An Unfinished Life [SOUNDTRACK]

Deborah Lurie (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 27, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Varese Sarabande
• ASIN: B000B66PES
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #121,731 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Set against the rugged ranchlands of Wyoming, "An Unfinished Life" is the story of a modern-day Western family, as stoic as they are divided, learning the true meaning of forgiveness. Robert Redford stars as Einar Gilkyson, a tough-skinned, retired rancher who long ago turned his back on memories. Still in shock from his only son's death a decade ago, Einar has let his ranch fall into ruin, along with his marriage. Now, Einar spends his days caring only for his hired hand, and last trusted friend, Mitch (Morgan Freeman), who was gravely injured in an encounter with a Grizzly Bear. Einar intends to live out his days in this heartbroken solitude . . . until the very person he blames for his son's accident comes to town: his daughter-in-law Jean (Jennifer Lopez). Jean shows up broke, on the run and with a girl named Griff (newcomer Becca Gardner), who she swears is the granddaughter Einar never knew he had. Suddenly, Einar's quiet life is turned upside down as anger and accusations resurface. But slowly, miraculously, 11-year-old Griff's curiosity about Western life, and her longing for family and a father figure, begin to chip away at the stone that has become Einar's heart--opening up the way for unexpected connection, adventure, mercy and true reunion. Lasse Hallstrom ("Cider House Rules," "Chocolat") directs and newcomer Deborah Lurie provides the very beautiful score.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply satisfying., September 24, 2006

By	E. Levy (Wayland, MA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The orchestral sounds are beautiful and evocative of the loneliness and heartbreak depicted in the movie. Thankfully there are no vocals to distract from the mood. Lurie's score is lush and suffused with grief and unrealized possibility, as well as hope and redemption. Although soundtracks of movies such as this one can easily be cliched and overly maudlin or sentimental without much depth, there is much about this one that rings true. The musical description of the bear (jaunty, jazzy, sassy, irreverent, and at times dangerous and threatening)is especially perceptive, given the role of the bear in the movie as metaphor for the terrifying things that we must all face. An excellent score, beautifully performed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have..., January 26, 2008

By	LadyMohan (KING OF PRUSSIA, PA USA) - See all my reviews

Definitely see the movie before buying the soundtrack, as the score have so much more meaning...

Like the other review here, I too found this score does a wonderful job at depicting the lonliness and heartbreak of the film, but also balances with forgiveness and redemption. And it's all orchestra...no vocals! Having vocals accompanied on this score would have distracted immensely. This is a soundtrack I am finding myself listening to often and highly recommend this movie as well as the soundtrack. What is so sad is the that the bear does signify the fear/teror we all must face, but so few of us take that leap of faith needed to face the giants in our lives. This film (and soundtrack) takes us through the process and then celebrates the triumph of an ordinary man who held onto grief and unforgivensss for 10 years, who finally decides to let it go. Truly a haunting but thoughtful score that will inspire in the listener/viewer to find the courage within to face one's most terrifying battles...despite the fear.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Okay Movie, April 2, 2008

By	Donna J. Billingsley "logcreek" (Colorado Springs, Colorado United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An Unfinished Life
This movie was okay. I didn't hate it and I didn't fall in love with it. The scenery is magnificent and the soundtrack was fabulous. It was so fabulous that I bought it! A very easy listening sound with a hint of westerness (is that a word?) to it. I highly recommend the music.