Customer Reviews

Last Best Year [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
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Somehow I don't remember hearing anything about "The Last Best Year" when it was released to theatres ten years ago. It must not have gotten as much attention as it deserved, because it certainly is a well-made film. If you enjoy Bernadette Peters and/or Mary Tyler Moore, you will certainly want to see this movie. Normally I think of Ms. Peters in comedic roles; she certainly carries off the lead role in a convincing, understated way. Peters portrays Jane, a single career woman who has just ended a relationship with a married man--only to find out she has liver cancer and no support system. MTM plays her therapist, who helps her come to grips with her past, her diagnosis and treatment, and her inability to open up to people.

This film has many unexpected elements and is solidly-written. My husband and I enjoyed this movie immensely. I cried so hard that I upset my daughter, who cried with me! (She's only two!) There's just a feeling of restoration that I feel after I cry that hard; maybe it's that when I see the sadness in the lives of other people (even if they are fictional characters) I am able to see that my own troubles aren't nearly as grave as they seem to be.

Put this on your must-see list--and stock up on tissues! "The Last Best Year" is certainly worth seeing; it's bound to change your perspective about life and living, death and dying.

This movie is absolutely haunting. I had seen it when it originally aired but recently got it on vhs and ended up watching it 2 nights in a row. The subtlety with which Bernadette Peters plays the role of the dying woman makes the characters impending death all the more heartrending. Her vulnerability coupled with her dignity really make you care deeply about what is happening to her. Mary Tyler-Moore also brings a necessary piece into this film with her sensitivity and compassion into her role as the caring therapist which coupled with Bernadette Peters portrayal complete the picture. They play off of each other brilliantly. Be forewarned that this movie is very sad but if you don't mind a lump in your throat and tears uncontrollably streaming down your face then this is the movie for you.

I would like to see more movies like this one. Finally something worth watching.

This is a wonderful film. It is so well acted by all, especially the two main characters. I get it from my local video shop time and time again and the video is wearing out. I would love to have my own copy, but it's only available in Northern America. Please, put it on DVD. It is a film that will never date because of the topic. Let it be enjoyed by all.