I am familiar with Tillie Olsen's excellent novella upon which the film is based. The film does an excellent job capturing the spirit of the novella. The acting is first-rate, especially the performances of the elderly couple as they go through the last major change in their relationship. At times, it is difficult to watch the culmination of two lives who have lived through so much. Though they appear to be different, they do have their common history as immigrants. The film ends with a celebration of lives lived and the dignity of never giving up the fires burning inside.
3 of 3 found this helpful
Jul 24, 2008
"Wit" — Tough to Watch
Emma Thompson puts in the performance of a lifetime. How this woman was overlooked for an Emmy is beyond me! Mike Nichols does a super job keeping the camera on Thompson. Just watch her in the scenes with the closeups. Every part of her face contributes to the performance . . . the wrinkles beneath the eyes, the corners of her mouth, and so on. Cancer is not pretty, and Thompson creates a memorable character who has lived her life through the intellect, but now must deal with her own demise with her emotions. The film is tough to watch, especially if the viewer has lost someone to cancer.
1 of 1 found this helpful
Jul 24, 2008
"Boys on the Side" — Worth the Watch
"Boys on the Side" has elements of the "road" movie — in this case, three women hitting the road and heading west, each leaving behind a past. Each of the three leads turns in a powerful performance. But what drives the movie along is the kickass soundtrack featuring songs by such artists as Bonnie Riatt, Stevie Nicks, Sarah McLaughlan, Sheryl Crow, and Melissa Etheridge. The movie is great fun, but with a sad underside. Have a box of tissues with you for the end of the movie.
