I liked the reviews about this movie, they form a high level indirect discussion, and I agree with the majority of the analysis that was made. This is a movie about the fragility of life, however, it's also a story that somehow shows the unbelievable force life has, and the very special ways it's revealed, through the story of Joleen, her daughter Tara and Uncle James. Little caring about the other actions, the feeling of one missing the other, and each one of them doing the little they can, when all their resources and possibilities seem to have been gone away.
They are capable of only tiny little actions, compared to the huge power of the way things apparently are, the "big pictures" that rule our lives in this world. From underneath their helpless situation, a trip back to the family ranch, a very simple and touching birthday present, a bad joke that makes the little girl laugh, a game the smart kid establishes with her uncle, and that makes them closer, the smiles of Tara, her playing with the other kids, all of that kind of gradually rescues their ability to live, but it still seems to be so far from enough, in their needs. All the time, though, they're trying to do what they think is correct, they're trying to do something good about their lives, and that is a very touching drama, that moves directly towards a conflict with the old and rough father/grandfather.
Personally, I enjoyed very much the symbolism and some poetic language this movie works with. The birthday present, the "Christmas tree" actually shows them struggling hard with their limitations. Under these conditions, life is not really possible for Uncle James, unless he's kind of sleepwalking. Tara at the same time needs him as her last connection and hope of a "regular" life, and she could possibly "awake" him, because of her needs and expectations, but also because she's full of emotion and has great people skills. While all this happens, Joleen has a time to try something different, or to learn better about her life, if there is time or opportunity.
The actors were really great, especially Nick Stall and Annasophia Robb. The other were already very famous and renowned. Annasophia's career is very impressive and I look forward to seeing her becoming one of the top Hollywood grown up actresses. She seems to be escalating the steps and styles of actresses like Sissy Spacek, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Charlize Theron, Carla Gugino, Emily Blunt and other great examples.
They are capable of only tiny little actions, compared to the huge power of the way things apparently are, the "big pictures" that rule our lives in this world. From underneath their helpless situation, a trip back to the family ranch, a very simple and touching birthday present, a bad joke that makes the little girl laugh, a game the smart kid establishes with her uncle, and that makes them closer, the smiles of Tara, her playing with the other kids, all of that kind of gradually rescues their ability to live, but it still seems to be so far from enough, in their needs. All the time, though, they're trying to do what they think is correct, they're trying to do something good about their lives, and that is a very touching drama, that moves directly towards a conflict with the old and rough father/grandfather.
Personally, I enjoyed very much the symbolism and some poetic language this movie works with. The birthday present, the "Christmas tree" actually shows them struggling hard with their limitations. Under these conditions, life is not really possible for Uncle James, unless he's kind of sleepwalking. Tara at the same time needs him as her last connection and hope of a "regular" life, and she could possibly "awake" him, because of her needs and expectations, but also because she's full of emotion and has great people skills. While all this happens, Joleen has a time to try something different, or to learn better about her life, if there is time or opportunity.
The actors were really great, especially Nick Stall and Annasophia Robb. The other were already very famous and renowned. Annasophia's career is very impressive and I look forward to seeing her becoming one of the top Hollywood grown up actresses. She seems to be escalating the steps and styles of actresses like Sissy Spacek, Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Charlize Theron, Carla Gugino, Emily Blunt and other great examples.