From the acclaimed director of CASANOVA, CHOCOLAT, and THE CIDER HOUSE RULES ... Academy Award(R) winners Robert Redford (Best Director, ORDINARY PEOPLE, 1980) and Morgan Freeman (Best Supporting Actor, MILLION DOLLAR BABY, 2004) star in this powerful story of risk and redemption. Stoic and heartbroken, Einar Gilkyson (Redford) quietly lives in the rugged Wyoming ranchlands alongside his only trusted friend, Mitch Bradley (Freeman). Then, suddenly, the woman he blames for the death of his only son arrives at his door broke, desperate, and with a granddaughter he's never known. But even as buried anger and accusations resurface, the way is opened for unexpected connection, adventure, and forgiveness. Also starring Jennifer Lopez (SHALL WE DANCE?) and Josh Lucas (SWEET HOME ALABAMA, GLORY ROAD).
Much like the late Rodney Dangerfield, some films just can't get any respect. Shelved by Miramax for two years, An Unfinished Life was released with little fanfare between Morgan Freeman's Oscar win and Lasse Hallström's higher-profile Casanova. Despite critical praise from some quarters, the heartland drama got lost amidst the shuffle. The title comes from the epitaph of Griffin, late son of Wyoming rancher Einar (a rumpled Robert Redford). Between chores, he looks after ranch hand Mitch (Freeman), who was mauled by a bear the year before. One day, daughter-in-law Jean (Jennifer Lopez) and granddaughter Griff (Becca Gardner) drop by the ranch unexpectedly. They're on the run from Jean's abusive boyfriend, Gary (Damian Lewis), back in Iowa. "I don't want you here," Einar states flatly--he blames her for Griffin's death 12 years ago--but the look on the kid's face convinces him to relent. While Jean works as a waitress in town and embarks on a tentative relationship with Sheriff Crane (Josh Lucas), his newfound granddaughter helps to take care of Mitch. Just as the four are starting to form a loose-knit family, Gary comes looking for Jean and upsets the delicate balance. It may pack fewer surprises than the superior What's Eating Gilbert Grape and the bear symbolism may be a mite heavy-handed, but the deeply unfashionable An Unfinished Life deserves a second chance to find an audience. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Rating:
Summary: A Movie the Whole Family will Enjoy!
Comment: "Am Unfinished Life" is a very touching, interesting story, slow moving and easily understood. It features some of the best actress/actors of our time. Typical of movies directed by Lasse Hallstrom. It is a set back and enjoy movie you will watch it over and over. I believe it has been highly underrated in the movie industry. IT'S A GOOD MOVIE!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A REALLY GOOD FILM
Comment: AN UNFINISHED LIFE

Have you ever watched something and thought man that was a great movie, but once it sinks in you realize while it was good it came short of classic status. This movie is one of those unfortunately because it is actually a really good movie, and that is even with J-LO. I will get to that later but let me start out with a quick little statement. Some people may have noticed I have giving lesser films a 5 star rating, I assure you I had reasons for doing so. I do not rate things side by side, I rate things based on my level of enjoyment when viewing it. Like a movie called "Vengeance of the Dead", that film is by no means a classic film. But when I watched it with out expectations and knowing it was a low budget film from Full Moon it was an ok movie. When I watched it again with what turned out to be a very enjoyable director's commentary it added a lot more to the film, there for with both viewings it rounded up to a 5. Like I said I do not rate things side by side if I did do it that way this film would certainly rate higher then the previous movie I mentioned above.

Now with that out of the way I can get to this movie, it is with out doubt a very good movie. Writers Virginia Korus Spragg and Mark Spragg have crafted a well paced, entertaining, and at times moving film that never seems to be the preachy type. The story is of a woman named Jean Gilkyson [Lopez] who is trying to escape not only her abusive boyfriend but her life as well. Traveling along side her is her daughter Griff Gilkyson [Becca Gardner] and they make their way to Jean's ex father in law Einar Gilkyson [Robert Redford] who still blames her for his son's death. Tensions run high while they are there but along with Mitch Bradley [Morgan Freeman] Einar starts to come around as he spends time with his newly found granddaughter. Of course that is not all that happens in this movie, but the relationship between Grand father and granddaughter is the heart of this story. Director Lasse Hallström did an excellent job with this film as did director of photography Oliver Stapleton who shot this beautifully. The scenery in this film is amazing, and the look of this movie is great as well. All those who worked on this movie behind the camera deserve a lot of credit.

Of course the people in front of the camera make it come to life, and all of them do a great job with this film. Robert Redford of course is great as the grieving father who blames the girl for his son's loss. He is with out a doubt one of the funnier characters in the film. Of course his best friend in the film Morgan Freeman is excellent , did you think other wise? Freeman in particular is great as the friend who was mauled by a bear and now is disfigured and unable to move or walk with out help. He is one of the funnier characters when argues with Redford's character yet is also one of the saddest in the film. Josh Lucas who plays the town sheriff portrays his character well and is very believable in his role, as is Becca Gardner who plays the granddaughter. She in particular does a marvelous job on this film, and that is a compliment since most child actors usually are not that great. Remember earlier when I said I would come to that later in reference to J-Lo, well now is the time. I have never really been a fan of this woman, especially when it comes to her music. But some thing about her annoys me, maybe it is how she acts outside of the movies. But with that aside she actually did an excellent job on this film, I have not been this impressed with her since "Selena". Not only is she less annoying in this film but she actually is the character and not J-Lo with a different name.

Of course I did say that this film did not reach classic status in my mind, here is why. This film is pretty predictable, I am sure other people have mentioned this but you can guess what is coming for the rest of the movie after the 20 minute mark. And while that will not kill the mood of the film it will draw down the surprise of certain situations. Another problem you will have to deal with is the character development, it goes by to fast. Don't get me wrong these are definitely strong well rounded characters but I wish they had more time to develop with each other. The relationships seem to form out of no where, this film could have been great if it had a little more time added to it in my mind.

But with scenes that involve the bear and the boy friend taking place this film still ranks pretty high, I recommend seeing this to any and every body. Rent it first to see if it is for you, but if you like it I think it is worth owning. Give it a chance and see how you feel, even if you do not like it I don't think you will say it is not worth seeing.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Unfinished Life
Comment: What a shame that a movie of this quality is released almost accidentally! Everyone is stellar, but the slow to develop story takes all prizes. No flashy acting or episodes, the drama is a lovely mirror for the quietude and scenic loveliness of Wyoming. A "heartland" story that comes from the heart, and should go to the heart of anyone watching. As always, Morgan Freeman is hauntingly beautiful, Redford is bitter but still manages to shine with his love for animals, and Lopez is perfect. The soundtrack is absolutely perfect. A must-see.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A real downer
Comment: Unrelentingly morose, this film has its moments. But overall, you won't laugh or cry. You'll just sit there and be somewhat depressed by the whole thing. I didn't get the whole thing with the bear and Morgan Freeman. Some kind of symbolism, I guess. And all you think when you see J-Lo is her butt, not her acting skills, which don't get much of a workout here. Redford plays a crank well, and you get the feeling this is probably what he's like now in real life. It's watchable, but why would you want to?

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Deserves More Praise
Comment: I thoroughly enjoyed this creation. A believable story told by outstanding actors.
And guys, if you think this is just a chick flick, watch and see how Redford takes care of the bad guy.

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