An Unfinished Life (2005)

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Director:

Lasse Hallström

Writers (WGA):

Mark Spragg (written by) &
Virginia Korus Spragg (written by)

Release Date:

15 September 2005 (Israel)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

every secret takes on a life of its own

Plot:

A down on her luck woman, desperate to provide care for her daughter, moves in with her father in-law from whom she is estranged. Through time, they learn to forgive each other and heal old wounds.

Plot Keywords:

Bear | Car Accident | Wyoming | Ranch | Friendship

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

Robert Redford	...	Einar Gilkyson
Jennifer Lopez	...	Jean Gilkyson
Morgan Freeman	...	Mitch Bradley
Josh Lucas	...	Crane Curtis
Damian Lewis	...	Gary Winston
Camryn Manheim	...	Nina
Becca Gardner	...	Griff Gilkyson
Lynda Boyd	...	Kitty
Rob Hayter	...	Deputy
P. Lynn Johnson	...	Shelter Supervisor
Byron Lucas	...	Motorcycle Rider
Trevor Moss	...	Griffin Gilkyson
R. Nelson Brown	...	Kent (as Rnelsonbrown)
Dillard Brinson	...	Gnome Owner
Jason Diablo	...	Customer #1

Also Known As:

Ein ungezähmtes Leben (Germany)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some violence including domestic abuse, and language.

Runtime:

108 min

Country:

Germany | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Netherlands:12 | Finland:K-11 | Germany:6 | Singapore:PG | Czech Republic:15 | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | Argentina:13 | UK:12A | Brazil:12 | Ireland:12A | Hungary:14 | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Philippines:PG-13 (MTRCB) | Iceland:10 | Iceland:12 (video rating) | Portugal:M/12 | USA:PG-13 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Ashcroft, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Miramax Films

Trivia:

Dedicated to Karin Lyberg-Hallström and Britta Olin, Lasse's and Lena's mothers respectively.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Jean and Griff are first shown driving away, the car is shown going down a gravel road. Griff asks her mom about a couple of towns when the car breaks down. The next shot is Jean, standing outside on a nice paved two lane highway hoping to see another vehicle. The camera shot shows the highway far into the distance with no sign of a dirt road.

Quotes:

Einar Gilkyson: If you ever get depressed, pull up a chair to your kitchen sink and turn on the tap.
Nina: Well, if I ever get depressed, remind me not to come you for advice.

Movie Connections:

Features Below (2002)

Soundtrack:

Don't

Best acting job of Redford's

I thought this was Redford's best acting by far. He keeps getting more talented with age. He is my favorite actor. However, he seemed a little wooden and unemotional in some of his past roles i.e. Out of Africa (even though this is one of my favorite Redford movies. The hair washing scene is so sexy!). I was just so impressed with his portrayal of an angry and bitter man. He had a depth to his character that I've never seen him convey before. If you're a Redford fan, you will truly enjoy this gorgeous and thought provoking movie. I wish Redford would win a Best Actor Oscar before he retires.

Also, I think Morgan Freeman brings out the best in his fellow actors. He & Redford have excellent chemistry. Morgan is amazing. He has such a classy and soulful spirit.

Everyone is perfectly cast in the movie. The little girl nearly steals the show from the seasoned actors. It's a must see. I'm looking forward to owning this movie.