An Unfinished Life

2006 • 107 minutes

About this movie

From the acclaimed director of CASANOVA, CHOCOLAT, and THE CIDER HOUSE RULES ... Academy Award® 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)

Ratings and reviews

It's an enjoyable feel-good story about forgiveness, healing old wounds, and family relationships that takes place in Wyoming (one of my favorite states in the USA), where Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) drops off her eleven-year-old daughter "Griff" (Becca Gardner) to stay with her estranged grandfather named "Einer" (Robert Redford); a grumpy old rancher who lost his brother, lost his son in a car accident, and he is taking care of his old friend "Mitch" (Morgan Freeman) who has been mauled by a marauding grizzly bear (Bart No.2). For a drama, there is something majestic and pleasing to be found often. Oliver Stapleton has shot some of the most beautiful cinematography that my eyes have ever seen; something that would happily enthrall an artist. The sun shines down on some wide-ranging landscapes and there is a homey ranch to execute some uplifting results. There is also some haunting imagery that does not have any sunshine. There has been some really good use for the camera as well; Oliver knows when to cut and let the camera run at the perfect time, he has displayed some striking zoom-ins at times, and has sweeping shots shown high above the ground. Virginia Korus Spragg has written the whole movie, and he is one of the most underrated writers in my opinion, because here, he has written one of the most admirable scripts ever to be put on display from the well-staged screenplay, to the intelligent dialogue. All of this has been heighten by the impressive direction by Lasse Hallstrom (director). His direction is dynamic; creating a practical feel-good film with relatable characters, while adding some smartly-executed humor that can be jolly at time, and adding some intense shock value. He has added an effective sense of timing here, and I was amazed by how he treated the cast who played the characters. Not to mention that the whole cast did a fantastic job with their performances. Each character has backstory that does not feel insipid. And there is some character development as the film progresses. Robert Redford is imposing as Einer, he is a complex character to have sympathy for, because he has lost two of his family members that he loved, he can also be unforgiving at times for reasons that can be quite warranted. But this only happens in the first half of the movie. I have got to mention that Einer is quick-witted enough to let out some strong and smart sentences. Becca was superb as Griff, a young girl who may be a bit clumsy, but sometimes it happens to little helpers like her, and that's okay. It is so pleasant to watch the relationship between Einer and Griff develop more and more, and help each other. Damian Lewis plays Gary Winston, who is Jean's ex-boyfriend, and he is one nasty jerk with a vicious temper. That makes Gary an intimidating antagonist. Sheriff Crane Curtis does keep an eye out for Gary to make sure he doesn't bother Jean or anybody else, But that is all he ever does. And Jean aggressively criticizes him for that, which kind of made it better, as if her dialogue is in my point-of-view. Bart No.2 is a very well-trained grizzly bear who played the bear that has been terrorizing the countryside, and no animal has been mistreated in the making of this film. Lasse has treated the characters as if they are real people that has enough sympathy to convince me, and motivate me to care about them and show them respect. Deborah Lurie (composer) has made a beautifully rich score that strongly supports the entire movie with dramatic resonance, and it's very fitting for the culture of the movie too. In conclusion: From the magnificent technical prowess that provides results that are pleasant and very entertaining, to the strong characterizations played by an all-star cast with admirable acting, I love this movie. 4.5/5 Highly recommended!

I absolutely love this movie. Any film that includes Robert Redford is a treat and his co-stars are an added bonus. The chemistry between all of them was just amazing.

I could watch this heart warming film a thousand times. Not every movie needs to have confrontation that ends up with gore and death.