Customer Reviews

Losing Chase [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a mother of three young children, estranged from my husband in the 80's, confronted with powerful emotions of attraction for a young woman, I connected with the torment of Chase Phillips. I note that she was referred to as psychologically troubled, but to be honest, when faced with such an attraction that society has labelled as a "sickness" does one wonder why. However, do we not realize that if allowed to be true to one's nature, it would not be psychologically troubling at all, but, rather, liberating. Thank you for an incredible story, one I was thrilled to claim as my own. I thank the universe for the courage to be true to my nature and the life that courage has allowed me to live. Thankfully I did not have to sacrifice my mental health or my children; but have enjoyed a rich relationship with all for the past 12 years. The children are moving on with their lives now, and mom is enjoying life in her 40's. It can go unsaid of course, I've been smitten with Chase Phillips since viewing Losing Chase. Helen Mirren, you have a hopelessly devoted fan in Austin Texas.

This is a thinking woman's type movie. For this concerns one that has reached a certain age, a certain stature, 'happily' married with a child and then the dawning (and daunting) realization that her life is a hollow shell. Self expression without self, an artist barely passed a failed suicide riddled with doubt now neither a wife or a mother. Then there is an awakening back to herself - an epiphany of who she is and who she wants. But at what cost?
Helen Mirren plays this role like a suit of clothing, her sheer ability to progress from a drugged automaton to the self aware woman that 'what she has is not enough'. The supporting cast of Kyra Sedgwick as the nanny/nurse and Beau Bridges as the trying to comprehend husband are also excellent. Without revealing the plot the interaction of the three actors is superb.
The plotline is totally believable and realistic - there are no true villains here (or heroes) just everyday people trying to cope with life situations that are almost more then they can handle. I felt empathy with each of the characters, their actions and reactions were totally understandable within the framework of the film.
So, bottom line, this is a good movie but it is definitely character driven. Personal awareness and growth are themes that resonant to all.

I, personally, am not a lesbian. I would recommend this movie to any of the "GaY Phobia" people. The fact that Mirren turns out to be a lesbian has no baring on the emotions you will express while watching this film. It has a wonderful cast of characters and exceptional use of words. I would recommend this to anyone 13 yrs or older, of any gender, and any sexual prefrence.

This film really struck me. I wasn't sure what it was about when I started watching it. I only knew that it was about a troubled woman. I think that I was able to totally feel the pain of Chase and understand her emotions, even though she came from a totally different place in life then where I'm at. I would reccommend this movie to anyone who enjoys beautiful scenery, a moving story, and superb acting.

This movie captivates you from the very beginning. You can almost feel Mirren's condition and are pulled into it. I was asking myself why Sedgwick would want to take on such a challenging task of taking care of a woman in her condition when she had already had to deal with it in her onw family. However, the movie jelled for me when she faced off with Mirren in the pouring rain in such a tormented state trying to find answers to her past. This not only was a healing moment for Elizabeth, but a turning point for Chase as well. This movie showed the depth of a woman who went along and played by all the rules, until it proved too much. I was a little sad at the end when Chase's husband left and found another woman, yet Elizabeth did not stay. But the title does sort of give it away. You felt good though, knowing she had a new direction in life and a better understanding of herself.

After I viewed this movie I was so thankful to have been taken in by this story. Helen Mirren was one of my favorite actresses before seeing her in this movie, but this one clinched it for me. As she found out who and what she was, I suffered and cried with her for her pain. What a moving story....

This movie flowed through me. Witnessing the birth and realization of Chase's wanton self enraptured me. The story, soft and believably true was superbly acted and Kevin Bacon should be applauded for his direction.

This film(and Helen Mirren) took my hand and drew me in. It's a must see for any hopeless romantic and emotionally intelligent person.

Just fantastic! A really human look at despair and life's frustrations when dealing with depression, and how love conquers all. This is a romantic love story - granted, between two women - but a love story nonetheless. It also deals with the understanding of children and husbands in situations where love becomes the best medicine. Again - I loved this film and the character development. The film, for a debut of Kevin Bacon's directing capabilities, is a real find!

While the first half feels predictable and very TV movie, the
performances are good enough (especially Helen Mirren) to keep it
going.

And in the second half, this tale of a collage student mother's helper
hired to help a woman in an angry depression after suffering a nervous
breakdown gets more complex and unpredictable.

The relationship between the two women, and they way their damaged
souls play off each other is quite moving and grown up.

Strong subtle direction by Kevin Bacon.

Does take a hit for over the top performances from the kids, and other
key small roles, all playing types, not human beings.

I know this is the kind of film that would be shunned by the general public. It's a downer, it's heady, it's hard for many people to relate to. But for me, it is art. It has a purity, an innocence, and beauty you rarely find in films today. I applaud Kevin, Helen and Kyra for risking so much with this movie -- it is lovely -- if you're not afraid to look inside.