Customer Reviews

Away From Her [Special Edition]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Away from Her
The message that came out of the movie is "It's never too late to become what you might have been". An unusual romance/drama of a couple married for 45 years. They are still very much in love, emotionally and physically, when she starts to 'drift' due to dementia. Grant is in denial even though he witnesses Firona becoming more distant and distracted over time. When she decides it is time for her to enter an assisted living facility, Grant s heartbroken and lost within the world they had created for themselves. After the 30 days restriction policy where residents were not allowed any contact with friends or relatives, Grant is anxious to greet his wife at long last. He is devastated when he discovers that she no longer remembers him, and shockingly enough he also has to come to terms with the fact that Fiorna seems to have developed a new life for herself that he is not a part of. He clings to the memories they had both shared but, whereas they confuse her. On top of that, Grant's past haunts him and he desperately wants to find a way to help his wife now as a final act. Not only because of his failures but, to ensure her happiness at all costs and for the devotion she had had toward him. What he 'gives,' and what he gives up, is heartbreaking and yet symbolizes his strong deep, true love for her. As well, it was Firona's love for Grant is what had persuaded her decide to enter into the facility in the first place. She wanted to give him a chance to develop at a new life without her as a burden. This is an excellent movie that represents the devotion couples create over time, despite turbulences during their marriage. Plus, the difficulties of being diagnosed with dementia and what the family members endure as they witness their dear loved ones 'disappear'. An extraordinary movie on the subject matter, based on the story The Bear Came Over The Mountain by Alice Munro. The performances by Gorden Present and Julie Christie were flawless. Highly recommended!

I saw this a few weeks ago when Ms. Christie was winning all the awards. I had to see what the fuss was all about. Well, this first effort screenplay by Sarah Polley allows the great Ms. Christie to give a complete, reflective and understated performance that is quite stunning and heart-breaking. The film is slow, and is very much in tune with that very heartbreak that affects the families of Alzheimers victims. The husband, played by Gordon Pinsent, is the reactive character, and, as such, had the far more difficult role. He is excellent. The frustration and insecurity he faces when his wife begins to forget is truly centered and focused; the most underrated performance of the year. I won't go into specifics of the plot, since it's pretty well laid out already. Ms. Christie is, and has been, a fine actress throughout her career. She's a maverick, and chooses her roles carefully. That she hasn't been named a Dame of the British Empire is probably because she's reclusive ad never draws attention to herself. (She also moved to Canada). She's had 4 Oscar nominations, and had won for her first, "Darling" (1965). She's still gorgeous. She shed some of that charm when the great Robert Altman chose her for "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" in '72. Another nomination. Nominated in '97 for "Afterglow", by Alan Rudolph, opposite Nick Nolte, it only proved that this woman is still strong. And 10 years later she appears, and, again disappears into another riveting character. I have no end of admiration for Julie Christie, but, to be honest, Marion Cotillard deserved the Oscar. Maybe in 10 years, the luminous Ms. Christie will blow everyone out of the water, again. Maybe, by then, she'll be Dame Julie. One thing I still haven't figured out is why she wasn't nominated by the Indie Spirit awards. Or the film itself, Sarah Polley is to be especially commended.

Fantastic movie - Julie deserved an oscar for this one. Definitely a 5-star and not a 1-star.

Alzheimer's is a devastating disease, not so much for the afflicted, but for the affected family and friends. This portrays the heart break and helplessness the care-giver goes through. Seldom does the afflicted chose to go to assisted living, so the movies strays from reality there, but not in portraying the emotions all feel when a loved one is stricken with this gradually debilitating disease. Excellent acting. I purchased six copies of the DVD to donate to my Alzheimer's support group. I think all who have an interest in the disease will benefit.

For those of us who are called "senior citizens" memory loss, even for an instant, sets off a flight of ideas about Alzheimer's symptoms. "Away From Her" is a love story. It is a story of devotion, commitment and all of those things we profess, but find it difficult to put into action. This love story is nicely presented as entertainment, but lingers as life.

I tried to watch this movie on a flight. It was so bad I ended up starring off into space for 3 hours than watch it, and I'll just about watch anything on TV. Only senior citizens can possibly like it.