Customer Reviews

Sunset Story

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Deeply moving, hilariously funny and extremely inspiring. A wonderful story about the friendship between a perfect "odd couple" pairing of women in a home for aging political progressives. A true love story between friends. Their connection made the film as much about what it means to be alive and curious and interested, as it was a window into a transition we will all eventually experience. It made me think and feel and fall in love with the characters and you can't ask for much more than that. I loved it.

My title says what I got out of this film. I want to be high minded and funny, and somewhat contankerous like these old farts. I dug this documentary. It follows two friends at a retirement home for left wingers. Though I might not be of that political stripe I do have parents getting older and seeing a place that fosters the idea that their thoughts matter, well that's appealing to me. Dying with dignity...with opinions that are just as valid as everyone elses. quite the film especially if you are thinking about what to do with your own parental units.

This documentary really made me re-think what it means to grow old. I'd guess before this I didnt think about it all that much and I would write older folks off no matter what thier opinion was because they were just old and senile, but I can see how wrong I may have been sometimes.

These two ladies in this movie crack me up, and theyr so honest and caring. Their friendship is one tht I wish I could have.

Really, if yer looking for a feel good movie or a movie that will just make you re-think what the future has in store for you then I'd pick this up. Would make a great gift for anyone who is taking care of an elderly parent or grandparent as well. Charming movie.

Wow.
Paul McCartney now *is* the age in his song.
The time is coming for us all.

This doumentary is an absolutely essential experience for everyone of all ages. I'm recommending it to all my friends at the assisted living Lodge where I call Bingo. For those who have not had much experience with "the backside of life," who, unlike this reviewer, have not spent a lot of time visiting relatives in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities, this film about a "Rest Home' for retired radicals" shows that residence in these places does *not* have to be the end or drastic curtailment of who one is or one's passions. If I lived closer to LA, so that my friends and relatives here could come visit me there, I would move to Sunset Hall in a heartbeat when my time comes.
The central tale of two women there is well told and a timeless story of life, liberty and loyalty for all. /TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer

This enchanting and somewhat melancholy documentary chronicling the last stages of life for two elderly women named Irja(81) and Lucille (95 who have become best friends after being placed in a retirement home for aging left wing radicals. Though just as a backdrop, Sunset Hall (the retirement home) provides a unique stage to see how the last years of life for the two women is played out. Sometimes sad, other times so full of joy that you pause while watching considering your own mortality, and the dignity that our elders deserve. Such a stark and real look at our humanity in its last stages that for anyone I think this film is a must see. For me, the funniest portions were watching Irja's upbeat optimism constantly coming in contact with Lucille's dry, cynical eye. Hee larious! Check it out, it's worth watching.

The film deals with a topic that many people are uncomfortable with however director Laura Gabbert's sensitive approach give us a unique look at growing old.
A must see film for anyone contemplating life for themselves or a loved one in a nursing home.

The courage and spirit of the two women who are featured in this wonderful documentary makes me yearn for a Sunset Hall in NYC. The film moves you to tears, then cracks you up with its bold humor. The DVD has interviews with the creators of the film which further adds to the film's humanity, wit and wisdom. I've recommended it to everyone I know. A rare treat.

The two women featured in this documentary surely prove that old adage about getting better with age. Irja and Lucille, who live in an active retirement home called Sunset Hall, will make you look differently at growing old.

While the film centers around the two of them they get much of their "material" from the things that go on at Sunset Hall. They don't complain about things or speak up when there are heated political debates raging at one of the regular Sunset Hall meetings, but behind closed doors they let their feelings be known to each other and very often it's hysterical.

This movie will make you look at aging differently and give you a new respect for a group of people that are all too often written off as old and senile. Don't let these two ladies catch you saying or even thinking such a thing or you'll get an earfull. Heartwarming, funny, and very engaging. One of the best documentaries I have ever seen.

Sunset Story paints a moving portrait of the relationship between two close friends both of whom are elderly residents of a retirement home in Los Angeles. Lucille Alpert is a somewhat sour Jewish lady whose family taught her to assimilate into mainstream American society. However, Lucille is a good, well meaning person beneath her gruff exterior. Lucille's friend is the always friendly, upbeat Irja Lloyd who taught school for people with developmental disabilities.

One interesting aspect of these people and the other residents of the retirement home is that they were all involved with liberal or progressive causes in their younger years. Sunset Hall retirement home was founded in the early 1920s to provide a safe haven for elderly radicals who needed a place where they could get medical attention and socialize in their last years with us.

I could go into more detail regarding the strong and touching bond between Lucille and Irja but then I would be giving too much away; and I don't want to spoil it for you. Suffice it to say that you will be moved by this fine documentary. The footage of the other senior residents of Sunset Hall and groups of residents who still go to political protests is also very good.

The DVD comes with some nice bonus features. There are two commentaries; one is with director/producer Laura Gabbert and producers Caroline Libresco and Eden Wurmfeld. The second commentary is with director/producer Laura Gabbert, editor William Haugse and cinematographer Shana Hagan. There are deleted and extended scenes; and we get other filmed interviews as well. You can watch the question and answer forum at the 2003 LA/IFP film festival and the theatrical trailer is provided--with even more!

Sunset Story is a bittersweet but touching documentary that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend this film for people who like documentaries and people who are interested in aging and the issues surrounding aging.

I'm a documentary nut and picked this up on a fluke. What incredible people are in this film! And the idea of a old folks' home for political progressives (built in the early 1930s), what an amazing assemblage of wonderful people who've had such full and amazing lives. This movie made me laugh, it made my cry and it touched me. I hope that I never forget it.

I think sometimes people tend to lump the elderly into a group and make generalizations, this movie shows the incredible variety, vitality, and wonderful, amazing, world changing lives that these humble people have led.

Do yourself a favor and get this film! It's uplifting and made me want to get off of my duff and do something for the betterment of personkind. The day after I watched it, for the first time in my life, I volunteered to help my political party. We can make change, these people prove it.