This movie may go down as Julie Christie's best performance ever (which is really saying something after "Doctor Zhivago")! She plays Fiona, a wife showing symptoms of Alzhimer's disease at the beginning of the movie who descends further as the winter progresses in Canada. Her distraught husband, Grant, played by Gordon Pinsent, performs equally well in the role of her caregiver. The movie is equally about him and the devastation he feels about the loss of the lovely wife he has had for 45 years. Throughout the movie he remembers the young Fiona, played by a young Christie look-a-like. Eventually, Fiona asks to be put into an assisted living home. The only problem for Grant is that he will have to be separated from her for a whole month, which is required by the facility. When Grant takes Fiona to the home, she asks to make love with him before he goes. And then she asks him to leave for the 30 days. Take out your handkerchiefs, please. When the thirty days is up, Grant is shocked to see that Fiona hardly recognizes him and has taken up with affection for a man their age, who is also in the home, Aubrey. Fiona ignores Grant and waits on Aubrey constantly in his wheelchair. It is the disease at work. But faithful Grant sits on the sidelines with hardly any attention from his wife day after day and watches Fiona waiting on Aubrey. It breaks his heart. Eventually, Grant goes to see Marian, Aubrey's wife, played by Olympia Dukakis. They become friends--especially when Marian is forced to bring Aubrey home and out of the facility. Marian and Aubrey provide another view of the effects of Alzhimer's. This movie is low budget but has real star power and real plot. I am writing this before the Academy Awards in 2008, but this movie has two nominations: Best Actress for Julie Christie and Best Writing from an Adapted Screenplay. The director (Sarah Polley) is not nominated but has gotten rave reviews for her work. Julie Christie has already won the Golden Globe and the Screen Guild's Best Actress awards for this movie. Before the movie begins, the DVD has an opening plea for contributions to the American Alzhimer's Association by many Hollywood stars. Julie Christie also gives a feature commentary during the movie if you turn it on. This movie is depressing, but the lead performances are so worth watching! Also, the subject is so pertinent today. You will be glad that you watched--especially the last scene, which is foretold in the movie. Julie Christie is magnificent throughout, and Gordon Pinsent is equally great in his story of the other side of living with Alzhimer's.Read full review
Anyone dealing with loved ones who are suffering from dementia or alzhimers should watch this film. It is heartbreaking, but a very realistic look at this horrible disease. Watch with kleenex handy. Terrific performances by both leads and supporting actors, but Julie Christie outdid herself in this role. Excellent film.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Really a good picture of age related dementia. Having seen dementia first hand, I was struck at how accurate and honest this movie is. The cast is excellent. I recommend seeing tis movie as an educational experience as well as a a means of entertainment.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I thought the film/movie was okay. I was looking for the movie to touch more on the different ways that Alzheimers patients are affected. Their dignity and how they are so dependent on someone for all their needs and wants. How some of them aren't even able to any longer communicate what they feel and how they feel. How they don't know you or anyone else from Adam. How if you've never told them before, YOU LOVE THEM, you'll have to live with that for the rest of your life. What about how the two spouses will never be able to travel grow old together or reminiscence about the good ole days. How about not watching their grandchildren grow up. This film barely touched the surface of what this disease is all about. This film almost made it seem as if getting the disease isn't so bad. Hopefully someone will make a film that is more realistic and makes us all stop and put ourselves in the position of the care-giver, family, friends and loved ones that are all going through this.Read full review
Julie Christie is haunting in this movie that deals with loss, regret and moving on with your life. Fiona(Julie Christie) and Grant(Gordon Pinsent)have been married for almost 50 years in what appears to be a perfect marriage. Fiona's memory loss from Alzheimer's disease changes ther life forever and brings the past and the future together as she she becomes consumed by the disease. At one point, Fiona talks about the women friends Grant had when he taught college. She is sad that she remembers that but forgets some many other important things. The movie is remarkable and the sadness it explores will remain with you after it has ended. Regardless of thier troubled past, this couple moves ahead into dangerous waters when Fiona asks to be put into a nursing home. What is even more chilling is how quickly the disease makes her forgot Grant and their life. Supporting roles played by Wendy Crewson and Olympia Dukakis add flavor to this depressing but memorable film. Perhaps we should look ahead to Christie's best year ever as awards and nominations begin to pile up. If not we can keep her performance and this film locked away in a safe place until that rainy day comes and we are faced with unforgiving challenges and heart breaking decisions.Read full review
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