out of it, not that it is hard, just that you have to will yourself out.

smart story

[Kirpianuscus · 26 May 2016]

and the contribution of Donald Sutherland for this title of review is the most important. because it is one of the films who presents facts, events, gestures and dialogues who seems be gray. pieces from everyday life, from other independent films. but each of ordinary ingredients, together, are basis for a form of seductive poetry of small things. Donald Sutherland's work is brilliant because he is not alone. Juliette Lewis, Josh Jackson, Steven Pasquale or Louis Fletcher are the perfect choices for their role. and the precision of James Burke to use, in the right manner, each nuance of emotions, fears , expectation to a hopeful end is one of the magnificent virtues of the film. a film about solitude and the need to be yourself. about family. and about escape from strange cages. Aurora Borealis has another good point - the dialogues. who are more than words and expressions of states of soul. but forms of definition for the viewer's hide memories. maybe, not a gem. sure, an useful experience as a seductive smart story in the perfect package.